How to use Clip Studio Paint’s companion mode on Android

To celebrate their 10th anniversery, Clip Studio Paint’s Companion Mode is now available across all platforms. There are some other interesting updates for the popular illustration and animation app, but it’s the companion mode that is the focus of this guide. The feature was first released in February 2022 and it was only possible to pair Samsung Galaxy phones with Windows and Galaxy Tab versions of the program. At last though, all platforms can enjoy this feature.

Clip Studio Studio Paint’s companion mode turns your smartphone into a nifty little handheld controller for the app. Think of it like the expresskeys on a regular pen tablet, but separate, and with a few other cool features. This is more exciting for tablet users who might miss using keyboard shortcuts to switch between tools rather than hunting for the icons on-screen. It also frees up a bit of precious screen space by shifting your most needed tools over your phone off to the side.

What you need

• An Android phone or iPhone
• A computer, Android tablet or iPad
• The latest version of Clip Studio Paint installed on each

I tested this out successfully using a Xiaomi 11T Pro with a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, a 12.9″ 4th Gen iPad Pro, and a Windows laptop.

How to activate Clip Studio Paint’s Companion mode

1. Download and install the latest version of Clip Studio Paint on your computer or tablet
2. Open up Clip Studio Paint on your tablet or computer. Select to try EX or PRO, or sign up for the trial.
3. Once you have your canvas open, tap the companion mode button on the top toolbar (It looks like a little phone next to the help/question icon on the right).
   A QR code will appear for you to scan with your smartphone

1. Download and install the latest of Clip Studio Paint on your phone from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Select Get Started for your free 1 hour per day. So long as you don’t open a canvas on the phone, companion mode isn’t limited to only one hour.
3. Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your tablet or computer that you’ll be pairing with.
   And yes, you can also use your phone as a hotspot, then have your tablet or computer connect to that!
4. Tap the companion mode button in Clip Studio Paint. Your camera will open on your phone to scan the QR code.

*If you have CSP on your tablet from the Galaxy store and CSP on your phone from the Play Store, you might be unable to pair your devices. If that is the case, try having both devices install the app from the same store.

Clip Studio Paint Companion Mode tools

With Clip Studio Paint’s Companion mode activated, you should see a new set of tool panels available on your phone. Switch between these panels using the icons at the bottom of your screen.

The different tools and panels are:

1. Quick Access shortcut sets
2. Color wheel, bursh size and brush opacity settings
3. Touch pad and canvas navigation
4. Reference window
5. Color mixer
6. Navigator window
7. Modifier keys (Shift, Alt, Ctrl)
8. Settings

Hopefully they will add a panel for the layers in future as well.

How to Edit your Quick Access Shortcuts for Companion Mode

You can change which tools show up in your Clip Studio Paint quick access panel in companion mode from your computer or tablet. You don’t set specific keyboard shortcuts like you would with the express keys of a Wacom tablet. Instead you select and add tools and functions from the available lists.

1. On your phone, scroll to the bottom of the Quick Access tab and tap Quick Access Settings. The Settings window will appear on your main CSP window.
2. Add tools and functions by searching for them in the Quick Access Settings window and selecting Add. You can also add a seperator to keep specific tools in one section.
3. Remove tools in the Quick Acces Panel by tapping on it in the panel and selecting Delete on the Settings window.

You can also have three different tool sets to switch between using the tabs at the top of the Quick Access panel on your phone.

Having trouble connecting Companion Mode with your computer?

Firstly, make sure that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that CSP is up-to-date on both.

If you still have trouble with companion mode failing to connect to your computer, it’s likely because of your firewall. To give CSP access, you can follow the steps outlined in this Support thread.

Try Clip Studio Paint today

Clip Studio Paint’s companion mode is a great development and is especially useful for tablet users. Making switching between tools quick and easy while also freeing up a little screenspace will definitely improve your workflow so be sure it give it a try.

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