Are you a fan of Japanese animation and manga? Do you have a passion for digital art and illustration? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our website is dedicated to our popular drawing software, CG Illust, which has been enjoyed by over 20,000 users in Japan.
Originally launched in Japan, CG Illust quickly became a favorite among anime and manga enthusiasts. In 2001, we expanded our reach by releasing the English, Chinese, and Korean versions of the software. Since then, we have seen an overwhelming response from users around the world, who have used CG Illust to create stunning works of art.
Contents
What is CG Illust?
CG Illust is a powerful drawing software designed specifically for creating anime and manga style illustrations. It offers a wide range of features and tools to help you bring your imagination to life, including custom brushes, gradient fills, and layer management.
Newest Version: 2.24
We are excited to announce the release of the newest version of CG Illust: version 2.24. This update includes several bug fixes and improvements, making it easier than ever to create beautiful illustrations. However, please note that users with version 2.22 will not be able to open event files created by version 2.24. To ensure compatibility, we recommend upgrading to the latest version, which is available for free on our website.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, CG Illust is the perfect tool for anyone looking to create amazing anime and manga style illustrations. To get started, simply download the trial version of the software from our website. From there, you can explore the many features and tools that CG Illust has to offer.
Upload and Share Your Work
One of the best things about CG Illust is the community of artists and creators who use it. Once you’ve created some amazing artwork, we encourage you to share it with others by uploading it to our website. You can even upload your work using the trial version of the software.
To upload your work, simply follow the instructions provided in Tutorial 3. And don’t forget to check out the many other user-uploaded images on our website for inspiration.
Drawing Tips and Tutorials
If you’re new to CG Illust or just looking to improve your skills, be sure to check out our collection of tutorials and drawing tips. From beginner-friendly guides to more advanced techniques, we have something for everyone. Here are a few resources to get you started:
- Tutorial 1: How to Make an Event File
- Tutorial 2: How to Download Other Users’ Work
- Tutorial 3: How to Upload My Work
- Drawing Tips 1-4
- User Tutorial Page for Beginners: Shura
- User Tutorial Page for Beginners: Maverynthia
Join the Community
At CG Illust, we believe that creativity is better when shared. That’s why we’re committed to building a vibrant community of artists and creators who inspire and support each other. By joining our community, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, as well as the opportunity to connect with other passionate artists from around the world.
So what are you waiting for? Join the CG Illust community today and start creating amazing anime and manga style illustrations!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Trial Version
1.1 Is it free to download the trial version?
• Yes, you can download and try the trial version free of charge.
1.2 What is the difference between the trial and the full version?
• The trial version allows you to sample most functions of CGillust, but you cannot save your work as a jpg/bmp/oci file. Additionally, you cannot re-save the event file. The trial version can be identified by the word “DEMO” on the title bar.
1.3 Is there an expiration date for the trial version?
• No, there is no expiration date. You can try it for as long as you like.
1.4 Can I upload my work on this website to share with others even with the trial version?
• Yes, you can. After finishing your work, save it as an event file and then choose “Upload” from the “Event” menu. Please note that the trial version does not allow you to re-save your event file.
About Purchasing/Serial Key
2.1 How can I purchase CGillust? Can I download it to buy?
• You cannot download and purchase CGillust. Instead, visit the “how to purchase” page and follow the instructions.
2.2 Can I use my credit card to buy CGillust?
• Yes, you can use a credit card for purchasing CGillust through our secured site provided by WorldPay. We accept Mastercard and Visa payments.
2.3 What is the serial key?
• It is a unique number used to activate the program after installation. Enter the serial number carefully in the dialog box that appears when you first run the software.
2.4 Can I install it on other computers as well?
• With a single license, you can install CGillust on multiple computers, but only use it on one computer at a time. Separate serial keys are required if other users access it on their own computers.
Others
3.1 Are OpenCanvas and CGillust related?
• DELETER holds a license to distribute OpenCanvas as DELETER CGillust, making them identical up until version 2. Beginning with version 3, however, the two software applications differ significantly, including their file extensions for saving files.
3.2 Can I upload my image drawn using OpenCanvas to this website?
• At present, there are no distinctions made regarding images created with either OpenCanvas or CGillust. Feel free to submit all images to our website for sharing.
About Saving Files
4.1 I cannot save files.
• If you cannot choose “save” or “save as” from the “File” menu, you are likely using the trial version.
4.2 I get an error when saving a file as oci.
• This issue is typically due to insufficient disk space. Please contact customer support if you confirm sufficient space availability.
4.3 I want to change the quality of my JPEG file before saving it.
• From the “File” menu, select “Preference.” Here, you can adjust the “JPEG Saving Quality” slider to modify the desired level of compression and overall output quality.
About Event Files/Uploading Your Work to CGillust Web Site
5.1 How does “Save with Preservation” work?
• When using the “Save with Preservation” option within the “Event” menu, others may download the event file without being able to edit the original image directly.
5.2 How can I upload my work to this website?
• Kindly email us your artwork attachment(s), and our team shall promptly post them online for sharing. We eagerly await your submissions!
