Paper Textures Tips:

Converting RGB to CMYK.

Your paper textures use effects that work in RGB mode and must be exported as a single layer file in order to convert to CMYK.

To export a CMYK version of your artwork, go to:

• File > Export (Single Layer) > .jpg (or .tif).
• Choose CMYK from the Color/Expression drop-down menu.
• Click OK to export. 

Customizing Paper Texture Effects.

You can easily control the intensity of the paper textures by adjusting the layer opacity of the Texture and Highlight layers as shown below.

PART 02

COLORING BASICS.

Your KraftTone brushes are designed to faithfully replicate the manual processes used by pre-digital comic colorists from the early 1900's to the 1990's. 

Get to know your brushes in the video below. 

The most important thing to remember is that you must use the corresponding brush and layer at all times. For example, the Cyan Brush must only be applied on the Cyan layer, the Magenta brush on the Magenta layer and so on.

Changing the texture scale.

The brushes are preset with a texture scale of 100% but you can easily adjust the scale in the Tool Property panel (Window > Tool Property). 

The new texture scale will be retained by the brush until reset. To reset the brush, open the Sub Tool Detail panel (Window > Sub Tool Detail) then click Reset All Settings To Default.

CAUTION! Texture scale must match on all brushes used in a formula.

PART 03

HOW TO USE THE KraftTone FORMULA GUIDES.

The KraftTone Color System can create up to 374 colors in both dot and line screen tints.

That's a lot of colors so before you dive in, be sure to watch the video below to familiarize yourself with translating the formulas into brush combinations when coloring your work.

Click here for common skin tones. 

PART 04

ADVANCED COLORING, LINE BRUSHES & PRESSURE TINTS.

Now that we know how to use our Formula Guide, let's start adding more color with our dot, line and pressure tint brushes.

OPTIONAL:
Pre-visualize colors with the KraftTone Solid Swatches Palette.

The KraftTone Solid Swatches Palette includes a solid version of every KraftTone formula so you can quickly mockup and experiment before rendering your final artwork with your dot and line brushes.

Looking for a little color inspiration?
Check out our Comic Closeups pinboard.

PART 05

ADDING TEXTURE & STAIN EFFECTS.

As if coloring alone wasn't enough, now we get to the really fun stuff... creating custom textures and effects so good, you'll swear you're looking at a scan. 

Working with layer masks, we'll create Non-Destructive Destruction™ (you read that right) that leaves your original color layers in tact. Plus you'll learn to add stains, create registration errors and ink absorbtion effects for that little somethin' extra.

Layer mask tips.

If you're new to using layer masks in Clip Studio Paint, there's a couple of handy rules to remember.

1. Your effects brushes will only work on layer masks when set to "transparency mode".
   
   
2. To erase effects added to a mask, use any brush with the foreground color set to 100% black.
   
   

Future proofing registration-errors.

Once you move the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow or Black color layers to simulate a registration error, your brush textures will no longer align with the color you've already laid down. If there's a chance you may want to make changes or add colors later, consider duplicating your Color layer group before creating registration errors. Future you will be grateful!

PART 06

EXPORTING SEPARATIONS FOR SCREENPRINTING.

Don't you just love the tactile immediacy of real ink printed on paper IRL? You're in luck because KraftTone was designed with screenprinting in mind making it super easy to export your separations ready to burn your screens and bring your work into the physical realm. 

Watch the video below to see how.