Manga Studio / Clip Studio Paint updates available

Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I'm an unabashed fan of Celsys' Clip Studio Paint, known outside Japan as Manga Studio.

This week both Celsys and western distributor Smith Micro published updates to the software. This brings the English language downloadable Clip Studio Paint to 1.4.1 and Manga Studio to 5.0.6.

The new features aren't earth-shattering, but there is a nifty new contour paint that makes it a little easier to simulate rounded surfaces. And the EX versions allow you to export your creations directly to EPUB for electronic readers.

To celebrate the new updates, both Celsys and Smith Micro are offering deep discounts through July 14. The Pro version which normally retails for $50 is only $15 and EX is $84.  To buy via Celsys visit http://www.clipstudio.net/en/purchase or to purchase via Smith Micro visit http://my.smithmicro.com/manga-studio-comic-illustration-software.html

The updates require a valid serial number and are available here from Smith Micro http://my.smithmicro.com/manga-studio-comic-illustration-software-updates.html and here from Celsys http://www.clipstudio.net/en/dl

For such a low entry price, there's really no excuse not to try this great application on your Surface Pro 3 or other Windows device. It is ideally suited to show off the power of the platform and form factor and I've often mentioned to Microsoft that it should be standard issue on every penabled tablet and convertible laptop sold.

Below is the complete change log:

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Manga Studio 5.0.6 / CLIP STUDIO PAINT 1.4.1 Release Notes
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Manga Studio 5.0.6 / CLIP STUDIO PAINT 1.4.1 Corrections
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[Improvements]
-[Contour line paint] tool has been added. You can make smooth gradient by clicking an area between two-color lines.
-[Next canvas]･[Previous canvas] has been added to [Window] menu.
-[Duotone (Threshold)] and [Duotone (Tone)] have been added to [Expression color] to [Export] of [Export settings] dialogue, which is displayed when executing [File] menu >> [Export]. According to this improvement, the previous [Duotone] has been deleted.
-[Specify by resolution] has been added to [Output size] of [Export settings] dialogue, which is displayed when executing [File] menu >> [Export].
-[Object list] has been added to [Tool Property] palette･[Sub Tool Detail] palette when selecting 3D material. You can switch display/hide  and lock to 3D material in 3D layer. Also, you can select 3D materials and parts to edit from [Object list].
-You can edit by parts when importing 3D item material including pose parts and 3D material in LWS format. You can move and rotate parts with [Tool Property] or drag operation.
-Shape of mouse cursor changes on editable parts and manipulator when editing 3D layers.
-It becomes faster to import 3D materials.
-Settings for camera [Roll] and [Perspective] have been added to [Tool Property] when selecting 3D background materials.
-[For commercial issue] has been added to [Preset] of [New] dialogue. This is available by selecting [Comic] or [Show all settings] in  [Use of work].
-You can operate Tab-Mate Controller by values set with [Preferences] dialogue >> [Canvas] if tipping a stick slightly when rotating or scaling canvas with Tab-Mate Controller. It gets back to normal by tipping a tick to the maximum.
-[PRO/EX] [Text list] has been added to [Tool Property] for editing text. You can enter external characters and signs from [Text list].
-[EX] Setting items of [Page range] have been changed in [File] Menu >> [Export] >> [Batch export]. You can export separating cover page and main text.
-[EX] [Export in Kindle format] has been added to [File] menu. Work made with CLIP STUDIO PAINT can be exported in Kindle format.
-[EX] [Output range] has been added to [Export settings] dialogue, which is displayed when executing [File] menu >> [Export].
-[EX] EPUB data can be exported. It is exported from [File] menu >> [Binding export] >> [Export EPUB data].
-[EX] [Gap with default border] has been added to [Folio] in [New] dialogue. You can adjust position of folio by setting gap between folio and default border.
-[EX] [Change basic page settings] has been added to [Story] menu. Settings such as canvas size and resolution can be changed all together to a particular page.
-[EX] Items set with [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings] have been added. In addition to existing settings, you can set [Manga draft settings]. [Story Information] and [Folio].
-[EX] [Resolution] can be selected from several options recommended by printing place if selecting printing place from [Fanzine printing shop] in [New] dialogue.
-[EX] Resolution for exporting can be set for each expression color with [File] menu >> [Binding export] >> [Export fanzine printing data].
-[PRO/EX] [Layer with settings beyond basic expression color] has been added to [Target layer to show] in [Search Layer] palette. You can search layer with colors exceeding [Basic expression color] in canvas.
-[EX] Menu is displayed if right-clicking on [Page Manager] window on [Show binding list].
-Multiple body shape materials can be allocated in canvas.
-Width of palette dock can be fixed.

