So you just downloaded your first digital art program. Congrats! Now onto the first tutorial in digital drawing.

I’ll be using PaintTool SAI in my tutorials because that is the program I’m the most used to. I will try to keep the information more general so that it can apply to other programs.

I use PaintTool SAI the most often because of it’s easy to navigate user interface. Here is the set up I have become accustomed to. It’s important to note that the number of settings, tools, and which side of the canvas the tools can be found on are all customizable. This is true for most programs, so do whatever is most comfortable for you.

Understanding layers is one of the most important factors of learning digital art. The ability to separate and move certain parts of the drawing is what sets digital art apart from traditional art, well that and also the fact that we’re using a computer instead of paint or charcoal.

New Layer is self-explanatory.

New Vector/Linework Layer means a new layer will be added with different brushes loaded. The brushes include a curve and straight line tool that should make it easy to create uniform lines and even shapes.

New Layer Folder allows you to sort layers into folders so you don’t accidentally work on a layer that is already finished. This great for organizing your interface on long, complex pieces of art.

Clear will clear the entire layer.

Merge down means the current layer will become one with the layer below it.

Transfer down leaves a copy of the layer on the one below it. The current layer does not change.

Visibility toggles whether or not you can see the layer. While a layer is invisible, you cannot work on it.