Graphic tablet - how to choose?

Modern designers, designers and artists are increasingly choosing to use special devices - graphic tablets, instead of the usual paper and pencil. With the help of such devices you can draw and create masterpieces of digital painting and graphics. With each passing day they become more perfect, at the same time more accessible. What is a graphic tablet, how to choose such a technique, which manufacturer should be trusted? For all these questions, you will find comprehensive answers in this article.

to the contents ↑

Graphic tablet - what is it?

This novelty of technology has long won the recognition of the most famous designers and artists of the world. With it, you can draw by hand, while not using either paper or canvases, nor pencils and paints. All this replaces the instrument screen and a special pen-pen. Well, and where without special computer programs that provide the tablet with all the necessary effects and tools.

The graphics tablet is a case with an active area. The latter is characterized by high sensitivity and accuracy. A drawing or drawing is applied to the surface of the tablet using a special pen, which in appearance resembles a pen or pencil, but unlike them, does not leave traces on the surface.

Important! The accuracy of the input on this device is much greater than when drawing on a touch screen tablet PC or smartphone, and the process of working is much more convenient if you compare it with the use of a conventional computer mouse and keyboard.

The tablet connects to the computer, whose monitor will output the applied strokes, records and pictures. In the computer program you can configure all the necessary parameters - line thickness, color and saturation, smear style, transparency and much more.

Important! As a rule, such a program comes with a graphic tablet, but most artists prefer not to work with the basic program, but with third-party products that offer users much more opportunities. Brilliant examples of such programs are Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw.

to the contents ↑

Which graphic tablet is better for drawing?

Currently, there are tablets for drawing three types. How to choose the right graphics tablet? The choice, in the first place, will depend on the scope of use.

Simplest models or "digital notebooks"

In appearance, these devices resemble a folder for documents. They are used most often to perform simple operations on electronic documents, for example, signatures. Sometimes they are used to create transcripts or simple notes. For drawing this device is not suitable.

Semi-professional graphic tablets

Such devices are intended mainly for use in home conditions. With their help, the process of entering graphics and text is easier, but the dimensions, as a rule, do not exceed the parameters of the sheet A5 or A4.The functionality of such a device depends on its cost and class.

Interactive monitors

These are models that have a sensitive stylus, high resolution and sizes up to A3 format. In most cases, the image is displayed on the same screen where the input was made. Such monitors are used by photo designers and professional artists, a little less often - designers.

Important! The larger the tablet, the easier it will be to work with small details. However, the high cost of such devices limits the scope of their use. For most users, the functionality and characteristics of mid-range graphic tablets are sufficient.

to the contents ↑

Graphic drawing tablets - how to choose?

The modern market is rich in similar devices, so the person who first paid attention to this device, it is difficult to determine which graphic tablet is better. When buying, you must always pay attention to the technical characteristics of the device.

Active area size

To choose this parameter of the similar technics it is necessary, proceeding from own preferences and needs. Tablet sizes can be from A3 format to A6 format. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sizes? Which graphic tablet is best for drawing a beginner? Consider:

• The small size will take up less space on the table, which increases the convenience of using it for amateur purposes. However, for artists such tablets will be inconvenient because of a small active area that will restrict movement, complicate the creation of small parts, drawing the smallest elements.
• People who plan to engage in digital painting, prefer a tablet format A4 or A3.They are most convenient for creating quality paintings and drawings.
• It is worth noting the opinion of many that the best graphics tablet - A4 format. This is the most convenient format, which allows you to draw without much difficulty.

Important! A3 format is usually chosen by professional artists who simply need a large work space for accurate detailed drawing. However, many are satisfied with the size of A5, as it meets the needs of the user and allows you to create the necessary drawings and drawings, and, importantly, this technique is much cheaper.

Aspect Ratio

How to choose a graphic tablet for drawing on a computer? In the selection process, it is necessary to pay attention to the aspect ratio of the tablet:

• Try to pick up the device so that the ratio of the monitor's sides of your computer is approximately equal to the ratio of the sides of the tablet being purchased. That is, if you have a widescreen computer monitor, it is better to choose a widescreen tablet with the label "wide".

Important! A suitable monitor-display ratio can be, for example, 16: 9 and 4: 3.

• If the aspect ratio of the tablet display and the computer monitor are different, distortion may occur. For example, the drawn square on the monitor will be displayed as a rectangle, or vice versa.

Important! Special drivers can make screens fit, but to avoid errors, it's best to choose the appropriate aspect ratio.

Parameters of the

pen Be very attentive to the tablet pen. A lot depends on him.

Ergonomics

It is worth trying to hold in your hand a few feathers of different tablets and choose the one that is most comfortable for your hand.

Important! The pen should be comfortable in the palm of your hand, and the buttons on the side should not be difficult to press.

Softness and hardness:

• Too soft feathers can quickly wear off.
• Too stiff feathers cause a scratching sensation.
• It is necessary to choose the best option for yourself.

Important! It is desirable that the kit for the pen included spare slips( tips), which will be needed in case the first one is erased.

