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How Do I Add a Canvas to MediBang Paint?

Published in MediBang Canvas Creation 3 mins read

Adding a new canvas in MediBang Paint is a straightforward process, allowing you to quickly start your digital artwork. The fundamental steps involve navigating through the 'File' menu to initiate a new project and define your canvas dimensions.

Creating a New Canvas in MediBang Paint

To begin a new artistic endeavor, you'll need to create a fresh canvas. This is the digital equivalent of laying out a blank sheet of paper or a fresh canvas for painting.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Access the 'File' Menu: From the top menu bar within MediBang Paint, click on the 'File' option. This menu contains all the essential document management functions.
  2. Select 'New': In the dropdown menu that appears, choose 'New'. This action will open the 'New Canvas' dialog box.
  3. Define Canvas Settings: In the 'New Canvas' dialog box, you have two primary ways to set up your canvas:
    • Enter Custom Dimensions: Manually input your desired width and height in pixels, centimeters, or inches.
    • Select from 'Paper Size': Choose from a list of predefined standard paper sizes, such as A4, B5, or web-friendly dimensions.
  4. Set Resolution (DPI): This is a critical step for image quality. Enter your preferred resolution (DPI - Dots Per Inch) based on the intended use of your artwork.
  5. Confirm Creation: Once you've entered all your desired settings, click 'OK' to create your new canvas.

For an official guide and more detailed tutorials, you can refer to the MediBang Paint Official Website.

Important Considerations for Canvas Settings

While many settings can be adjusted after creating your canvas, some decisions, particularly regarding resolution, are best made upfront to avoid compromising image quality.

Resolution (DPI)

The resolution of your canvas (measured in DPI or PPI – Pixels Per Inch) directly impacts the clarity and detail of your artwork, especially when printed or viewed at different zoom levels.

  • Initial Selection is Key: It is highly recommended to select the appropriate resolution from the start, depending on the purpose of your work.
  • Declining Quality with Adjustment: If you adjust the resolution downwards after you've started working on the canvas, the image quality will decline as the software discards pixel information. While increasing resolution later is possible, it often results in a soft or blurry image as MediBang Paint has to 'invent' new pixel data.

Recommended Resolution Examples:

Purpose of Artwork Recommended DPI Notes
Web/Screen Use 72 DPI Standard for digital displays, smaller file size.
Print (Basic) 150-300 DPI Good for casual prints, posters, or comic pages.
Print (High-Res) 350-600 DPI Ideal for professional prints, fine art, or large-scale work.

Choosing a higher resolution initially provides more flexibility for scaling, cropping, and printing without loss of detail. You can always downscale for web use later.

Canvas Size

The canvas size (width and height) should also be chosen with your final output in mind. Consider whether your artwork will be displayed on a small phone screen, a large monitor, or printed on a specific paper size.

  • Flexibility: While you can adjust canvas size later (e.g., cropping), it's generally easier to start with a canvas that accommodates your planned composition.
  • Aspect Ratio: Pay attention to the aspect ratio to maintain proportions when resizing or fitting to standard display sizes.

By understanding these initial settings, you can ensure your MediBang Paint canvas is perfectly set up for your creative vision.