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If you are a beginner graphic artist, then most likely you have already heard that a graphic tablet is a must for you. In this article, we'll walk you through the specifics of graphic tablets to help you decide which tablet is right for you according to your needs and budget.
What is a Graphics Tablet?
A graphics tablet or digitizer is an alternative type of input device that can be used in combination with or instead of a mouse, trackball, keyboard, and other devices.
The tablet has two parts: a flat drawing surface and a pen (pen) programmed to work with the tablet. Typically, the kit also contains a pen stand or holder, and sometimes a wireless mouse that works on the surface of the tablet. A graphics tablet can be useful not only for artists, but also for ordinary users, as it is a very convenient device for entering information.
Most graphic tablets can replace a mouse entirely. That is, the tablet works not only within the framework of some special programs such as Adobe, it functions at the level of all computer processes.
And of course, a graphic tablet is a necessary tool for a stock artist, which, since using a tablet, greatly speeds up the process of creating and preparing illustrations.
Let's take a look at some of the main features that are important if you are going to choose a graphics tablet for yourself.
Tablet size
Size is one of the first factors to consider when choosing a tablet. Tablet screen size is measured diagonally and measured in inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm). In this case, more does not mean better at all. For beginners and home use, 4 "by 5" or 6 "by 8" will suffice. Power users, professional artists and illustrators usually use a large surface area, but the price of the device also increases.
Remember that with a larger area, you will have to move your arms more. Many people prefer a small tablet precisely to minimize hand movement. However, this can hold back an artist who is used to working with large canvas.
Until recently, the popular graphic tablet sizes were 4x5, 6x8, and 9x12 inches, which closely matched the aspect ratio of traditional computer monitors. But since the middle of 2000, there has been an increase in the number of widescreen monitors. Because of this, Wacom began making large format graphic tablets to fit the size of modern monitors. This does not mean at all that the aspect ratio of the tablet should be suitable for the ratio of the monitor, because the software and device drivers will help to adapt to any screen. Among the large format graphic tablets, the leading manufacturers are Wacom and Aiptek.
Interface
Most graphic tablets today have a convenient USB connection. The USB cable for the tablet is usually long enough that it will allow you to freely move the tablet across the table or put it on your lap - as you like.
There are also tablet options with Bluetooth and radio connectivity, which completely frees it from wires. Recently, Wi-Fi-connected graphic tablets have also begun to appear, but so far these are extremely expensive professional models of Wacom tablets that cost not a single thousand dollars.
Graphic tablet stylus
Before choosing a digitizer, you should pay attention to the stylus (pen), which, in fact, will need to draw. A good nib is one of the main components of a device.
Typically, the stylus is separate from the tablet and runs on battery power. But there are also wired styluses that are connected to the tablet through a wire. Usually these are tablets for children or from a low price category. These pens are not very convenient to use, so it's better to choose a tablet with a separate nib. Fortunately, they are in the majority.
The pen is usually mounted on the tablet itself, or there is a separate stand for it in the kit. This is convenient, since losing the stylus is as easy as shelling pears, but the cost of some of them can be up to half the cost of the entire tablet. Therefore, losing or breaking a pen is a very unpleasant event.
The stylus on a graphics tablet usually has a tip that wears out and needs to be replaced. A big plus when buying a tablet will be the availability of a set of interchangeable tips.
On the pen itself, there are usually several buttons that can perform different functions, such as undoing an action or changing the line size and sensitivity of the pen. The buttons can be programmed for yourself and your needs, but it is better to familiarize yourself with the stylus settings in advance.
Pen sensitivity and pressure levels
Pressure is the level of pressure sensitivity applied to the tablet surface. Most devices have 256, 512 or 1024 pressure levels. These levels allow you to control line thickness, opacity, and color. The more levels - the higher your control over the manipulations, drawing becomes easier.
Drivers and software
All graphics tablets come with drivers, so be sure to check for compatibility with your operating system. Drivers control many aspects of the tablet's operation, some advanced models, thanks to the drivers, allow you to adapt the device to your liking to the maximum through menu settings, applications, etc.
Some tablets also include additional software: programs and utilities for artists, the most common are Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter Essentials, etc. Some manufacturers also add programs for handwriting recognition, converting notes into typed text.
