Manga-Comic Workflow Design to Print Template

If you're not ready to cash out on Clip Studio EX but still want to produce a manga for production, here is my affordable workflow that streamlines your art-to-print pipeline.

The Workflow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeYqk9FwecU

Programs You'll Need:

• Clip Studio Paint Pro - $50
• Figma Account - Free Tier
• Affinity Designer - $70

Custom Trim Size for KDP Printing: 5.35i x 755 in (this matches the typical ratio from digital files - you may run into formatting and composition issues if you choose the standard sizes)

Resolution Details:

• CSP: 600dpi Kondansha Shoenen Preset Margins
• Figma 1260 x 2560 (Maga Plus Upload Requirements) - Stick to 40PT font or higher as much as possible - no smaller than 36
• Affinity 5.35in x 7.55in (Margins are set as such due to the nature of Affinity program spread vs page setup and the KDP previewer tool)
  • Make Sure your content (aside from Art bleed) are all within the trim lines in KDP Previewer!
  • Blue Line Margins help indicate inner/spine cutoffs
  • Master Page Numbered Counts will give you a visual indicator on outside trims for KDP

Margin in Page Layout

Examples:

INNER-MARGIN-NUMBERED-MASTER-LEFTPAGE (Blue Margin Line aligns with panels)

OUTER-MARGIN-NUMBERED-MASTER-RIGHTPAGE (Bleed text aligns with number bounding box)

And vise versa

Additional Free Tools:

• Clip Slicer Auto Action: https://assets.clip-studio.com/en-us/detail?id=1980681

• Pixel Perfect (Ensures No Pixelation on Figma Renders if you run into the issue)