[Changes of specification]
-In addition to canvas size, binding (Cropped border) size has been displayed in the title bar of [Canvas] window.
-Selection Border has been displayed only in editing [Canvas] window.
Tool shift is canceled if pressing another key twice when executing too shift.
-Category of [Tool Property] in [Text] tool has been changed to a simpler classification.
-When referring to multiple layers including layers inside frame border folder with [Auto Select] and [Fill] tool, frame border is not be referred if disabling mask of frame border folder, which is not directly referred.
-CLIP STUDIO PAINT file format (extension:lip) and page management file (extension:cmc) credibility for saving has been improved.
-Command name of [File] menu >> [Export (Single Layer)] has been changed to [Export].
-[Light Source] of [Tool Property] on selecting 3D layer becomes turned on  simultaneously when importing each file of LWS, LWO and OBJ.
-[Search and replacement] has been added to the menu displayed with right-click of [Story editor].
-[EX] When exporting data from [File] menu >> [Binding export], message to confirm is displayed if there is data in the save destination, which has been exported before.
-[EX] Operation of canvas size has been changed when changing [Binding (Cropped border) size] from [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings]･[Change basic page settings]. Prevent an involuntary change of canvas size.
-[EX] If there is not enough free space in the disk to save, [Story] menu >> [Combine Pages] is not be executed.
-[EX] Settings of [Folio] and [Blind folio] are not succeeded from another use for [Printing of fanzine] when switching [Use of work] in [New] dialogue.
-[EX] [Set story information] has been deleted from [Story] menu. Setting items of [Set story information] has been moved to [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings].
-[EX] Default value of [Number of pages] has become [8] in [Multiple pages] in [New] dialogue.
-[EX] [Story] >> [Batch process] >> [Batch export] has been moved to [File] Menu >> [Export].
-[EX] Values set in [New] dialogue or [Change basic work settings] dialogue have been reflected in [Export] dialogue if selecting [File] menu >> [Export] >> [Batch export].
-[EX] Default value of [Edge] of [Folio] in [New] dialogue has becomes 0.3mm. 0.3mm edge is automatically be created when selecting [Printing of fanzine] in [Use of work].
-[EX] [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings] has not been executed when opening pages of work.
-[EX] [Story] >> [Batch process] >> [Batch import]･[Continuous scan] has been moved to [File] Menu >> [Export].
-[EX] [Cover page] and [Folio] are not be used for fanzine printing data if they are turned off in [New] dialogue or [Change basic work settings] dialogue.
-[EX] Position of blind folio has been changed to get along cropped border frame when adjusting crop mark of spread pages.
-[EX] Message is displayed in [Confirm] of [Show binding list] if resolution of work set in [New] dialogue is different from one of actual page.
-[EX] Settings of canvas and cover page such as resolution and basic expression color are not succeeded when switching [Comic] and [Printing of fanzine] in [Use of work] in [New] dialogue.
-[EX] [Folio] layout in [New] dialogue and [Story Information] has been changed.
-[EX] Font and size of [Blind folio] does not conflict with settings of [Folio]. It is drawn in 6pt with a particular font.
-[EX] [Binding export] has been added [File] menu. [3D Preview for Binding] and [Export fanzine printing data] in [Story] menu >> [Binding process] have been moved to [Binding export].
-[EX] [Use of work] in [New] dialogue prioritizes two rows of layout display when [Use of work] in [New] dialogue is [Comic]･[Printing of fanzine]･[Show all settings].
-[Mac] Color view on CLIP STUDIO PAINT has been changed not to be affected by the color profile settings of display. 

