The artist`s Windows PC software for drawing and painting!

Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint

  -  443 MB  -  Trial
  • Latest Version

    Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    CELSYS, Inc / External Link

  • Filename

    CSP_320w_setup.exe

Clip Studio Paint is a fully-featured drawing application specifically optimized to enable manga and comic artists to easily realize their inspiration and quickly design, evolve, and finalize their illustrations with the help of streamlined tools and effects.



Built on top of the popular Clip Studio Paint platform, this standalone digital drawing application manages to collect all the necessary tools that are regularly used by illustrators from all over the world, enabling them to effortlessly focus on the drawing of comic, manga, illustrations, graphic novels and stylized environments without encountering issues with the user interface, tools, services, and other roadblocks.

As a stark difference to many other similar offerings, Clip Studio Paint EX is fully focused on enabling both new and seasoned users to get immersed in the process of drawing and finalizing illustrations.

This is achieved with the help of a streamlined interface, fully customizable layout of the editing tools, and a wide array of paintbrushes and coloring tools that make drawing a breeze. Users can even create their own unique bushes that can help them achieve the final image design with ease.

The process of drawing can be done with both mouse and touch inputs on PC, and if you are feeling inspired on the go, you can even find this exact app available on Apple’s iPad platform.

Clip Studio Paint Screenshot 2

Once finished with the drawing, coloring, compositing, and making final touches, users can access a comprehensive Export tool that will prepare their painting for use in your specific projects, saving to long-term storage, immediate sharing on social networks, and more.

Features and Highlights
  • The industry-leading suite of tools for comic and manga illustrators.
  • Sketch, ink, color, and publish your new comic with ease.
  • Take advantage of the large toolset to capture every detail imagined in your mind.
  • Support for all types of input, including Wacom tablets with 8192 levels of pen pressure.
  • Integrated tools for separating comic panels, adding speech balloons, effect lines, special rules, and much more.
  • Guidance perspective rules for creating of the accurate background art.
  • Customizable 3D figures for easier character drawing.
  • Customizable and user-friendly interface.
  • Optimized for all modern versions of Windows. Also available on Apple iPad.
  • Available for FREE via a 30-day Trial period.
Installation and Use

It comes in an installation package that weighs just over 300 MB, enabling you to quickly download and deploy it on your home or work PC and laptop. The app is optimized for all modern versions of Windows OS (XP, 7, Vista, 8, and 10), and it can initially be used via a 30-day FREE trial. In addition to the English language, the app is fully translated into four other languages - French, Spanish, German, and Korean.

Clip Studio Paint Screenshot 3

Once up and running, you will notice at first glance that the user interface of Clip Studio Paint EX resembles many other similar apps. In the center you get large canvas where you can start drawing, and on the sides are either tool pickers, or specific properties for handling every element of your image.

The app is optimized for comic and manga designers and illustrators, promoting their most commonly used tools to prominent positions where you can access them quickly.

What`s New
  • Easily attach hats, shoes, and more to 3D models and move them all together using hierarchical settings
  • Adjust the upper and lower arms, as well as the upper and lower legs, individually. You can also change body shape by adjusting hip height and shoulder thickness
  • Improved operability of 3D drawing figures (pose symmetry)
  • Integration with 3D Pose Site POSEMANIACS
  • Import in VRM formats
  • Support for 3D Objects with Shape Keys
  • Import normal maps
  • Select multiple grid points and increase the number of divisions for more control during Mesh Transformation
  • Color Match allows you to intuitively change colors by setting images and gradations for target colors
  • New Filters added! Make your work shine online with the Retro Film Filter, or get a hand-drawn feel with the Pencil Drawing Filter
  • You can now use a font ideal for comics, manga, and webtoons that incorporates artist feedback and was developed jointly with Iwata Co., Ltd.
  • Arrange text more freely with justify, alignment, kerning, and circular layouts
  • Font search
  • Save your frequently used settings as presets and use them to export your work
  • Set an image of your choice as a watermark when exporting images and timelapses
  • You can now import and export in WebP format, the lightweight file format used for web pages
User Interface

Clip Studio Paint's user interface is designed to be both powerful and intuitive.

