Clip Studio Paint Ver. 4.0 available now!
New features that bring more fun to your creations
March 12, 2025
Clip Studio Paint Ver. 4.0, the newest version of the illustration, comic, webtoon, and animation app, is available from today. The app is available on Windows, macOS, iPad, iPhone, Android, and Galaxy.
In Ver. 4.0, you can transform your drawings like a puppet with Puppet warp, preview and compare multiple filters while color correcting and refining your work, snap to place objects quickly and precisely, and use enhanced 3D features. With more features and improved operability for more accurate and speedy drawing, you will enjoy creating more!
Current monthly/annual plan users and Update Pass users can update to Ver. 4.0 today. Users with perpetual licenses (Windows/macOS) for Ver. 3.0 or earlier can purchase an Update Pass add-on or get discounted upgrade(s) to Ver. 4.0.
The Ver. 4.0 perpetual version (one-time payment, Windows/macOS) is also on sale from today.
See below for product lineup and details. Check out the chart below to find the perfect plan for you, based on your current license, use period, and preferred payment method.
- Purchase
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Which plan is right for me?
Quick Guide -
Annual/Monthly Plan /
Download
Update Pass users
1. New Features in Ver. 4.0
Ver. 4.0 has all the features that have been added in 2024, plus many additional new features.
Improved finishing/processing features
Puppet warp
- Pin places you want to lock in place and transform to move the selection like a puppet
- Easily change up character poses
Improved filters
- Preview and compare multiple filters while color correcting and refining your work
- New filter that can extract line art from images
- New filter that creates a blur like a camera lens
Improved Convert to lines and tones settings and functionality
- Work more intuitively with a revamped settings dialog
- Save your frequently used settings as presets
- Select brush shape for your lines when on a vector layer
Enhanced 3D features
Draw on 3D primitives and 3D drawing figures
- Paint on 3D objects
- Paint on guide lines or patterns to make references for different angles and poses
Cast shadows from 3D objects onto other 3D objects
- Use 3D model combinations to create scenes and check where shadows would fall
STL file support
- Import this format used for 3D files and CAD
BVH file support
- Import motions to get mid-action pose references
VRM facial expression file support
- Customize facial expressions for imported 3D characters
Improved tools and better usability
Object snap
- Snap when moving or transforming vector layers, rulers, text, and more
- Snap to grids, guides, rulers, canvas edges, canvas center, and more
- Place objects quickly and more precisely
Selection improved
- Snap to content on the current layer or reference layers with the Lasso tool
Tool Sliders palette in Studio Mode
- Adjust brush size and opacity using the sliders like in Simple Mode
Improved Tool and Sub Tool palettes
- Tool and Sub Tool palette tool groups are merged and easier to navigate
- Brush shape presets have been revamped with the addition of traditional mediums
- Frequently used tools are now easier to reach
- Select multiple tools, export them, delete, register, and more, all simultaneously
Improved export and printing features
Improved watermark feature
- The noise pattern added to the watermark function helps protect your works when uploaded to the internet
- Also works on batch export
Improved timelapse function
- Prioritize file size setting keeps file size down
Added and updated setting presets for printing fanzines
- Added five new printing company presets and updated ten printing company presets
Improved animation features
Added highly requested features from professional animators
- Color code layers and cels within the Timeline palette
- Improved file size naming setting that makes it easier to keep track of files
- Other animation feature improvements that make it easier to work like the pros
Make short form videos more easily
- Import sound recordings as an audio layer, even on mobile
- Add subtitles and hand-drawn illustrations onto your filmed videos and export to post them online
Features to make you a pro at Clip Studio Paint
New tutorial and hint feature on Simple Mode for tablets
- See a basic overview on the UI and how to use the app on your first start up in Simple Mode
- Learn how to use each feature with mini tutorials
- A hint message will display upon your first use of a feature or tool
2. How to get Ver. 4.0 and pricing
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For New Users
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For Current Users
See below for details on how to use Ver. 4.0 depending on if you’re a new or existing user.