[Corrections]
-When executing [File] menu >> [Export] >> [Batch export], spread pages would not be exported in a correct size if changing export size in [Specify resolution] and setting [Process when scaling] to [Comic]. The issue has been corrected.
-When executing [File] menu >> [Export], the value would not change correctly if clicking the up/down button with the slider of [Export settings] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Settings would not be saved if setting [Expression color] to [Duotone(Threshold)] and [Duotone(Tone)] from [File] menu >> [Print Settings]. The issue has been corrected.
-Binarization of a page, which [Expression color] is set [Monochrome], would be reduced in threshold if exporting data with [Export fanzine printing data] from [File] menu. The issue has been corrected.
-Canvas size after page 2 would not be correct if changing resolution from [Story] menu >> [Batch process]. The issue has been corrected.
-Another side of spread pages would not be included in selection if selecting multiple pages with [Shift] key with click while setting spread pages to start page from [Page Manager] window. The issue has been corrected.
-Layers might not be selected when opening pages if adding cover page to a work without cover page from [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings]. The issue has been corrected.
-Layout of spread pages would be incorrect if adding cover page to a work without cover page from [Story] menu >> [Change basic work settings]. The issue has been corrected.
-It might be exported in wrong canvas size if executing [File] menu >> [Export (Layered)] after executing [Edit] menu >> [Change Canvas Size]. The issue has been corrected.
-Clipping might not be applied correctly when reverting [Combine mode] to [Normal] after setting clipping to a layer folder with [Combine mode] to [Transparent]. The issue has been corrected.
-It might not be applied correctly if using layer effect to a layer folder with [Combine mode] to [Transparent]. The issue has been corrected.
-A part of line might not be deleted and remain, if executing [Edit] menu >> [Undo] after drawing lines when setting multiple [Affected by] of [Brush Size] or pen pressure graph is complicated. The issue has been corrected.
-Drawing contents might be rough depending on [Combine mode] of tool if drawing with a tool set with [Border of watercolor]. The issue has been corrected.
-Editing layer might be switched when clicking [Layer view] icon in [Layer] palette. The issue has been corrected.
-Content of frame, which is supposed to be void, would be displayed if executing [Edit] menu >> [Cut] and [Edit] menu >> [Paste] to frame border folder where all layers are locked. The issue has been corrected.
-Slider of [Center X] would not displayed in [Tool Property] palette even after setting it to be displayed again if setting not to display [Center X] and [Center Y] in [Tool Property] palette in [Special ruler] category in [Sub Tool Detail] palette. The issue has been corrected.
-Application might be closed when using [Eyedropper] tool with all layers hidden if [Reference] of [Eyedropper] tool is set [Image]. The issue has been corrected.
-You could not obtain color correctly even though paper layer is a subject if [Reference] of [Eyedropper] tool is set [Top layer]. The issue has been corrected.
-A part of image outside canvas would be filled if setting [Content of process] to [Thin width] in [Filter] menu >> [Correct drawing line] >> [Correct line width] and executing with [Leave a line of 1 pixel] on. The issue has been corrected.
-You could set material name only with space in [Material property] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Pull-down menu of [Font list] might not be scrolled when editing text. The issue has been corrected.
-Image within frame would be displayed with lack of a part of it if executing [Edit] menu >> [Copy] to frame protruding from canvas and executing [Edit] menu >> [Pates] in a larger canvas. The issue has been corrected.
-Pages would remain opened if pages cannot be spread because canvas size and resolution does not match. The issue has been corrected.
-obj file, which is created with a particular application, could not be imported. The issue has been corrected.
-[Adsorption transfer] did not work correctly to 3D character material, which was set with motion shell. The issue has been corrected.
-Application might be closed if selecting files, which cannot be imported, when setting icons such as Selection Launcher. The issue has been corrected.
-Void palette dock might be created when reverting to the old version after updating. The issue has been corrected.
-Palette dock would not be displayed in correct size when starting application or importing workspace. The issue has been corrected.
-[Selection Border] of command bar would be disabled if canceling quick mask. The issue has been corrected.
-Number of lines of tone and font size would not reflected correctly if making a copy of layer folder including tone layer and text layer and pasting it to another canvas with different resolution. The issue has been corrected.
-Template might not be allocated in a correct position when adding pages if using default border shifting to left or right. The issue has been corrected.
-Settings of [Edge] in folio would not reflected correctly to new canvas. The issue has been corrected.
-Display might not work correctly when reducing opacity of layer folder if combine mode of layer folder is [Through]. The issue has been corrected.
-Settings would not reflected at the beginning of entering text even if [Italic] is set with [Tool Property] in [Text] tool. The issue has been corrected.
-Settings would not be reflected when executing [File] menu >> [Binding export] >> [3D Preview for Binding]･[Export fanzine printing data] even if changing setting of folio in [Set story information]. The issue has been corrected.
-You might not be able to obtain color of layer for clipping with [Eyedropper] tool after moving the position of layer mask of clipping source. The issue has been corrected.
-There might be a case that Tab-Mate Controller stick would not response. The issue has been corrected.
-There might be a case that work would have different resolution between cover page and main text even if setting [Unit] to [px] in [New] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-[Cover page (back)] and [Back cover page (back)] would be exported in [Paper color] set for [Cover page] when executing [File] menu >> [Binding export] >> [3D Preview for Binding]. The issue has been corrected.
-[Undo] would not work when changing angle of symmetrical ruler or moving guide with [Object] tool. The issue has been corrected.
-Folio for two pages and blind folio would be exported in divided page when exporting spread pages separately. The issue has been corrected.
-Command in [Page Manager] menu >> [Binding process] could not be executed if closing [Story Manager] window while opening [Story editor]. The issue has been corrected.
