Advantages of a graphics tablet for digital artists

Anyone who regularly creates drawings and illustrations or edits images will likely find a mouse unsatisfactory in the long run. Instead, they should explore the possibilities offered by available graphics tablets .

Because such tablets are already standard equipment among creative professionals, we would like to give you an overview of the available graphics tablets in this article and tell you about their features.

Different types of graphics tablets

There are now a number of different graphics tablets available, which differ from each other in terms of both functions and operating concept.

While some of the available tablets are primarily suitable for beginners and are equipped with only the most essential functions, others are aimed at professional users and impress with a whole range of additional features.

Tablets for beginners

Most tablets for beginners are primarily suitable as an alternative to a computer mouse . A stylus allows users to control points on the screen via the tablet, but beyond that, entry-level models have only a limited range of functions.

Therefore, these are particularly suitable for creating simple sketches or digital signatures . However, users quickly reach their limits with other applications due to the DIN A6 format. Precision also leaves much to be desired when working with such models, but this is forgivable given the low price.

Graphics tablets for advanced users

Unlike entry-level models , advanced graphics tablets, ranging in size from A5 to A4, a significantly larger surface area. This benefits the user during work, as do the additional functions and the pressure-sensitive pen.

While you won't find tablets with screens in this category, the Repaper graphics tablet by ISKN allows you to write and draw on real paper, and you can even use your favorite pens. As you draw, the sketch is transferred in real time to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, so you can edit it in a graphics program.

Tablets with screen

Graphics tablets with a screen represent the top tier of graphics tablets and are only suitable for users who work professionally in the creative industry. While working on a tablet with a screen may be comfortable, they are simply too expensive for most private users.

While there are now some providers offering cheaper models, these only come close to a professional graphics tablet with a screen to a limited extent.

The graphics tablet pen

While the tablet itself is extremely important, the real star of most tablets is the stylus. It's what provides a realistic user experience when using a graphics tablet. When buying a model with a stylus, you should definitely consider the following features.

Pressure sensitivity

How precisely a pen responds to movements is primarily influenced by its pressure sensitivity . Applying more pressure should result in a wider line from a graphics tablet pen than applying less pressure. Some pens are also capable of transmitting the tilt angle to a computer.

Manufacturers specify pressure sensitivity in pressure levels.

Function keys

Most graphics tablet pens have two buttons that serve as a replacement for the left and right mouse buttons. The function of these buttons can usually be customized to individual preferences using software.

In addition, most pens have a virtual eraser on the top, which can be used like a real eraser.

Replaceable tips

Many graphics tablet pens allow the user to replace the nib. This is because the plastic nibs wear out over time, and frequent use increases this wear.

While some graphics tablets come with replacement nibs, these must be purchased separately from other manufacturers.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/