Hello there! Welcome back to the Clip Studio Guide.


This entry will cover a topic that receives a fair number of questions: how does one install CLIP STUDIO PAINT? And, once installed, how can one either test out the demo version of the program, or purchase a license or subscription?

 

 

 

macOS

 

· macOS 10.10 and up (Intel-based) or macOS 11 and up (M1 Chip-based)
· Minimum of 2 GB of RAM (8 GB and up preferred)
· Minimum 3 GB of storage space
· A drawing tablet or monitor that supports pressure sensitivity
· Minimum screen resolution: 1024x768 (1280x768 and higher preferred)
· Internet Access (to verify software registration)

  

iOS

 

· All iPad Pro Models
· iPad (5th generation and up)
· iPad Air (2nd generation and up)
· iOS 11 and up
· Minimum 6 GB of storage space
· Internet Access (to verify software registration)

 

Android

 

· Devices that use an ARM32 or ARM64 processor (Samsung Galaxy devices require an ARM64 processor)
· Android 9 or later
· Phones: minimum 6” display (recommended)
· Tablets: minimum 10.4” display (recommended)
· Minimum 3 GB RAM
· Minimum 6 GB storage space
· Internet Access (to verify software registration)

 

Chromebook

 

· Chrome OS supporting Android 9
· Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
· Minimum 6 GB storage space
· Internet Access (to verify software registration)

 

 

NOTE: depending on the iOS/Android device, it may not be possible to create canvases beyond a certain size. In addition, some larger-format canvases may run slower depending on the amount of available RAM.


NOTE: It is recommended to use a device that supports a pressure sensitive pen, or can be attached to a drawing tablet. It is possible to use CLIP STUDIO PAINT without a pen or drawing tablet, but lines drawn will not have any variable line width, pressure, etc.

 

 

Downloading CLIP STUDIO PAINT

 

 

Windows and macOS

 

To download the CLIP STUDIO Paint installation file, First visit https://www.clipstudio.net/en/dl/.

 

  

 

 

Then click on the link for the appropriate device or operating system. While there are options for both the latest version and for a free trial, the links are the same.


For iOS and Android users, it is recommended to visit this site on the device the program will be installed on. The link will automatically open the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android & Chromebook), or Galaxy Store (Samsung Galaxy).


To install the program, press either the Install (Android/Galaxy) or Get (iOS) button. 

 

 

 

 

(Google Play - Android & Chromebook)

 

 

 

 

(Galaxy Store)

 

 

 

 

(iOS App Store - iPhone)

 

 

 

 

(iOS App Store - iPad)


NOTE: If installing straight from the App/Play/Galaxy Store, simply do a search for CLIP STUDIO PAINT in the search bar. The program should be the first thing that appears in the search results.

 

  

Installing and Opening CLIP STUDIO PAINT

 

 

Windows

 

Once downloaded, open the CLIP STUDIO PAINT installation package. If it is not visible in the browser’s downloads list, Open an Explorer window, and open the Downloads folder. Then, search for a package with naming similar to the file below, and double-click it. This will begin the installation process:

 

 

 

 

First, accept the Terms of the License Agreement, and click the Next button:

 

 

 

 

If the default installation location specified in the next window is acceptable, click the Next button. If not, click on the Change button, and select the preferred location on the computer. Then, click the Next button

 

 

 

 

Next, select the default language for the program from the drop down list, and click the Next button.

 

 

 

 

Finally, click the Install button to begin.

 

 

 

 

 

If all goes well, a window should appear, noting that the installation has completed.

 

 

 

 

Once installed, Click on the CLIP STUDIO Icon, located on the Desktop. This will open the CLIP STUDIO Launcher program.

 

 

 

 

The program will then begin installing its base materials.

 

 

 

 

Once that is done, a pop-up window will appear, providing the option to install additional materials. Press Yes to install them, or press No to go straight to the Launcher.

 

 

 

 

The CLIP STUDIO launcher provides the latest news and information on CLIP STUDIO programs, as well as links to get new assets (materials, brushes, 3d objects, etc), read & watch tutorials, ask questions, share your artwork, and more.