Clip Studio Paint Screenshot 4

The workspace is highly customizable, allowing users to arrange tools and panels according to their workflow. Key features of the UI include:
  • Dockable Panels: Panels can be docked, floated, or hidden to maximize workspace.
  • Custom Shortcuts: Users can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to streamline their workflow.
  • Brush Preview: A brush preview window shows how the selected brush will look on the canvas, helping artists choose the right tool for the job.
  • Material Library: The material library provides quick access to a vast collection of textures, patterns, and 3D models.
How to Use

Creating a New Project: Open this program and select "New" from the File menu. Choose the type of project you want to create (illustration, comic, animation) and set the canvas size and resolution.

Using Brushes: Select a brush from the toolbar or create a custom brush. Adjust the brush settings such as size, opacity, and blending mode.

Layer Management: Use the Layers panel to create and organize layers. It supports various layer types, including raster, vector, and 3D layers.

Coloring: Choose colors from the color wheel or use the eyedropper tool to select colors from the canvas. Utilize blending modes and gradient maps for advanced coloring effects.

Adding Text: Use the text tool to add dialogue, captions, and other text elements to your project. Customize the font, size, and color as needed.

Animation: For animations, create a timeline and add frames. Use the onion skin feature to see previous and next frames, aiding in the animation process.

FAQ

Can I use Clip Studio Paint for professional work?
Yes, the program is widely used by professional artists, illustrators, and animators for commercial projects.

What is the difference between Clip Studio Paint Pro and EX?
Clip Studio Paint Pro is geared towards illustrators, while EX includes additional features for comic creation and animation, such as multi-page management and advanced animation tools.

Is Clip Studio Paint available on multiple devices?
Yes, this software is available on Windows, macOS, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Users can sync their work across devices using cloud storage.

Can I import Photoshop files into Clip Studio Paint?
Yes, it supports importing PSD files, allowing for seamless integration with Photoshop projects.

Does Clip Studio Paint have a community for sharing resources?
Yes, Clip Studio Assets is an online community where users can share and download brushes, materials, and other resources.

Alternatives

Adobe Photoshop: A powerful and versatile digital painting software known for its wide range of features and extensive support.

Corel Painter: Offers a natural painting experience with realistic brushstrokes and textures, making it a favorite among traditional artists.

Krita: An open-source painting program that provides professional-grade tools for digital artists, available for free.

Rebelle: Focuses on realistic watercolor and acrylic painting simulations.

Pricing

Clip Studio Paint Pro: $54 for a one-time purchase

Clip Studio Paint EX: $237 for a one-time purchase

System Requirements
  • OS: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or higher
  • RAM: 2GB or more
  • Hard Disk: 2GB free space
  • Graphics: 256MB VRAM or more, OpenGL 2.1 compatible
PROS
  • Extensive brush customization
  • Vector layer support
  • Comprehensive animation tools (EX version)
  • 3D model integration
  • Timelapse recording feature
  • Affordable pricing
CONS
  • Some features locked behind EX version
  • Occasional performance issues with large files
Also Available: Download Clip Studio Paint EX for Mac

  • Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshot 1
  • Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshot 2
  • Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshot 3
  • Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshot 4
  • Clip Studio Paint EX 3.2.0 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

