Manga genkou youshi 漫画原稿用紙 Manga drawing paper

Manga genkou youshi is the paper on which the final manga pages are drawn before being submitted to the publisher for printing. It is more commonly referred to as “manga manuscript paper”.

The mangaka then starts pencilling on these B4 sheets, using the previously approved nēmu as a reference, and continues all the way to the finalized pages that will be handed in.

Manga genkou youshi is a high-quality paper when it is Kent paper, which can be pure white or slightly off-white. Kent paper is smoother and more resistant, which makes it a better surface for inking with nib pens and for applying screentones. In terms of weight, you can usually choose between 110 kg and 135 kg.

You can find it from different brands (I-C INC., DELETER, MAXON, SAM TRADING…), but the main frames and guides are always laid out in the same way. They are essential both for setting up panels and dialogue, and for the printer who will handle the final publication. These guides are always printed in light sky blue so that they do not appear when the pages are scanned. This is why I had to create a perfect black-and-white reproduction, in order to illustrate this article, among other things. For your information, the paper shown here is the B4 110 kg manga genkou youshi from the brand I-C INC.

※ Whether you draw manga on paper or digitally, the same layout rules apply. Page size and frame positions follow a strict printing standard that absolutely must be respected. If you don’t follow it, it will be impossible to present your work for professional publication.

Additional information about the B4 paper from I-C INC.

• Size: B4 (257 mm × 364 mm)
• Kihon waku (basic frame): 180 mm × 270 mm
• Tachikiri sen (bleed line): 220 mm × 310 mm
• Sold in packs of 40 sheets

Learn more – coming soon

• About the guideline lines and how to use manga manuscript paper
• About paper weight
• About the different stages of creating manga pages

Find the right manga paper for your artwork

If you’re looking for high-quality manga manuscript paper to create your own pages with professional standards, feel free to browse our selection.
Whether you prefer the classic I-C INC B4 blocks, premium Kent paper, or other manuscript pads, you’ll find everything you need to draw like a real mangaka.

• Explore all B4 manga paper pads
• Browse the full paper category

If you’re unsure which paper suits your drawing style best, I would be happy to help you choose.