Graphics tablet price
The price categories of tablets depend on their tier. For beginners who have just started to engage in graphics, what the manufacturers offer in the region of $ 100 may well be enough. For this money, you can choose a digitizer with good characteristics, which will help you understand what a graphics tablet is and how to work with it.
Professional equipment used by artists can cost several thousand dollars, but I think those who are ready to spend that kind of money to buy a digitizer and without our advice know how to choose a graphics tablet.
On average, a fairly modern high-quality tablet model with good functionality and wide capabilities can be bought for $ 150-200. But I repeat: you can create masterpieces on a tablet for $ 100 or less - it all depends on whether the artist's hands grow from the right place J
How long does it take to learn how to use a graphics tablet?
If we are not talking about a professional digitizer, the study of all the functions of which can take a lot of time, then mastering a graphics tablet is a matter of several hours. You just need to get used to the device in order to coordinate your movements and pressure. If you picked up the tablet for the first time, do not rush to open the illustrator and start drawing. Try playing solitaire for example. After you master the movement of the cursor, drag and drop, clicks, be sure to customize the device for yourself: program the buttons, set the optimal pen sensitivity of the graphics tablet. And after all this, you can start creating masterpieces.
Graphics tablet manufacturers
Before choosing a graphics tablet, you should also check out the most popular manufacturers.
Wacom is the most famous manufacturer of this device. Wacom has a well-deserved reputation for high quality products and a variety of manufactured models. Produces graphic tablets for Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The most popular line of Wacom tablets is Bamboo. The tablets in this series have been praised for their combination of price and quality.
Genius Is another manufacturer that is popular among our artists, mainly due to the low prices for the devices. A great option for beginners.
Huion- a newcomer in the production of tablets, who during his short existence managed to win the trust of buyers. Produces a fairly wide assortment at affordable prices. Due to its youthfulness and ambition, the brand strives to use only advanced technologies in order to gain an advantage over more experienced competitors.
In addition to these leaders, brands such as Trust, Aiptek and others are also popular.
If we talk about, then I use the simplest tablet. It's not Wacom, Huion, or even Trust. This is a graphic tablet from the Chinese manufacturer UGEE, once bought on Aliexpress for $ 50. It was and remains my first and only tablet that I have been using for over 5 years, and with which I have drawn thousands. There are no complaints about the use, it works clearly and quickly, despite the fact that the surface is already scratched, and the pen has survived several serious hits on the floor. Therefore, before you shell out a tidy sum when buying a graphics tablet, especially if you have it first, think carefully about whether it is really worth paying more.
Basic principles of operation and characteristics
There are many interesting things to do in life. For example, when your humble servant went to school, he really liked to collect model airplanes. You know: plastic ones, made of many small and large pieces. They also need a special glue with paints, quite fetid. So I painted them at the beginning with a brush. It didn't turn out very nicely. And then my parents gave me an airbrush. And less paint has gone away, and the process has become much more exciting, and, most importantly, the satisfaction from the work done has increased.
From a very young age I liked to draw. I remember that I learned to portray people thanks to the magazine with stickers about "Mortal Kombat". I drew with a simple pencil on plain paper. Sometimes I took markers. I did not touch brushes and paints at all: then wash the brushes, wash clothes, wipe my hands with my face. But I always wanted to try to draw something with smoothly changing tones, with a play of light and shadow. Then, when I got a computer and Internet access, I learned about computer painting. For a long time I did not understand how they, computer artists, do it. I thought, as often happens, that everything is simple: you only need a suitable tool.
I always dreamed of buying myself what the masters use to paint electronic pictures. Graphics tablet. It is still quite rarely called "digitizer" or "digitizer". In English, his names are spelled like this: "graphic tablet", "digitizing tablet", "graphic pad", "drawing tablet". I started looking for some useful information about this device. And I didn't find anything specific. Neither how it works nor its purpose. In the end, I bought myself a tablet. But I had to do it with my eyes half-closed. The thing turned out to be very useful and exciting, but still not a word about it. Let's try to correct this circumstance. Let's figure out for a start what a graphics tablet is and why you might need it at all.
Subject and its purpose
In short, this is a sensitive surface and a pen. The cursor on the computer follows the movement of the pen on this surface. Why is this needed? The first thing that comes to mind is for drawing. Here a red light will probably light up in the head of many: "Not for me." And indeed: not everyone is interested in just drawing. And for some, even if it is interesting, there is not enough time for this.
