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Drawing tablets are digital, computerized tablets that allow you to draw on them using a stylus that looks like a regular pen or pencil. These tablets have features that allow you to swap to any pencil point and color of your choice with varying line thickness and width. They are fast replacing traditional paper and pen for drawing.
Some drawing tablets allow you to tape a paper with a drawing to the surface of the tablet so you can trace a digital copy of the image. They possess several other advantages over conventional paper and pen. This article will show you the basic facts of drawing tablets and you will find here is a good comparison of how various types work.
What you need to know about drawing tablets
All drawing tablets come with a stylus
The first fact in this article is quite obvious. All drawing tablets come with a stylus. The stylus serves as a pencil, pen, marker, crayon, paintbrush, calligraphy pen, or whatever you want it to replace. The length and grip of each stylus vary from one tablet to another.
The thickness and width of lines can be digitally adjusted
The physical width and length of the stylus’s nib don’t matter, as the thickness and width of each line can be adjusted physically on the tablet screen. So, unlike physical paper where you’ll have several pencils and various colors of paints, you only need one stylus.
Drawing tablets have a screen
Drawing tablets have a screen, so you don’t necessarily have to connect the table to a computer to see what you are drawing. The latest models of drawing tablets come with nice LCD screens for good visuals with realistic and natural-looking drawings.
Some drawing tablets allow you to trace an image from paper to computer
Do you have an image that you drew on paper that you want to transfer digitally to a computer? That’s no problem with some drawing tablets. They provide a surface that you can attach the paper, so you can trace the image out.
Some drawing tablets support the use of physical pencils, pens, and other digital styluses
Some drawing tablets like the Repaper tab allow you to use your pen or pencil with the tablet. You can even use any digital stylus of your choice on these tablets, and they’ll work. If you don’t want to lose the sensation of your regular drawing pencil, you can opt for these kinds of tablets. They also make it easier for you to adapt to the feeling of drawing on a tablet as opposed to drawing on traditional paper. Furthermore, if you forget your stylus or it gets missing, you don’t have to spend money buying another stylus. You can simply dip your hand into your pocket, bring out your regular pen or pencil and get back to work.
Against Multipurpose Usage
The name “drawing tablet” doesn’t mean that the tabled is reserved exclusively for drawing, and it can’t be used for other purposes. You can use most drawing tablets for other functions like taking notes, plotting graphs, making technical plans, annotating texts, reading books, editing documents, etc.
Not all drawing tablet styluses are cheap
This is another important fact to note about drawing tablets. A common misconception about drawing tablets is that their styluses are cheap. But that isn’t true all the time. Some drawing pad styluses are quite costly. For example, at launch, the Apple Pencil 1 was $99, while the Apple Pencil 2 costs $129. That money is enough to buy a cheap tablet.
The size and weight of the drawing tablet matters
A drawing tablet should be portable enough for you to carry it anywhere you want. Some drawing tablets are too big and cumbersome to carry around. But if a drawing tablet is too small, you might not be able to enjoy your drawing as you should, especially if you are used to drawing on large canvases. Opt for the right balance between size and weight. Some drawing tablets are medium-sized while weighing less than 500 grams. Those should suit any user.
Things to check out for when purchasing a drawing tablet
Apart from the aforelisted features, you must look out for these features before purchasing a drawing tablet. Check the size of the RAM, internal storage space, availability of external storage space for memory cards, Bluetooth compatibility, ports available, stylus sensitivity, compatibility with other styluses, multitasking capability repairability, availability of after-sales service, warranty, etc.
As a conclusion, graphic tablets are a must-have
If you are an artist, you can’t afford to get left behind by not purchasing a drawing tablet for yourself. The facts listed above will help you pick a good choice when buying a drawing tablet. Ensure that you take note of them before making a purchase. This link features a comparison between the various drawing tablets in the markets, including their features, pros, and cons.