To open CLIP STUDIO PAINT, Click on the PAINT link, located on the top of CLIP STUDIO’s side menu.

 

 

 

 

TIP: Once CLIP STUDIO PAINT is open, right-click its icon in the Windows taskbar, and select “Pin to Taskbar” from the pop-up menu. Once pinned, the CLIP STUDIO PAINT icon will remain on the taskbar, providing the option to open the program directly, without going through the CLIP STUDIO launcher.

 

macOS

 

Once downloaded, open the CLIP STUDIO paint installation package. If it is not visible in the browser’s downloads list, Open a Finder window, and open the Downloads folder. Then, search for a package with naming similar to the file below, and double-click it. This will begin the installation process:

 

 

 

 

 

Read (and agree to) the Software License Agreement. Then, click on the Continue button:

 

 

 

 

Click on the Install to begin the installation process:

 

 

 

 

NOTE: An Administrator username & password may be necessary in order to install the program.

 

 

 

 

The installation should now begin:

 

 

 

 

When prompted, select the language to be used in the program, and click on the OK button.

 

 

 

 

If all goes well, the summary tab should note that the program was installed successfully!

 

 

 

 

If the installation package is no longer needed, it can now be moved to Trash.

 

 

 

 

To open the program, Open a Finder window, select the “Applications” folder (which should be located in the favorites sidebar), click on the CLIP STUDIO 1.5 folder and double-click on the “CLIP STUDIO” icon.

 

 

 

 

NOTE: To skip the CLIP STUDIO launcher, click on the CLIP STUDIO 1.5/App folder, and double-click CLIP STUDIO Paint. Or, press ⌘ + Space to launch Spotlight search, and enter CLIP STUDIO Paint in the search bar.

 

 

iOS

 

 

The program has been installed, thanks to the App Store. To open the program, tap on the CLIP STUDIO icon on the home screen.

 

 

Android/Galaxy

 

The program has been installed, thanks to the Google Play Store. To open the program, open the Apps drawer, find CLIP STUDIO PAINT on the list, and tap on its icon.

 

 

Creating a New CLIP STUDIO Account

 

Whether buying, subscribing or using the demo version of CLIP STUDIO PAINT, as CLIP STUDIO account will be required. Fortunately, it’s possible to create an account right in the program.


When CLIP STUDIO PAINT is opened for the first time, a Getting Started With CLIP STUDIO PAINT window will appear. From here, users can choose to either try a demonstration version of the program, or they can begin the process to either purchase a license, or begin a subscription.

 

 

 

 

To begin the Account creation process, click or tap the Sign up to get your first 3 months free button.


The next window that appears is the account login page. Since there is no account to log in with yet, click on the Sign up for free button.

 

 

 

 

This will open a new browser window.

 

 

 

 

Enter the email address that will be associated with the account, and press continue. An email will be sent to the address with a confirmation link.

 

 

 

 

Clicking on the link in the email will bring up the Register Profile page. From here, enter in all of the additional information needed to finish setting up the account.

 

 

 

 

Using the CLIP STUDIO PAINT Demonstration

 

 

CLIP STUDIO PAINT provides all users the option to try the program out before committing to a purchase, or even creating a CLIP STUDIO account. How that demonstration works will depend on the device that is being used.

 

 

 

Limited Demonstration

 

Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and iOS/Android Tablet users have the option to try out CLIP STUDIO PAINT in full as long as they want....with some limitations.


To do this, click on either the EX (to try CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX) or PRO (to try CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO) buttons on the Getting Started with CLIP STUDIO PAINT window.


It is important to note however, that several key features will be disabled:


· Save and Save As, and Save Duplicate
· Export
· Batch Import
· Scan, Continuous Scan, and Select Scan Device
· Print, and Print Settings
· Cut, Copy, and Paste
· Registering Materials
· All Story File functions, including: Add Page, Add Page (Detail), Import, Duplicate, Delete, Combine, Split, Page Settings, Work Settings, and Batch Process
· File Object functions
· User-created filter plugins
· Animation files cannot be exported.