Recently I wanted to "clean up" the old parent photos a little. I digitized them, but my hands did not reach the point of retouching. To cover up scratches, remove especially large dust, and something else: I usually had to do all this with a mouse. And then I tried it after experience with the tablet ... and could not stand it for ten minutes. A mouse and a pen are completely different things. How often do you write: with a telephone receiver or with a fountain pen? If you need to perform a rare and rough movement with the cursor - select text, aim - then the mouse is out of competition here. But for accurate and, at first glance, routine work, the pen is much more comfortable. You can enter some data by hand, make basic photo retouching. In addition, it is a wonderful toy for children who have grown to a computer. Let them not play shooters, but learn to draw. :-)
Among the devices for home use should also be noted the relatively inexpensive devices for entering information by hand (manufacturers sometimes call them digital pads). Usually such devices are equipped with memory and can work without connecting to a computer. Let's also remember about professional graphics tablets that can display information on a sensitive plane. In fact, these are monitors (some of these tablets have a diagonal of 21 inches), but they are sensitive to the effects of a special pen. These two types of devices are beyond the scope of this article, and their characteristics will not be discussed in detail.
What is a tablet and what it can be useful for, we figured it out. Suppose you made the decision: "Buy!" We open the catalog of goods and find there a huge number of different devices in the "graphic tablets" section, the cost of which will differ by one and a half orders of magnitude. What's the matter? Here you should understand a little about the characteristics of the tablets and carefully study the lineup.
Specifications
Let's take, for example, a line about a graphics tablet from a price list of one store.
- Graph. tablet A5, 5080 dpi, 1024 degrees + mouse (USB)
I remember that previously assembled system units were also sold. They write a bunch of beeches with numbers and think that the average buyer will figure out what's what. So, the first part of the encryption is "A5". It's pretty easy to guess - here we are talking about the geometric dimensions of the sensitive area of the tablet. It is customary to make the dimensions approximately corresponding to one of the paper sizes of the ISO standard. A4 - sheet 210 x 297 mm. A5 is half of A4. A3 will be obtained if you connect two A4 sheets with long sides. All other things being equal, the larger the size of the sensitive field, the more expensive the tablet. Professional designers and artists often use A4 tablets. However, this does not mean that smaller devices will severely limit the possibility of realizing creativity. For example, the painting "Always in my heart" is drawn on an A6 tablet.
When choosing a device, the first thing you need to pay attention to is not the size, but the aspect ratio. It is important that the aspect ratio of the monitor and tablet is the same. Simply put, if the monitor is wide (16:10), then the tablet should be marked wide. It is fair to say that there are other opinions (for example, in the article "Before you buy a graphic tablet" by Sue Chastain). Basically, the tablet driver makes it possible to configure the device so that some part of the tablet completely "covers" the monitor. But, you must admit, buy a tablet, knowing that O Most of it will not be used, not entirely reasonable. Someone may object, saying that the tablet area can be "stretched" to the monitor surface in the settings, thereby distorting the proportions of the device. This will greatly interfere with the creative process. Imagine the situation: you are trying to draw a circle on the blackboard with chalk. The board can move in a vertical plane. As soon as you begin to drag the chalk not only to the left, but also up, the board moves with your hand. At best, you end up with an ellipse.
Further, the encrypted position of the price list reads "5080 dpi". This is resolution, sensitivity to influences in the plane of the tablet - along the x and y axes. Simply put, how many subtle movements of the pen will be recognized if the tip is moved one inch (2.54 cm). It is important here to dispel one common misconception that the monitor size and the tablet's sensitive area must be the same size. Precisely because of the sensitivity, it follows that this is not so. Monitor resolution - 72 or 96 dots per inch. You can carry out simple arithmetic operations to show that even an A5 tablet will be comfortable to work behind a 19 "monitor. Note also that sometimes instead of" dots per inch "(or DPI - dots per inch) in stores you can find another unit of measurement - "Lines per inch" (or LPI - lines per inch). In fact, sellers mean exactly the number of dots per inch. LPI is not applicable to a tablet: this is a typographical term. The essence of various resolution measurements is described in detail in the article "LPI - halftone resolution "Jackie Howard Behr. Of course, the higher the sensitivity, the more expensive the device should be. However, this characteristic, as a rule, is" tied "to others that affect the price to a much greater extent. From my own experience I can see that for home use 2000 dots per inch is more than enough.
