The Special ruler is a Sub Tool under the Ruler tool and lets you draw precise parallel and radial lines.

This article will explain how to use the Special ruler and show some examples of how you can use it.

 

For the basic instructions on how to use the Ruler tool and some examples, check below.

 

 

How to use the Special ruler

To create a Special ruler, select the Ruler on the tool palette and then Special ruler on the Sub Tool palette.

 

There are various Special rulers, each with its own characteristics.

You can select which one you would like to use from the Tool property palette.

 

 

 

Special rulers

 

Each Special ruler can help you draw the following.

 

Parallel line:

Draws parallel lines in the direction of the ruler.

 

Parallel curve:

Draws parallel curves along the ruler.

 

Multiple curve:

Draws 3D stacked curved lines along the ruler.

 

Radial line:

Draws lines radiating out from the ruler’s center mark.

 

Radial curve:

Draws curved lines radiating out from the ruler’s center mark.

 

Concentric circle:

Draw concentric circles the same shape as the ruler.

 

Guide:

Create a ruler to divide up the canvas horizontally and vertically.

 

 

 

Using the Special ruler

 

Adjust the position and shape of Special rulers in the Object sub tool palette as you would for standard Rulers.

 

Note:

You can use more than just pencil and pen tools with Special rulers. Try using brushes, airbrushes, and decoration tools that will snap to the ruler.

Take advantage of pen pressure to draw effect lines. You can use this to create effects and add color.

 

1. Parallel line

Creating the ruler

 

Tap on the canvas to mark your starting point (1) and then drag to where the ruler will end (2).

Release the pen to make a Parallel line ruler that goes through the two points.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can change the direction of the Parallel line ruler.

 

Rotate the Parallel line ruler around the center (A).

Tap and drag the control point (B) to rotate it.

 

You can also input values to define the Angle in the Tool Property palette.

 

Ruler use examples: Color comics, animation, game backgrounds

Use airbrushes and brushes to create more painterly speed lines.

Take advantage of the uneven feel to get a greater impression of speed.

 

2. Parallel curve

Creating the ruler

 

Tap to create a series of points that will be connected by a curve. Double tapping or pressing Enter confirms the line and creates the ruler.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can adjust the curve’s of the Curve ruler.

 

Drag the control points to change the curve shape.

 

Note:

The inner and outer sides of the Parallel line ruler will result in slightly different curves.

The inner side will result in a harsher curve while the outer side will result in a softer curve.

 

Ruler use examples: Effect lines for fighting and sports in comics.

Use the Parallel curve to make several lines showing the curve of a fast swinging motion.

 

3. Multiple curve

Creating the ruler

 

Tap to create a series of points that will be connected by a curve. Double tapping or pressing Enter confirms the line and creates the ruler.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can adjust the curve’s of the Curve ruler.

 

Curve shape

Drag the control point to change the curve shape.

 

Direction of overlapping lines

Drag the handle to change the direction of the overlapping lines.

 

You can also input values to define the direction in the Tool Property palette.

 

Note:

Change the angle of the handle to be closer to the angle of the stroke to make the lines overlap.

 

Ruler use examples: Effect lines for fighting and sports in comics

Use overlapping curved lines to give the feeling of movement over a distance.

This is useful when trying to depict energetic movement like a ball or some other object moving along a trajectory.

 

4. Radial line

Creating the ruler

 

Tap the canvas to create the ruler. Wherever you tap will be the center for your radial lines.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can change the center of a Radial line ruler.

 

Drag the center point to change the center of its radial lines.

 

You can also input values to define the Center X and Center Y in the Tool Property palette.

 

Ruler use examples: Illustration or comic backgrounds

Use a decoration brush to make effects that reflect character’s emotional state.

You can also use them to make focus lines or help you with perspective.

 

5. Radial curve

Creating the ruler

 

(1) Wherever you tap will be the center for your radial lines.

(2) Make a series of points by tapping to make the curves.

(3) Double-tap the final control point or press Enter to confirm and create the ruler.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can change the center of a Radial curve ruler as well as its curve shape.

 

Curve shape

Drag the control point to change the curve shape.

 

Radial curve center

Drag the center to change the Radial curve center.

 

You can also input values to define the Center X and Center Y in the Tool Property palette.

 

Ruler use examples: Comic and game backgrounds

Use a brush with some texture to give life to the effect.

Make slightly different sized Radial curve rulers to bring new levels to your effect.

 

6. Concentric circle

Creating the ruler

 

Go from the center of the circle (1) and drag diagonally to (2) to make the circle shape.

 

Release the pen to change the direction of the circle, then tap (3) to make the Concentric circle ruler.

 

Note:

If you want a fixed circle shape you can check the Keep aspect ratio box in the Tool Property palette and then create the Concentric circle ruler.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can change the center, shape, and angle of a Concentric circle ruler.

 

Center of circle

Select Concentric circle ruler and drag to a position besides the ruler’s center.

 

You can also input values to define the Center X and Center Y in the Tool Property palette.

 

Note:

Drag the center to move it along the center axis.

 

Circle shape

Drag the control point to change the circle shape.

 

Drag the control point on the center axis to change the circle’s angle.

 

You can also change the angle of the circle by inputting values in Angle in the Tool Property palette.

 

Ruler use examples: Drawing backgrounds or small objects

Use this to draw anything comprised of concentric circles on a flat plane, like car wheels or cup lids.

You can draw stacked objects by sliding the ruler center up and drawing as you go.

 

7. Guide

Creating the ruler

 

Drag horizontally to make a horizontal guide and vertically to make a vertical guide.

 

 

 

Adjusting the ruler

 

You can change the direction of the guide.

 

Drag the center and change the position.

 

You can also go to the Tool Property palette to change the position.

Enter in a value in Center X for a vertical guide and a in Center Y for a horizontal guide.

 

Ruler use examples: Check the position on your canvas.

Make vertical and horizontal guides, align their Center X and Center Y in the Tool Property palette to divide the canvas in half, and check where your canvas center point is.

Note: This example is showing a 1600 x 1200 px canvas.

 

Special ruler snapping

Snap to Special ruler

 

To enable snapping, go to View and turn on Snap to Special Ruler.

 

You can also tap the Snap to Special Ruler button on the Command Bar to switch it on and off.

 

 

 

Toggle Special ruler snapping

 

There may be multiple Special rulers on the canvas, but you can only snap to one at a time.

 

If you want to change which Special ruler you are snapping to, tap the Toggle Special ruler snapping button.

Check the color of the ruler to see which ruler your line is snapped to.

 

You can also change which ruler you will snap to by going to the Tool Property palette.

 

Select the Special ruler you want to snap to and check the Snap box in Tool Property.

 

Clip Studio Paint features other useful sub tools for drawing backgrounds like the Perspective ruler, Focus lines, and more.

Visit the following sites for more details.