Smith Micro has released details about the forthcoming release of its professional package Manga Studio 5 EX.
I received a pre-release copy and am happy to report it runs well on the Surface Pro.
According to Smith Micro, Manga Studio 5 EX includes all of the features of Manga Studio 5 and the following key extra features:
Multiple-Page Story Layouts. Manga Studio 5 EX now enables artists to create multi-page stories and projects. Manga Studio 5 EX’s Story layout option is ideal for manga and comic artists to streamline their creative process and easily access their story files in one convenient area. The Story option will allow you to specify the number of pages you want to work on, add and delete pages, change the order of pages, create a 2 page spread from a single file, organize your story through the story management window and finally save your story in a convenient project file.
Backwards file compatibility with Manga Studio 4 EX and 4 Debut. Manga Studio 5 EX allows you to import all of your Manga Studio 4 EX and 4 Debut files including your .CPG page files and your .CST story (project) files. The Manga Studio 5 update will also allow you to import Manga Studio 4 .CPG page files but not .CST story files.
Advanced Text Settings: Manga Studio 5 and 5 EX’s text tools have been updated to include adjustments to letter and word spacing, mixing of fonts, anti-aliasing, italics and underline options, line spacing and many other requested features.
Other common feature updates for both MS 5 and MS 5 EX. Manga Studio 5 EX includes hundreds of other workflow improvements and minor enhancements that have been requested by users.
Manga Studio 5 EX is scheduled to be released July 18 during San Diego Comic Con. The product will retail for $299. Upgrades from Manga Studio 4 Debut or EX are $149.99 and upgrades from Manga Studio 5 are $99.99.
The video below contains a walk-through of 5 EX's major feature Story Creation, which facilitates the creation of multi-page stories.