-Preview settings of reducing color might not be reflected if setting preview of reducing color to [Expression color] in [Layer Property] palette and saving file. The issue has been corrected.
-Color of border line might not be displayed correctly when opening file next time if setting preview of reducing color to border of frame folder with [Expression color] in [Layer Property] and saving file. The issue has been corrected.
-File would be imported with preview of reducing color when opening it next time if reducing [Expression color] in [Layer Property] palette to border of frame folder and saving file. The issue has been corrected.
-Layer in frame folder might disappear when pasting in canvas if executing [Edit] menu >> [Cut] to frame folder. The issue has been corrected.
-Shape of cursor would be changed to [Circle] if changing brush size with right-click in [Modifier Key Settings] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Opacity of tone layer would be reflected to layer set with clipping if referring to tone layer and executing [Clip at Layer Below]. The issue has been corrected.
-Error message would be displayed and comment would not be reflected to log if executing [Story] menu >> [Group work] >> [Reflect change on group work data] without selecting [Reflected file]. The issue has been corrected.
-Edge of folio in page that cover page is set might not be applied correctly if canceling setting of cover page of work, which is set as cover page. The issue has been corrected.
-Template set for cover page might not be applied correctly when applying preset registered in [New] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Edge of folio would not be applied correctly even if creating work that [Folio]･[Blind folio] is set off and [Edge] is set on in [New] dialogue, and setting [Folio] on in [Set story information] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] Software might stop operation for a while executing drag and drop of material in [Material] palette and tool in [Tool] palette in pen operation on Windows8. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] [File] menu >> [Import] >> [Create New from Clipboard] would not work if saving screen shot in clipboard with Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite. The issue has been corrected.
-Change might not be saved when changing the order of text on [Story editor]. The issue has been corrected.
-Some text created on [Story editor] might not be imported correctly. The issue has been corrected.
-Some text might not scroll automatically and might be hidden if entering text on [Story editor]. The issue has been corrected.
-Operation might be invalid if executing [All replacement] in [Story] >> [Edit text] >> [Search and replacement] under a particular condition on [Story editor]. The issue has been corrected.
-Folio and exported file number would not match if executing [Story] >> [Batch process] >> [Batch export] when setting cover page to spread. The issue has been corrected.
-All pages would be exported in the same resolution as the start page even though resolution is different page by page in [Story] menu >> [Batch process] >> [Batch export]. The issue has been corrected.
-Page might be exported again even if content is not changed when executing [Story] >> [Binding process] >> [3D Preview for Binding] and [Export fanzine printing data]. The issue has been corrected.
-Canvas size, which [Basic expression color] is gray, would be changed upon exporting in [Export fanzine printing data]. The issue has been corrected.
-Position information of [New] dialogue would not be saved. The issue has been corrected.
-There might be a case that [Specify back width] value is not updated correctly when updating [Preset] in [New] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Inappropriate message would be displayed if turning [Check whether to export fanzine printing data] on and [Manga draft settings] off when selecting [Show all settings] in [Use of work] of [New] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-Inappropriate message would be displayed if executing [3D Preview for Binding] to work not set with [Bleed width]. The issue has been corrected.
-3D drawing figure and pose material would be allocated in an unusual position if pasting them with [Paste material]. The issue has been corrected.
-Mask would be set [Posterization] if pasting standard tone materials from [Material] palette to canvas that [Basic expression color] is set [Monochrome]. The issue has been corrected.
-Application might be closed if duplicating [Layer Folder] to its own folder. The issue has been corrected.
-Some items of [Tool Property] palette might not be displayed correctly under a particular environment if turning on [Show category] in [Sub Tool Detail] palette. The issue has been corrected.
-Display of [Page Manager] window and [Show binding list] might be corrupted if exporting fanzine printing data while opening pages. The issue has been corrected.
-Folio might be misaligned if switching [Cover page layout] from [Spread] to [Single page]. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] Software might be forcibly terminated while operating touch and pen in a particular tablet PC environment. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] Process might remain even after quitting CLIP STUDIO PAINT when inputting with touch keyboard with Windows8. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] [Settings of font list] dialogue might disappear in particular circumstances. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] Application might be closed if switching active application with stylus pen when setting [Using tablet service] to [Wintab] in [Tablet] category of [Preferences] dialogue. The issue has been corrected.
-[Win] The issue that menu would not be selected with key operation when accelerator keys in menu overlap.
-[Mac] Dialogue might not be displayed if enabling [Individual operation space by display] with Mac OS X 10.9 or later versions. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] Menu might not be displayed correctly with Mac OS X 10.10 The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] Invalid characters might be entered if confirming with pressing [Delete] key in Japanese with Mac OS X 10.10. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] [-] of ten key would not be displayed correctly when setting it to shortcut key. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] Operation to maximize might not executed correctly in window allocated between multiple displays. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] Window would not be displayed correctly if moving it when using multiple displays. The issue has been corrected.
-[Mac] It might take time until it is ready to enter when changing folder tag of [Material ] palette while opening works with multiple pages. The issue has been corrected.

