grid clip studio paint: Using One-Point Perspective Rulers in Clip Studio Paint: A Step-by-Step Guide

grid clip studio paint: Learn how to create and work with one-point perspective rulers in Clip Studio Paint to achieve accurate perspective in your digital art. Follow our step-by-step guide to master this essential tool.

October 28, 2024 at 10:08

Using Perspective Rulers in Clip Studio Paint

Introduction

Clip Studio Paint is a powerful digital painting and comic illustration tool that offers a range of features to help artists create stunning artwork. One of the most useful tools in Clip Studio Paint is the perspective ruler, which aids in drawing scenes with accurate perspective. However, it's essential to note that these rulers will not replace knowledge and practice in drawing perspective. For those who want to learn more about perspective, we recommend "Vanishing Point Perspective for Comics" by Jason Cheeseman Myer.

One-Point Perspective Ruler

In this section, we'll cover the one-point perspective ruler, which is the first video in our series. We'll start by sketching out a one-point perspective scene and then create a ruler that will help us flush it out in perfect perspective.

Setting Up the Canvas

To begin, create a new canvas to draw on. Choose a size that feels comfortable to you, such as A4 size at 350 dpi.

Sketching the Scene

Make a rough sketch of the scene using basic knowledge of perspective. For this exercise, we'll draw a road disappearing out to the horizon with buildings on one side. Loosely sketch the layout to determine where to place the ruler.

Creating the Perspective Ruler

Once the basic layout is done, we can create the perspective ruler. This will help us draw the scene in perfect perspective.

Creating a Perspective Ruler in a Graphics Editor

To create a perspective ruler in Clip Studio Paint, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New Perspective Ruler

  • Go to Layer > Ruler > Frame > Create Perspective Ruler
  • Check the "Create new layer" box to work on a new layer with the ruler
  • Select "One point" and click OK

Result

A horizontal line (horizon line) appears, along with a vertical line, and two lines radiate out from the center, where they meet is the vanishing point. The Object Operation tool is automatically selected.

Working with the Perspective Ruler

  • Click on the ruler to make it the active selection
  • A bunch of handles appear
  • Use the green square to move the ruler around and set the horizon line
  • Use the cross-shaped handles on the horizon line to rotate the line and set the horizon at an angle
  • Right-click on the horizon line and choose "Horizontal (Eye Level)" to reset the horizon line to straight and flat

Adjusting the Vanishing Point

  • Click on the blue circle to move the vanishing point
  • Adjust the vanishing point to the desired location

Working with Perspective Rulers

Moving the Vanishing Point

To move the vanishing point, simply drag it to the desired location. The horizon line will also move along with the vanishing point. To lock the horizon line in place, right-click on the ruler and check the "Fix Eye Level" option.

Aligning Guide Lines

Move the guide lines (radiating out from the vanishing point) to align with important lines in the sketch. This ensures the vanishing point and horizon line are in the correct position. Guide lines can be positioned along edges of objects or features in the scene.

Adding and Managing Vanishing Points

To add a new guide line to a vanishing point, select the vanishing point, right-click, and select "Add Guide". To add a new vanishing point, right-click and select "Add Vanishing Point". To delete a vanishing point, right-click and select "Delete Vanishing Point". The ability to add vanishing points on the fly saves time and effort compared to creating a new ruler from scratch.

Locking the Vanishing Point

To lock the vanishing point in place, right-click and select "Fix Vanishing Point". This prevents the vanishing point from being moved until it is unlocked.

Using the Perspective Ruler to Draw

Select a drawing tool and ensure the "Snap to Special Ruler" option is turned on in the command bar. As you draw, each line will snap to the perspective ruler, helping to maintain perspective accuracy.

Using a One-Point Perspective Ruler

Drawing with the Perspective Ruler

Use the one-point perspective ruler to draw lines parallel to the horizon line. Draw lines that radiate back towards the vanishing point, such as the sides of a road. Draw vertical lines. Use direct draw tools and have them snap to the perspective ruler. Quickly draw the side of a building using the rectangle direct draw tool, which will automatically adjust to the vanishing point of the ruler.

Managing Layers and the Perspective Ruler

Create a new layer to ink your scene. If the perspective ruler is not visible on the new layer, go back to the layer with the ruler linked to it. In the layers palette, click on the icon for "Set showing area of ruler" to open the options. Choose from the following options:

  • Show only when editing target: the ruler will only show when the ruler's layer is active
  • Show in all layers: the ruler will be visible and usable in all layers
  • Show only when in the same folder: the ruler will be visible and usable in all layers within the same folder

Inking Your Scene

Start inking your background on the new layer. Lines will snap to the existing perspective ruler. Ink lines are on a new layer, separate from the sketch layer.

Summary

This video has demonstrated the use of a one-point perspective ruler and its options. With patience, you can create complex scenes like the example shown using a one-point perspective ruler.