For New Users
| Ver. 4.0 One-time purchase Windows / macOS |
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|---|---|---|
| Clip Studio Paint PRO Ver. 4.0 (perpetual version) | Price: US$58.50 | |
| Clip Studio Paint EX Ver. 4.0 (perpetual version) | Price: US$258.00 | |
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| Monthly/Annual Plans Windows / macOS / iPad / iPhone / Galaxy / Android |
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| Clip Studio Paint PRO Single-device Plan |
Monthly: US$4.49 Annually: US$26.99 |
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| Clip Studio Paint EX Single-device plan |
Monthly: US$8.99 Annually: US$76.99 |
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Ver. 3.0 perpetual license (one-time purchase) users
(Includes those who bought version upgrades)
You can continue to use Ver. 3.0 indefinitely.
Those who purchased a Ver. 3.0 perpetual license from Nov 20, 2024 until the day of the Ver. 4.0 release can receive an upgrade to Ver. 4.0 free of charge. We will contact all eligible users with upgrade directions.
| Ver. 3.0 > Ver. 4.0 discounted upgrades One-time purchase Windows / macOS |
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|---|---|---|
| Clip Studio Paint PRO Discounted Upgrade (Ver. 3.0 to Ver. 4.0) perpetual license |
US$24.99 | |
| Clip Studio Paint EX Discounted Upgrade (Ver. 3.0 to Ver. 4.0) perpetual license |
US$71.99 | |
| Clip Studio Paint EX Discounted Upgrade (PRO Ver. 3.0 to Ver. 4.0) perpetual license |
US$219.00 | |
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| Update Pass 12 months Windows / macOS |
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| Clip Studio Paint PRO Update Pass |
US$10.99 | |
| Clip Studio Paint EX Update Pass |
US$31.99 | |
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Ver. 2.0 and Ver. 1 perpetual license users
(including version upgrades)
Get an Update Pass to use all the latest features including Ver. 4.0 and new features to be added throughout 2025 at a reasonable price. You can continue to use your perpetual license indefinitely.
| Update Pass 12 months Windows / macOS |
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|---|---|---|
| Clip Studio Paint PRO Update Pass |
US$10.99 | |
| Clip Studio Paint EX Update Pass |
US$31.99 | |
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There is no discounted upgrade from Ver. 1 to Ver. 4.0, but you can upgrade to a new perpetual license by upgrading to Ver. 2.0, then to Ver. 3.0, and finally to Ver. 4.0. On sale now!
Annual/Monthly Plan / Update Pass users
You are good as is! You will continue having access to the latest version including Ver. 4.0 and beyond.
FAQ
- Will I be able to open .clip files created using Ver. 4.0 in Ver. 3.0 and earlier versions?
- Yes. However, when the .clip file is opened in Ver. 3 or earlier, you may not be able to edit parts that use new Ver. 4.0 features.
- I received a Ver. 3.0 perpetual version license from the “Buy now to get Ver 3.0!” pre-release offer. How can I get Ver. 4.0?
- Purchase the Ver. 3.0 > Ver. 4.0 discounted upgrade, or get the Update Pass to use Ver. 4.0.
- Is there a discounted upgrade for Ver. 1 or Ver. 2.0 to Ver. 4.0?
- We recommend that Ver. 1 perpetual license users buy the Update Pass (annual) to access the latest versions at a lower price.
It is not possible to upgrade directly from Ver. 1 or Ver. 2.0 to Ver. 4.0 (perpetual version), so either purchase the Update Pass or upgrade your license to Ver. 4.0 from Ver. 3.0 with discounted upgrades. - Can I continue to use Ver. 3.0 and earlier versions even after the release of Ver. 4.0?
- Yes, you can continue to use your existing license. The perpetual version will still get free stability patches when necessary to address major bugs in the app.
Feel free to get in touch with our support team at the following:
