It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time or experienced user; drawing tablets are great for enabling precision in your artwork. So if you’re onto the pathway of summoning your inner Picasso with the best drawing tablet, this guide is for you!
What’s a drawing tablet?
A drawing tablet, also known as a graphics tablet, is a computer input device that enables hand-drawing images, graphics, and animations with a pen or stylus. It displays the digital art drawn from its handheld stylus to a computer screen.
This essential tool, used for graphic designing and editing pictures, can also be used across different industries and creative niches.
What types of drawing tablets exist?
To successfully curate a digital artwork using a drawing tablet, you must first identify the required tablet best suited for your design skills. Here are several types of drawing tablets you can choose from.
Screenless drawing pen tablet
This simple drawing pen tablet functions without a screen or display. Screenless tablets must be connected to your computer while running drawing apps or software. It requires perfect coordination to produce authentic digital artwork.
Drawing pen display tablet
Unlike the screenless drawing pen tablet, this type has a display screen. However, drawing without guides is enabled while the computer is turned on.
Standalone drawing tablet
A standalone drawing tablet combines both computer and drawing tablet features. Therefore, it requires no connection with external devices to work.
What features should you look for?
In an era of digitalization, it’s only normal to take advantage of the convenience that drawing tablets offer. However, certain features that enable these tablets’ efficiency should be considered before purchasing.
These features include:
Size
Drawing tablets vary in size. For instance, some might be as little as a book, and others as wide as a 10-inch laptop.
It’s important to put into consideration the size of your drawing tablet’s active area and overall device. Why? A larger active area lets you work on larger drawings without zooming or panning. They are also considered perfect for concept sketches and are best for artists in this niche.
Resolution
Your digital art quality is dependent on every available drawing tablet. Measured by Lines Per Inch (LPI), its variability determines your art’s precision. The higher your resolution, the more details you can add to your drawings.
Pressure sensitivity level
The pressure sensitivity of a drawing tablet determines how thick or thin your drawing lines will be when pressure is exerted. The higher the pressure, the thicker your lines, and vice versa.
Many drawing tablets have pressure sensitivity levels that range from 300 to 8,000. Therefore, choose drawing tablets with pressure sensitivity that caters to your art needs.
Controls
Controls are best used for setting up your drawing tablet, changing layers, undoing actions, and zooming in or out amidst others.
Sure, these controls are as effective on computer devices. However, drawing tablet controls make adjusting settings and having easy and fast art sessions easier. Plus, these controls are flexible and can be easily customized to fit any shortcut.
Stylus Type
Drawing tablets feature different stylus types, such as battery-powered stylus, rechargeable stylus, and electromagnetic resonance (EMR) styluses.
EMR styluses require electromagnetic frequency to power your pen seamlessly from drawing tablets. Regardless of the type, styluses replace the traditional drawing pen and can be used to reproduce inclination and strokes.
Responsiveness
This refers to how quickly drawings appear on the screen of your drawing tablet when in use. The degree of responsiveness is usually dependent on your computer’s specifications. As such, checking computer specifications like CPU and RAM is recommended before purchasing a drawing tablet.
Wireless Feature
Wireless drawing tablets feature USB wireless receivers that, in turn, declutter your workspace and improve your computer accessibility. But you must know they are available in only a few expensive tablets and are not limited to beginners or professionals.
Software Compatibility
Computer operating systems play a significant role in suitability. It’s best to research drawing software compatible with your drawing tablet before purchasing. Also, keep an eye out for tablets that support free and paid software versions before use.
Battery
A strong battery is essential to keep your device running effectively. Fortunately, almost all drawing tablets come with a battery-free stylus. They are powered using electromagnetic resonance, transferring power from the pen to the stylus wirelessly.
Not only does it improve your drawing tablet efficiency, but it also makes it lightweight, thus, aiding mobility.
Sensitivity
Drawing tablets of this type usually come with sensors that can tell the stylus angle and aid drawing display alongside a multi-touch display that allows scrolling and zooming using fingers.
For example, the tilt sensitivity stimulates your pen such that tilting your stylus activates and creates shaded strokes in your drawing.
However, only custom brushes and a few drawing tablets support it. So look out for tablets with the tilt sensitivity feature.