Screentone manga texture

Screentone is a mechanical shading technique that defines the classic look of Japanese manga, used to add precise textures without manual retouching.

About this subject

Screentone, also known as screen tone or halftone, is a self-adhesive sheet with patterns of dots, lines or textures, applied over ink drawings to create shading and detail. Originating from the letraset technique in the 1970s, it was widely adopted by manga artists like Osamu Tezuka and Rumiko Takahashi to speed up production. Manual application required precise cutting with a utility knife and careful overlay, yielding a characteristic visual effect that became synonymous with the manga style.

In manga such as "Dragon Ball" and "Sailor Moon", screentone was used to add depth to hair, clothing and backgrounds, saving time on manual hatching. With the rise of computer graphics, software like Clip Studio Paint integrated digital screentone libraries, enabling non-destructive adjustments. Despite the digital shift, the aesthetic of screentone remains iconic, even influencing Western comics.

Interesting fact: Screentone patterns have specific names such as "round dot", "line" and "sand grain". In Japan, the brand Deleter is the most well-known among manufacturers. The technique also inspired the use of halftone filters in visual styles like pop art and pixel art.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is screentone and what is it used for?

Screentone is a self-adhesive sheet with graphical patterns used in manga to add shading, texture and details without manual drawing. It speeds up the inking process.

How is screentone applied manually?

The artist cuts the desired shape from the screentone sheet and places it over the drawing, using a utility knife to trim excess. Then presses to adhere and avoid bubbles.

Is screentone still used in digital manga?

Yes, many artists still use digital screentones in software like Clip Studio Paint, which offer pattern libraries. The aesthetic remains popular even in digital media.