The best software for drawing manga and comics in the UK 2023

Professional or amateur, everyone can try digital drawing on PC, Mac, graphic tablet or smartphone. However, the features, simplicity or compatibility vary from one application to another. So how do you find your way around? Make your search easier with our comparison of the best software for drawing manga and comics in 2021.

BD Studio Deluxe 1
9/10

Best value for money

BD Studio Deluxe

The best software to draw manga and comics

BD Studio Deluxe software is distinguished by its enriched content and numerous features. A powerful and simple tool to create comics and manga.

15,19 £ on Cdiscount

BD Studio Deluxe is very intuitive to use. It has many features, such as adding images and photos from your computer, and the clipping tool to easily insert them into your work board. This versatile software also allows you to retouch the visuals with the filters, so you can achieve more artistic effects.

The strong point of BD Studio Deluxe is its content, which allows you to create comics and mangas quickly and easily. The app offers some 3,000 objects and characters to animate, as well as collections of Japanese manga. You can even choose between several themes, such as cartoons, children's comics, mythology or comics. Finally, it is possible to animate the boxes and to publish them automatically on the Web.

Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM 2
7/10

Best value for money

Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM

The best software to draw entry-level manga and comics

This original software allows you to create your own mangas. You will have at your disposal more than 1,500 manga illustrations, speech bubbles, captions, cliparts, thumbnails, screenshots, etc.

10,86 £ on Cdiscount

This software offers you a wide variety of graphic styles to seduce all manga lovers. You have at your disposal many characters and objects to insert with a simple drag and drop in the boards. You will also have at your disposal a choice of comic strips among a hundred varied and ready-to-use models.

With an intuitive interface, you will also be able to stage your drawings thanks to the simple and intuitive tools provided. Moreover, you will be able to save boards in PDF and other formats (JPEG, HTML...), add texts, photos and personal objects. You can also create, animate and print your own mangas. Moreover, when you need to add special effects and animations "special manga" (fusion effects, movements...), this software will also allow you to do it.

Clip Studio Paint Pro 3
9/10

Best value for money

Clip Studio Paint Pro

The best software to draw high-end manga and comics

With its many features, Clip Studio Paint Pro software makes it easy to create comics and manga in a more professional way.

35,98 £ on Amazon

Clip Studio Paint Pro is one of the most popular manga and comic book software. When working on a graphics tablet, the brush engine gives you unparalleled precision, to exactly reproduce the pressure exerted on your pen. In addition, you have a wide range of features, including speech bubbles, multiple pages, layer management, frame tools and effect lines. There are also secondary tools to bring more detail and realism to your monochrome or colored drawings.

Note that you can customize the brushes and pens to suit your drawing style, and add additional downloadable tools. Finally, the 3D model function allows you to extract drawings from imported 3D objects or photos.

Paint Tool SAI 4
8/10

Very good

Paint Tool SAI

An excellent software to draw manga and comics

This software works only on PC. You can get a demo version to make sure that the software works well. It will allow you to obtain clean, harmonious curves and to easily make long wavy hair.

about 40 €.

This software is one of the most famous and oldest. Especially dedicated to manga designers, it has a line stabilizer and a very low hardware recommendation. You can choose two languages when using it, French and English. Its interface is a bit austere and it might have problems on Windows 10, but this can be worked around. It is worth mentioning that this software cannot support the high resolution of the Cintiq Companion 2.

The Paint tool sai software has a very wide range of tools. You can use them to the full and push the drawing to its limits, especially with the help of overlapping layers. Several renderings are possible, thanks to the vector drawing: watercolor, pencil, paint, etc. You can buy a license for about 40 euros.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best software to draw manga and comics

Any specific needs?

The best software to draw manga and comics

The best software to draw entry-level manga and comics

The best software to draw high-end manga and comics

An excellent software to draw manga and comics

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best software for drawing manga and comics

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE VERY GOOD
BD Studio Deluxe 5
9/10
Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM 6
7/10
Clip Studio Paint Pro 7
9/10
Paint Tool SAI 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
BD Studio Deluxe
Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM
Clip Studio Paint Pro
Paint Tool SAI
BD Studio Deluxe software is distinguished by its enriched content and numerous features. A powerful and simple tool to create comics and manga.
This original software allows you to create your own mangas. You will have at your disposal more than 1,500 manga illustrations, speech bubbles, captions, cliparts, thumbnails, screenshots, etc.
With its many features, Clip Studio Paint Pro software makes it easy to create comics and manga in a more professional way.
This software works only on PC. You can get a demo version to make sure that the software works well. It will allow you to obtain clean, harmonious curves and to easily make long wavy hair.
Maximum content and features
Original and powerful software
A lot of powerful art tools
Offers various small features
Intuitive interface and tools
A real image library
More than 10000 free resources to start a project
Presents a rotation tool
Automatic publication of comics on the web via Microsoft Silverlight Streaming
Software to create, animate and print
All-in-one solution for illustration, painting, manga and comic creation
Allows you to obtain clean and harmonious curves

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Buying guide - software to draw manga and comics

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How to choose your software to draw manga and comics

Do you need manga software for your child? Do you want to perfect your digital art and become a professional comic book writer? Do you use a computer, or do you prefer to draw on a smartphone? What is your budget? Your choice of software should match your expectations.