About Layers
6.1 What is a normal layer?
• In the Normal Layer mode, upper layers appear to be painted over lower ones. Repeated application results in complete coverage of underlying hues. This setting is commonly employed for correcting base layers.
6.2 What is a multiple layer?
• Multiple Layer mode causes overlapping layers to resemble stacked sheets of cellophane, allowing users to view all layers simultaneously.
6.3 What is an addition layer?
• Addition Layer mode combines the color values of both layers; thus, the resulting hue appears brighter than either individual component. Light tones become increasingly luminous while dark shades remain relatively unchanged. Ideal for incorporating highlights and gentle shadows.
6.4 What is a subtraction layer?
• Subtraction Layer mode diminishes the intensity of colors present on the lower levels based upon the applied shade. Using darker hues results in deeper saturation, whereas lighter tints yield paler outputs. Note: non-grayscale colors might produce unpredictable results. Use sparingly and cautiously.
6.5 I have drawn an outline on a normal layer, but something looks strange.
• Avoid employing white for erasures when outlines reside on transparent Normal Layers, since doing so will result in unwanted white lines rather than eliminating existing strokes. Instead, utilize the Eraser tool whenever possible.
6.6 How can I use “MergeDown” effectively?
• Ensure that merged layers share identical modes prior to combining them. Currently, CGillust does not support merging disparate layer types such as Normal/Multiple or Addition/Subtraction.
6.7 What do you use “Preserve transparency” for?
• By creating a new Normal Layer and enabling “Preserve Transparency,” subsequent brushstrokes apply exclusively to already painted areas, facilitating fine details and intricate patterns via separate layers.
FAQ #7: Making a Selection
7.1 What is a Selection?
• A selection refers to an area within your canvas that has been isolated or outlined by a moving dotted line. This allows you to apply changes or add color exclusively to the region enclosed by the line, acting like a masking sheet.
7.2 I want to save my selection.
• After making a selection, access the Selection Window via the ‘View’ menu > ‘Show Selection’. Click ‘Selection’, followed by ‘New Selection’. Your current selection will now be saved under Mask1. To recall it later, simply click on ‘Mask1’.
7.3 How can I remove the selection displayed?
• From the ‘Select Menu’, uncheck ‘Visible or Invisible’. The march of the ants will no longer appear, even though the selection remains active.
7.4 I want to combine two saved selections.
• Drag the preview of Mask1 onto Mask2 within the Selection Window and choose ‘Add Send To..’ to merge them. The combined image will subsequently show up on the workspace.
7.5 I want to move selected images to another layer.
• Make a selection and choose ‘Separate’ from the ‘Select’ menu. A new layer will appear in your Layer Window. Utilize the Move tool to relocate your desired image.
FAQ #8: Color Palette
8.1 I want to save/load a palette.
• Right-click on the color window and select the corresponding option from the menu.
8.2 I want to change the size of the color palette.
• Right-click on the color window and adjust the ‘Display Option’ settings accordingly.
8.3 I want to edit the contents of the palette.
• Shift + left-click for substituting colors; Ctrl + left-click to delete a color; Shift + Ctrl + left-click to insert a new color.
FAQ #9: Functions
9.1 When an image is copied onto other software using clipboard it becomes distorted.
• Use ‘CopyAll’ instead when copying an image to another application.
9.2 When a range is chosen with Magic Wand, how can I prevent a gap between outlines?
• Gaps may be reduced by enabling Anti-alias, which can be activated by double-clicking on the Magic Wand tool within the Toolbar.
9.3 I want to draw circles and squares.
• Hold down the Ctrl key while dragging the figure with the oval/rectangle drawing tool to create perfect circles or squares.
9.4 All tool windows have hidden behind the main window!
• Press the TAB key twice to restore visibility to all tool windows.
9.5 I cannot make font vertical (horizontal)!
• Select either ‘vertical font’ or ‘horizontal font’ from the Font Window. For vertical text, choose a font name beginning with ‘@’.
9.6 There is no Execute button on Font Window!
• Ensure that the display setting of Windows is set to ‘Normal Font’. If it’s set to ‘Large Font’, some portions might not appear correctly in dialog boxes. As an alternative, press Alt+O to execute the command.
FAQ #10: PC Environment
10.1 Which Windows OS is preferred?
• While most versions of Windows work fine for small drawings, systems with good memory management such as WindowsNT/2000/XP are recommended for large, resource-intensive projects.
10.2 Why do I need to be careful when drawing a big picture?
• Large pictures require more memory space due to higher data demands. Systems with efficient memory management like WindowsNT/2000/XP are better suited for this purpose. Be cautious when working with large files on older systems, as performance might suffer.
10.3 Which existing tablets can I use with CGillust? (updated 07/23/03)
• DELETER XP-PEN and WACOM tablets are currently supported by CGillust. DELETER XP-PEN models are available through the DELETER online store.
10.4 Tablet does not move properly.
• Check the mapping setting of your tablet in the Control Panel if you encounter issues with pen movement. Remove any interfering resident programs if necessary.
10.5 Brush Pressure suddenly is not effective!
• Sometimes brush pressure functionality may become disabled after utilizing scanners or printers. Regain normal operation by focusing on another application before returning to CGillust.