The next digit is the number of pressure sensitivity levels (1024). We are talking about sensitivity to influences in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the tablet itself - along the "z" axis. That is, how many different pressures the device can recognize. Practice shows that for solving non-professional tasks at home, the number 512 is quite enough. The situation with the influence of this characteristic on the cost is the same as in the case of resolution. The product line of the main companies on the Russian market is characterized by the “binding” of this parameter to others that have a greater influence on the price. However, this is a completely reasonable approach, both from the point of view of the manufacturer and the consumer.
It is also worth noting that there are devices that are sensitive to the angle of inclination of the pen relative to the plane of the tablet - to the position of the pen in the "XYZ" space. This feature is inherent in professional models. It is intended, for example, to work with different tools. For example, you can purchase an airbrush pen for such a device, the trace of which will be different depending on the angle of inclination relative to the sensitive plane. For the sake of fairness, we note that the absence of this function does not in any way hinder amateurs, and in some tasks and professionals.
The penultimate part of the line that we are analyzing reads as follows: "mouse". This means that a wireless mouse is included with the tablet. From the point of view of the device, it is also a pen, only deprived of the ability to transmit information about the force of pressing and having the usual form of a mouse-type manipulator. In principle, the presence of such an accessory should allow the user to abandon the usual mouse altogether, but the rather heavy "rug" (the tablet itself) and the inability to use the mouse outside the device leaves space for the classic manipulator on the desktop.
At the very end, in brackets, the interface through which the tablet is connected to the computer is indicated. As a rule, these are USB or Bluetooth (there are also wireless tablets).
History and working principle
This part of the article is mainly for hobbyists. We will indicate the information important for the purchase at the very beginning. Next, let's go a little deeper into the technical subtleties.
Tablets have pens with batteries, or without batteries. Typically these are AAA batteries. This is over 12 grams. Plastic ballpoint pens are lighter than one battery, and adding extra weight tends to shift the center of mass. You need to keep this in mind when choosing a tablet. It is best to ask the seller to try the device in action (especially since the Consumer Protection Code allows it).
Unfortunately, it was not possible to find reliable data on the history of the tablets. But, analyzing the general information, it can be argued that the first device, the principle of which was similar to today's, was "Grafacon" (an abbreviation for the English Graphic Converter). The device was a grid of conductors under the surface of the tablet. Upon contact with the surface, the pen received a magnetic signal with encoded information about its position. Further processing of the signal made it possible to determine the position of the pen above the surface of the graticule.
Today's tablets can be divided into two types according to the principle of operation - passive and active. It is worth noting here that information on the technology of the tablets was obtained only from one company present on the Russian market - from Wacom. Unfortunately, there was no response from Genius to the request for materials. Therefore, when describing the principles of operation, only data from one company were used. 
In the first case, the tablet sends signals to the pen. Signals are received and fed back to determine the position of the pen. This method avoids the use of batteries in the pen. It is based on the principle of electromagnetic resonance. The pen is a rather complex device with a resonant circuit (acts as a source of energy for transmitting a response signal) and a microcircuit that encodes information from pressure sensors and pen buttons into a response signal. The grid of the tablet during operation changes the transmission mode and the signal reception mode approximately every 20 microseconds.
In the pens of active tablets, a battery is used to create a signal. In this case, the pen becomes heavier and its balance is disturbed, but the tablet does not have to switch between receiving and transmitting signals. However, the user should not be concerned about the need to switch modes. The change every 20 microseconds is so fast that it does not affect the operation of the device in any way. After performing a couple of arithmetic operations, it is easy to find out that the tablet changes mode 50,000 times per second. It turns out that in order for the peculiarity of the passive pen to interfere with the work, you need to change the state of the "tablet-pen" system 50,000 times per second. The margin of stability is quite solid, especially if we remember that we change the state of such a system continuously and rather smoothly.
Conclusion
I hope this article will somewhat expand the circle of users of graphic tablets, especially since today manufacturers are striving to lower the price bar for these devices. I also want to believe that the material will help you not to make mistakes when choosing a suitable model, broaden the horizons of the reader and arouse interest in computer painting.
