Compatible with Clip Studio Paint Ver. 1.10.6

 

You can use the perspective ruler in CLIP STUDIO PAINT to create drawings using perspective.

 

In this lesson, I’ll show you how to make compositions with three-point perspective. I’ll explain how to create a three-dimensional effect when drawing tables, as well as how to draw different types of table legs.

Please read the following article to learn how to use perspective rulers.

 

[1] Creating a three-point perspective ruler

To make drawings like the following example with three-point perspective, I make a [Perspective ruler].

 

(1) From the tool palette, click the [Ruler] tool, then select the [Perspective ruler] from the sub tool palette.

 

(2) I place vanishing points on the left and right sides. I set the position of a vanishing point by setting two guide lines.

 

 

Left-side vanishing point:

 

Right-side vanishing point:

 

(3) Using the same method, I place another vanishing point in the vertical direction. This drawing will be from a high angle, so I place the vanishing point at the bottom.

 

For drawings from a low angle, place the vanishing point at the top.

 

NOTE:

You can also create a three-point perspective ruler from the [Layer] menu, by going to [Ruler - Frame] > [Create Perspective Ruler], then, in the [Create Perspective Ruler] dialog box, click [3 point perspective].

If you have already decided your composition (angles) in a rough sketch, it is better to use the [Perspective ruler] tool.

 

[2] Making a perspective ruler with 3D objects

(1) From the [Material] palette, choose any 3D model you like and load it onto the canvas.

 

(2) To change the camera angle, use the [Object] tool to drag the area around the 3D model.

 

(3) Set the showing area of the ruler to [Show in All Layers].

 

NOTE:

You can delete 3D objects using the [Delete] key. In this case, on the [Tool Property] palette, Operation options such as [Angle] will become unavailable.

 

(4) If necessary, you can copy the [Perspective ruler] to other layers. Hold the [Alt] key and drag the ruler icon to the layer you want to copy to.

 

[3] Drawing a 3D box

I will use this simple 3D shape to show you how to use three-point perspective to draw a box.

 

I’ve made a three-point [Perspective ruler]. In this example I’ve placed the vanishing point so that the view is from a high angle.

 

(1) First, I draw a quadrilateral for the base, aligned with the [Perspective ruler]. This will be the base of the box.

 

NOTE:

The [Figure] tool also snaps to the [Perspective ruler]. You can use the sub tool [Rectangle] to draw the shape. Drag the corners of the rectangle to draw a rectangle that aligns with the perspective.

If the rectangle is in the wrong direction, move the mouse cursor to adjust the direction it is snapping and then click to confirm.

 

(2) I draw four lines extending upward from the corners of the rectangle, snapping to the [Perspective ruler].

 

(3) Once I’ve drawn the vertical lines, I draw a horizontal line to decide the height of the top of the box. Just like with the base of the box, I draw lines using the [Perspective ruler] from the points where the top of the box meets the vertical lines to make a perfect rectangle.

 

(4) I delete any overhanging lines, and the box is done. This is quickly done on a vector layer using the [Eraser] tool. On the [Tool Property] palette, I set the [Eraser] to [Erase up to intersection], then erase the parts I don’t need.

 

[4] Drawing a table

I will draw this kind of table with a flat top and four legs. When drawing with perspective, it’s necessary to align the height and position of the legs.

 

(1) If you look at the table from the side, you can see that the legs are on the inside.

 

To draw this table in 3D, I begin with an overhead view. The red lines indicate the size of the table surface. The four smaller blue lines indicate the position of the legs.

It’s easy to draw this kind of shape by going to the [View] menu, selecting [Grid] to display the grid, and drawing lines that snap to the grid. I duplicate the layer with this perspective view so I have two layers.

 

(2) I fit this perspective view into the base of the box I made earlier. From the [Edit] menu, I click [Transform] > [Free Transform], and transform the shape to make the corners align.

 

(3) I put the perspective view on both the top and base of the box.

 

(4) I make a new layer, and draw straight lines using the [Perspective ruler] to connect the legs on the top and base.

 

(5) I draw the top part of the table. Don’t forget to draw the thickness of the material.

 

(6) Now I erase the parts that are hidden by the top of the table. This is easy to do by selecting [Eraser] and choosing the sub tool [Vector], then checking that it is set to [Erase up to intersection].

 

(7) Now the table is finished. You can try using boxes and perspective views when you want to draw table legs at the correct height.

 

[5] Drawing different kind of table legs.

Now let’s try to draw a table with different legs. Look at this example to learn how to change the shape of the legs using basic shapes.

 

 

 

■1. A table with Z-shaped legs

 

I will show you how to draw a table with z-shaped legs like the one below.

 

(1) First let’s confirm the shape from a side view. Pay attention to where the legs meet the top of the table.

 

(2) The overhead perspective view looks like this.

 

(3) I transform the perspective view using [Free Transform] and paste it into the base of a box.

 

(4) I use the [Straight line] tool to connect the places where I marked the legs. I can’t draw some of the lines for the legs while [Snap to Ruler] is on, so I toggle this setting on and off as I draw the legs.

Pay attention to where the lines start at the top of the table and finish at the base.

 

NOTE:

Please read the following article to learn about snapping to the [Perspective ruler].

 

(5) I clean up the lines, and the table is finished.

 

 

 

■2. Table with slanted legs

 

I will explain how to draw tables when the legs are at an angle.

 

(1) This is a diagram for a table with legs that slant outwards.

 

Pay attention to where the lines start at the top of the table and finish at the base.

 

(3) I transform the perspective view using [Free Transform] and paste it into the base and top of a box.

 

(4) I draw lines connecting the top and bottom of the legs.

 

The slanted lines don’t match up with the perspective, so I toggle [Snap to Ruler] on and off as I draw the legs.

 

(5) I clean up the table top and the legs, then add color to finish the drawing.

 

Using this method, you can easily draw rooms with lots of tables, like the below example.

 

To accurately draw furniture and appliances, first draw a perspective view or flat drawing, then transform the shape to match the perspective.

 

Now practice using perspective views to draw objects, building up from simple to complex shapes.