All Grades:
- Quick Filters and Quick Effects have been added to the Studio Mode Filter menu. You can adjust the colors using color filters and apply effect filters such as blur, and intuitively make adjustments while previewing the changes.
- It is now possible to import the audio data in a movie file as an audio layer when importing a movie file.
- You can now manipulate character facial expressions when using VRM format 3D files from the Sub Tool Detail palette > Character category > Use expression shape keys setting.
- If you have enabled Save at regular intervals or Enable canvas recovery in the Preferences dialog, when you change the image resolution such as with the Edit menu > Change Image Resolution, the file will be auto-saved or the canvas recovery backup will be saved.
- Added a scroll bar to the Preferences dialog.
- Some categories in the Preferences dialog have been regrouped and renamed.
- Tools and Drawing Tool have been merged into Tools.
- Cursor and Cursor details have been merged into Cursor.
- Animation and Camera Path/Camera have been integrated into Animation.
- File and File details have been merged into File.
- Touch gestures and Gesture configuration have been integrated into Touch gestures.
- The Touch category has been renamed to Pen/Touch.
- You can now see the load status with a progress bar when importing BVH format files or VRM format files.
- The processing time and memory required for importing glTF format files and VRM format files containing shape keys have been optimized.
- A Reset option has been added to the Sub Tool Detail palette > Object category when a 3D object material is selected. You can reset the Shape keys settings to their default state.
- If a hand cannot be detected while using the Hand Scanner, a message will appear in the Hand Scanner dialog.
- We have improved the way that fingers bend when using the Hand Scanner to apply hand poses to 3D drawing figures and 3D character materials.
- Operation (3D) has been added to the Shortcut Key Settings dialog box and Command Bar Settings dialog box under the Options setting > Tool Property Palette category. You can change the settings for the On-screen manipulator when a 3D layer is selected with the Object sub tool.
- (iPad / iPhone / Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) In Studio Mode, you can now extract line art immediately after importing an image.
- (iPad / iPhone / Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) In Simple Mode, you can now edit slider values using keyboard input.
- (Windows / macOS / iPad / iPhone) After creating a file object layer from an MP4 or MOV movie file, the file object will now rotate according to the rotation information of the movie file.
- (iPad / Galaxy / iPhone / Android / Chromebook) Ask chatbot has been added to the Studio Mode Help menu and the Simple Mode Settings and Help menu. You can launch the browser and use the chatbot to get information on how to use the app.
- (iPad / Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) A tutorial and hint feature has been added to Simple Mode on tablets. Hints on how to use the tools will now appear while you use the app.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) Switch input has been added to Pen/Touch in Preferences. If your pen doesn’t respond on your pen tablet or display tablet, you can turn on Convert finger input with pressure into pen input to draw with pressure.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) You can now import movie files (.mp4) from the File menu > Import > From device.
- (iPad / iPhone) You can now import movie files (.mp4 or QuickTime .mov) from the File menu > Import > From photo library.
- When importing a BVH file onto a 3D drawing figure or a 3D character material, the position of the ground will no longer change even if the pose changes.
- When a file in FBX format is imported, the opacity of the texture is now reflected.
- When you copy a 3D layer to the clipboard and use the File menu > Create New from Clipboard, the part that extends beyond the original canvas will be clipped.
- The default position of the movement manipulator when a 3D material is selected has been changed from inside the guide lines to outside. The selected 3D material and the movement manipulator are now less likely to overlap, making it easier to operate.
- When using the movement manipulator to snap and move 3D objects, the selected 3D object will now start moving from its current position instead of moving to the mouse's position.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) You can now directly open and save files stored on shared storage. A file picker has been added so you can select files and folders on shared storage.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) A Clip Studio folder has been added to the Documents folder as the default save destination for automatic save files, etc. The Clip Studio folder is created during the initial startup.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) A maximum has been set on the number of export presets that can be saved to Export (Single Layer) > Export Settings.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) A maximum has been set on the number of images that can be added to the Sub View palette and the Companion Mode sub view.
- (Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) The commands Duplicate and Import have been removed from the File operation/Share dialog box.
- VRM format files with specific bone configurations can now be imported correctly.
- When a Wavefront OBJ file is imported, even if there is a mismatch between the vertex normals and the face angles, it will now be automatically corrected.
- You can now use files in Clip Studio format (extension: clip) that have an active timeline and include 3D layers as a file object layer.
- In some devices, you can now create a new canvas by copying a 3D layer to the clipboard and using the File menu > Create New From Clipboard.
- The appearance of Shortcut Settings dialog > Menu commands > Edit setting will now be maintained even upon subsequent launches.
- The application will no longer close if you use the Liquify tool on canvases of a certain size.
- After using Animation menu > Edit track > Delete all keyframes and saving the file in Clip Studio format (extension: clip), the parameters near the boundary of the two clips will no longer undergo unintended changes when you next open the file.
- In the Graph Editor mode of the Timeline palette, the timeline no longer scrolls upward when dragging keyframes downward.
- You can now specify animation cells with layer names exceeding 64 characters from the context menu by right-clicking or long-pressing on the Timeline palette.
- When referring to a selection layer or a quick mask using tools such as the Auto Select or Eyedropper tool, they are now treated as layers in the foreground.
- When merging layers that include selection layers or quick masks using the Layer menu > Merge selected layers, the selection layers and quick masks will now be rendered in the foreground.
- You can now create a new canvas from the File menu > New in Studio Mode without causing a force close on some devices.
- The text no longer moves when turning Circular text on or off in the Tool Property palette or the Sub Tool Detail palette, even when selecting circular text with Vertical as the Text Direction.
- (Windows / macOS / iPad / Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) When you switch to a tool that does not does not support opacity in the Modifier Key Settings dialog box and change the opacity while holding down the modifier key, the opacity value in the Tool Property palette and Tool Slider palette will now be synchronized. This excludes smartphone devices.
- (Windows / macOS / iPhone / Galaxy / Android) When you are logged in to your Clip Studio account in Clip Studio, tapping on Account will no longer open the browser and prompt a login screen. This excludes Android tablets.
- (Windows / macOS / iPad / Galaxy / Android / Chromebook) If another application opens in the foreground while Clip Studio Paint is running, the palette dock settings and the Story window appearance will not be reset.
- (iPad / Galaxy / iPhone / Android / Chromebook) In Simple Mode, you can now download brush materials that contain a large number of brush tip images.
- (iPhone / Galaxy / Android) On smartphones, if you use Change save location label for file from the Clip Studio project list screen and then don't change the label, the application will no longer force quit.
- (iPad / iPhone) Free storage space is now calculated correctly.
- (iPad / iPhone) The incorrect confirmation message will no longer appear when using File menu > Save As to overwrite files in Clip Studio format (.clip) with the same name in the Clip Studio folder.
- (iPad / iPhone) The incorrect confirmation message will no longer appear if you edit a duplicated file in the Clip Studio folder in Clip Studio Paint, delete the original file, then use the Save command and specify the Clip Studio folder as the save destination. Background saving also now works correctly.
- (iPad / iPhone) We have fixed an issue where the application may become slow due to incorrect calculation of memory usage on iPadOS 18 and iOS 18 or later.
- (macOS) When the application frame is displayed on Mac, you can still drag the title bar to move the window even if you repeatedly toggle between Hide title bar and Show title bar.
- (macOS) In a multi-display set-up, you can use Pick screen color even if Clip Studio Paint is not displayed in full screen mode.

