Combining Eraser Tool with Symmetrical Rulers in Clip Studio Paint

As an artist, I'm always on the lookout for ways to streamline my workflow and make the most out of the tools at my disposal. Recently, I stumbled upon a game-changing discovery that I just had to share with fellow artists: how to make the eraser tool work seamlessly with symmetrical rulers in Clip Studio Paint.

The Problem

I was updating character turnarounds to collaborate with colleagues, and I found symmetrical rulers to be incredibly useful in speeding up the process of drawing front and back views. However, I encountered an issue that initially stumped me. The eraser tool didn't work as expected with symmetrical rulers. When I used the symmetry ruler, the paint strokes were mirrored on both sides of the ruler as expected, but when I attempted to erase the paint strokes using the eraser tool, it only erased on one side of the symmetry ruler.

The Solution

At first, this behavior seemed like a bug, but it's actually a settings issue that can be easily resolved. The eraser tool needs to be configured to work with the symmetry rulers. To fix this, I selected the eraser tool and adjusted the settings accordingly. Specifically, I had to select the "hard" eraser in the Sub Tool Detail Palette.

Sub Tool Detail Palette

The Sub Tool Detail Palette is accessed by clicking the spanner icon and provides detailed settings for the currently selected tool. This palette has various categories, including the Correction category, which is where I found the solution to my problem.

Enabling Snap Functionality

In the Correction category, I found an option to enable snapping. By checking the box next to "Able to snap," I enabled the feature, which allowed the Eraser tool to erase on both sides simultaneously. This was exactly what I needed to get my workflow back on track.

Important Note

It's essential to note that the fix is specific to each sub tool. If you switch to a different sub tool, you'll need to reapply the fix. Additionally, when switching sub tools, you may need to reselect the "soft" option. Furthermore, a special rule, "snapped," must also be checked for the symmetrical rule to work correctly when drawing or erasing.

With this simple adjustment, I was able to combine the eraser tool with symmetrical rulers in Clip Studio Paint, making my workflow more efficient and streamlined. I hope this tip is helpful to fellow artists, and I'd love to hear about any other discoveries or tips you've come across in the comments!