For those of you with Manga Studio, have you done much to customize the interface?

serenitysquirrel 2015-07-31 18:15:11 UTC #1

One of the things I like about MS5 is that the interface is so very very customizable. I've been trying to find ways to better streamline mine and am wondering what you've moved around on yours?

AnnaLandin 2015-07-31 18:28:14 UTC #2

Well, mine looks like this:

Usually, the menus on the lefthand side are a bit narrower than that; it just looks kind of wide right now because they're set up for my Cintiq 21UX, and this is a screenshot from my regular screen, which is smaller.

I adjusted the colours, because I find I get less eye-strain with a darker interface. I've also hidden the materials-menu on the righthand side as I hardly ever use them and they just take up space. Most of the other adjustments I've made are to specific brushes, tinker with some keyboard shortcuts (which I hardly ever use either - my non-drawing hand is usually occupied by a tea cup), and to add a few more tools to the selection-toolbar.

SpavVy 2015-07-31 20:06:17 UTC #3

Like AnnaLandin my interface is also dark for less eye strain. I like keeping my tool box a little narrow and prefer having my color wheel on the bottom. In Paintool Sai and GIMP I like having my tools on the left hand side because I'm left handed. Not sure if that can be switched in MS though.

noreth 2015-07-31 22:26:02 UTC #4

I work with ClipStudioPaint, it's the same software

Quinn_Li 2015-08-01 08:40:07 UTC #5

I was just wondering if there was much of a difference between Manga studio 5 and Manga studio 5 EX because I can't decide on which version to buy...

serenitysquirrel 2015-08-01 10:45:32 UTC #6

The most useful difference I've found is the ability to set up a multi-page comic file. So you have all your little thumbnails to a side and can see a larger storyboard at one go. Not a huge game-changer, but nice.

Am sure there's more but not exactly sure what at the moment. @AnnaLandin AnnaLandin might know.

pixelsnplay 2015-08-01 13:27:47 UTC #7

My setup is similar to Savannah's. Something I found useful is to use a second monitor and put a new window on the second monitor. I like to get rid of space at the top too. ^^

serenitysquirrel 2015-08-01 13:28:47 UTC #8

What purpose do you use the 2nd window for?

pixelsnplay 2015-08-01 13:31:40 UTC #9

For me it's great to be able to see the full page because usually I am zoomed all the way in on the main tablet monitor. Haha nothing worse then having something look pretty decent at 250% and then not so good at 100% haha T_T Plus I love having it for reference photos at the same time.

serenitysquirrel 2015-08-01 13:34:35 UTC #10

Yeah. I usualy have my regular monitor done up with ref photos and maybe a tv show with the tablet monitor for art. Hadn't really thought about the zooming thing. Might be neat to try!

AnnaLandin 2015-08-01 15:05:38 UTC #11

The main difference is the Story-function, AFAIK, where you can create a multi-page file for your comic, where all your pages for a given chapter - or a given story - can be accessed easily in one place. It's a good way to get an overview of how much you've done, how much you still have to do, and get a grip on the pacing of the story and whatnot.

I'm actually using the standard version of MS5 - I do have the EX-edition of MS4, but that's not quite the same thing. Someone who's actually used MS5EX will most likely know more.

serenitysquirrel 2015-08-01 15:10:13 UTC #12

See, I only have MS5EX and have no idea what the reg one might not have. Really wish the company would put a comparison thing up.

Edit: Oh lookie what I found

http://my.smithmicro.com/manga-studio-5-compare.html

UzukiCheverie 2015-08-01 15:22:37 UTC #13

don't you feel ridiculous now

lol

serenitysquirrel 2015-08-01 15:32:53 UTC #14

Not a bit. But the question on comparison has been asked quite a few times in this forum. I haven't really needed to know in depth, but it's good to be able to help others.

WarkDatch 2015-08-02 01:43:41 UTC #15

mine looks like this

trevormckee31 2015-08-02 04:58:41 UTC #16

Yeah I've done a little bit... mostly dragging around sub tools so the ones I use most are front and center so to speak.

doktormostro 2015-08-02 05:43:25 UTC #17

Like others i like the dark UI for less eye strain.
Triangle color for easiest use than square.
I find navigator just perfect to be clear about full comp/size.
In the same i have the sub view to check for any reference photo, i dont usually need it to be big.

Edit: I forgot to show that i like to have a swatch color wheel with skin tones lol.. im not very good with colors-

This hadn't been commented, but i like to play a lot lol so i have a gaming Logitech g105 keyboard and g402 mouse, the fun fact is those accesories have extra buttons that are perfect for working. And this is how i have them customized for Clip Studio.

If you have any question about how i config or anything, please tell me =)
Hope this can help someone interested in something similar.