Screentone Texture Technique: A Guide to Manga & Print Effects
Screentone is a texturing technique used in manga, comics, and graphic design to create shading, depth, and patterns. Traditionally, screentones were adhesive sheets with printed dots, lines, or textures that artists applied manually. Today, digital screentones are widely used in software like Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, and Procreate.
Types of Screentones
๐จ Dot Screentones โ Small dots that create shading by varying size and spacing.
๐ Line Screentones โ Parallel lines used for motion, depth, or hatching effects.
๐ฟ Texture Screentones โ Patterns like gravel, fabric, or wood grain for realism.
๐ Gradient Screentones โ Dots or lines that fade smoothly from dark to light.
๐ Halftone Screentones โ Used in printmaking and vintage comic books for shading.
How to Apply Screentones
โ Traditional (Hand-Cut) Screentone Application
- Choose a screentone sheet (brands like Deleter or Letraset).
- Cut out the desired area with an X-Acto knife or scissors.
- Place it over the drawing and press down with a burnisher.
- Use a razor or sandpaper to erase small areas for highlights.
๐ฅ Digital Screentone Techniques
- Open your digital drawing software (Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, etc.).
- Select a halftone brush or import a screentone texture.
- Adjust dot size, density, and opacity for shading effects.
- Use layer masks or erasers to refine highlights and shadows.
Screentone vs. Other Shading Techniques
| Technique | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Screentone | Dot-based, vintage print look | Manga, comics, graphic novels |
| Cross-Hatching | Fine lines, hand-drawn texture | Traditional ink illustrations |
| Digital Gradients | Smooth shading | Modern digital art & realism |
| Halftone Patterns | Classic comic book dots | Retro effects & printing |
Where Screentones Are Used
๐ Manga & Comics โ Adds depth and contrast without excessive inking.
๐ฐ Print Media โ Used in newspapers, posters, and pop-art designs.
๐จ Graphic Design โ Vintage halftone effects in logos and posters.
๐ Film & Animation โ Stylized shadows in 2D animation & motion graphics.
Pros & Cons of Screentone Techniques
โ
Pros:
โ Efficient shading (saves time compared to manual cross-hatching).
โ Clean, uniform textures (great for manga & comic art).
โ Customizable for different styles (from realism to abstract).
โ Cons:
โ Can look mechanical if overused.
โ Traditional screentones are expensive & require precision.
โ Digital screentones may appear pixelated when resized.
Tips for Using Screentones Effectively
๐ Vary dot sizes to create smooth gradients.
๐ Combine different screentones for unique textures.
๐ Erase selectively to create light and highlights.
๐ Adjust DPI settings for high-quality prints.