When I create my webtoon, I like to aim for around 20-30 panels per episode. This panel count feels manageable both for my workflow and for my readers to enjoy without getting overwhelmed. My webtoon updated once a month, which works well for both my personal schedule and my reader engagement.
My webtoon has grown to over 12,000+ subscribers. This shows that reader satisfaction doesn’t rely on high panel counts alone. It depends on a good, steady update pace. Remember, burning out because of panel expectations is a sign to reassess—especially for webtoon artists balancing other responsibilities.
A healthy panel count makes the webtoon process enjoyable. It is sustainable. This allows me to continue sharing my stories. I can do it without feeling overloaded.
How Many Panels Should a Webtoon Episode Contain?
In my experience, each webtoon episode only needs as many panels as the story requires. I’ve been making webcomics and posting online for over 12 years. I feel confident deciding when to add or take away panels based on the story’s needs. If you’re new to creating webtoons, or you’re starting your first episode on webtoon can here’s a rough estimate of panel counts based on genre and popular original series webtoon styles:
| Genre | Average Panel Count |
|---|---|
| Action | 60 panels |
| Fantasy | 50 panels |
| Sci-fi | 70 panels |
| Romance | 40 panels |
| Drama | 50 panels |
| Comedy | 30 panels |
| Thriller | 60 panels |
You don’t need to follow these strictly. This is just a general guide to help you decide a starting point. Readers typically care more about your storytelling pace than the exact number of panels per episode. This flexibility can also help manage your webtoon journey and keep your story fresh.
But, don’t feel limited by these averages. Some episodes may need fewer or more panels depending on your story’s plot lines, desired dramatic effect, and panel flow.
These counts are based on the pacing and intensity typical of each genre. Romance and drama, for instance, tend to have fewer panels than action-packed genres. The focus is more on character dialogue and expression than on high-speed sequences.
If you’re just starting out, consider using the one-line-per-speech-bubble approach. I use this method with one or two word balloons per panel. This helps avoid overcrowded text and ensures readers have an easy flow between panels.
In my YouTube video on episode layout and paneling, I show a step-by-step process for setting up an episode. I explain how to manage dialogue. I make sure that no one panel has too much text. This approach also lets you estimate your episode’s length based on your dialogue count.
How to Estimate Panels Using Dialogue
Here’s a great way to estimate your webtoon’s panel count. I usually include 1-2 speech bubbles per panel. I also use only one line of dialogue per bubble. This avoids “wall of text” panels. It makes it easier for readers to follow along. It keeps the reader’s eye moving down the page. This helps decide the number of panels. It is based on my script. This ensures a smooth flow of story ideas without overcrowding.
Clip Studio Paint’s Webtoon Software
Clip Studio Paint’s webtoon feature is a fantastic tool for creating webtoons. It is designed with specific tools for the unique vertical layout that webtoon platforms like Webtoon Canvas need. This feature allows artists to work on individual comic pages and then stitch them together for a seamless reading experience. Using the webtoon format in Clip Studio Paint makes it easier to manage panel layouts. This is especially useful for longer episodes. It also provides an easy way to adjust the shape of the panel and gutter space. By using Clip Studio Paint’s slice feature, you can create episodes that flow smoothly on vertical reading platforms. This approach is great for artists who want to keep image quality without compressing everything into one long file.
Webtoon Canvas Requirements and Sizing
One common issue for beginners is navigating webtoon format requirements. Platforms like Webtoon Canvas recommend 800 pixels wide by 1280 pixels high for each comic page upload. Still, you don’t have to create at this small size. I like to work in 1600 pixels wide by 4600 pixels tall. This helps avoid blurry lines and achieve crisp lines in my art. When you upload, Webtoon will automatically resize your image to fit the platform’s dimensions. This is especially helpful for those using Clip Studio Paint or ibisPaint on a mobile device.
Why There’s No “Perfect” Number of Panels
It’s a good idea to release episodes at a consistent length. Still, you don’t have to match the length of other webtoons exactly. If you’re concerned about submission requirements for webtoon contests or Webtoon Canvas, rest assured. They usually don’t impose strict panel count limits. Instead, they focus on image quality and appropriate file size. Check episode guidelines. Confirm if you’re aiming for new releases. This is especially important for contest submissions like the recent submission period of June.
Panel Layout Tips for Visual Flow
When creating panels, think about their shape, gutter space, and how white spaces affect your episode’s flow. Keep your panel size and gutter space consistent for readability. Use white screen or empty areas for impactful pacing. If you’re aiming for a vertical format, it’s common in webtoon-style comics. It’s best to work on one new file per episode. Avoid crowding everything onto a single, long canvas series.
Consider using the on-screen area to create focus. Less is often more. This is especially true for beginners who may feel pressured to match popular webtoons’ intricate layouts. You can create a dramatic effect without needing complex designs. Keep speech bubbles minimal. Arrange a single panel across the width of the screen.
Using Clip Studio Paint’s Tools for Enhanced Panel Layouts
Clip Studio Paint offers a powerful feature for layout experimentation. It provides layering options that allow you to add unique details. These details can include shadows or dramatic effects. This is especially helpful for webtoon genres that need strong emotional impacts. You can adjust the shapes of panels. Using vertical panels for intense moments is also effective. These techniques are great ways to keep readers engaged with the story’s pacing.
In my video “Using Clip Studio Paint for Webtoons”, I offer a walkthrough of Clip Studio Paint’s vertical format tools. I show how to adjust panel shape for dramatic effect. The software’s flexibility provides a lot of room for creative expression. It ensures smooth, readable transitions from one panel to the next.