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Problems confirmed with Manga Studio 5.0.6 / CLIP STUDIO PAINT 1.4.1
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We have confirmed that problem occurs in the following issues and we will make improvement in the next version.
We appreciate your patience for the time being. 

-A part equivalent to lwo file is not displayed correctly when importing lwo file allocating one lwo file in several locations. Operation is applied to all parts with the same lwo file when switching display and moving.
-Color page is always be exported with RGB without profile setting when exporting fanzine printing data. Select normal export function when printing image applied with profile.
-There is a case that you cannot record in [Auto Action] palette depending on command and operation.
-It may not be displayed in correct color depending on profile when executing item of [View] menu >> [Color profile].
-You cannot change font to another one halfway when setting mixing font to text. If you switch to another font, select entered text and change font.
-You cannot operate file correctly if changing folder name for save and file name when editing data under page management.
-Page file and work file made with MangaStudio3.0 or older versions cannot be imported.
-There may be difference between colors of mesh and texture when importing 3D material made with data in Rokkaku Daioh format (extension: 6kt,6kh) and turning off light source.

Surface Pro 3: What Runs, What Doesn't

EDITOR'S NOTE: I can't believe I haven't updated this post since September 2014. Spring 2015 brings the regular round of 3d application updates!

Many of you have asked, so I have noted where programs support multitouch gestures.

Adobe

• Illustrator 18.0.0 x64 (CC 2014) - runs (intermittent pen with N-Trig Wintab R16, R17)
• Illustrator CC 17.1.0 x64 - runs (intermittent pen with N-Trig Wintab driver 14-17)
• Illustrator CS5 - runs
• Photoshop 15 (CC 2014) - runs, no Wintab driver required
• Photoshop 14.2.1 x64, CS6 Extended 13.0 x64, CS5 x64 - runs (requires N-Trig Wintab driver 14 or higher)
• Premiere Pro 8.0.0 (169) Build aka CC 2014.0, 7.2.2 (33) - runs
• After Effects 13.0.0.214 (CC 2014), 12.2.1.5 - runs
• Flash Professional 14.0.0.110 (CC 2014), CC 13.1.0.226 - runs

 Allegorithmic

• Substance Painter 0.7.1, 0.5.0 - runs (UI does not scale)
• Substance Designer 4.3.1 - runs (UI does not scale)

Ambient Design

• ArtRage 4.0.6, 4.0.5 - runs

Autodesk

• 3DS Max 2016, 2015 SP1 - runs (supports multi-touch)
• Sketchbook Pro 7, 6.2.5 - runs (recommended)
• Maya 2016, 2015 SP2 - runs (2016 supports multi-touch)
• Maya LT 2016 - runs, supports multi-touch
• Mudbox 2016, 2015 SP1 - runs (2016 supports multi-touch), (no multi-touch in 2015)
• Mudbox 2015- no pen or touch, works with mouse or touchpad
• Softimage 2015 - runs

ZSky

• AZDrawing 1.13 - runs

Blender

• Blender 2.71, 2.70 - runs

 Corel

• CorelDraw X7  17.4.0.887 - RealTimeStylus support added, all prior versions - no pressure
• Painter 15 14.1.0.1105 - runs
• Painter X3 12.0.1.920 - runs
• Photo-Paint X7 17.0.0.491 - no pressure

 Foundry Luxology

• Modo 801 SP4, SP3, SP2, SP1, 801 - runs

Fire Alpaca

• FireAlpaca 1.0.51 - runs

GIMP

• GIMP 2.8.10 - runs

Hansol Huh

• Sketchtime - runs, software not pressure sensitive

KDE

• Krita 2.8.3 x64 - runs

Krogh Mortensen Animation

• Plastic Animation Paper 4.0 - runs (can't configure pen buttons)

 Maxon

• Cinema 4D R15.057 - runs

Microsoft

• Fresh Paint - runs

MyPaint

• MyPaint 1.0.0 - runs

Nevercenter

• Silo 2.3 - runs

 Newtek

• Chronosculpt 1.0.1 x64 - runs
• Lightwave 3D 11.6.3 x64 - runs

PGN Inc.

• openCanvas 6.0.02 (64bit) - runs

Pilgway

• 3D-Coat 4.1.04A - runs (DX64 only)

Pixologic

• Sculptris - runs
• ZBrush 4R6 - runs

Project Dogwaffle

• Howler 9 4.00.9.2 - runs

Serif

• DrawPlus X6 13.0.2.24 x64 - runs

ideF

• Houdini FX 14.0.291 - does not run. Program loads, but objects do not display. Touch not supported.

Silicon Benders

• Sketchable - runs

61 Solutions

• Mischief 1.12 - runs

Smith Micro (Celsys)

• Manga Studio 5.0.4 (Clip Studio Paint 1.3.1) - runs

Systemax

• Paint Tool SAI 1.2.0 - runs

Taron.de

• Verve Painter v0.99u.11 -runs

Toon Boom

• Toon Boom Animate Pro 3 PLE - runs

 Triple Squid Software

• Moment of Inspiration (MoI3D) 3.0 beta (June 27, March 24, 2014) - runs

 TVPaint Developpement

• TVPaint 10.5.7 x64 - runs

 Unity Technologies

• Unity 5.0.0f4 - runs
• Unity 4.60b9, 4.5 - runs (requires mouse or touchpad, no pen or touch response)

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Surface Pro 2: What Runs, What Doesn't

So you're dying to max out your credit card on a new Surface Pro 2 but are worried your favorite won't run. Or you've got the Microsoft wonder tablet but don't want to plunk down a bunch of cash on a graphics app that will blow up your new machine. 

