AI Tool for Manga Layout Saves 3,000 Hours Annually for SE Developers
Square Enix has partnered with Tokyo-based AI company Mantra to develop an AI tool for manga layout, significantly simplifying one of the most tedious parts of manga production.
A diagram illustrating how manga editors use special scales for layout.
Currently, editors spend over 3,000 hours each year simply choosing the right font, size, and position for each speech bubble on every page. This work is not only time-consuming but also monotonous, and has historically had to be done manually, one by one.
The new tool can analyze unprocessed raw pages, identify text and speech bubble shapes, and quickly recommend the best fonts and layouts. Editors still need to check everything and make adjustments if necessary. The AI does not draw or modify any visuals; it simply assists with the technical steps.
It is reported that the tool has already been tested on 1,516 pages of manga content. The editorial team’s feedback has been very positive, with 73% of editors satisfied with the results, and all editors who participated in the testing expressed a desire to continue using the tool.
One editor stated that the tool allows them to devote more time to other, more important tasks, rather than spending all day on trivial matters like fonts and layout notes.