Power supply method

The pen can be powered via a cord that is connected to a computer or network, or using a battery:

• A corded connection may seem a little uncomfortable, since the wire can interfere with the drawing. However, over time, the user gets used to its presence and the cord does not stop to be noticed.
• The battery, though slightly, but makes the pen heavier, which can be affected by inaccuracies in the movement of the hand. The hand can get tired if you draw too long.

Important! It should be noted that there are feathers that do not charge, because the graphic device uses magnetic resonance technology and determines where the pen is located. This option is very convenient, because the cord is missing, and the pen remains light.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the tablet is indicated by numbers. The number indicates the number of pressure levels on the stage of the pen that the tablet receives.

Important! Sensitivity helps to create a feeling of realistic drawing, that is, when you press lightly, you will get a line of translucent and weak color, with strong pressing - a bright black.

When determining the appropriate parameter, consider these recommendations:

• The lowest level is 256. This level is suitable for amateurs and beginners.
• Professionals should choose a tablet with a sensitivity of 512 to 2048 or more.

Important! It is believed that for normal drawing the device must have a sensitivity of at least 512.

Sensitivity to changing the slope of the

pen More expensive devices with large screens and high resolution also have a feature such as the angle of the pen, at which it is capable of pressing a certain pointdisplay the image. This parameter is measured in degrees.

Important! In drawing or drawing, the slope of the pen affects the thickness of the line. This characteristic allows the artist to create strokes and lines of any thickness, without resorting to the help of programs. For example, in order to change the thickness of the drawn line, you must constantly switch the thickness using the button on the tablet or in a special program, whereas here you just need to tilt the pen slightly to the side.

How to choose?

• With professional graphic tablets this parameter can reach 65 degrees.
• Inexpensive models will not perceive the pen, even if it is tilted by 25-30 degrees.

Resolution

The best graphics tablets have a higher resolution. The higher the number that indicates the number of recognizable points when moving the pen by one inch, the more accurate the lines:

• A resolution of 2000 dots per inch is quite satisfactory.
• Fans will like a tablet with a resolution of less than 2000 dots per inch.
• For professionals, you need a device with a resolution of more than 5000 dots per inch.

Read height

This parameter indicates the largest distance from the tablet screen to the tip of the pen that is caught and can be fixed. As a rule, this height is 10-15 mm.

Touch input

This function indicates the ability to draw not only with a pen, but with fingers. This expands the possibilities for creativity.

Control buttons

The control buttons on the tablet are not a very important and necessary parameter when selecting a graphic device. However, their availability can facilitate the work of the draftsman or artist.

The buttons can be assigned various actions, for example, quick tool change, color, brush character, texture. This will speed up the drawing process.

Connection method

The graphics tablet can be connected to a computer using a USB or Bluetooth port. Many advise the first option, because in this way the tablet will not require additional charging - it will be charged directly from the computer.

Wireless connection allows you to move the tablet to the desired distance from the computer. However, it is worthwhile to understand that in different rooms with a computer you will not be, as you can not observe the resulting picture on the monitor.

Response Speed:

The slow response speed causes a delay in the display of your actions on the screen. Therefore, consider these tips to choose a graphic tablet of the type that suits you:

• Tablets for fans have a response speed of 100 to 150 points per second. Such parameters fully meet the requirements of the schedule of the artist and draftsman, unless, of course, do not check the device for exposure and do not rush at a wild speed on the monitor.
• Professional tablets have a response speed of 200 points per second.

to the contents ↑

Graphic drawing board. Review of the best brands

How to choose a tablet for drawing among a wide range of products of modern brands? As with any other technology, in this case, it is also worth giving preference to well-established manufacturers.

Brand Wacom

This brand is one of the leaders in the production of tablets for drawing. Under it, several series are released.

Bamboo:

• Combines Multi-Touch technology and feather tablet functions.
• Many series devices are equipped with four programmable buttons.
• The format produced in the series of tablets - A5 and A6.
• Resolution of devices is 2540 lpi.
• Sensitivity level - 512.

Intuos:

• Professional graphics tablets with a resolution of 5080 lpi.
• The sensitivity is from 1024 to 2048 lpi.
• The work surfaces react to a significant inclination of the stylus. Have the format from A3 to A6.

Important! One of the models - Intuos5, allows you to draw immediately on the touch screen.

Cintiq:

• Tablets are distinguished by excellent color rendering.
• Have a matte surface.

Important! The best graphics tablet for drawing this series is the 21UX model with a resolution of 5080 lpi.

PL

The parameters of this line practically coincide with the previous one. But this series, because of the materials used, is cheaper.

Brand Aiptec

A popular brand that produces tablets with high resolution - up to 4000 lpi.

Brand Genius

One of the main advantages of the products of this brand is its affordable price.

The stylus models are powered by batteries.

Important! For beginners it is better to choose a Genius brand, for professional purposes, more expensive Wacom tablets are more suitable.

If you are thinking about buying a graphics tablet, you first determine the purpose of the purchase. Proceeding from this, it is possible to pick up the device that will suit you both in terms of parameters and price. Knowing the basic parameters of the selection, you will easily pick the right model, which will satisfy all your requests and help you get the desired result.