Kathaka brings a drawing desk, a story planner and a production workspace into one app. A project is an editable book; its pages contain panels, artwork and dialogue. Start small before planning a whole volume.
Step by step
Create and verify your online account, then log in to begin your 30-day trial.
Choose New book or open an existing project in Explorer.
Select a page in the book navigator, then select a panel.
Try a small change, use Undo, and save a project copy somewhere you can find it.
What you should see
The canvas shows the selected page. The bottom bar reports whether recovery is saved locally.
Useful to know
The English control names in this guide match the app. This drawer changes the guide language, not the entire app interface.
If something goes wrong
If a tool seems unavailable, finish the current dialog and check your selected panel and editable layer. Reopen your saved project through Explorer.
Professional key activation and the online trial
Enter your Professional key directly in Kathaka on Windows, macOS or Linux. Professional needs no app login or email setup. The owner CMS holds customer and billing records.
Step by step
Choose Use licence key, paste the key and choose Activate Professional.
Connect once to validate key status, account status and device limits.
Kathaka verifies the signature and device binding before unlocking and saving activation. Professional then works offline.
For the optional online trial, choose Create account, check compatibility, register, verify the code and log in.
What you should see
Professional opens the full toolkit on the activated device. The trial needs internet. Projects stay local.
Useful to know
Email is optional in the owner CMS. The owner can copy a newly issued key and deliver it securely without SMTP. Desktop apps contain no mail credentials.
If something goes wrong
Invalid or revoked keys, disabled accounts and full device limits are rejected. Contact support. Later revocations are learned when online. Your book is retained.
Projects, saving and recovery
Recovery protects recent work on this device. A saved project copy is a separate portable backup. Keep both, especially before importing artwork or making large changes.
Step by step
Open File or Explorer to create, open or locate a book.
Use Save project to write a copy to a folder you choose.
Check the bottom bar for Recovery saved locally.
Open Recovery history to inspect checkpoints and restore one when needed.
What you should see
Your selected book and page appear in the workspace. A restored checkpoint becomes the current editable state.
Useful to know
Restoring a checkpoint is undoable. Keep the project manifest and its artwork folders together when moving a project.
If something goes wrong
If artwork is missing, reopen the complete project folder rather than its manifest alone. If startup recovery fails, use the offered previous-session recovery; do not remove the original files.
Studio production workflow and workspace
A studio chapter moves through brief, script, storyboard, artwork, tones or colour, lettering, continuity, editorial review, publication and delivery. Kathaka keeps these stages beside the editable book.
Step by step
Open File → Studio production workflow. Save the brief, accountable lead artist, script and intended delivery reference.
Add page-linked tasks to each stage, name the assignee or department, and update todo, doing, review or done. Save the plan before opening a stage workbench.
Read the blockers. Inspect the current work, enter review evidence and explicitly approve each stage in order. Changed inputs require review again.
Use the grouped File, Edit, View, Page, Draw, Artwork, Production and Help menus. Draw opens Brushes, Color and Layers. View sets appearance and language.
What you should see
Tasks and reviews are saved with the book and support Undo. The right dock keeps Properties, Brushes, Color and Layers beside the canvas.
Useful to know
Workflow assignments are planning records, not security permissions. Signed team permissions still govern shared documents. A workflow approval never bypasses publication preflight.
If something goes wrong
If approval is disabled, save notes, finish the stage tasks and resolve its blockers. Recheck stale approvals after changes. Save or discard unsaved notes explicitly before closing.
Scripts, panels and page composition
A storyboard turns written action and dialogue into a sequence of editable panels. It plans the story; it does not automatically supply finished drawings.
Step by step
Open Script to storyboard and enter a title, action and dialogue.
Use ACTION: and DIALOGUE: lines; a blank line starts another beat and --- separates pages.
Choose a layout and reading direction, then inspect the preview before creating.
Open Page composition to adjust panels, gutters, page order or spreads.
What you should see
The new storyboard has editable panel descriptions and dialogue balloons. Your saved source projects remain available.
Useful to know
A gutter is the space between panels. Reading order tells the reader which panel comes next; review it after rearranging panels.
If something goes wrong
If the script preview fails, check its line format, supported text and page limits. If a layout crowds the dialogue, reduce the panel count or move a beat to another page.
The director’s film storyboard workflow
The Director workspace follows a filmmaking process: story, scenes, shots, storyboards, animatic and review. Camera settings here describe your intention; they do not simulate a real camera.
Step by step
Open File → Director workspace. Write a film or sequence title and story outline.
Add scenes with a heading, location, time of day and director notes. Add shots with action, dialogue, size, movement, lens and duration.
Save the director plan. In Storyboards, inspect the preview and confirm creation of a separate editable 16:9 storyboard book.
Draw or generate artwork in its frames. In Animatic, choose a scene, confirm the timeline replacement and open Motion studio.
What you should see
Each shot has its own frame and planning notes. Dialogue stays editable. The source project is retained in Recent projects.
Useful to know
Plans support 40 scenes and 128 shots. An animatic sequence currently supports 120 seconds, so plan longer films as separate scene sequences.
If something goes wrong
A shot needs action before boards can be created. If a linked frame was removed, recreate boards or repair the plan. Save notes before changing projects; Undo restores saved plan or timeline edits.
Drawing, brushes, erasing and screentones
Ink strokes belong to a panel and can be edited without replacing the whole page. Screentones use dots or patterns to suggest shade in monochrome artwork.
Step by step
Select a panel and open Draw → Brush palette.
Choose a brush, line width, stabilization and pressure behaviour.
Draw with Pen. Use Eraser for strokes or Fill for enclosed regions.
Choose a screentone and inspect its appearance at the intended output size.
What you should see
Lines and fills appear inside the chosen panel. An accepted drawing change can be undone.
Useful to know
Stabilization smooths a shaky hand but can make the line follow more slowly. Pressure requires compatible hardware; physical pen and palm behaviour still need device testing.
If something goes wrong
If no line appears, check the active panel, layer, tool and ink colour. If a fill leaks through a gap, adjust gap handling or close the outline first.
Dialogue, balloons and multilingual text
Balloons contain editable dialogue. Their shapes, tails and text layout remain separate from the artwork, so you can revise a line without repainting the picture.
Step by step
Open Lettering studio or choose the Balloon tool.
Add or select a balloon, enter the dialogue and choose its shape.
Adjust position, size, tail, font and horizontal or vertical layout. Add language variants or furigana where supported.
Review overflow and missing-glyph warnings, then apply and inspect the page.
What you should see
The dialogue is readable and remains editable. The tail points towards the intended speaker.
Useful to know
Furigana are small reading aids beside Japanese characters. Check every translated variant: different languages need different amounts of space.
If something goes wrong
If text overflows, enlarge the balloon, shorten the line or adjust type size. If a character is missing, use a supported publication font; do not assume the preview proves every glyph will export.
Import your artwork in Kathaka
Build the page with your own drawings and imported PNG artwork. Review the selected panel and keep a saved project copy before making large changes.
Step by step
Select a page and a destination panel in the canvas.
Open Artwork import & review and choose Import PNG.
Preview placement on the current page before choosing Apply artwork.
Use Undo to restore the previous panel and save a project copy.
What you should see
The chosen artwork appears only after you apply it. Existing drawings and earlier saved images remain available.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
Check the selected panel and the original project. Choose a valid PNG up to 16 MiB, then request a fresh preview after editing the page.
Review artwork placement
Build the page with your own drawings and imported PNG artwork. Review the selected panel and keep a saved project copy before making large changes.
Step by step
Select a page and a destination panel in the canvas.
Open Artwork import & review and choose Import PNG.
Preview placement on the current page before choosing Apply artwork.
Use Undo to restore the previous panel and save a project copy.
What you should see
The chosen artwork appears only after you apply it. Existing drawings and earlier saved images remain available.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
Check the selected panel and the original project. Choose a valid PNG up to 16 MiB, then request a fresh preview after editing the page.
Design characters manually
Build the page with your own drawings and imported PNG artwork. Review the selected panel and keep a saved project copy before making large changes.
Step by step
Select a page and a destination panel in the canvas.
Open Artwork import & review and choose Import PNG.
Preview placement on the current page before choosing Apply artwork.
Use Undo to restore the previous panel and save a project copy.
What you should see
The chosen artwork appears only after you apply it. Existing drawings and earlier saved images remain available.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
Check the selected panel and the original project. Choose a valid PNG up to 16 MiB, then request a fresh preview after editing the page.
Characters, costumes and world continuity
A continuity library is a memory aid for how people and places should look. Keep approved references for faces, hair, clothing, props and locations instead of relying on a prompt alone.
Step by step
Open Character & world continuity.
Create a character, costume, prop or location record. Describe it and add traits such as hair or sash colour.
Import an appropriate reference sheet or add a revised version.
