Asymmetric panel layout with a splash top panel and varied panels below: the classic manga page rhythm.

Free printable manga panel template PDF. Asymmetric panel layout with a top splash, varied panels and dynamic gutters — the classic manga page rhythm.

Manga Panel Template | Free Printable PDF

Manga Panel Template

Manga reading direction is right-to-left for individual rows, then down to the next row. If you're drafting a page for a Japanese-style manga, place the first action in the top-right and work leftward. For English-translated manga, the direction is sometimes flipped; pick a convention before starting.

Read right-to-left

The wide top panel naturally carries the most visual weight. Use it for the establishing shot, the dramatic action, the character reveal — whatever the page's primary moment is. Smaller panels below carry secondary action and dialogue.

Top splash for the page's most important shot

Small panels read fast; large panels read slow. A row of three tiny panels suggests rapid action; a single large panel suggests time stretching. Manga uses this temporal control more aggressively than Western comics; learn it as a deliberate tool.

Vary the implied speed via panel size

Strict manga style often tilts panels slightly during action or emotional intensity, or has characters/effects bleed across panel borders. The asymmetric template is a starting point; freehand modifications during inking are part of the form.