#1 - Compatibility

Before choosing your manga or comic book application, you must determine on which support you will use it. Indeed, some applications work only on computers, while others are designed for use on smartphones or touch tablets. The most powerful and complete ones are generally those designed for use on a computer, since the PC has many more resources than a mobile device to operate them.

By determining your work environment, you will be better able to make the right choice. Also remember to check that the software is compatible with your operating system if you work on a computer.

#2 - Usability

You won't need the same software to draw professional-level comics and to quickly create illustrations for entertainment purposes. A comic book writer who wants to create a full-fledged work of art, or go into mass production, will choose powerful software with all the necessary tools and features.

On the other hand, if you want to introduce your child to digital drawing, a lighter application may suffice. Moreover, it is still possible to choose between a comic book software and another one that is specifically dedicated to the creation of manga.

#3 - Level of difficulty

The most advanced digital drawing software are often difficult to learn. It is recommended to have a first experience with simpler software before using a professional type application. Depending on your habits and knowledge in the field, try to find out if the application you are interested in corresponds to your needs.

French version

Consider choosing a French version of a digital drawing software for a more simplified and fluid use. Those in the original version, most often in English, may slow down your work.

#4 - Price

Criterion not

to be neglected, the price of a digital drawing software varies a lot from one product to another. An application dedicated to a professional use will be much more expensive to buy compared to another one that is aimed at the general public. Online support services, additional tools and features, among others, justify the higher price.

#5 - Versatility

It can be beneficial to have a versatile tool when creating illustrations. For example, some publishers offer manga and comic book software that, in addition to their own features, also allow for image processing. For example, you can import photos from your computer, then modify them before inserting them in your creation.

Moreover, the compatibility between two applications is an interesting point. Indeed, you can for example transfer your creation from your touch tablet to work on it on your computer, using a more powerful and complete software.

How to use digital manga and comic book software?

Before you get into the art of digital drawing, you should know some basic rules about using software to draw manga and comics.

First of all, you need a support to install and run the software, it can be either a computer, a touch tablet or a smartphone. But the specific functions of such a software can not be exploited at best without an appropriate equipment that is the stylus. This small tool replaces your pencil, pen or brush and gives you the same effects and sensations as when you draw on drawing paper. It even has a virtual eraser.

Although the screen of a smartphone or a tablet allows the use of a stylus, it is not always the case with a computer. In addition, the use of the mouse does not allow to have a quality rendering. The ideal is to use a graphic tablet, on which you can draw your drawings freely and in the most natural way with the matching pen.

The graphic tablet is connected to your computer and your work is displayed directly on the computer screen. It's like drawing on a sheet of paper, with the tablet's surface matching the surface of your computer screen. When you draw, you'll learn to look at your computer screen instead of the tablet to make your designs smoother and better.

Hardware resources

It is important to read the specifications of a software to draw manga and comics before choosing it. Make sure you have some power and memory margin on your computer or tablet. If your PC doesn't have enough resources, it simply won't be able to run the software, especially if it is a professional type.

Free or paid software?

Free software

A lot of software to draw mangas and comics are available in free version. If the free version allows you to discover the basic features of the software, it is mainly used to familiarize yourself with the tool. Once you have explored all the possibilities of the free version, you can switch to the paid version. Note that in most cases, the free version is only valid for a certain period.

Paid software

Publishers of professional digital design software offer their users the option of upgrading to the paid version after the free trial period. The paid version is naturally much more comprehensive in terms of functions, options and tools. In addition, you have access to online services to further enhance the possibilities of your software.

Verdict

The free version of a digital drawing software is economically advantageous, and allows you to immediately enter the world of illustration creation. However, its functions are limited and you don't have access to certain resources. If you just want to draw manga and comics as a hobby and don't want to improve your skills, a free software can be useful.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a comic and manga software to better master the art of digital drawing to make it your career, the paid version is required. It is a complete and powerful tool that offers all the creative possibilities you need, even if you want to draw from scratch.

