About a decade ago, you would never see an artist without a sketchbook or canvas, and pencils or paint brushes. Artists keep their tools close just in case inspiration strikes at the most unexpected moment.
But today, drawing tablets have become the sketchbook or canvas, and let’s just say, the convenience is unmatched. A graphics tablet and a stylus are your complete digital art studio.
That said, there are many drawing tablets with different features. And if you’re new to digital art, it might be a bit overwhelming to choose the perfect graphics tablet. This guide will offer clarity.
Here are three features you should consider when looking for a drawing tablet:
- Tablet Type
A drawing tablet consists of a board-shaped tablet and a pen-like stylus. It is used for pen editing, drawing illustrations, photo editing, 3D modelling, and other graphic design tasks. Your first step would be choosing between the three types of drawing tablets:
Screenless/pen tablets
A pen tablet is made of a flat, non-display surface. The user draws on the tablet while watching the image appear on a separate computer monitor. Some people even use pen tablets for things outside digital art, such as teaching and gaming.
Pen tablets are a great option if you’re new to digital art. They are affordable, portable, and super easy to use.
Screened/pen displays
These are arguably the most popular out of the three types of graphics tablets. They’re also aptly called screen tablets, since it’s literally writing on a digital screen with a stylus. Screened tablets provide a more traditional, intuitive drawing experience, similar to drawing on paper.
They often come with shortcut tools, either built into the monitor, often on the left-hand side, or as a separate shortcut controller.
Standalone tablets
These are fully functional computers with built-in operating systems, such as Apple iPads or Microsoft Surface Pros. On standalone tablets, you can do basic tablet functions like search the web, listen to music, watch YouTube, and play games.
Consider the nature of your work when choosing a graphics tablet. You can find some of the best drawing tablets from digiDirect to kickstart your design journey.
- Stylus Performance and Screen Quality
A stylus is a battery-free or rechargeable pen. It uses sensors to detect pressure levels (how hard you press) and tilt. With a stylus, you can control line thickness, opacity, and brush style in software.
Make sure the stylus has at least 8,192 pressure levels for precise line control and advanced tilt support.
If you’re buying a screened/ pen display, pay close attention to the screen quality. Prioritise high resolution, at least 1080p. Ensure high color accuracy (99% sRGB) and good brightness.
- Ergonomics and Features
Every drawing tablet has distinct features. For instance, pen displays can connect to tablets and phones that support USB-C.
Generally speaking, you can find a bunch of additional features in drawing tablets, such as customizable express keys, shortcut remotes, and adjustable stands for comfort.