To select and move an object or layer content in Clip Studio Paint, you typically use the Operation tool, specifically the Object sub-tool, or the Move Layer tool.
Selecting and moving elements is fundamental to arranging your artwork. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Selecting Objects and Layers
Before you can move something, you need to select it. Clip Studio Paint offers several ways to select content, depending on whether you want to select an entire layer or specific objects within a layer (like text, vector lines, or frame borders).
Selecting a Single Layer or Object
- Using the Layer Palette: The most common method is to simply click on the name of the layer you want to work with in the Layer palette. This selects the entire layer.
- Using the Object Tool: For specific types of objects on the canvas, such as text, vector lines, or panel frame borders, select the Operation tool (often looks like a cube or arrow) from the Tool palette, and then choose the Object sub-tool. With the Object tool active, clicking directly on a compatible object on the canvas will select it, indicated by a bounding box around it.
Selecting Multiple Layers or Objects
Often, you need to move several things together. Clip Studio Paint provides flexible multi-selection methods:
- Using the Layer Palette (Shift/Ctrl):
- To select a contiguous range of layers, click the first layer, hold down Shift, and click the last layer in the range.
- To select non-contiguous layers (layers that are not next to each other), hold down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on macOS) and click on each layer you want to add to the selection in the Layer palette.
- Using the Object Tool (Holding Ctrl/Cmd on Canvas): As mentioned in the reference, when using a tool like the Object tool, you can select multiple objects or layer contents by holding down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on macOS) and clicking on the elements directly on the canvas. This allows you to add items to your selection by clicking on whatever you want to select.
Moving Selected Objects and Layers
Once your object(s) or layer(s) are selected, moving them is straightforward.
- Using the Object Tool: If you selected using the Object tool, the selected object(s) will have a bounding box. Click and drag anywhere within this bounding box (but not on the handles if you just want to move) to reposition the selected item(s) on the canvas.
- Using the Move Layer Tool: Select the Operation tool and choose the Move Layer sub-tool. With the layer(s) selected in the Layer palette, you can click and drag anywhere on the canvas to move the content of the active layer(s). This tool is especially useful for moving raster layer content or entire layers quickly.
Key Tools for Selection and Movement:
| Tool Name | Location | Primary Use for Selection/Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Object | Operation Tool | Select & Move specific objects (text, vectors, frames) on canvas; Select & Move selected layer content |
| Move Layer | Operation Tool | Move content of active layer(s) by clicking & dragging on canvas |
By utilizing these tools and techniques, including the helpful Ctrl key method for selecting multiple items by clicking on the canvas, you can efficiently select and position elements within your Clip Studio Paint projects.
