If you’re wondering how to take your traditional comic format and turn it into a webtoon without completely overhauling your style, you’re in the right place. I get it—transitioning to a vertical format can feel intimidating, especially when so many people talk about the importance of things like webtoon canvas sizes or the use of dramatic scene changes.
But I’m here to help you break it down step by step. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know how to adjust your canvas size, optimize your line work, and even use tools like Clip Studio Paint to make the process smoother.
Do I Have to Change My Comic Format to a Webtoon Format?
First, let’s tackle the big question: Do I have to completely change my comic’s style to fit platforms like Webtoon or Tapas?
The short answer is no! If you love your traditional comics and they’re working for you, don’t feel pressured to change everything. Platforms like LINE Webtoon and Tapas are more flexible than you might think. You can upload traditional comic pages, graphic novels, or even comic books, as long as you follow their size guidelines.
That said, converting your comic to a webtoon-style comic can help you reach broader audiences and engage better with readers on digital platforms, especially in recent years, when mobile-first storytelling has exploded in popularity.
How to Make a Traditional Comic Page to Webtoon Format Page
If you want to try your hand at converting your comic, here’s how to get started using a software that is really popular with webtoon creators, Clip Studio Paint:
1. Set Up a New Canvas
Let’s talk about canvas size first. Start with a larger webtoon canvas. Clip Studio Paint offers webtoon templates that you can use. These templates are something like 2000 x 20,000 pixels. This gives you room to work on multiple webtoon pages at once. Don’t worry if it seems huge; you’ll resize it later.
In tools like Clip Studio Paint, you can use clip studio assets like templates to make the setup easier. These assets often include gutter space for panel breaks and guides for frame borders.
2. Adjust Your Panels
Take a look at your scene changes and think about how they’d look in a vertical scroll. One trick I like is leaving a little bit of extra space (or gutter space) between panels to create a dramatic effect.
For wide panels, you can crop them into smaller segments or stack them for smoother scrolling. This keeps your readers engaged while still preserving the flow of your story.
3. Work on Line Work and Base Colors
Once your panels are set, check your line work and colors. Thin lines or muted tones might not stand out well on smaller screens, so consider boldening lines and enhancing your use of colors to make the art pop.
If you use 3D assets (like a 3D model for backgrounds), make sure they’re scaled properly. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a big difference in keeping your art cohesive.
4. Improve Text for Readability
Text is super important in webtoon-style comics. Always test your lettering by zooming out until your canvas width matches a phone screen. If it’s hard to read, increase the font size or tweak your control points for speech bubbles.
Why Does Webtoon Vertical Format Work So Well?
The vertical format wasn’t just created for fun—it’s designed for mobile readers. In South Korea, where webtoons originated, mobile comics became wildly popular because they’re easy to scroll through on a phone.
By using vertical layouts, you can:
- Introduce scene changes more dynamically.
- Add dramatic effects with spacing.
- Reach new audiences who prefer mobile reading.
Frame Borders: Why They Matter and How to Use Them
Frame borders aren’t just a way to organize your panels—they guide your readers’ eyes, create pacing, and set the mood for your story. Here are some practical tips:
1. Use Consistent Border Thickness
- Standardize your frame border thickness for most panels (around 4-5 px works well for webtoons).
- Thicker borders can emphasize important moments, while thinner borders can subtly de-emphasize less critical scenes.
2. Leave Adequate Gutter Space
- Keep at least 30-50 pixels of space between panels. This “breathing room” ensures your readers don’t feel overwhelmed and helps the scrolling flow.
- For dramatic pauses or big reveals, increase the gutter space to slow the pacing.
3. Experiment with Open Panels
- For scenes like flashbacks or dreamy sequences, consider frameless panels or panels with faded edges. This gives a softer, more fluid feel.
- Conversely, sharp-edged frames with strong contrast can enhance action scenes or tension.
4. Add Rounded or Stylized Borders for Tone
- Rounded corners can give your panels a softer, more casual vibe, perfect for slice-of-life or comedy webtoons.
- Jagged or irregular borders can amplify chaotic or emotional scenes, like a character experiencing intense fear or anger.
5. Highlight Transitions with Unique Borders
- Use decorative or thematic borders to signal changes in location, time, or mood. For example, floral designs for romantic moments or shattered lines for conflict.
Best Examples of Webtoons from Traditional Styles
Here are some of my personal examples of my traditionally formatted comic that I published on Tapas which is also a webtoon publishing platform to help prove that if you don’t want to transition to the vertical panel style to publish on webtoon you don’t have to:
- Mommy Diaries uses a simple 4-panel layout (4koma style) and thrives.
- Love! Love! Fighting! keeps its traditional layout while maintaining strong readability.
- School Memories proves that shoujo manga and traditional comic formats can work on webtoon publishing platforms.
Common Problems and Questions Beginner Webtoon Creators have:
Q: How do I maintain my comic’s quality when resizing?
A: Work on a larger canvas first, then resize for platforms like Webtoon. This keeps your details crisp, especially for line work.
Q: Do traditional comic creators earn as much on digital platforms?
