[1] Introduction

For a few years, the webtoon (or strip parade) has imposed itself on the web because it allows a reading adapted to different digital media such as tablets, smartphones.

They can easily be hosted on online platforms such as Tapastic, Line webtoon and many others!

 

If most of the webtoons are static, it is possible to increase the immersion in the story by adding animated elements. This can make the difference with the webtoons already present !!! However, these animations must be used reasonably so as not to disturb the course of reading.

 

In this article, you will learn how to create an animated comic thanks to the animation functions of the software!

[2] Preparing the storyboard for your story

■ Creation of the workspace

 

So let's start by defining a new workspace in the software

[File]> [New]

At any time you can change the height of your workspace [Edit]> [Change the size of the canvas]

 

 

■ Storyboard design

 

As with any comic book, we start by developing a storyboard in order to prepare the breakdown of our story. (you must of course have written the script of your scene beforehand as well as the dialogues)

 

The storyboard makes it possible to highlight the strong elements of a scene and to ensure the fluidity of reading. For this, I use a line (shown in red) on which will be positioned the main elements of each box as well as the text bubbles.

In the case of a webtoon, the vertical space between the boxes and the bubbles will allow the rhythm of the reading to be defined. Do not forget to use it to create time and thus reinforce the suspense of discovery!

 

 

 

 

■ Define the animation zones

 

We will also use this storyboard to identify the areas of the image on which to put the animation.

 

These animations allow you to express two things:

 

• Either the highlighting of a strong element (character for example),

• Either reinforce the immersion in the decor (atmospheric effect for example).

Now, everything is ready to start creating the comic strip!

[3] Use of masks and folders for layout

■ Creation of case files

 

First, we will prepare our layout by creating three folders corresponding to the boxes of our webtoon. Click the [New Folder] icon to create them.

 

Then place a new layer in each of these folders by clicking on the [New Layer] icon.

■ Use of the storyboard to delimit the boxes

 

On the page, you will display your storyboard transparently so that it serves as a reference for the creation of boxes.

You can then display the rules [Display]> [Rules] and display markers to mark the box boundaries.

To do this, drag the mouse from the ruler on the left to the work area.

These guides are automatically associated with a layer that you can show or hide if necessary.

■ Add a box mask to the folder

 

Now let's define the outline of our boxes using the [Rectangle Selection Area] tool. Use the edges of the guides to magnetize the outline of your selection.

Then select the folder of the corresponding box in the layer palette, and click on the [Mask] tool.

 

■ Drawing and colorization

 

Once the mask is created, you can draw in the layers of this folder without going beyond the edges of the box! It's time to express your talent.

 

■ Text bubbles and dialogues

 

It now remains to add the text bubbles.

The software allows you to create them directly from the toolbar, either using predefined shapes, or by drawing them freehand with the tool [Bubble pen].

Arrange these bubbles in a new folder and place them as imagined in the storyboard. All you have to do is trace the bubble tips using the [Bubble Arrow] tool.

With the [Text] tool, complete your dialogs and add them to the folder in order to group everything in the same place.

So far, everything looks like a classic webtoon,

but we will now bring it to life!

[4] Create your first animation

■ Creation of a New chronology

 

First make sure you have opened the [Window]> [Timeline] palette

 

As part of our webtoon, we will create short animations which will be played in a loop.

Select the [Create a new timeline] icon, then choose the duration and the animation rate. A rate of 12 allows smooth animation while optimizing the display on the web. The reading time for 1 second of animation is therefore also 12.

■ Preparation of the animation file

 

Then select the folder of a cell in the [Layer] palette and click on the [New animation folder] icon in the timeline palette.

In this animation folder, you will be able to create several folders "anim_1", "anim_2" and "anim_3" each containing a layer inside.

Name your files correctly so as not to be lost for the animation!

In the timeline palette, position the playhead (red cursor) on the first image, then click on the [Specify Cellulos] icon and select the first folder you named "anim_1"

A new cellulo is added to the timeline.

 

Shift the red reading head by a few images and repeat the operation to add "anim_02", "anim_03" then again "anim_02" to create a reading loop.

 

 

■ Creation of animation drawings

 

Everything is in place now to be able to draw the illustrations for our animation.

 

So start by activating the [Peel paper] by clicking on the corresponding icon in the chronology palette. This displays the images that frame the current image.

 

Draw the animation steps on each layer of the "anim_01", "anim_02" and "anim_03" folders.

At this point, you can click the play icon to verify that the animation is working properly.

 

Once you are satisfied with the result, all you have to do is proceed to the coloring by adding new layers in the associated folders.

[5] Optimize your file for the web

■ Export of animation

 

Finally, we are going to export the animation in GIF format for the web.

The choice of image resolution is essential for the weight of the image.

Do not hesitate to do some tests to get the best image weight / quality ratio

You are ready to create your own webtoon !!!

 

 

Do not hesitate to share your creations in comment of this tutorial;)

 

 

■ Link to download the file:

About the Author

My name is Axendre and I am the creator of the dynamic and interactive comic strip "Eden, the second dawn" which you can discover in free reading!

 

On the project site you can also participate in the development of your own story in the universe of Eden by taking advantage of the many resources available.

 

My goal is to transform the vision of comics by allowing everyone to create new reading experiences, whatever their level!

 

■ Official site of the EDEN project: