
Paint Tool SAI is a graphics design program that allows users to work with layers, similar to Photoshop. Working with layers is essential for digital artists as it enables them to separate elements of an image, such as line art, colour, shade, light, and other details. By default, the layers in Paint Tool SAI are located on the left side of the screen, next to the tools panel. Users can adjust the opacity of each layer separately, with the opacity settings located above the Layer Panel. Additionally, Paint Tool SAI offers the option to hide layers by clicking on the eye icon next to each layer in the panel. This feature helps users manage their work, especially when dealing with multiple layers in a project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Layer Panel location | By default, the Layer Panel is located on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel. |
| Layer Panel customisation | It is possible to change the position of the Layer Panel by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side. |
| Creating a new layer | To create a new layer, use one of the two following icons in the Layer Panel: Normal layer or Linework layer. |
| Hiding layers | Paint Tool SAI allows you to hide a layer by clicking on the eye icon beside each layer in the panel. |
| Naming layers | To change the name of a specific layer, locate and double-click on the name, change it, and click OK. |
| Layer folders | Layer folders work the same way as the folders on a PC. |
| Layer opacity | Paint Tool SAI allows you to choose different opacity settings for each layer separately. The opacity settings can be found right above the Layer Panel. |
| Transparency | Some versions of SAI have transparency support. To check if your drawing is see-through, fill a layer underneath with black and hide it. |
| Saving transparent pictures | Merge Clipping Group layers with the layer they're attached to. Open the fixed file in GIMP and delete the background layer. Export your image as a .png file. |
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What You'll Learn

Use the Layer Panel to adjust opacity
PaintTool SAI allows you to choose different opacity settings for each layer separately. You can find the opacity settings right above the Layer Panel.
The Layer Panel is where you can create a new layer. To do this, you can use one of the two following icons in the Layer Panel: Normal layer or Linework layer. The Normal layer is the basic layer that is most commonly used, and it allows you to draw with any of the tools presented. Within the Linework layer, you will get a different set of tools. By default, you can find the layers in PaintTool SAI on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel. You can change the position of your Layer Panels by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side.
Above the Layer Panel, you have the Layer Effects, where you can find many different textures and some effects that you can apply separately to each layer. You can also change the intensity and scale of the textures and the width and intensity of the effects.
To adjust the opacity of a layer, you can either lower the opacity and hardness settings of the eraser and do it manually or select and cut to a new layer and adjust the sliders there. You can also hide a layer by clicking on the eye icon beside each layer in the panel.
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Change opacity of specific parts of a layer
Paint Tool SAI allows you to change the opacity of specific parts of a layer. By default, you can find the layers in PaintTool SAI on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel. You can change the position of your Layer Panels by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side.
Above the Layer Panel, you have the Layer Effects, where you can find many different textures and some effects that you can apply separately to each layer. You can also change the intensity and scale of the textures and the width and intensity of the effects.
To change the opacity of specific parts of a layer, you can either lower the opacity and hardness settings of the eraser and do it manually or select and cut to a new layer and adjust the sliders there. You can also create a temporary background layer underneath everything that's filled with black, allowing you to fix any light pixels that may leak from the linework.
Paint Tool SAI also allows you to hide a layer. Beside each layer in the panel, there will be an eye icon that you can click on to toggle hide/show.
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Create a new layer to adjust opacity
PaintTool SAI allows you to choose different opacity settings for each layer separately. You can find the opacity settings above the Layer Panel. To create a new layer, simply use one of the two following icons in the Layer Panel: Normal layer or Linework layer. The Normal layer is the basic layer that is most commonly used, and it allows you to draw with any of the tools presented. Within the Linework layer, you will get a different set of tools.
To create a new layer to adjust opacity, you can either lower the opacity and hardness settings of the eraser and do it manually or select and cut to a new layer and adjust the sliders there. You can also create a temporary background layer underneath everything that is filled with black. This will help you fix any instances of light pixels leaking from the linework and ensure your image looks good on every background.
It is important to note that by default, you can find the layers in PaintTool SAI on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel. You can change the position of your Layer Panels by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side. Additionally, when you create a new layer, it is automatically titled Layer1, Layer2, Layer3, and so on (up to a maximum of 256 layers). To change the name of a specific layer, simply locate and double-click on the name, make the desired changes, and click OK.
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Use the eye icon to hide layers
PaintTool SAI is a graphics design program that is both powerful and user-friendly. One of the most important things to learn when starting with PaintTool SAI is how to use layers. Layers are used to separate elements of an image, such as line art, colour, shade, light, and other details. This allows you to make changes to specific elements without affecting the rest of the image.
By default, the layers in PaintTool SAI are located on the left side of the screen, next to the tools panel. You can change the position of your Layer Panels by going to Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side. To create a new layer, simply use one of the two icons in the Layer Panel: Normal Layer or Linework Layer. The Normal Layer is the basic layer that allows you to draw with any of the tools, while the Linework Layer provides a different set of tools.
Now, let's talk about hiding layers using the eye icon. Beside each layer in the Layer Panel, you will find an eye icon. Clicking on this eye icon will allow you to toggle between hiding and showing that particular layer. This feature is especially useful when you are working on a large project with multiple layers. By hiding certain layers, you can focus on specific elements without distractions. Additionally, naming your layers and creating layer folders can help you stay organized and easily locate specific layers within your project.
Hiding layers is also essential when working with transparent drawings. If you want to check if your drawing is see-through, you can fill a layer underneath with black and then hide that layer using the eye icon. This will help you ensure that your transparent drawings are set up correctly for their intended use in layouts and graphics.
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Save transparent drawings
To save transparent drawings in Paint Tool SAI, it is recommended to have a file with layers rather than a flat image. While it is possible to cut out a drawing that has been flattened onto an opaque background, it is easier to work with layers.
If your SAI supports transparency, a dialog box should appear after you save your drawing. Select 32bpp ARGB (Each pixel has opacity) for a transparent image. If your drawing is transparent, it should show up with some grey checkerboxes.
For Paint Tool SAI 2, transparency is easier to see. Hide any background layers, click on Canvas, hover over Background, and select Transparent (Bright checker). As long as you save your file as a .png, SAI 2 should handle any transparency automatically.
If you do not have Photoshop, you can download a specific image-editing software to add transparency. One option is GIMP, which is free of charge and compatible with Windows and Mac. Once you've downloaded and installed GIMP, open the program and your .PSD file in it. Find the background layer on your picture and delete it. The background of your picture should change to grey checkerboxes. Click on File, then Export As. Your file name should end in .png. Make sure you have Save gamma and Save color values from transparent pixels ticked along with the other defaults.
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Frequently asked questions
You can change the opacity settings for each layer separately in Paint Tool SAI. The opacity settings can be found right above the Layer Panel.
By default, you can find the layers in Paint Tool SAI on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel.
Yes, you can change the position of your Layer Panels by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side.
When you create a new layer, it's automatically titled Layer1, Layer2, Layer3, and so on. To change the name of a specific layer, simply locate and double-click on the name, change it, and click OK.
First, make sure any background layers are hidden. Then, fill a layer underneath with black and hide it again. If you can see the black background, your drawing is transparent.










































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