Review the version, approve the intended reference and link it to relevant panels.
What you should see
Earlier versions remain available and panels can reuse the selected references. Potential continuity issues appear for review.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
If a new sketch does not match a face or costume, compare it with the approved sheet and improve the references or prompt. Treat warnings as review suggestions, not automatic proof of consistency.
Publishing a manga or webtoon
Preflight is a check before export. It looks for issues such as insufficient resolution, missing artwork or unresolved approvals. A webtoon export also needs sensible slice boundaries.
Step by step
Open Export book and choose the format, resolution and output options.
Run preflight and read the findings. Repair blocking issues.
Review page previews and any proposed webtoon cuts, then approve the current result.
Choose a destination and export PDF, PNG, CBZ, EPUB or reviewed webtoon slices.
What you should see
The selected output files appear at the chosen destination. Your editable project remains separate.
Useful to know
Pixel dimensions and print DPI serve different purposes. Inspect the actual export at its intended display or print size.
If something goes wrong
If the book or export settings changed, run preflight again. If a cut crosses artwork, review or move the boundary. Do not publish an unreviewed proof as a finished edition.
Reusable artwork and device handoff
The asset library stores reusable material and records where it came from. A portable project carries the editable source and its required files so another device can continue the work.
Step by step
Open Asset library to import or capture approved artwork.
Record a clear name, provenance and rights information.
Reuse the asset in a panel through the review workflow.
Use Undo to restore the previous panel and save a project copy.
What you should see
The receiving project can locate its artwork, and reused assets keep their records.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
If transfer fails, check the local connection and the receiving app’s confirmation. If artwork is missing, move the full portable project, not just a screenshot or manifest.
Layers and non-destructive editing
Think of layers as transparent sheets. Groups organise them, masks hide parts without erasing the original, and adjustments change appearance while keeping source artwork.
Step by step
Open Draw → Layers or the Layers dock tab.
Select the intended panel and add or choose a layer or group.
Set the active drawing target, visibility, lock state or blend mode. Use a mask for reversible hiding.
Review the composite and save. Use Undo if a change was unintended.
What you should see
The page shows the combined visible layers. Original artwork remains available when the workflow uses a mask or adjustment.
Useful to know
A locked layer cannot be painted on. Clipping limits a layer’s visible content using another layer’s shape or coverage.
If something goes wrong
If strokes seem missing, check visibility, order, mask and the active target. A blend mode can make pale or dark content difficult to see on the current background.
Perspective rulers and reference boards
Perspective guides help objects feel as though they occupy the same space. Reference boards keep visual reminders beside your work without flattening them into the page.
Step by step
Open Perspective & reference workspace.
Choose a page and set the vanishing points or a saved ruler.
Import reference cards and add notes or rights information.
Pin a useful reference and draw with the appropriate guide active.
What you should see
Guides and references are available while the page remains editable.
Useful to know
A vanishing point is where parallel lines appear to meet in the distance. Reference placement is a planning aid, not automatic background generation.
If something goes wrong
If the perspective feels wrong, check the horizon and vanishing points before adding detail. If a reference is unavailable, confirm its file is included in the project.
3D pose and scene staging
Staging is a way to test pose, camera and lighting before drawing a panel. Its output is a reference for your art, not a finished manga illustration.
Step by step
Open 3D pose & scene staging and create a scene.
Choose a pose and adjust the arrangement of the figures.
Position the camera and lights, then inspect the preview.
Capture the staged reference and use it while composing or generating a panel.
What you should see
A reusable scene or captured panel reference reflects the chosen staging.
Useful to know
Use the Asset library to reuse artwork and Character & world continuity to record descriptions, traits and approved reference sheets.
If something goes wrong
Check the selected panel and the original project. Choose a valid PNG up to 16 MiB, then request a fresh preview after editing the page.
The manga quality assistant
The quality assistant helps you spot common production problems. It can flag confusing reading order, uneven gutters, dialogue overflow and print risks. You decide what to change.
Step by step
Open Manga quality assistant.
Choose the intended print or digital settings and run a scan.
Read each finding and inspect its page or panel.
Preview any proposed correction and apply it only after review.
What you should see
Findings explain the possible problem. Reviewed corrections become normal document changes.
Useful to know
A warning is not always a mistake: an unusual layout may be intentional. Recheck after a significant layout or lettering change.
If something goes wrong
If a proposal is stale, scan the current book again. If a correction harms the composition, Undo and choose a manual adjustment instead.
