Introduction

This time, we will cover the basics of the ruler functions essential for drawing manga in CLIP STUDIO.

While explaining some handy tips and settings for operation, we will also cover which ruler to use for what kind of drawing and how to use it.

1. Ruler Shortcuts and Settings

1.1 Snap Shortcuts

You can toggle ruler snapping using the button on the command bar. Moving your hand to the command bar every time is inefficient, so it's better to register it as a shortcut.

You can register it from the [File] menu's [Shortcut Settings]: 1. [Setting Area - Main Menu] - 2. [View] - 3. [Snap to Ruler/Special Ruler] .

You can switch rulers ON/OFF by hiding the ruler layer or by touching the ruler's diamond mark with the Object tool, but this requires moving your hand away from your drawing every time. Registering it as a shortcut is convenient as it saves you from moving your hand.

 

 

It's also convenient to register ON/OFF snapping for each vanishing point of the perspective ruler as shortcuts. This allows you to instantly toggle a vanishing point off when you only want to disable it in one direction.

You can register each vanishing point from the [File] menu's [Shortcut Settings]: 1 [Setting Area - Options] - 2 [Canvas] - 3 [Perspective Ruler] .

1.2 Object Tool Settings

Next, I'll introduce a useful Object tool setting when using the Parallel Ruler. Make sure to check [Specify direction of parallel ruler] under [Operate objects by dragging] in the Object tool's [Operate transparent part] settings.

With this setting, if you drag while holding down the [Ctrl] key when drawing with a pen, the pen will temporarily switch to the Object tool, allowing you to easily and freely change the angle of the parallel ruler.

 

 

This is useful for drawing hatching like this.

Also, while switching with [Ctrl], if you drag while holding [Shift], you can adjust it in 45-degree increments.

If you need a precise angle for the parallel ruler, you can touch the parallel ruler with the Object tool to set the angle numerically.

This angle value is used to match the angle when blurring something drawn with the parallel ruler using the [Motion blur] filter.

2. Practical Examples Using Each Ruler

Now, when drawing manga, I will introduce which special ruler to use and when, with several examples, using this soccer ball to illustrate movement.

2.1 Parallel Ruler

First, let's look at the parallel ruler. This ruler is used to draw speed lines that convey linear motion.

It is also used when drawing speed lines in white over black filled areas.

It can also be used to draw small shadow lines and hatching. At this time, the method introduced earlier—changing the angle of the parallel ruler by dragging while holding down the [Ctrl] key when drawing with a pen—comes in handy.

Next is the parallel curve ruler.

2.2 Parallel Curve Ruler

Next is the parallel curve ruler. If it's not in your tool list, copy the parallel line ruler, rename it, and change the [Special Ruler] item to [Parallel Curve] to use it. [Quadratic Bezier] is recommended for specifying curves. The same applies to other rulers.

Here's how to set up a parallel curve ruler. Place the ruler as if drawing a curve on a vector layer, then fine-tune it with the Object tool.

 

 

The parallel curve ruler can be used to draw speed lines that convey curved motion, like this.

It can also be used to draw corners of pipes, or

It is also used for drawing curved hatching.

At this time, I recommend creating a ruler for each direction.

2.3 Concentric Curve Ruler

Next is the concentric curve ruler.

The concentric curve ruler is similar to the parallel curve ruler, but if you rotate the circular mark with a bar using the Object tool, the end of the ruler tapers, allowing you to draw curved speed lines with a sense of perspective.

It can also be used to draw shadow lines for swords that taper towards the tip, among other things.

If you turn off ruler snapping and erase some of the shadow lines, you can create an effect similar to a blade pattern (hamon).

Furthermore, if you set up parallel line rulers and concentric curve rulers in advance, the Streamline tool can also snap to them. You can automatically align lines with the original speed lines.

Since they are drawn with the same ruler, it's convenient to add lines later to roughly drawn lines with a tool and make fine adjustments.

The Streamline brush can also snap, which is useful for adding subtle motion lines to line art.

 

 

Drawing with a white Streamline brush within a selection area produces an effect like this.

 

 

The Streamline brush was distributed previously, so please customize and use it freely.

However, there's one point to note: the Streamline tool cannot snap to the parallel curve ruler, so please remember that. The Streamline tool can only snap to the parallel ruler and the concentric curve ruler.

2.4 Radial Ruler

Next is the radial ruler.

This is commonly used for drawing concentration lines, or

It is used for drawing speed lines with depth.

2.5 Radial Curve Ruler

Next is the radial curve ruler.

This is used for drawing spiral concentration lines, or

It is used for drawing curved speed lines that have a sense of perspective.

Also, both the radial ruler and radial curve ruler can snap to the concentration line tool.

 

 

The concentration line brush can also snap in the same way.

The concentration line brush was distributed previously, so please customize and use it freely.

2.6 Pattern Brush

Furthermore, the rulers introduced so far can also snap to pattern brushes.

This is useful for drawing patterns or effects along speed lines.

Let's try drawing a blizzard scene using a pattern brush and the radial curve ruler.

Draw snow towards the center using a snow brush over a gradient, like this,

 

 

After adding curved concentration lines with white lines,

Then, lightly erase the snow in the center with a cloud gauze brush. We were able to draw a blizzard-like image.

 

 

2.7 Drawing Objects by Converting Vector Layers to Rulers

Next, I will introduce converting vector layers to rulers, which is convenient for drawing objects.

This method involves first drawing an object on a vector layer, then converting that vector layer into a ruler, and finally tracing over it again with a pen.

With this method, there's no need to constantly switch between rulers and pens, allowing you to draw small objects with clean lines while adding nuance to them.

Let's take the sword line art mentioned earlier as an example. First, draw the sword's line art on a vector layer using a curve tool or similar.

In this state, the lines feel uniform and stiff.

Next, convert the entire drawn line art into a ruler using [Layer] menu > [Ruler/Frame] > [Ruler from vector] .

Now, I'm tracing it again with a pen. The lines now have more nuance compared to the vector layer state, losing the feeling of being drawn with a tool.

Supplement and Applications

While this article was aimed at beginners, previous articles have touched upon advanced uses of rulers.

Drawing objects on vector layers has been thoroughly explained in previous videos. Please refer to them when converting vector layers to rulers to draw objects.

The cooperation between rulers and filters, and how to use rulers in battle scenes, are also explained in the articles below, so please take a look.

Conclusion

Above, I introduced the basics of convenient rulers for drawing manga.

While rulers excel at drawing uniform lines, setting them up can be time-consuming, and that effort can sometimes hinder your workflow. Often, you might not be able to set up a ruler perfectly for the line you want to draw. In such cases, drawing freehand without a ruler is also a strong consideration. After understanding the functions, please try switching between using rulers, vector layers, or freehand drawing depending on the situation and your mood.