Fear not. You've come to the right place. "What Run, What Doesn't V1" was the raison d'etre for this blog and we're proud to present the Surface Pro 2/Windows 8.1 version. Rather than update the original, we'll keep that one in place for anyone who chooses not to update to Windows 8.1. (Don't know why any of you would do that, but we know there are paranoid folks out there who fear change). 

Important note: the list below contains only versions I've personally tested on my Surface Pro 2. It's very likely that older versions listed in the original feature will still operate, but we won't be able to re-test those older apps for Windows 8.1 compatibility.

Recommendations are based on UI suitability to pen and touch navigation. 

The list below will grow as we install more software. Since most graphics apps limit the number of installations, we're have to be somewhat deliberate in how much we migrate at a time. 

As always, if you've got a specific tool you'd like us to test, please let us know in the comments section below. 

Adobe

• Photoshop CC - runs, requires Wacom feel driver, recommend UI scaling hack
• Illustrator CC - runs, requires Wacom feel driver, recommend UI scaling hack

Allegorithmic

• Substance Painter 0.3.0 (beta) - runs

Ambient Design

• ArtRage 4.0.6 - runs, recommended

Autodesk 

• 3DS Max 2015, 2014 - runs, mouse strongly recommended
• Maya 2015, 2014  - runs, mouse strongly recommended
• Maya LT 2014 - runs
• Mudbox 2015 SP1 - runs, multi-touch rotation unresponsive. Requires May 21, 2014 Intel HD graphics driver or higher.
• Mudbox 2015*, 2014.5, 2014** - runs, *requires Intel HD display driver update, **crashes on several primitive objects
• Mudbox 2013, 2012  - incompatible, require discrete graphics
• Mudbox 2011 x64 - runs
• Sketchbook Pro 6.2.5, 6.2.4, 6.2.3  - runs, recommended
• Softimage 2015, 2014  - runs, three-button mouse required

Blender

• Blender 2.7, 2.69 - runs, mouse recommended

Celsys

• Clip Studio Paint 1.2.8 (Japanese)  - runs
• Clip Studio Paint 1.3.1, 1.2.7 (English) - runs, recommended 

Corel

• Corel Painter X3 - runs

DAZ

• DAZ Studio 4.6 - runs

eFrontier

• Shade 3D Professional 14 - runs 

Foundry/Luxology

• Modo 801 SP1, 801, 701 SP5 - runs

Inkscape

• Inkscape 0.48.4 - runs

The Krita Foundation

• Krita Desktop 2.8.1.1 - runs

Nevercenter

• Silo 2.3, 2.2 - runs

Pixarra

• TwistedBrush Pro Studio 20.06 - runs

Pixologic

• Sculptris Alpha 6 - runs, recommended
• ZBrush 4R6 - runs, not recommended due to small UI

plasq

• Comic Life 3.0b1 - runs

Serif

• DrawPlus X6 - runs

61 Solutions

• Mischief 1.11, 1.10, 1.09 - runs, no multi-touch support

Smith Micro

• Manga Studio 5.0.4, 5.0.3 - runs, recommended 

Systemax

• Paint Tool SAI 2 (beta), 1.1 - runs, pressure sensitivity works, but there is limited touch rejection. Very easy to leave stray marks. No touch pan, rotate or zoom.

tetraface

• Metasequoia 4.1.2 (64-bit) - runs

Trimble

• SketchUp Make 14.0.4900 - runs

Triple Squid Software Design

• Moments of Inspiration (MoI3D) 3.0 beta, 2.0 - runs, recommended

TVPaint Developpement 

• TVPaint Animation 10 Pro - runs

Unity Pro 4.3.0b6 - runs, requires mouse

Web Technology Corp.

• Comipo! 1.81.00 - runs

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English language downloads of Manga Studio are back...as Clip Studio Paint

UPDATE 4/7/2014: Trial versions are now available for download from Smith Micro. http://www.contentparadise.com/productDetails.aspx?id=24231

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ORIGINAL POST

Just received the following email from Manga Studio Product Manager Fahim Niaz at Smith Micro:

Digital versions of Manga Studio 5 and 5 EX are back next week!

The digital download versions of Manga Studio will now include Clip Studio Paint branding. Manga Studio and Clip Studio Paint are the exact same applications. Clip Studio Paint will simply be the digital download version of Manga Studio. The Manga Studio website and branding will remain the same and we will continue to promote the Manga Studio brand for both the DVD and download versions.

