Scanlation Workflow

A Scanlation Workflow Designed Around Chapter Throughput, Not One-Off Page Wins

KOMA Studio is structured around the real stages that slow teams down: raw import, translation, cleanup, lettering, redraw, and QA handoff.

Teams that care about how a chapter actually moves from raw pages to final QA need a workflow that reduces handoff debt and keeps production moving.

In Short

How should a scanlation workflow move from raw pages to final QA?

The most efficient scanlation workflows keep translation, cleanup, lettering, redraw, and review connected so each stage inherits context from the one before it.

Organization starts before translation
Mid-pipeline handoffs create most rework
QA should be a native stage, not an afterthought

Stage 1: move from raw pages into a structured workspace

A chapter workflow starts with organization, not just editing. KOMA is designed to keep raw pages, naming, and page state controlled before translation work begins.

Stage 2: keep translation, cleanup, and lettering aligned

The middle of the workflow is where most fragmentation costs appear. KOMA reduces that by keeping the production steps connected, so each pass inherits context from the last.

Translation decisions stay connected to balloons and layout
Cleanup and redraw remain visible to lettering and QA
Teams avoid detached handoff files whenever possible

Stage 3: finish the chapter with review confidence

A chapter is only done when review is clear. KOMA is built to make QA a native stage instead of an afterthought, which is critical when multiple people touch the same release.

Open source, MIT licensed, free forever

KOMA Studio is developed in the open under the MIT license. It runs on your own machine, keeps projects on your disk, and never gates a feature behind a paid tier. You bring the AI model — hosted or local — and everything else is yours to inspect, modify, and redistribute.

MIT license — commercial use, forks and redistribution allowed
Self-hosted desktop app with no account and no usage telemetry
Bring your own API key, or run a local model offline
Issues, milestones, and the roadmap are public

On This Page

Stage 1: move from raw pages into a structured workspace Stage 2: keep translation, cleanup, and lettering aligned Stage 3: finish the chapter with review confidence Open source, MIT licensed, free forever

Common Questions

What makes a workflow-native scanlation tool different from separate utilities?

A workflow-native tool keeps translation, cleanup, lettering, redraw, and review connected in one environment. Separate utilities can each be good at one stage, but the handoffs between them create more coordination debt.

Who benefits most from a workflow-native tool?

Teams handling repeat chapter production, split roles, or QA coordination usually benefit most because the tool reduces operational fragmentation.

Is KOMA Studio open source?

Yes. The source code is published on GitHub under the MIT license, so you can read it, build it, fork it, or send a pull request.

Is it really free, or is there a paid tier?

There is no paid tier, credit system, or feature lock. The app is free forever and every capability ships in the open-source build. If you choose a hosted AI model you pay that provider directly; run a local model and there is nothing to pay at all.

How do I contribute or request a feature?

Open an issue on GitHub, claim a good first issue, translate the UI, or improve the docs. Development happens in public and priorities are discussed with the community in Discord.

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