Avoiding Overwhelm: The Panel and Dialogue Guide
When laying out panels, I like to use around 1-2 word balloons per panel. Each word balloon holds a single line of dialogue. This feature makes it easier to read. It also prevents text from overcrowding the visuals. To help plan your episode length, consider using the dialogue count as a guide.
Setting the Scene with Colors, Shapes, and Reader Flow
Experimenting with the use of color is a great way to add a dramatic effect to your webtoon. It creates moods that resonate with the storyline. Panel size and shape also play an important role; try adjusting them for emphasis, action, or quieter moments. By using speech bubbles wisely, you can guide the reader’s eye from panel to panel, improving readability and engagement.
When planning scenes, think about white spaces and gutters. These can give the reader a visual break, which helps avoid clutter on the screen. Webtoon’s contest submission guidelines also encourage creators to think about how white spaces can affect the storytelling flow.
Managing File Sizes to Upload your Webtoon Online
A common problem for beginners is navigating file size requirements, especially on Webtoon Canvas. When I’m finalizing my webtoon, I save individual panels as PNG or JPG files. This guarantees each section stays clear when stacked. Clip Studio Paint’s webtoon slicing feature helps you manage longer episodes by exporting them in sections. It makes it easy to meet upload limits without compromising quality.
Another great tool for file preparation is Croppy, an online resizer specifically for webtoon creators. Croppy helps you format images within Webtoon’s size constraints. It ensures that your webtoon looks seamless when read in one long strip. For more on maintaining image quality, I go over tips on file handling in Common Webtoon Issues and Solutions.
Beginner Tips for Webcomic Artist Creating a New Series in Webtoon Format
For those worried about keeping their webtoon crisp lines and high image quality, here are a few key tips:
- The best way to keep your lines crisp and sharp is to remember. You don’t need to fit all of your panels on one 1600 x 4600 page. Instead, you can create multiple pages with a handful of panels. When it’s uploaded onto webtoon publishing platforms it will all look like one long strip.
- Save your panels as individual image files (JPG or PNG) to guarantee they’re clear when stacked on Webtoon or Tapas.
- Check that your final files meet the upload file formats and size limits set by your chosen platform. Clip Studio Paint and Croppy are useful tools for this. Croppy, in particular, offers easy resizing for various platforms, so your webtoon looks seamless.
- For those who need budget-friendly tools, consider exploring drawing tablets from brands like Wacom, XP-Pen, or Huion. Many artists find these options affordable while maintaining high quality, which is especially important for beginners starting their webtoon journey.
If you’re just beginning your webtoon journey, don’t worry. It’s okay if your first episode doesn’t have as many panels. It might not be as polished as you’d like. With each new series, your skills and process will improve. Here are a few resources from my YouTube playlist to guide you through common challenges:
- Starting Your Webtoon – This playlist covers various steps. It begins with setting up a new file and extends to planning your episodes. You also learn about choosing colors and adding speech bubbles.
- Episode Layout and Paneling – Learn how to create a webtoon format layout. Manage panel size and arrange panels for easy reader flow.
- Using Clip Studio Paint for Webtoons – Step-by-step tutorials on drawing tools, vertical formats, and working with the Webtoon format.
- Common Webtoon Issues and Solutions – Tips for handling common issues, like blurred lines, file size constraints, and image formatting.
Helpful Tips for Webtoon Canvas Size, Resolution, and Tools
When it comes to choosing a canvas size for webtoon-style comics, start with a 1600-pixel width by 4600-pixel height. Opt for a shorter size if you’re aiming for around 20 panels. You can use Clip Studio Paint or the Webtoon Canvas mobile device app. This resolution helps avoid blurry lines. It maintains excellent image quality for webtoon pages.
If you’re working on a mobile device, this setup can also prevent the file size from becoming unmanageable. Webtoon Canvas and the Tapas app allow you to upload individual comic pages that are then stacked vertically. Each page’s file size and quality are preserved for an optimal reader experience. Thus, it’s important to avoid uploading single-panel pages at a low resolution.
For vertical format webtoons, many artists find the 800 x 1280 pixel size convenient for publication. Platforms like Webtoon Canvas also offer an auto-resizer that ensures your files meet submission requirements.
- Explore Helpful Resources – Programs like Clip Studio Paint and Krita offer webtoon slicing features. These features help you format longer episodes into upload-ready sizes.
- Plan for Accessibility – Consider mobile device readability, especially since most readers access webtoons via the webtoon app. Webtoon Canva and Tapas have mobile preview features so you can see how your comic pages looks and how the shape of the panel fits within the screen size
- Focus on Plot and Dialogue – Let your story idea and dialogue guide the panel count. Avoid having too many word balloons in a panel. This can make webtoon comics hard to read. Clarity often beats complexity.
- Try Budget-Friendly Tools – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drawing tablet, consider models from Wacom, XP-Pen, or Huion. Many artists find quality and affordability in these brands.
Resources to Help you Start your Webtoon
For those new to webtoons, don’t miss our “How to Start a Webtoon” Ebook!
It provides submission requirements. You will find hardware recommendations. There are helpful tips for everything from panel creation to formatting your webtoon on Webtoon Canvas or Tapas.
Starting a webtoon can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about meeting reader expectations or creating “enough” panels. Remember, it’s a journey that improves with time, practice, and passion. Go at a pace that suits you, and focus on your unique plot lines and story development. Every update, no matter the number of panels, contributes to building your audience and refining your craft.
Creating webtoons should be enjoyable, not stressful! Remember, there’s no “wrong” way to format your webtoon. Start small if it helps and let your confidence and skills grow with each episode.
Happy creating, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your process. You’re the storyteller, and your readers are here for your unique style!