In short: this version is intended to give the user a chance to play around with the program as much as they want, knowing that anything created won’t be saved or exported.

 

 

One Hour Demonstration

Unlike the Limited Demonstration, those who use CLIP STUDIO PAINT on an iOS or Android/Galaxy phone can use the program for free with all of its features and functions available.


However, there will be a one hour daily time limit applied to the program. This hour is cumulative, meaning that the app can be used at any point over the course of the day, until one hour of usage has been reached. The demo will then be locked until the next day.


To use this option, tap the Launch button on the Getting Started with CLIP STUDIO PAINT window.

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-Month Demonstration

 

All versions of CLIP STUDIO PAINT have the option to use the program for three months (or six months for Samsung Galaxy Phone/Tablet owners who downloaded the app through the Galaxy Store) before purchasing a subscription, although it will require setting a subscription up — once the trial period ends, the subscription will begin.


To begin the demo, click on the “Sign up to get your first 3 (or 6) months free” button.


This will bring up the “Log In to your CLIP STUDIO Account” window.


If a CLIP STUDIO account has been created, enter the account’s email & password, and click or tap LOG IN. If the account has not been created, click or tap the Sign Up For Free button, and go through the steps outlined in Creating a New CLIP STUDIO Account.

 

 

Windows/macOS

 

A browser window will open in the CLIP STUDIO launcher, detailing two options to how to proceed: Purchasing a license, or purchasing a subscription.

 

 

 

In order to take advantage of the three month demo, click on the Monthly Usage Plans Purchase button to set up the subscription, and follow the steps that I explain in the next section, Purchasing & Registering CLIP STUDIO PAINT.

iOS/Android/Chromebook

 

After logging into the CLIP STUDIO account, a window will appear, detailing the various subscription options available.

Select the subscription option (monthly or yearly) for the version of CLIP STUDIO PAINT that will be used, and tap its respective Purchase button. Note that the subscription will not begin until the demonstration period ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Phones)

 

 

Purchasing & Registering CLIP STUDIO PAINT

 

 

So the demonstration has whetted the appetite for CLIP STUDIO PAINT, and it is now time to take the big leap and purchase a license or subscription. Let’s talk about how to do just that.

 

 

Windows and macOS - One Time Purchase

 

 

In addition to the method mentioned in Using the CLIP STUDIO PAINT Demonstration, Windows and Mac users can also purchase a license or subscription from a web browser. To do this:

· Visit https://www.clipstudio.net/en/purchase/
· Click on either the PRO or EX Buy button.
· Enter the billing information, and press Buy Now

Once purchased, an email should arrive containing the serial number for the program.


NOTE: To purchase a physical AND digital copy of CLIP STUDIO PAINT, visit https://www.graphixly.com/collections/buy

To register, first open CLIP STUDIO Paint. When the Getting Started With CLIP STUDIO PAINT window appears, click on the I already have a license/I have signed up for a free offer button.

 

 

 

 

Then, enter the CLIP STUDIO account’s email & password (if not currently logged in)


Once logged in, enter the Serial Number from the email into the Enter Serial Number text fields, and press the Activate button. If entered correctly, a confirmation should appear, and the program will be registered and ready to go!

 

 

 

 

To set up a Subscription:

· Open a browser, and visit https://www.clipstudio.net/en/purchase/
· Click on the Click Here for Monthly Usage Plans button
· Enter the login email & password, if not currently logged in.

This will bring up a window providing the options for setting up the subscription

 

 

 

 

· Select the preferred Subscription Plan
· Select either CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO or EX
· Select a Monthly or Yearly plan
· Choose the Region and Currency the subscription will be purchase from and with
· Enter the Credit Card information and press Pay Now

Once completed, the license will be added to the account.

To apply the license, first open CLIP STUDIO Paint. When the Getting Started With CLIP STUDIO PAINT window appears, click on the I already have a license/I have signed up for a free offer button.


