Layer Comp is a new function implemented in EX version ver.3.0. By registering the layer visibility state, you can easily switch between multiple layer visibility states, and the recorded layer comps can be exported as various files at once.
We will introduce some approaches and tips for creating setting materials that will be useful for character design and fashion coordination using the layer comp function.
The official website provides tips on how to use layer comps and their basic usage and effects, so please refer to the official USER GUIDE for details.
Web search: Layer Comp [EX]
[Official/Use layer comps to easily manage differences [EX]-Ver.3.0-]
[How to call up the Layer Comp palette]
To operate, call up the Layer Comp Palette from the Window Menu.
《Operation》
Window Menu> Layer Comp
This example is explained on a Windows screen.
[How to use layer comps]
[1]
To make a layer comp of the currently displayed layer, click the icon "Add layer comp" in the bottom right of the Layer Comp Palette.
This will record the current layer display state.
[2]
After adding, you can operate the layer to change the display and repeatedly register it in the layer comp to make it the layer display at the time of registration, allowing you to use shortcuts for layer operations.
[Topic-01] Improving the efficiency of fashion coordination
In character design, costume variations are essential for TPO. In the case of digital editing using ClipstudioPaint, the unique task of turning layer visibility attributes "ON" and "OFF" to determine the desired fashion image is unavoidable. Repeating layer work multiple times will also lead to operational errors, and it takes time and effort. The more hierarchical folders you create, the more likely it is that when you open the front layer folder, the backmost layer will be far away from the layer tree screen and you will have to keep digging until you find it. This is something that happens often to me.
Therefore, we use the layer comp function to categorize and list the costume layers.
[Term: Fashion coordination = fashion coordination/combination of clothing and accessories]
◆ Costume drawing
When creating a character costume, layering will come together neatly if you separate the pieces into basic categories such as:
(1) Outerwear
(2) Basewear
(3) Bottoms
(4) Shoes
In my case, I added "Head accessories/hats" and "Stockings" to this. Layering is completed by adjusting the front and back positions of the layers.
[Term: Layering]
It is convenient to organize and manage the different costume materials you have drawn by layer folder names.
By layering categories, you can create a considerable number of layerings depending on the combination. If you register the classification using layer comps, it becomes very easy to call up the layering.
[Term: Category / Classification]
As you can see, using layer comps has made layer operations much easier. In addition to the convenience of being able to register layer display states, layer comps also have the function of being able to export various files from the lists registered in layer comps.
But what I most want to convey this time lies beyond this point.
[Topic-02] Layer comping a layer comp
Since layer comps are merely layer registrations, they are a single path to the desired target layer image. Therefore, in order to select the desired costume color, you must "register each layer comp individually". This means that it takes a lot of work to register them.
In fact, the layer comp function has a little special feature that allows you to use it to overlay costume colors during layer comp processing and operate the layer comp. In other words, you can use "operations that allow further layer comping within layer comp file operations" to create color coordination that utilizes this.
This will reduce the number of color category classifications for color comp registration, and you will actually only need very simple classifications.
Let me explain the steps.
◆ Procedure for making a costume category into a file object
[1] Select the layer folder containing the drawn color variations of the costume.
Be sure to set the layer folder to "visible" (eye visible mark).
*In this example, we will use a drawn costume called "hoodie."
[2] Select "File Object" from the layer menu and
"Convert the material to File Object."
[3] A detailed menu will open, so select the conversion settings and save location, then save.
In this case, we'll save it in the same folder as the working document file.
After saving, a layer file named "Parka" will be added to the Layers palette.
[4] With the added file object "Parka" selected, open the material file by selecting "Open File Object" from the File Object item in the Layer menu.
《Operation》
Layer palette menu>File object>Open file object
The material file is opened.
[5] Once you open the file, set all color patterns to "Add Layer Comp" to the layer comp.
Save the file and then close this document.
[6] (This is important) Return to the original character document,
hide the converted layer folder,
select the newly created file object layer
(in this example, we selected "Parka"),
and in this state, operate the layer comp item on the Tool Property Screen to select the registered pattern.
The Layer Comp Contents (clothing color list) you just registered will appear in the tool property item.
From here on, repeat the process for all other animated costumes (folders).
This completes the process of creating file objects.
[7] Delete any old layer comp lists remaining in the working document.
Add a new layer comp list.
The added list will be the category clothing such as "Outerwear" and "Basewear" in the layer, and all color selection operations for layer materials replaced with File Objects will be performed using Tool Properties.