Another great piece of news is that Smith Micro will be providing customer support to all English versions of Clip Studio Paint and Manga Studio! We will also be receiving updates sooner and will release updates for both Manga Studio and Clip Studio Paint at the same time.

With all that being said, we’re extremely excited to be able to once again offer digital download versions of this great product! 

It's good to see that Japanese developer Celsys and Smith Micro have reached an agreement to settle what has been one of the oddest episodes in consumer software sales that I've ever witnessed.

The lack of a download version of Manga Studio has no doubt dampened sales since Celsys decided to self-market the English language downloadable version of its popular art program Clip Studio Paint. It's unfortunate (mostly for those of us who have to write about the subject) that we will have to continue to refer to both product names, but that's a minimal inconvenience.

I asked Niaz whether the new arrangement with Celsys means that English-language users may eventually see the release of other products like Clip Studio Modeler, Coordinate or Action. His response was that those products were still in "discussion phases." 

Clip Studio Paint update available for download

Celsys has posted its first update to the English and Chinese editions of Clip Studio Paint, the downloadable version of the popular paint package distributed worldwide as Manga Studio.

Although I haven't seen received any confirmation, we can presume that Smith Micro will soon offer this update to Manga Studio users. It's been difficult to predict the future of updates to either product since the developers decided to bifurcate distribution and banned Smith Micro from selling a downloadable version of the program. Despite selling only physical versions, Smith Micro has been able to continue to post electronic updates (most recently version 5.0.4)

There have been four releases of Japanese editions of Clip Studio Paint since it was first published in English last fall. Besides many stability improvements, version 1.3.1 introduces a variety of 2D/3D LT features, such as LT layer conversion, line extraction and tone gradient.

A full description of new features and changes can be found here: http://www.clipstudio.net./en/dl/release_note.

Even if you're a Manga Studio customer, it's worth downloading the free Clip Studio Paint 1.3,1 trial so you can become familiar with the new features while MS is being updated. To date, the two programs are nearly identical except for slight translation differences.

Download the Clip Studio Paint here.

Sony VAIO Flip 15A : It's hard not to like this size screen

UPDATE November 24: I'm relieved to report that the touchscreen issues described below appears to have been resolved by a firmware update released on Sony's tech support site. 

Kudos to TabletPCReview forum poster Miles Wolf, who first spotted the fix. 

I installed it yesterday morning from Sony's Japanese tech support site and haven't experienced the problem since. The bios update is now available on Sony's US eSupport site. 

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UPDATE: As I feared below, additional testing of the Flip has surfaced a much more serious issue than pen pressure or fan noise. I must recommend that you avoid the device until the issue is corrected. See this post for more information: http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2013/11/14/the-real-dealbreaker-for-sony-vaio-flip-15a-frequent-loss-of-pen-touch-control 

ORIGINAL POST

It's irresponsible to post a hardware review based on a single use case, but a lot of you have been clamoring for my verdict on the Sony VAIO Flip 15A convertible since I unboxed it Sunday. 

This post is based on just a few hours' worth of work on the system, so I reserve the right to change my mind. And as I test other applications, my judgement may change. 

If you don't use Manga Studio or its Japanese twin Clip Studio Paint, move along there's nothing to see here. I intend to test other apps on the Flip, but it will take a while as I still have a lot of installing and testing to do on the Surface Pro 2. Licenses and activations for most high-end programs being what they are, it's not a trivial matter to try to test on a growing number of devices.

If you are a Manga Studio/Clip Studio Paint user, I think you will be very happy if you decide to go with any of the Flip models.  I've been performing all my recent hardware tests with CSP 1.2.7, which is downloadable from the Celsys website. This is virtually identical to MS 5.0.3 and I'm using the former only because of the convenience of downloading the trial onto new hardware.

To sum up my first impressions: the Flip is a beautiful machine. I love the brushed aluminum finish, although it is a fingerprint magnet. I like the thin profile, light weight for a full laptop and solid construction.

The one nitpick I have on construction is a hinged plastic attachment on the Ethernet jack. I'm not sure why Sony engineered the port this way. It seems likely to snap off at some point down the road and isn't flush with the bottom of the case when a cable is attached. 

I was surprised that the keyboard is backlit, which is a very useful feature in low light. The keys are very nicely spaced, although their profile is a bit low and too flush with the keyboard for my tastes. The touchpad is very roomy, but like all Windows trackpads I've ever used, it doesn't compare with a MacBook for silkiness or responsiveness.  One by-product of the touchpad's size is that I occasionally right clicked when I thought I was left clicking; your thumb really needs to travel some distance to get from one side to the other.

