What software do you use for drawing and coloring your comics?

[SpavVy]

I have a lot of art programs but I use Clip Studio Pro for 99% of my work and it's my favorite program.

[VikiKuli]

I use GIMP generally

[joshuashima]

Clip Studio Paint for basically everything...but I used to work with krita which was pretty good I guess. I prefer Clip Studio Paint though

[LoboSong_Hitaka5Ever]

I use Paint Tool SAI and since I bought the original version, I am able to use 2.0, which has very similar tools that Photoshop has, which includes all the different layer modes and text. But I've heard it is hard to work on Macs (its originally for Windows) so I would recommend FireAlpaca, which is basically the same as SAI, but has all the photoshop stuff BUT is 100% free, unlike SAI 2.0 is (unless you get a pirated copy) I, personally, am not a fan of GIMP bc I feel its too mediocre and doesn't work so well like Photoshop and such does, but I've heard from many people that once you get used to the program, they can do pretty good things with it. It half has to do with the program mechanics itself and half is yourself being an artist that makes the programs work well for you

So yeah, those are my recommendations Hope they help!

[hushicho]

I use Clip Studio Paint exclusively. In previous versions of Manga Studio (which is what Clip Studio was previously marketed as until recently) I used Gimp for some processing and batch stuff. The functions are much more robust in the latest version of Clip Studio Paint, so I literally need nothing else.

At the very least, I'd recommend checking out the basic version when they put it on sale, which they do pretty regularly! You can sign up to their newsletter, and they'll let you know when that happens.

[AnnaLandin]

I use Manga Studio 4 EX for panel layouts and dialogue, and Manga Studio 5 (i.e: Clip Studio Paint) for everything else!

I could use Clip Studio Paint for the entire process, but I only have the basic version, which lacks the multi-page function of the EX-version, and also I prefer the panelling/dialogue-tools for MS4. I just feel more comfortable with them and how they work, so it's quicker and easier for me to use both softwares, even if I have to export files and open them in CSP for inking and colouring.

[demthorshie]

My drawing and coloring processes are pretty simple. I use Clip Studio for drawing and Photoshop for coloring. I started out drawing and coloring in Photoshop exclusively but found that I could draw lines more cleanly in Clip Studio. I'm not yet comfortable coloring in Clip Studio yet.

[popsiclestick]

For SARGENTUM, I use pencil and paper to sketch out my pages, as I much prefer the control I have in traditional art. I then scan it into Photoshop, where I paint it in - I use Kyle's Dry Brush Pack, (especially the Nupastel and Conte Alias brushes) it really adds some nice organic texture to my work to get rid of the overly smooth digital look.

[punkarsenic]

im gonna jump straight to tablets: HUION make very good tablets for a far lower price. they have all the layers of pressure and that youd expect from a decent cintiq, but i think i got mine for £50. at least look into HUION, id say.

i use paint tool SAI, mainly because its all ive ever used. i have about 4 years experience with it, so im really hesitant to change, and currently have no motivation to. SAI's great, especially if you can get the version with text and gif features (i cant)

[KaitoKuraiko]

I recommend Clip Studio Paints it's basically made to make Comics/Mangas so I think it's very good for it ^^

[Shanny8]

Mainly use Clip Studio for pencils & inks. I use Photoshop for coloring coz I hate how Clip Studio's gradient tool looks and I tend to do a lot of gradients in most of my backgrounds. I will toggle back to Clip Studio for some coloring FX, but I do most of my coloring in Photoshop.

I use Illustrator for my lettering- even though you can do lettering in Clip Studio as well- I'm used to quick banging it out in Illustrator.

[Merle]

Drawing on low budget I had struggeled for a good programm for a while.
I´ve kinda settled for Krita, which is a fairly unknown freeware programm... I think there´s one famous comic artist promoting it?
I for example do all the work, sketching layout and colouring for Two Lives in there.
Only downside so far is that you can´t really do the text in there. I use Inkscape for the speech bubbles and lettering
Hope that helps out!

[Emberguard]

The PaintTool Sai from the official website you buy it from will save transparent images yes. It can save in the following formats: .sai .psd .bmp .jpg .jpeg .png .tga

https://www.systemax.jp/en/sai/ < the official website.

@Zetsubonii if you have a old version of Sai that somehow doesn't have that feature just re-download the software from the sai website and enter your product code (or if you need to request a new code through the site using the email that is linked to your purchase). I'm using V1.1.0 and it saves transparent just fine, but the most recent version is 1.2.5

The only reason you wouldn't be able to save in PNG from paint tool sai [of the current version] is if the trial has expired and you haven't bought the software. As soon as you buy the product and enter the product key it'll save transparent images

Edit: I've now updated my Sai to 1.2.5 and the saving of transparent images works just fine

[Kura]

When I started I used to do my work in 3 different programs (Sai, MS4 and PS-a pretty old version of it) now I just do everything in CSP. (I had to use gimp at one point because an employer wanted some graphics done when I did not have access to my PS. F*** that piece of shit trash program I am never using that goblin jiz again)

Clip Studio Paint will do pretty much everything you need it to do to make a comic. The only issue I have is that I can't mess with the sound effects as much with rasterizing the layer like I could in photoshop >< This program also goes on sale a lot, to if you keep an eye on the website to catch a sale. Most artists don't need the extra stuff the EX version has, but there are still some that do (like me) so check the version differences on the site to see if EX actually does have things you would use or not within it, if not then just get the cheaper version.

I've heard good things from people using Sai2 though. A few webcomickers I know have been trying it out since they finally put text functions in and it has been working well for them. Lots of very handy new tools.

[ahhvecadoes]

I use a combo of SAI and CSP! All my actual drawing stuff happens in SAI while CSP is for layout/text/special effects.

[Zetsubonii]

Not everyone pays for the software unfortunately ^^"

[rushellangel]

Thank you for the brush pack suggestion!!

[rushellangel]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback! I'm still doing my own research and looking into some of the suggestions I have not heard of before. In the past I have never paid for art programs- and it would be a lie if I said I'm not considering prices, but the thought of paying a little for a program that does it all rather than jumping between programs like I do now is really tempting.

One of the ones I really want to try after reading this is Sai 2. It was one I only heard of recently, but I hear mostly good things. I'm still waiting for my PC at this time, but can't wait to give this one a try.

Thanks again everyone

[Emberguard]

Well that would explain why it's not working then xD

You could /technically/ use it without buying it as the main function they lock you out of after the trial is finished is the save feature. But copy pasting into a second program gets cumbersome and I have no idea whether or not the copy pasting from one program into another would preserve transparency.

[candaceandco]

For Candace 'n' Company, I have always drawn everything by hand, but for years I had no idea how I should color it. After taking a digital painting course at college, I learned a lot! I use Photoshop Elements for all of the coloring, and although I still draw by hand, once in a while I will toss in a completely digitally rendered background prop just for the heck of it.