Amongst many software options for creating digital art, Clip Studio Paint is worth it, since it’s a drawing app that’s used by over 30 million people worldwide. One big question, however, is which version to choose: Clip Studio Paint Pro vs EX?
Many beginners often miss these key differences, even though they impact workflow. That’s why we’ll compare both versions to help you find the one that suits your style perfectly. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
At its core, Pro is designed for illustrators and hobbyists that focus on single-page projects. It offers versatile drawing tools, customizable brushes, and basic animation features. This version makes creating detailed artwork straightforward and efficient. Many beginners and solo artists find Pro ideal for everyday digital illustration.
Furthermore, Pro focuses on simplicity and core illustration workflows. While it handles light animation, it does not support multi-page comics or advanced project management. Its main goal is to provide powerful yet approachable tools for artists who don’t need professional-level complexity.
Meanwhile, EX targets professional comic artists and animators who work on multi-page projects. It includes everything in Pro plus advanced animation features, storyboarding, and comprehensive project management tools, so it is perfect for creators that work on complex workflows.
Beyond that, EX is also built for serious professionals who need multi-page support and high-level control. It excels in handling comics, animations, and collaborative projects. The core difference is that EX offers advanced workflow tools not available in Pro.
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Before choosing Clip Studio Paint Pro vs EX, it’s important to know how their features and tools differ. Let’s break it down!
Both Pro and EX offer illustration tools with customizable brushes, pen pressure sensitivity, and advanced layer management. Artists can create detailed artwork efficiently, whether drawing manga, anime, or concept art.
However, the EX version adds exclusive features like converting 3D models into line diagrams and enhanced image filters. These extra tools allow professionals to streamline complex illustrations and maintain consistent style across projects.
One of the main distinctions of Clip Studio Paint Ex vs Pro is the multi-page support that both have. Typically, Pro provides basic page management suitable for standalone illustrations or short comics.
Meanwhile, EX allows full multi-page comic creation, including storyboarding and page rearrangement. This feature is invaluable for graphic novelists and professional comic artists, as it enables smooth workflow and consistent formatting across chapters or volumes.
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Next, Pro supports frame-by-frame animation with a 24-frame limit, which works for short clips or GIFs. In contrast, EX allows unlimited frames per animation that’s suitable for longer sequences and higher frame-rate projects.
Broadly speaking, EX also includes advanced timeline controls, extended export options, and more precise keyframe management. For animators, these features translate into smoother, professional-quality animations.
When it comes to project organization, Clip Studio Paint EX vs Pro has a clear difference.
Pro is known as a simple and efficient tool. It manages single files and basic templates, which is ideal for individual illustrators. These tools are enough for solo projects or small-scale illustrations without complex workflows.
Meanwhile, EX takes project management to the next level for professionals. It includes story editors, multi-page version tracking, and collaborative features. As a result, teams can work on different pages simultaneously and keep a full editing history to boost productivity for studios and larger projects.
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For pricing, PRO is affordable at $58.5 for a one-time purchase. With this price, you can access powerful brushes, pen pressure support, layer management, basic animation tools, and single-page comic creation, which is ideal for beginners and hobbyists.
Meanwhile, EX costs about $258 and adds full multi-page comic support, advanced animation with unlimited frames, storyboarding tools, project management features, and 3D integration. Its professional-grade capabilities are good for comic artists and animators.
Lastly, the PRO version supports standard file exports, such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and MP4 for animations that cover most basic illustration needs. EX, on the other hand, allows exporting multi-page PDFs, EPUBs, and Kindle-ready formats. This is good for publishing comics, books, or other extended digital content.
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Picking between Clip Studio Paint Pro vs EX really comes down to what you need for your art. Pro is great for single-page illustrations or quick sketches, while EX steps up for multi-page comics and longer animations. So, take a moment to think about how you work best.
Also, consider where you want your art to go in the future. Pro gives beginners and hobbyists plenty of tools to create confidently. EX, on the other hand, equips professionals and teams with everything for bigger projects. In the end, choose the version that feels right for your creative journey.
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