[Point]
To create a new list, duplicating the document itself and creating a new list is also a good idea to supplement backup data.
*In this example, we have created a duplicate saved document, deleted all comp lists, and registered new ones.
You can delete or leave the hidden layer folder after converting it to a file object. If you leave it, what is displayed is the file object in the saved location, so be careful when handling the existing folder.
*In this example, to prevent confusion and accidents, all converted layer folders have been deleted and the document has been saved under a new name.
Layer comps of file objects selected in tool properties can also be registered as layer comps in the working document, allowing you to create a much simpler layer comp list than initially.
[Term: File Object]
A Clip Studio file (.clip) called as an external link, or a clip file that has been converted into an information unit. You can edit the document, and you can also handle data such as timeline and layer information. Editing the link destination will be reflected in the linked document.
How to import
File menu > Import > Create File Object
Notes on file objects
If you move or rename a file object that is being edited from its saved location to a different hierarchical level and then try to open the linked destination in the edited document, you will get an error message such as "File not found."
We recommend that you do not change the name and that you save the file in the same hierarchical folder as the edited document. It is also a good idea to prepare a folder for saving in advance, but the location of the link destination may ultimately change, so you need to be a little careful when deciding where to save it.
◆File Object Menu
By the way, the "File Object" menu item is very useful as it has a command such as "Update File Object" which can be used as a solution if the display does not update after adding or modifying material.
That was a mysterious story about layer comping something that has been layer comped.
[Topic-03] Creating hairstyle variations for characters
The layer comp function allows you to preview a character's hairstyle in various variations, and you can easily change prototypes if you're unsure about which **hair color, etc. to choose.
You can create the hairstyle by selecting it directly from the hair drawing layer, or you can make the hair design color selectable in the same way as the file object example mentioned above. Once you have decided on the route, register the hair arrangement with layer comp.
A tip for creating hair arrangement setting drawings is to divide the character into the main parts "face" and "body", and then subdivide the face into detailed parts such as "links", "bangs", "side hair", and "back hair" to create a nice character hairstyle.
Once you have created one hair drawing part, duplicate it and create a different color.
Repeat this process to increase the number of parts.
If you plan to make corrections, it is better to leave the "template line art layer".
You may decide that depending on the hairstyle, it is not necessary to subdivide it, so it is better to keep the number of parts to a minimum while you are still getting used to it, as this will have a effort-intensive benefit later on.
The subdivision structure of the character's face is roughly like this.
I think it would be easier to work with it if you put each hairstyle in a folder to increase the color variations.
Hair color variations require work on all hair parts, so it's easier to work with them if you decide on a color concept beforehand and then add more. Coloring the front hair lighter and the back hair a little darker will give the character a more three-dimensional look. This is one of the fun parts of the job, so I like it.
◆ Create variations in how characters are drawn
You can also register body parts such as eyes, noses, and mouths in layer comps, and create character variations to freely expand your creative scope.
[Topic-04] Changing the fabric/print design of an existing shirt
◆ T-shirt data design using layer comps
This time, we will explain the steps using a character wearing a white T-shirt as an example.
(1) Create a layer folder.
(2) Use the "Auto Select" tool to select the T-shirt (white background) part of the character's drawn costume.
(3) With the folder created in (1) selected from the layer palette menu,
select Layer Mask > Mask outside selection and mask the folder (1).
(4) Select the T-shirt drawing layer and convert it to a "File Object".
(5) A file object will be added to the layer palette, so select the file object of the added layer and choose
(Operation) Layer Menu > File Object > Open File Object from the Layer menu to open the file.
(6) Once the drawn T-shirt document is open in Clip Studio Paint, set the opacity of the T-shirt layer to 50% (half tone). This will be used as a rough guide for creating the T-shirt design. Next, create a new layer and the basic work file for the shirt design will be complete.
[Term: Half tone / Reduce the density of an image or manuscript to 50%]
(7)
In the T-shirt work document from earlier, register and save each new design as a layer comp. I made three types this time.
Since it is a T-shirt design, you are free to choose the patterns, text, decorations, and other ideas.
(8) Return to the character work document, select the file object in which you drew the T-shirt, and click “Update File Object.” Then, check that the design you just created can now be selected in the Tool Properties Layer Comp.
(9) Place the layer of the T-shirt drawing file object into the mask folder created in (3). Once you can see the mask effect on the T-shirt area, it's complete.
The imported file object can be rotated, scaled, tiled, etc., so you can transform and edit the design.
