Discover how a drawing tablet can take your creativity to the next level

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: April 5, 2023

A drawing tablet is a tablet on which you can to draw. But what is it exactly?

A drawing tablet is a tablet on which you can draw. It works in the same way as a tablet, but it is specially designed for drawing. A drawing tablet has a pen that you press on the screen, making it appear to work like a pencil on the tablet itself or connected to the computer.

In this article I will tell you everything about what a drawing tablet is, how it works and what you can do with it.

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What is a drawing tablet and what should you pay attention to when choosing a model?

A drawing tablet is a device that allows you to draw digitally on your computer. It works in the same way as a regular tablet, but instead of using your hand to navigate, you use a special pen known as a puck. This pen is more accurate than your hand and allows you to draw precise lines and apply colors.

What is a drawing tablet used for?

A drawing tablet is mainly used by graphic designers, illustrators and other creative people who want to draw digitally. It's useful for creating fun effects and working with color. In addition, it is also useful for making accurate drawings and working with smart functions that you will not find on a normal computer.

Which aspects are important when choosing a drawing tablet?

If you want to buy a drawing tablet, there are a number of aspects that you should pay attention to. Here are some examples:

• Model: There are different models available, from small tablets to large models that you can place on your desk.
• Brand: There are several brands on the market, such as Wacom, Huion and XP-Pen.
• Specifications: Pay attention to the specifications of the model you want to buy, such as the size of the working surface and the accuracy of the pen.
• Software: Sometimes software is included with the tablet, but sometimes you have to purchase it separately.
• Combination with computer: check whether the tablet is suitable for your computer and which connections are required.
• Price: the prices of drawing tablets can vary greatly, from a few tens to hundreds of euros.

What are the advantages of a drawing tablet?

A drawing tablet has several advantages over traditional drawing or drawing on a computer with a mouse:

• Accuracy: The pen ensures accurate drawing.
• Effects: You can create fun effects that you normally wouldn't be able to create.
• Color: you can easily add color to your drawing.
• Handy: It is useful to draw digitally because you can easily modify and save things.
• Large Areas: You can easily color large areas without getting your hand tired.

Which model is right for you?

Which model suits you best depends on your personal situation. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Size: look at the size of the work surface and determine whether it is large enough for your drawings.
• Brand: Look at different brands and compare specs and prices.
• Websites: Check out user and expert reviews on various websites.
• Type of drawings: determine what type of drawings you want to make and which model fits.
• Budget: Determine how much money you want to spend on a drawing tablet.

How does a drawing tablet work?

A drawing tablet works on the basis of a surface and a pen. The surface of the tablet is usually made of a smooth material placed on a mat. This surface is sensitive to the pen, which is also called a stylus. The pen has a tip that applies pressure to the surface of the tablet. The pressure sensitivity of the pen allows the user to create different lines and effects.

Pressure sensitivity

An important feature of a drawing tablet is the pressure sensitivity of the pen. This means that the tablet can detect how hard or soft the pen is pressing on the surface. This allows the user to create different effects such as thicker or thinner lines. The pressure sensitivity can also be used to add shadows and textures to the drawing.

Connection to the computer

A drawing tablet must be connected to the computer in order to work. This can be done via a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. The tablet is recognized as an input device, just like a mouse or keyboard. The software that comes with the drawing tablet ensures that the drawings made on the surface of the tablet are displayed on the computer screen.

Software and features

A drawing tablet often comes with special software that makes drawing on the computer even easier. This software offers various functions such as adjusting the pressure sensitivity, adding colors and effects, and editing the drawing. Some drawing tablets also have additional features, such as buttons on the pen that can be used to create shortcuts.

What do children learn from a drawing tablet?

A drawing tablet is not only a useful tool for professional artists, but also for children. It offers them the opportunity to creativity express and develop. But what do children actually learn from a drawing tablet?

Improving drawing skills

A drawing tablet allows children to draw with their hand and fingers, just like on paper. However, the technology built into the tablet allows them to create their drawings in an accurate and digital manner. This helps children to improve their drawing skills and stimulate their creativity.

Discover features and capabilities

Drawing tablets are available in different models and types, with different properties and dimensions. This allows children to discover which functions and options are available and which suits them best. This helps them develop their own preferences and understand which features are important to their drawing style.

Safe and suitable for children

Many drawing tablets are specially designed for children and have extra safety features to ensure they can draw safely. Moreover, special kid-friendly apps are also available that children can use to draw and develop their creativity.

Development of accuracy and precision

A drawing tablet offers children the opportunity to make their drawings in an accurate manner. This helps them develop their accuracy and precision, which is important for their overall development and future skills.

Additional options and brands

Some drawing tablets offer additional options, such as creating animations or editing photos. There are also different brands available with different price tags and properties. This offers children the opportunity to experiment and discover which drawing tablet suits them best.

This is how you choose the best drawing tablet for your needs

The size of the drawing surface is an important factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. If you plan to draw larger lines, you will need a larger drawing area. Keep in mind that a larger size also means that the drawing tablet can be more expensive.

Type

There are two types of drawing tablets: wired and wireless. It is important to consider which type is best for you. Wired drawing tablets are generally more reliable and have less lag, while wireless drawing tablets offer more flexibility and have fewer cables to deal with.

Features

Most drawing tablets have additional features, such as programmable buttons and multi-touch. It is important to see which functions you need. For example, if you plan to work a lot with keyboard shortcuts, it is useful to choose a drawing tablet with programmable buttons.

Models

There are many models of drawing tablets available. It is important to see which model best suits your needs. Some models are more suitable for beginners, while others are more suitable for professional users.

Brands

There are many brands of drawing tablets available, such as Wacom, Huion and Inspiroy. It is important to see which brand suits you best. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to research which brand best suits your needs.

Budget

It is important to look at your budget before you buy a drawing tablet. Drawing tablets are available in different price ranges. If you're a beginner, it might be better to start with a cheaper drawing tablet and upgrade later when you're more experienced.

Motion resolution

The motion resolution of a drawing tablet is important to consider. The higher the resolution, the faster the drawing tablet works. This is especially important if you plan on making detailed drawings.

Deals

It's always good to look at offers before buying a drawing tablet. Some stores offer discounts on drawing tablets, so it may be worth waiting for a good deal before buying one.

Which drawing tablet is right for you?

Before you buy a drawing tablet, it is important to see which drawing tablet suits you best. If you are a beginner, it may be better to choose a cheaper drawing tablet. If you are a professional user, it is important to look at the more current models with more features. It's important to ask yourself why you want a drawing tablet and what you want to make with it. Answering these questions will help you choose the right drawing tablet for you.

Conclusion

A drawing tablet is a computer device that allows you to draw digitally. It works in the same way as a tablet, but you use a pen to draw precise lines and apply colors.

If you want to buy a drawing tablet, you should pay attention to the size, the working surface, the accuracy of the pen, the software and the price. A drawing tablet is a useful tool for graphic designers, illustrators and creatives to create fun effects and accurate drawings.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.