Versions, comments and editorial approval
A named version is a deliberate milestone, such as first draft or lettering approved. Visual comparisons and comments help you review changes without relying on memory.
Step by step
Open Version history & editorial review.
Save a named version before a major revision.
Compare versions and add comments to the relevant panels.
Resolve comments and set approval checkpoints only after checking the current work.
What you should see
Earlier milestones and their comparisons are available in the project.
Useful to know
Named versions and automatic recovery serve different purposes. Prototype history has size and count limits; keep portable backups as well.
If something goes wrong
If a restore would replace current work, retain a new saved copy first. If a comment points to changed content, inspect its context before marking it resolved.
Optional team collaboration
Team tools organise assignments and review permissions while preserving offline work. A contribution can conflict with changes made by another editor; review the conflict instead of blindly replacing a page.
Step by step
Open Optional team collaboration and prepare the shared project.
Assign pages or review responsibilities and set appropriate permissions.
Share or import contributions through the supported project workflow.
Inspect differences and resolve conflicts before accepting changes.
What you should see
Accepted contributions appear in the project with the intended permissions and review state.
Useful to know
This prototype is an explicit sharing and conflict workflow, not a promise of simultaneous cloud editing. Keep a coordinator responsible for final merges.
If something goes wrong
If a contribution is stale or not permitted, ask for a fresh compatible contribution or adjust the assignment. Save a backup before a large merge.
Motion manga, scene animatics and audio
An animatic is a timed sequence of storyboard images. Use it to judge pacing, camera moves and dialogue timing before investing in final artwork or filming.
Step by step
Open Motion studio, or build a scene animatic from the Director workspace.
Select frames, set their duration and adjust camera start and end positions.
Review transitions, dialogue cues and audio tracks. Play the preview.
Choose video export and inspect the result after completion.
What you should see
The sequence plays in the chosen order with its timing and supported sound.
Useful to know
The current timeline supports up to 120 seconds per sequence, 128 shots and four audio tracks. Camera planning notes do not automatically become motion.
If something goes wrong
If a frame or dialogue changed, repair its timeline link or cue. If audio is silent, check the track’s mute, gain, timing and supported format. Cancel a long export through its visible control.
Free starter extensions and permissions
Extensions add focused tools. Kathaka includes three MIT starter packages: a brush, an importer and an exporter. Their permissions explain which app actions they may use.
Step by step
Open Free extension SDK to inspect installed packages.
Read a package’s identity, compatibility and requested permissions.
Enable only the permissions you intend to grant.
Use its contribution through the relevant brush, import or export workflow.
What you should see
An enabled compatible contribution becomes available in its intended tool area.
Useful to know
Free starter packages and model files come with complete Windows Setup. Review starter permissions before enabling optional contributions.
If something goes wrong
If a package is disabled or incompatible, inspect its manifest and permission state. Installing a package does not automatically approve an import or choose an export destination.
Working with large books and high-resolution pages
Tiled rendering loads useful portions of an image instead of decoding everything for every view. Background work and bounded Undo memory help keep the editor responsive.
Step by step
Open Large-book performance to inspect diagnostics.
Use Undo to restore the previous panel and save a project copy.
Select a page and a destination panel in the canvas.
Save portable backups before a large import or production export.
What you should see
The visible page updates while diagnostics report workload and resource use.
Useful to know
The prototype supports up to 200 pages per book; other tools have their own metadata, image and history limits. Large-book benchmarks are not a guarantee for every device.
If something goes wrong
Check the selected panel and the original project. Choose a valid PNG up to 16 MiB, then request a fresh preview after editing the page.
Installers, updates and a safe production handoff
A release candidate is a build for testing. Production qualification includes installer recovery, platform testing, accessibility, signing and schema compatibility; a successful build alone does not complete those checks.
Step by step
Use the Kathaka installer or update package supplied by the owner for your operating system.
Keep a portable backup and quit the app before replacing its bundle.
Open the updated app and confirm your recent project, artwork and settings.
Open Graphics & Performance to refresh hardware detection or adjust the execution mode.
What you should see
The app opens the expected project and reports the available graphics configuration.
Useful to know
The complete Windows setup pack includes plugins, fonts, local runtimes and model weights. The CPU candidate has been tested locally; other platform and GPU qualification continue.
If something goes wrong
If an update fails, retain the recovery files and previous app. Use the documented rollback workflow rather than deleting the user library. Ask the owner for a compatible, properly signed production build when distributing widely.