Then, enter the CLIP STUDIO account’s email & password (if not currently logged in)


Once logged in, select the license to apply from the Use Existing License list, and press the Activate button. The program will be subscribed and ready to go!

 

 

 

 

iOS/Android/Chromebook

 

Unlike Windows & macOS users, there is no one-time purchase option available for iOS, Android/Galaxy, and Chromebook users — these are subscription-only devices.


The subscription on these devices was initially set when starting the trial period (as explained in Using the CLIP STUDIO PAINT Demonstration). It is possible, however, to adjust the subscription at any time during or after the trial period ends.


To do this, tap the CLIP STUDIO PAINT icon on the Main menu (or tap the App Menu button, tap app settings, and, and select Purchase app/Change grade or payment plan.

 

 

 

 

A window will appear, similar to what was shown when first setting up the subscription. As before, tap on the Purchase button for the desired subscription.

 

 

Moving a CLIP STUDIO PAINT Subscription

 

Depending on the plan that was chosen, a purchased subscription can be used from one to four devices. To use a license on a device that exceeds the number available for the subscription, one of the registered licences will need to be transferred over. To do this, select from the Main Menu of the new device:


· Windows: Help > Review/Change License
· MacOS/iPad: CLIP STUDIO PAINT > Review/Change License
· Chromebook/Android Tablet/iPad: CLIP STUDIO button > Review/Change License
· Android/Galaxy/iPhone: App Menu button > App Settings > Review/Change License

A Window will appear showing all of the currently active subscriptions. Select the license to transfer, and click or tap Deactivate and launch on this device.

 

 

 

 

A confirmation should then appear. The new device can now use CLIP STUDIO PAINT, while the old device can not. To switch back, simply repeat the process on the other device!

 

 

Cancelling a CLIP STUDIO PAINT Subscription

 

If a user wants to end the trial period before a subscription begins, it will be important to cancel the subscription. Once cancelled, the subscription will remain active (and the program can still be used) until the end of the current billing cycle.


To do this:

 

 

Windows/macOS

·Open a web browser, and go to https://ec.clip-studio.com/en-us
·If not currently logged into the account, enter the email address and password, then press Sign In
· From the list of currently active plans, select on the one to cancel.
· Click on the Confirm Cancellation button.
· A confirmation will appear, noting that the plan has been cancelled.

iOS

· Open the iTunes Store App, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Then, tap on the Apple ID button.
· Tap on the View Apple ID link, and enter the Apple ID password when prompted.
· When the account settings pop-up appears, scroll towards the bottom of the page, and tap on Subscriptions.
· Then, find CLIP STUDIO PAINT from the list of subscriptions, and tap on the link.
· Finally, tap on Cancel Subscription, and confirm when prompted.

Android/Chromebook

· Open the Google Play Store App
· Select Subscriptions from the main menu (or tap on the App Menu button at the top of the store page to open the Main Menu, then select Subscriptions.
· Select CLIP STUDIO PAINT from the “My Subscriptions” list , and tap/click on the Manage link
· Tap or Click on the Cancel Subscription link.

Samsung Galaxy

· Open the Galaxy Store App
· Select Subscriptions from the main menu (or tap on the App Menu button at the top of the store page to open the Main Menu, then select Subscriptions.
· Select CLIP STUDIO PAINT from the list of subscriptions.
· Tap on the Cancel subscription link.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

And with that, we have covered all we need to know about installing and registering (or subscribing to) CLIP STUDIO PAINT. Now all that is left to do is begin drawing!

Thanks for reading, and happy creating!

 

 

For more information on CLIP Studio Paint, please visit https://www.clipstudio.net/en or https://graphixly.com

 

 

Doug Hills has been a commercial artist for close to 20 years, with work ranging from webcomics and comic books, to T-Shirt designs, storyboards, concept artwork, and more. He is the author of Manga Studio For Dummies (2008), and has created a series of YouTube tutorial videos on how to use the program.

 

 

Twitter: @dnhills

 

Instagram: @dnhills

 

Facebook: /dnhills

 

Youtube: /mangastudioguide