[Point]
If you want to continue creating additional designs, select the file object again, open it from step (5), and repeat steps (7) and (8) once you have created a new T-shirt design.
Each design plan is registered as a layer comp.
The creation method and details are also introduced in the official tips, so please take a look.
[Official/File object operations and details]
"Let's make use of file objects"
[Topic-05] Embedding color guides in layer comps
If you embed a color guide when registering a layer comp list according to your purpose, it will be useful for sharing and collaborating, as it will allow you to easily and immediately see the intuitive character color code and extract colors.
A color guide I created myself. I sometimes use it as a coloring memo when creating illustrations.
[If you want to add a common color guide to all registered layer comps]
1) Create a color guide in a new document. Or prepare an existing image file.
2) Click ON the "Show in all comps" function in the bottom left of the layer comp palette.
3) Load a color guide created in the working document to generate a layer, or you can create a layer by copying and pasting an image. In any case, generate a new layer image.
If you do this, even layer comps that have already been registered will display in all comps without question.
Make sure to turn it OFF when you're done using it.
[If you want to revert]
Operate the layer you want to revert to, return it to the display state you want, and then click "Overwrite Layer Comp" at the bottom of the Layer Comp palette to re-register it and return it to the original state.
◆Notes about displaying all comps
Please note that the current time series action of "added" will be applied, so this forced display will not be effective for newly created color comps.
And even if you turn the function off, the layer display state of the color comp will not disappear. Please be careful how you use it.
[Topic-06] Exporting layer comps
Files registered in Layer Comp can be exported as image files with various extensions. This is useful for design discussions, listing, production recognition of shared work, exporting model parts for Live2D, etc., and for cases where it is convenient to have an actual document.
Reference Tips Search Tag: Live2D
For example, I wanted icon list material for layer comp parts (components) of the fashion coordination and hairstyle pattern explained this time, so I used the export function a lot.
[How to export]
《Operations》File Menu> Other Exports> Export Layer Comp**
After selecting the menu, the layer comp export settings screen will appear.
You can also select "Export only the selected layer comp."
For file formats other than (.clip), detailed settings will open,
and you will be asked what to do with settings you are not normally familiar with,
but don't be afraid to export as necessary.
The settings have some unusual parts, so generally use the default values,
or refer to the settings screen in the example explanation.
If there are any technical settings that you don't understand, it's best to ask the production manager in charge.
And be careful of accidentally using a long initial file name and accidentally saving to a different location.
Please refer to the official tips for details on the types of export file formats and how to use them.
[Official/Easily manage differences using layer comps[EX]-Ver.3.0-]
[Topic-07] Points to note about layer comps
◆ Loss of editing layer
Since the layer comp registers the current layer hierarchy state of the layer, if you accidentally move or lose a registered target layer to another layer hierarchy, the memory of that layer will be completely lost when displayed from the layer comp, and you will have to repair and re-update the entire registration state where the problem occurred. It is recommended that you "organize the layers neatly" and "design the layers appropriately" before registering layers in the layer comp, and "avoid changing the layer hierarchy position meaninglessly." (Version as of June 2025)
By the way, I once accidentally changed it late at night and fell into a trap that took me until morning.
◆Special behavior of layer comps
The layer comp function records the display state of layers, so it only records which layers are displayed or hidden, and does not record the accompanying "composite mode" or "opacity value". (Version as of June 2025)
...or so I had thought until then, but if you replace a layer with a file object, you can create a layer comp with the opacity effect maintained. Although the usage is inevitably limited, the benefits of layer comps will also change depending on the creator's layer construction.
[1] Set the transparency on the layer opened from the file object.
[2] Return to the working document and "Update file."
This way, layers with different transparencies can be registered and displayed in the layer comp.
[Point]
◆If you want to modify the opacity, work on the file object data destination of the material.
◆The "composite mode" state is also reflected (although to a limited extent) at the file object destination.
Afterword
Layer comps are a very unique feature. If the tips introduced today have taught you new ways to use them, or given you new ideas for your own use, I'm sure you'll start to apply color comps to your creative endeavors in more and more situations.
That's about it for today's tips.
In this example explanation, I've compiled some points to note and discoveries I've made based on my own experience so far into tips.
The possibilities and creativity of humans are limitless. Thank you for reading to the end.
I hope that the author's tips will be of some help to you in your creative endeavors.
I hope you have a good creative life!
ClipStudioPaint EX Ver.4.0.3 20250611 Akiben
Users who liked this post
Comment