Comic Builder
From Bitstrips Help
This page contains detailed instructions on how to use the Easy Comic Builder.
Click here for instructions for the Super Comic Builder.
Contents |
Easy vs Super
There are two ways to create a comic on Bitstrips just like research papers - the EASY builder and the SUPER builder.
The Easy Builder is the fastest, simplest way to make a comic. It's ideal for writing a quick joke, or rapidly jotting down some dialogue for one or twocharacters. If you're new to Bitstrips, the Easy Builder may be the best way for you to get your feet wet in the comic creation process. Even if you're a veteran, the Easy Builder is a good way to quickly whip up a simple, dialogue-based comic.
The Super Builder is the full-featured advanced mode for building comics. Use this builder if you want maximum control over your strips. Custom layouts, character poses, detailed scenes and more await you in the Super Builder.
You can also use both builders together. Use the Easy builder to write out your dialogue, and figure out the number of panels you need for your strip. Then just jump into the Super Builder to fine-tune the visuals.
Setting up your strip
It's fast and easy to put together a strip in the Easy Comic Builder.
Just follow these steps:
1. Drag a character or two from the Library into the Panel.
(you can use a maximum of 2 characters at a time in the Easy Builder.)
- if you want to change your character selection, just drag a new character over either character in the panel to replace them.
2. Enter dialogue by clicking and typing in the Text Bubbles.
3. Add a title by clicking and typing in the Title Box.
You're ready to go!
[[Image:Image:Example.jpg]]= Writing your strip =
Writing a comic in the Easy Builder is as simple as writing a script.
1. Click and type in Text Bubbles to enter or edit dialogue.
2. To continue your strip, click the 'ADD PANEL' button. Your strip can be up to 8 panels long.
3. Use the Left and Right arrows to navigate from panel to panel.
(you can go back and edit previous panels if you need to.)
4. Click the 'PREVIEW' button to see a preview of what your strip will look like as a whole.
5. Don't forget to add a title!
Changing emotions
To change your character's emotions, click on any of the Emotion Icons beside the character.
To remove a character's text bubble, click on the Bubble Icon above the emotions.
Clicking the bubble icon again will give the character a new text bubble.
Changing compositions
Your strip will be more visually interesting if you change the composition from panel to panel.
You can set the composition for each panel by clicking on the Composition Buttons below the panel.
You have 3 choices: 1 composition that focuses on each character, and 1 that includes both.
You can change your composition for any panel at any time.
Changing colors
To change the color of the background in your strip, click the Panel Color Box.
Select a color from the Color Box, and adjust its brightness by clicking and dragging the Brightness Slider.
You can also change the color of the border around your strip, by clicking on the Border Color Box.
Saving your strip
To save a strip, click on the red SAVE button.
In the Comic Builder, the save button is on the right
In the Super Builder, the save button is on the lower-right
Jumping to Super Builder
If you want to access advanced options for building your strip, you can jump to the Super Builder at any time, by clicking the Super Builder button.
Using your dialogue, emotions and compositions as a starting point, you can add much more detail in the Super Builder.
Note: once you edit your strip in the Super Builder, you can't bring it back to the Easy Builder. Jumping back to the Easy Builder from the Super Builder will start a new strip.
Setting permissions
When you publish a strip, you have the ability to control if other users can remix your work.
You have three choices:
- Anybody - any user on the site can remix your strip
- Friends Only - only your friends can remix your strip
- Nobody but Me - no one has permission to remix your strip
Make your choice by selecting the appropriate option, and the permission will be set.
Publishing your strip
Once your strip is saved, you can publish it to display it on Bitstrips.com.
You don't have to publish strips right away - you can keep them unpublished if you want to work on them more later. To avoid publishing multiple versions of the same strip, you should wait until you're sure it's ready before you publish it.
To publish a strip, click the big 'PUBLISH NOW' button below your strip.
When you publish a strip, you must select its genre, using the drop-down meny below the Publish button.
You can Unpublish a strip at any time, by clicking the 'UNPUBLISH' button below the strip.
