If you open any classic Japanese manga volume, you will notice that instead of color or gray paint, shadows and textures are made up of tiny patterns of dots, lines, and gradients. These are called Screentones. Traditionally, artists physically cut and pasted adhesive halftone sheets onto their pages. Today, digital software makes applying screentones incredibly easy.Why Do Manga Artists Use Screentones?Screentones were originally created as a cost-effective way for printing presses to print gray tones using only black ink. Over time, screentones became a beloved artistic style. They are used to:Represent different colors in grayscale (e.g., dark hair, clothing).Create smooth value gradients for shadows.Add dramatic background textures (like speed lines, stars, and emotional patterns).How to Apply Screentones Digitally (Clip Studio & Photoshop)In Clip Studio Paint: Select any filled area of color, and with a single click in the layer properties panel, convert that layer into a “Tone.” You can adjust the density and frequency of the dots instantly.In Photoshop: Convert your shaded layer into a Bitmap and select the “Halftone Screen” option, adjusting the frequency to create the dot size you prefer.Pro Tips for Using ScreentonesAvoid Moire Patterns: Never scale or rotate screentones randomly, as this can cause overlapping dot patterns that look highly pixelated and hurt the viewer’s eyes.Vary Your Densities: Use lighter dot percentages (10-20%) for skin shadows, and darker percentages (50-70%) for dark clothing and hair to create a clear visual hierarchy.ConclusionDigital screentones are an amazing way to bridge the gap between modern digital art and classic, traditional Japanese manga publishing. Experiment with different dot patterns to give your art that authentic print feel!
