How to open a .clip file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .clip file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands Clip Studio. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .clip file is a Clip Studio Paint Document. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Clip Studio yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .clip file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .clip. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with Clip Studio Paint.
On Mac, use Clip Studio Paint.
On Linux, try No native option; use an exported PSD/PNG.
Still stuck? Convert the .clip to psd, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .clip files

Windows

Clip Studio Paint

macOS

Clip Studio Paint

Linux

No native option; use an exported PSD/PNG

Before you open it: Safe. A .clip file is an artwork document; it does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .clip file?

Almost always because no installed app understands Clip Studio. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .clip file without Clip Studio Paint?

You cannot; no other app reads the format. Ask for a PSD export, which keeps the layers, or a flat PNG. Clip Studio Paint itself has a free trial if you need one-time access.

Can Photoshop or Procreate open .clip files?

Not directly. Export from Clip Studio Paint to PSD; both Photoshop and Procreate open that with layers intact, though vector layers become raster.