This time, I will explain how to use the "Layer Comp" function, a feature introduced in CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ver. 3.0 "EX Edition".

 

This function records the display and non-display status of layers, allowing you to manage differential illustrations and export/save them all at once.

 

It's convenient when you want to manage and export multiple facial expressions or background variations from a single canvas!

 

That being said, I've only recently started using it myself, so please excuse any inaccuracies.

 

Basic operations are also introduced in the official Tips,

so if you only want to refer to the usage examples, please see the latter half.

🔷 How to Use (Win/Mac PC Version)

This explanation uses the Windows version of CLIP STUDIO.

 

For iPad users, this function cannot be used in "Simple Mode", so please switch to "Studio Mode" and then try using it by referring to the instructions below.

 

 

🟡 Add Layer Comp

1️⃣ First, prepare an illustration with separated layers.

The sample this time is an illustration of a girl.

 

I've set up variations for "eyebrows", "eyes", and "mouth" so they can be combined in various patterns.

 

 

2️⃣ Display the "Layer" and "Layer Comp" windows.

For clarity, I've arranged them side-by-side this time.

• The "Paper layer" is hidden, considering exporting as transparent PNG.

 

 

If you can't find "Each Window", go to the 【Menu Bar】 and select "Window" → "Layer Comp" and "Layer" to ☑ check them and display them.

3️⃣ Let's immediately record the current display state to the Layer Comp.

Click the "Add Layer Comp" icon.

 

Give it an easy-to-understand name.

Now, the current display/non-display status of the layers has been recorded.

 

 

4️⃣ Next, let's create and save another variation.

From the "Layer window", switch the display/non-display of layers to create the expression you want to record.

Just like before, click the "Add Layer Comp" icon and give it a name. This time, I named it "Expression 02".

 

 

Now, the second facial expression variation has been recorded.

Following the same procedure, you can record multiple illustrations in Layer Comps.

↑ I created 4 patterns of facial expression variations.

 

 

5️⃣ If you want to check each recorded variation, click the "eye icon" to switch the display.

 

Alternatively, you can also switch using the "up and down buttons".

Looking at the "Layer window", you can confirm that each time you switch the variation display of the Layer Comp, the display/non-display of the corresponding recorded layers changes.

 

 

🟡 Overwriting Layer Comps and Precautions

If you want to overwrite an existing Layer Comp with a corrected illustration, save it using the "Overwrite icon" of the "Layer Comp".

 

In that case, a little caution is needed.

If you click the display "eye icon" of the Layer Comp while the layers are still in their corrected state, the variation that was previously recorded in that spot will be displayed.

(The layers will also revert to their previously recorded state)

 

 

1️⃣ Click the "eye icon" of the Layer Comp you want to overwrite to display it.

2️⃣ Create a new facial expression variation.

 

3️⃣ Keep the "eye icon" for "Last layer display state" turned on and

select the "name portion" of the Layer Comp you want to overwrite. (Do not click the eye icon)

 

4️⃣ In that state, click the "Overwrite Layer Comp" icon.

 

 

5️⃣ When asked, "Do you want to overwrite the current display state of each layer to the selected Layer Comp?", click "Overwrite" to complete.

 

This completes the overwrite save.

 

 

Please check if it has been properly overwritten by clicking the eye icon (or the up/down arrows) of the Layer Comp.

 

 

🟡 Export and Save Illustrations Recorded in Layer Comps

Once all facial expression variations are complete, let's save them right away!

You can export all of them, or only the selected ones.

 

1️⃣ From the "Menu Bar", click "File" → "Export (other)" → "Export Layer Comp".

 

 

2️⃣ Set the save destination to an easy-to-find location, and set the file format to PNG this time. File name and other details are optional.

 

 

If you only want to export selected Layer Comps, put a ☑ check in the checkbox.

Click "OK".

 

 

3️⃣ Next, make detailed settings for the illustrations to be exported.

 

This time, we'll keep the defaults, but if you want to export with specific size or resolution, set them here.

 

 

4️⃣ Click OK to complete the export.

 

 

🟡 What does "Display added layers in all comps" mean?

In the bottom left, there is an icon called "Display added layers in all comps".

This also requires a bit of caution until you get used to it.

 

For example, let's say all facial expression variations are complete and recorded in Layer Comps.

 

Turn "Display added layers in all comps" on.

 

If you then add a "new layer and speech bubble illustration" from here,

 

the speech bubble illustration will be added to all recorded Layer Comps.

 

 

This function is a convenient feature that allows you to apply common backgrounds or small item illustrations to all differential illustrations, or apply revised layers (clothing, hair, etc.) all at once.

 

 

🟡 Note

Forgetting that "Display added layers in all comps" was turned on can sometimes lead to inadvertently adding an illustration layer, overwriting all existing comps.

 

In this case, you can revert to the previous state using "Undo", or

by "cutting" or "deleting" the added layer, it will disappear from the "Layer Comp", allowing you to restore it to its original state.

 

 

🔷 Practical Examples

🟡 Spot the Difference / Puzzle Illustrations and Answers

You can create and save "differences", "answers", etc., all from a single canvas.

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🟡 Add Your Signature

By turning on "Display added layers in all comps", you can add your signature to all illustrations at once.

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🟡 Creating Image Assets Using File Objects

After creating backgrounds and detailed assets, which combination is best?

Layer Comps are also useful when considering visuals and UI for game development.

Although only one type of "cat icon" and "ball illustration" have been added to this canvas for image assets...

 

Layer Comps properly record several types of colored cats and balls.

 

In fact, these two illustrations are loaded onto the canvas as CLIP STUDIO format files, using "File Objects".

 

 

Amazingly, illustrations added as File Objects can display the comps recorded in that file via the "Tool Property" palette.

 

Furthermore, you can save each selected and displayed comp to the current canvas's "Layer Comp".

As in this example, instead of increasing illustration layers for each variation, you can save multiple cat colors to comps with just one File Object layer.

 

If you need a vast number of variations, "File Objects" will also simplify your layer list, so please try utilizing this as well.

 

 

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🟡 Method

1️⃣ After creating a new canvas, go to the Menu Bar and select "File" → "Import" → "Create file object" to import a CLIP STUDIO (.clip) file with Layer Comps saved.

 

This time, we will import the sample "neko.clip". This file contains 6 different colored cats saved in Layer Comps.

 

 

2️⃣ Once imported, there is a "Layer Comp" item within the "Tool Property" palette, from which you can call up the recorded comps.

 

 

🔷 Finally

Above are the basic operations and practical examples of the "Layer Comp" function.

 

At this stage, Layer Comps only record the "display/non-display status of layers" and the "content of Layer Comps" set in the File Object's Tool Property (If there are other functions, please let me know...!).

 

However, it is a convenient function that significantly reduces work time for saving facial expression variations, background variations, spot-the-difference games, and game-related illustration variations like those introduced this time, so please do make use of it.

 

Thank you for reading to the end!

 

 

🔷 Introduction of Used Assets

↓ These are the assets I used this time. Thank you very much!