PRO / EX:
- A command bar has been added to the image list in the Sub View palette. You can import or delete images from the image list screen.
- Checkboxes have been added to the image list in the Sub View palette so you can select multiple images.
- You can now select multiple images in the Sub View palette’s image list and reorder or move them
- It’s now possible to reorder images in the Sub View palette Image list by dragging and dropping
- When you select the hips of a 3D drawing figure or 3D character material, you can no longer change the Partial rotation setting in the Sub Tool Detail palette > Transform category
- When a ruler’s resize frame is visible and the Object sub tool is set to Always show frame, when you use menu commands such as Edit > Cut, Copy, or Erase, these commands will apply to the ruler inside the frame

EX:
- We have changed the layout of the Edit Preset dialog that opens from the Convert to lines and tones dialog > Add to Presets or Edit Preset
- After opening a page in a multi-page project, and using the Object sub tool to move and resize the Story Information text such as the Story name or Page Number, then changing the page numbers or page settings, the font size and alignment will no longer reset to default.
- If you change the canvas size of a page in a multi-page project and closing the page without saving, the aspect ratio of the page thumbnail will be updated on the Story window.
- The watermark will now be placed in the specified position even if the export range in the Export Settings dialog is set to something other than All pages.
- The placement of the noise pattern in the Export settings dialog is now aligned with the preview in the Watermark settings dialog even if the export range in the Export Settings dialog is set to something other than All pages
- (Windows / macOS) In the dialog box that appears from the Story menu > Group work > Prepare group work data or Obtain group work data, the reference guide has been updated