Used materials
- Graphic tablet, (), article on the English wikipedia;
- How cordless pen and tablet works, (
A graphics tablet is, one might say, an essential attribute of a modern artist or designer. Depending on the needs of the user, various devices are used, which differ in both size and functionality.
Using a graphics tablet, the user can draw on the screen, including with a pen. In the future, the drawing can be transferred, for example, to a computer and continue drawing or editing.
Oddly enough, such devices are most popular not only among designers, but also among planners. And this is not surprising, since graphic tablets have several very significant advantages:
- Support for a large number of professional applications.
- Ability to draw, process and retouch photos.
- Support for 3D modeling.
- Support for the creation of presentations, electronic signatures, graphs and diagrams.
These are just a few of the benefits for which graphics tablets are so prized.
How does a graphics tablet work?
If we are talking about design or engineering, then in this case, the device can be considered as a replacement for pencil and paper, although in fact, instead of a pencil, a huge number of tools are used, therefore the electronic pen, which also comes in the kit, replaces both a pen and a pencil, and brushes.
The vast majority of tablets are electromagnetic, so a mesh of conductors is built into their base. When the user swipes the stylus across the screen, the screen transmits electromagnetic pulses to the conductors, which they record. The result is an image.
In some cases, the device itself sends signals to the pen, after which the signals are fed back. This determines the position of the pen on the screen.
By the way, the pen often requires additional power: either rechargeable batteries or a power cord are used.
Why can't a graphics tablet be replaced with a regular tablet?
In fact, gone are the days when it was necessary to purchase special graphic tablets for drawing. For example, some modern tablets support a pen and, according to manufacturers, they can be easily used for drawing. Nevertheless, if you plan to use the device, including for design, experts still recommend choosing professional graphic tablets. Yes, they are more expensive, but they have many advantages that will allow you to “recoup” the money spent without any problems.
But if we are talking about a novice artist and a limited budget, then you can really turn your eyes to a "regular" tablet with pen support. It will be enough to develop skills.
The advantages of graphing are the ability to enter handwritten text and similar information. When using modern computer mice, you can get a fairly high accuracy of pointer movement. But it is not enough for building complex schemes and for creating certain drawings. The capabilities of a graphics tablet allow you to read pen spacing up to 200 lines per 1 mm.
The fact is that it also has such a useful feature as sensitivity to the pressure of the pen, which allows you to adjust the thickness and transparency of lines or brush strokes, just as it happens when drawing, for example, with a regular pencil. Thus, digital works acquire liveliness and expressiveness, and the drawing process itself becomes more creative and enjoyable. The degree of pressure sensitivity is different for different tablet models. It is logical that models intended for children's creativity have less sensitivity than those used by experienced professional artists. Moreover, this parameter can be adjusted in the driver setting - not all artists like it when the brush reacts to the slightest change in pressure, but someone, on the contrary, needs the highest pen sensitivity.
Attempt at writing
Often, a novice artist, having tried to draw for the first time, is disappointed: the pen does not obey, the lines turn out to be uneven, and sometimes - oh, horror, the tablet is simply not pressure forces! But in this case, do not be upset: find information on setting up and calibrating it on the website of the manufacturer of your tablet model, check if the necessary drivers are installed on your computer. And, of course, a lot is decided by the habit of the hand to. Not everyone immediately succeeds in balancing the force of pressure and the speed of movement of the hand. And to draw, looking at the monitor, and not on the surface to which the pen touches - is unusual at first. So don't plan to immediately create a brilliant canvas, practice first by doing the exercises that can be found on artist sites. Besides, a lot depends on the settings of your graphics editor. In many drawing programs, the smoothness of the line can be artificially adjusted so your work will acquire more accurate outlines.
Choosing a tablet
It is very important to choose the right tablet model and its parameters for you. For example, size. Of course, the A4 format gives you more room for creativity than the A6. But if you plan to take your tablet with you on trips, carry it with you to work or school, it makes sense to think about a more compact model. In fact, even on the A5 format, you can create full-fledged artwork. When choosing a tablet, think about how conveniently you can place it in your workplace.
The leading specialist in the production of graphic tablets is Wacom. She produces a fairly large line of various models that are constantly updated. On the company's website, you can get acquainted with all the parameters of its products, and choose exactly what suits you. There you can choose both a small tablet with a minimum of functions for a child who wants to "draw on a computer", and a professional tool for an experienced artist.
