Clip Studio Paint is a professional application for comic book artists, animators, and sketch artists. It has a lot of drawing tools, speech balloons, 3D effects, perspective rulers, and more.
Furthermore, it includes a vast library of downloadable brushes created by professionals. Using these brushes, you can draw stylish patterns and shapes.
Clip Studio Paint is a premium tool. It comes in two paid versions: PRO and EX. This guide covers Clip Studio Paint PRO vs. EX to see all the differences.
The main difference
The main difference between the two is the frame size. Clip Studio Paint PRO supports up to 24 frame animations, whereas the EX version has a much higher limit.
Other features only available in EX include multi-page editing, collaboration, converting pictures into diagrams, and exporting options.
Animation frames
Clip Studio Paint PRO supports only 24 frames per animation. You can create an animation clip with a maximum of 24 drawings.
As the length of the clip increases, the number of frames per second will decrease. It results in slow animation. For example, a 3-second video clip will have only 8 frames per second.
In comparison, Clip Studio Paint EX supports an unlimited number of frames per animation.
Increasing the number of frames per second allows you to create longer video clips with speedier animations. This makes it suitable for long animated films.
Multiple pages
The EX version enables you to create multiple drawing pages in a single file. This feature is helpful for graphic novel and comic book artists.
It lets them rearrange and organize comic pages to create a storyline.
Related: Clip Studio Paint vs. Photoshop
View and edit 3D materials from numerous perspectives
Another feature only available in the EX version is the multiple-angle view of 3D objects. You can view a 3D object from the top, front, right, and perspective view angles.
When you change the position of the image from any view angle, the 3D model on the canvas also changes accordingly.
Editing script lines in bulk
Clip Studio Paint EX has a story editor feature that allows you to insert a multiple-line script within the story. You can also create water balloons around scripts.
You may also search, rearrange, and replace scripts later if necessary. In contrast, this feature is unavailable in the PRO version.
Convert models into line diagrams
This is the most advanced and valuable feature of Clip Studio Paint EX. It converts images and 3D models into customizable line diagrams.
Drawing the same object multiple times is time-consuming. But with this feature, you can convert already made 2D and 3D objects into lines and screen tones.
You can then customize them using different pens and brush tools.
Give images an illustrated look
In the EX version, you can make your images seem more like illustrations. It can be done by giving backgrounds a higher level of detail using various filters.
You can also take 3D objects and photos and turn them into separate line and tone layers.
Related: Krita vs. Clip Studio Paint
Splitting frames
In the Clip Studio Paint EX version, you can split frames into parts using various built-in templates. These templates divide the frames into different smart layouts.
You can also split the frame on your own and save it as a template. In contrast, the PRO version only supports the manual division of frames into sections.
Collaboration
Clip Studio Paint EX also allows for collaboration on multi-page documents. It lets people work on the same file simultaneously as long as they are working on different pages.
The editing history is stored as multiple versions of the document. You can create your team and invite users via email or the link.
Here is a tutorial if you want to create a team and collaborate in EX.
Review work before publication
The EX version lets you review the final project in 3D before publication with the 3D preview feature.
Clip Studio Paint PRO vs. EX: Embed viewer
Another great thing about Clip Studio Paint EX is that you can share projects with others in an embedded viewer.
It can be done by uploading the project to Clip Studio Share. Additionally, you can set the view layout to book or scroll format.
Exporting options
Clip Studio Paint PRO supports exporting single-page files in BMP, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, Targa, PSB, PSD, GIF, and MP4 formats.
On the other hand, Clip Studio Paint EX allows you to export multi-page files in PDF, Kindle, and EPUB formats.
Pricing
In the case of windows and macOS, they are available as a one-time purchase.
The PRO version for Windows or macOS costs a one-time fee of $50. However, this license is going away in 2023.
Clip Studio Paint EX costs $219 for a Windows or macOS license.
Subscriptions
The company has introduced subscriptions. With subscriptions, you can get Clip Studio Paint PRO and EX licenses for any device at the same price.
The PRO version of Clip Studio Paint costs $4.49 per month or $24.99 per year. The EX version costs $8.99 per month or $71.99 per year for a Windows, macOS, iPad, iPhone, or Android license.
You can subscribe to two devices and use both for your projects at a reduced price. The details of monthly and yearly prices for both are listed below:
Clip Studio Paint PRO
| Platforms | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single device | $4.49 | $24.99 |
| Two devices | $7.49 | $43.99 |
| Four devices | $8.99 | $53.99 |
| One smartphone device | $0.99 | $6.49 |
Clip Studio Paint EX
| Platforms | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single device | $8.99 | $71.99 |
| Two devices | $12.49 | $99.99 |
| Four devices | $14.99 | $117.99 |
| One smartphone device | $2.49 | $16.49 |
Video explanation
The video by Brian Shearer explains the significant differences. This may help if you are still confused.
Conclusion
Both have many differences, which is why this Clip Studio Paint PRO vs. EX was essential.
Clip Studio Paint PRO is enough if you only need to make one-page drawings and short animations like gifs.
On the other hand, you need Clip Studio Paint EX to make longer animations and comics with more than one page. Also, if you need to work together as a team, you must choose the EX version.
My name is Madhsudhan Khemchandani. I have a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering (Honours). I have been writing articles on apps and software for over five years. I have also made over 200 videos on YouTube. Read more about me on the About page.