A: Yes! Many creators earn ad revenue or monetize through Patreon, Webtoon Canva, Tapas, Amazon KDP and many other digital comic publishing platforms. It’s not about the format but the story and art quality.
Q: What’s the best tool for formatting webtoons?
A: I love Clip Studio Paint because it has features like frame borders, new canvas templates, and even base colors tools to save time.
Q. “How Do I Plan My Webtoon Layout?”
Actionable Tip: Sketch a rough layout before drawing. Use sticky notes or Clip Studio Paint’s layout tools to map out panel flow and pacing.
Think about how your readers scroll—larger panels for impactful moments, smaller ones for dialogue-heavy sequences.
Q. “What Canvas Size Should I Use?”
Most platforms like Webtoon Canvas recommend 800 x 1280 pixels per panel but that doesn’t mean you have to draw in that size, you can actually draw in a bigger canvas size.
You can use Clip Studio Paint premade webtoon template if you don’t know where to start, I personally like to work in multiple pages so my webtoon canvas is sometimes 1600- 4800 pixels wide and sometimes 2400 pixels long.
Q “What About Backgrounds?”
Beginners often struggle with backgrounds. If that’s you, try using Clip studio paints premade 3D models or even use video games like the sims or mindcraft as a reference for perspective.
Simplify backgrounds during dialogue-heavy scenes to keep focus on the characters.
Q. “How Do I Handle Dialogue?”
Keep speech bubbles clear and readable. Test on a phone screen to make sure the font size isn’t too small (12-16 pt is a good starting point).
Place bubbles strategically within the frame borders to avoid overlapping critical artwork.
Q. “How Can I Keep Consistency?”
A lot of webtoon artist will Reuse elements like backgrounds, character designs, and color palettes to save time and keep uniformity.
Create a folder of reusable assets, like facial expressions or props, in your drawing software. I’m not a big stickler on having a consistent art style because as long as I like what I draw that’s all that matters for me~
Q. “How Do I Grab Attention Quickly?”
Start your webtoon with a hook: a compelling scene, cliffhanger, or striking visual that draws readers in instantly.
For example, in the first few panels, introduce a conflict or intriguing question to keep them scrolling.
Q. “I’m worried that my series might accidentally get rated too high or labeled as ‘Mature’ because of a few intense scenes. What if this limits my audience?”
It’s totally normal to feel uncertain when assigning a content rating to your webtoon—especially if you’re new to the process! But don’t worry: this system is designed to help your series find the right audience while keeping everyone safe and happy. Here’s how you can approach it confidently:
Understand Webtoon Canva Rating System Thoroughly
Webtoon had sent out a Content rating assignment back in fall of 2023 and they posted a notice about it on their site where you can take a little time to review their rating categories in more detail but here is a quick scan through:
- All Ages: Mild cartoon blood, no intense themes.
- Teen: Fantasy violence, minor sensitive topics.
- Young Adult: Moderate violence, profanity, or themes like bullying or self-harm.
- Mature: Graphic content across violence, themes, or sexual situations.
Think about your webtoon’s tone, style, and the content it typically covers. Most series fall into Teen or Young Adult, so you’re not alone!
Content ratings actually help connect you to broader audiences who are looking for exactly what you’re creating. For example:
- Teen Content: Appeals to a vast audience and is suitable for schools or casual reading.
- Young Adult Content: Attracts readers who enjoy complex themes but prefer less graphic storytelling.
- Mature Content: Builds loyalty among older readers seeking gritty or explicit stories.
Think of the rating as a way to market your webtoon to the right crowd.
Pro Tip for Webtoon Beginners: Stay True to Your Vision
Next time you’re working on a new canvas, keep the rating categories in mind as part of your planning process. Think about how each scene—whether it’s a fight, a tender moment, or a heated argument—aligns with your intended audience. This way, you can create confidently and avoid surprises during the rating process!
Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay authentic to the story you want to tell. The content rating system is a tool to help—not hinder—you. Your creativity and unique voice are what matter most.
If you’re worried about being limited to an 18+ audience, remember:
- Revisions Are a Choice: If your rating feels too restrictive, you can adjust future content or even revisit past episodes. For example, toning down graphic depictions or implied themes can align your work with Young Adult or Teen ratings.
- Creator Support: If you’re not sure about a rating or need help appealing it, you can always reach out to creatorsupport@webtoon.com.
You’re doing great, Remember: Art is your voice. Whether you stick to traditional comics or dive into webtoon-style comics, your story matters. So go ahead—get started!
Want to Learn How to Start a Webtoon?
If you’re trying to start your own webtoon but you’re having trouble knowing where to begin then download the “How to Start a Webtoon” Ebook that’s perfect for beginners!
Hello. This is very helpful. I was honestly worried cuz I draw traditionally. My only problem is I don’t know what paper size measurements to work with that’ll meet the webtoon requirement or how to achieve it. I was wondering if you could give advice on this please
this puts my mind at ease on horizontal format in webtoons
This was a super comforting post. You have a way of speaking/ typing that puts the reader at ease. I’m suddenly so calm Out of nowhere.
Thank you so much for saying that because I really needed that affirmation! I really appreciate that so much!!!