The flipping mechanism is very sturdy but sometimes awkward to use. The laptop is particularly stiff to open. Perhaps this will loosen over time, but it always takes few seconds to figure out where to apply pressure to lift the screen either from a close position or from tablet mode back into laptop mode.

On the other hand, it's very easy to go into presentation mode, which is great for watching videos. I'm sure that will come in very handy on a plane.

The screen orientation sensors don't always work and the screen has gotten stuck upside down or in portrait mode for a while. The behavior is intermittent and never lasted very long, although I can't reliably recall how I corrected it. This sometimes also occurs with the Surface Pro and the resolution usually involves some violent shaking to get the sensors to notice the change of orientation.

The active pen (sold separately on all but the highest end configuration) is surprisingly solid and comparable with the Wacom Stylus Feel. It has two button for those of you who crave that control, but it lacks an eraser tip. The buttons are flush with the pen, so it's too easy to push them accidentally. 

I complained yesterday about the fan noise and I hope that Sony addresses fan speed with a future firmware update. I originally tested the Flip on my living room sofa with no other equipment running and the fan noise was almost unbearable. But working in my noisy office environment this morning, the fan was not a dealbreaker. In fact, I don't believe they kicked on at all while running CSP for a couple of hours.  

I was about to give the fans a pass until I had to install today's extensive number of Windows updates. The fans kicked into high gear during that process and no amount of noisy office gear could drown out this high pitched whir.

Fortunately it seems that CSP doesn't push the cpu temperatures high enough to trigger the fans, bu you will want to keep your noise canceling earphones handy if you plan to use the Flip for anything cpu intensive (no joke!). And don't be surprised if other members of your household or office colleagues ask you to work outside.

Pens and sensitivy are a highly subjective topic. Your mileage may vary, but in my opinion, the active pen performs very well in Clip Studio Paint. The range of pressure sensitivity is definitely less than on the Surface Pro or my Yiynova MVP22U tablet monitor, but it is still very usable. It takes a bit more pressure for light marks to show up and it requires more control to demonstrate more than a few variations of pressure.

One distracting "feature" when drawing is that I've found small areas on the screen where the pen tip will drag more than in others. This doesn't seem to affect the accuracy of the drawn line, but it is a little jarring to suddenly hit a pocket of resistance. The problem seems to be exacerbated when working at higher magnifications. Any N-Trig users see similar behavior in other devices?

Another interesting difference that I noticed between my other devices and the Flip is that pen stabilization seems to work differently. I regularly crank it up to 90 on the Surface Pro to smooth out my shaky lines. Turning up the stabilization that high on the Flip makes it impossible to draw reliably. Turning the stabilization down to the defaults of 10 or 15 delivers the desired smooth results.

Calibration out of the box was very good except that I can't trigger the desktop taskbar to unhide with the pen. The cursor rides several pixels above the very bottom of the screen, so unhiding the taskbar requires a finger. I tried a couple of times to compensate with the calibration tool, but that impacted the cursor's accuracy elsewhere on the screen so I reverted to the defaults.

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Portrait mode is comfortable in your lap too, but the long and narrow 16:9 aspect ratio isn't ideal.

The weight of the Flip 15A isn't an issue so long as you don't try to hold it or cradle it in your arms. Using it as a lapboard feels natural and totally comfortable. I could work like this for hours on end.

The size of the workspace never feels cramped and you can even leave the CSP interface in small mode. All the touch targets are still very easy to hit with a high degree of accuracy.

Flipping the device into portrait mode still works on the lap, but suffers slightly from the rectangular 16:9 aspect ratio. There's something about working in this elongated mode that just doesn't feel right.

The biggest drawback of working with a convertible like the Flip is that you are carrying around a lot of extra weight that ends up being wasted when the device is in tablet mode. Since the keyboard is inaccesible, you will have to bring along an extra bluetooth keyboard or use the on-screen keyboard. (The behavior of the on-screen keyboards in Windows 8 is one of the weakest areas of the operating system. It never seems to appear when you need it and often obstructs the fields in which you're trying to type. Hopefully MIcrosoft will invest some additonal resources in getting this fixed. At the very least, you should be able to tell the OS that you're going into tablet mode and want the keyboard to appear every time you click a text field. And conversely, you should be able to disable the on-screen keyboard if you're using a bluetooth one.)

Spending $1300 on a pc to run just one application may seem absurd, but I know many of you earn a living with Manga Studio or Clip Studio Paint. For those of you who haven't committed to a Cintiq Companion or larger tablet monitor, the Flip 15A is definitely worth your consideration.

I'm not sure if I will keep the Flip 15A yet. Besides a fix for the high fan speeds, a lot depends on how well it performs with other software, especially Photoshop. I'm surprised that I prefer the Flip's screen size to the 22-inch Yiynova tablet monitor, which is almost too big. Also, it's very nice to have multi-touch available in front of you as you draw (the Yiynova doesn't support touch input). 

Decisions, decisions...