Unlike other anime studio tools, this program doesn’t allow users to put things together.
This is because the idea behind the tool is to give artists the freedom to create everything from scratch. On launching Manga Studio, you’ll come across a window that’ll remind you of a drawing application like Paint. Later, they can add color and text to all the scenes, and wrap up the project by adding any detail they may have forgotten to add. Users can start by sketching out different characters along with action sequences.
When I installed the CSP update, my previous MS5 EX install remained in tact, though it did bring over all my brushes and whatnot.Developed by Smith Micro Software, Manga Studio free works as a traditional platform with three required stages needed to create a comic book.
The most recent update is a fairly big change, that adds a lot of new functionality (such as FBF animation), and the file format is not compatible with earlier versions (though you will be able to open MS5 files at least, but if you save them again in CSP, you will only be able to open in the latest CSP). If you've been using it, and need the latest update, it will be called CSP. If you got it new, then CSP is what you'd be getting.
If you own MS5, SM will let you 'cross grade' to the newer CSP version (with animation) for free at their website. I think Japanese updates might come out sooner but the English version follows it eventually. is technically the same as the one Celsys sells from Japan, except for the English UI. Now, the version of CSP that Smith-Micro sells here in the U.S. I posted my comment because some people are saying the two are the same product but that's inaccurate because CSP has seen enough improvements and bug fixes by now. Yes, the product known as 'Manga Studio' ended a while back and it became Clip Studio Paint with the last few version updates.
The new natural media tools are pretty decent too.įor the free upgrade from Manga Studio 5 to Clip Studio Paint 5, go here. If you own Manga Studio 4, CSP is a major upgrade because it adds many color painting tools. (I draw all my comics using primarily the vector brushes,) and the multi-touch support is excellent-way smoother, more accurate and more responsive than Photoshop's. My favorite feature is CSP's vector tools, which are unparalleled for getting a nice hand-drawn pen and ink look. It's supports poseable 3D characters and objects and has a good 'pen and ink' rendering engine. Unlike Photoshop and other drawing/paint programs, CSP has many features specific to creating comics: panel cutting tools, balloon tools, multi-page documents. If you draw comics, I highly recommend it. There are also many bug fixes in Clip Studio Paint so it's worth upgrading even if you don't use the animation tools. It's an unexpected bonus feature and, even though it's a bit limited compared to the tools in Celsys' flagship animation program, it's a very good introduction if you're an illustrator who just wants a taste of working with animation.
(Note: EX is the more advanced version.)Ĭontrary to what's been said elsewhere, there is at least one significant difference between Manga Studio and Clip Studio Paint: Clip Studio Paint has a timeline and frame by frame animation tools.
If you have Manga Studio 5 EX or Pro, you can download Clip Studio Paint EX or Pro for free at Smith-Micro's website. Clips Studio is the latest version of Manga Studio.