To turn a 3D model into line art in Clip Studio Paint (CSP), you utilize the built-in "Convert to Line and Tones" feature available in the Layer menu. This tool is specifically designed to process 3D models or image layers into line art and screen tones.
Simple Steps to Convert Your 3D Model
Converting your posed 3D model into a clean line drawing is a straightforward process in CSP. Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Model: Ensure your 3D model is added to your canvas and posed exactly how you want it for your illustration. Adjust the camera angle until you achieve the desired perspective.
- Go to the Layer Menu: With your 3D model adjusted to the desired pose, go to the layer menu.
- Convert to Line and Tones: Select "Convert to Line and Tones" from the Layer menu. This action opens a dedicated dialog box offering various settings for the conversion.
Understanding the Convert to Line and Tones Dialog Box
The "Convert to Line and Tones" dialog box is where the magic happens. It provides controls to fine-tune how CSP interprets the 3D model's geometry and shading to create lines and potentially screen tones.
- Adjust Settings: Within this dialog, you'll find options to control line thickness, edge detection sensitivity, exclusion lists (to ignore certain objects), and settings for generating tones based on shading.
- Preview Your Line Art: In the dialog box, make sure to click on the preview button. This allows you to see the effect of your settings in real-time before applying the conversion, helping you achieve the perfect result without trial and error.
Once you are satisfied with the settings, confirm the dialog box. CSP will then generate new layers containing the line art derived from your 3D model, often separating lines from different object types or shading information onto distinct layers for easier editing.
Why Use 3D Models for Line Art?
Using 3D models as a base for line art offers several benefits for artists:
- Accurate Perspective: Easily achieve correct and consistent perspective, especially for complex scenes or objects.
- Quick Posing: Rapidly pose figures, adjust lighting, and change camera angles without redrawing from scratch.
- Consistent Details: Maintain consistent details and proportions across multiple drawings or panels.
- Reference and Foundation: Provides a solid foundation that can be refined and stylized manually afterwards.
This feature streamlines the process of using 3D assets as drawing aids, allowing you to quickly generate a clean line art base that you can then edit and enhance to match your artistic style.