Tips

Try the free version before upgrading to the paid version.

If a powerful digital design software is offered as a free version that you can use for a certain period of time, you can try it out to see if you can master it and make better use of it in the paid version. The free trial period is ideal to familiarize yourself with the program.

Think about choosing software that allows file transfers.

Many

manga and comics programs can be linked to other applications of the same kind to allow you to import or export your work. This is particularly interesting if you work on an interface that requires you to store your creations on the Cloud. This way, you can download your designs to your computer at the right time to edit or finalize them.

Simple software for your child.

If

your child is interested in digital drawing, opt for software that is easy to use. This is the case with apps that run on smartphones and touch tablets. In addition to being cheaper to buy, they are fun and allow you to quickly create comics by drawing from libraries of characters and settings.

Pay attention to online support.

Be sure to

check that your digital drawing software gives you access to online services, such as product support, frequently asked questions, assistance, or even additional resources

.

Display your work on your PC screen.

Although

some graphics tablets have a screen, you'll get more comfort and realism by controlling your pen directly from your computer screen, which has better size and display quality

.

FAQ

What is the best software to draw manga and comics?

The best software for drawing manga and comics depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.

What is the price of a manga and comics software?

There

is a huge difference in price between digital drawing software. If smartphone apps are offered around 10 euros, more professional tools are available at prices up to 400 euros.

What are the system requirements for my digital drawing software?

It

varies from one application to another. Nevertheless, you need a certain processor power as well as a sufficient memory size for the software to work. For example, smartphone apps range in size from 60 MB to 440 MB, which means that the medium must have enough storage for installation.

Can I use photos imported from my computer in my drawings?

Yes,

many comic book and manga programs allow you to import photos or images stored on your computer, to add to your creation. These images and photos can be modified or used to create 3D drawings if the software allows it.

Can I change the size of the dialogue bubbles?

Yes,

you can set up the speech bubbles according to your texts. You can also change the font.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Best Comic Creator Software 2020: Make Manga and Comics with these tools., Toptenreviews.com
  2. Top 10 Manga Generator Apps For Android., Bestcartoonapp.com
  3. Make comics and manga right on your phone and tablet., Slashgear.com
  4. Top 10 Best Free Graphic Drawing Software and Digital Painting Tip for a graphic tablet., Pigier-lyon.com
  5. Recommendations 2021 - Drawing Software/Apps, Clipstudio.net
  6. Ten software to draw Manga WacometmaApple., Vincenwoo.com
  7. Software for manga., Painterartist.com
  8. Tricks to draw a freehand circle, inarisensei.blogspot.com
  9. How to draw your first manga and how to retrain well!, apprendre-a-dessiner.org
  10. The essentials to know to create a comic book, superprof.fr
  11. Ten software to draw Manga - WacometmaPomme, vincenwoo.com
  12. The 6 Best Software To Draw Manga Comics and ..., xp-pen.fr
  13. Download Manga Studio EX for Windows: download ..., clubic.com
  14. The 13 best free tools to create comics ..., htpratique.com
  15. 14 applications to create comics ..., classetice.fr
  16. An application from the BNF to create your own comic book... without ..., telerama.fr
  17. Photo to Comics. Photo-drawing software test, art-georges.fr
  18. BD Studio Deluxe - Website Creation Software, avanquest.com
  19. Recommendations 2021 - Drawing software/apps | Art Rocket, clipstudio.net
  20. Software to draw in Manga [Resolved] - How It Works, forums.commentcamarche.net
  21. Drawing materials | Manga-designer.com, manga-designer.com
  22. #ClassTICE - 14 tools to create comics, classetice.fr
  23. How to draw manga | Adobe, adobe.com
  24. drawing-mangas.com, dessiner-des-mangas.com
  25. Top 10 Drawing Software - Blog - Dessindigo, dessindigo.com
  26. D2/3d technical vector drawing software to download ..., clubic.com
  27. Top 10 best free graphic design software ..., qiwenchong.medium.com
  28. Learn to draw manga - Manga - Comic Book ..., livre.fnac.com
  29. Basic comic book / manga material | Manga ..., msf-fr.com
  30. How to Draw a Comic Book? | Superprof, superprof.fr
  31. The 10 best Drawing SoftwarePainting and Graphics ..., xp-pen.fr
  32. PDF How to draw your first manga, apprendre-a-dessiner.org
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
BD Studio Deluxe 9
BD Studio Deluxe
Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM 10
Tokyopop Manga Créateur/ Logiciel PC CDROM
Clip Studio Paint Pro 11
Clip Studio Paint Pro
Paint Tool SAI 12
Paint Tool SAI

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