What Is a Computer Drawing Tablet

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Have you ever been messing around with your computer and wish you could be writing or drawing with a "pen"? Graphics tablets allow you to do that. They are devices that simulate the nature of writing and/or drawing on paper with a pen-like stylus. This article offers steps on how to use a graphics tablet.

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1
Get the right one for you. Do some research. You can get an inexpensive one, or invest a lot, depending on what your needs are. Some things that you want to take into consideration are:
- Software support
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Learning curve
- End usage - are you just going to draw with it, or are you a graphic artist?
- Size. You can get a small one or a fairly large one.
- Pressure sensitivity
2

Take into consideration how it interacts with the computer. What is the interface? Wireless and USB are the most common ones.
3

Look for software geared for tablets. Most tablets have software that allows you to draw and create with your tablet. Many of them, you don't even have to have a tablet to use. PD Particles is one software that is both fun and easy to use with a tablet.
4

Practice using your stylus. The stylus is a pen like attachment to the tablet that allows you to draw, somewhat like you might draw with a pen.
5

Experiment with adjusting the pressure that you apply. One of the advantages to a stylus and tablet is that you can change the pressure that you are using.
6

Finished.

Add New Question

Question

Can you see what you're drawing on the tablet, or do you have to look at the computer to see where to draw the next line without it being off the coordinates of where you actually want it to go?

It depends on the tablet. Less expensive tablets do not come with a display, making you have to look up at the computer screen.
Question

How do I connect the tablet to a laptop?

Many graphics tablets have a wireless or USB connection. Most, if not all, laptops have USB ports and wireless connect ability. You can connect it this way.
Question

Can I use the tablet with a laptop instead of a PC?

Yes, as long as it supports the tablet.
Question

Do drawing tablets have to be connected to a computer so you can draw on them, or do you plug them into a computer to make it download what you drew?

The tablet just acts as an input device to the computer, so it does have to be connected. It also draws power from the computer, so it cannot function while unplugged.
Question

Do I have to fill in the whole picture space, or can I draw things that are smaller, like card game cards?

You don't have to fill in the entire picture space. Drawing something smaller in a specific area is possible. I tried setting the work area for my Huion Inspiroy, and it works pretty well with its job when I'm working on something on Adobe Animate CC. Check the features first when it comes to work area. If your pen does not respond to touches on an area, but the cursor is still moving, try to go to your tablet's settings and choose Full Screen.
Question

Does the pen act like a mouse on a graphic tablet?

Yes, it does act this way. It's designed so that it replicates this action.
Question

I assume that what you draw with the tablet can be printed via the laptop. What sort of file is the image printed as, and can it be enlarged like, say, a .JPEG?

Yes, it can be printed. The file depends on what drawing program you're using. If you press fill paper or a similar setting, you can enlarge it.
Question

Can I use my tablet as a second computer display?

If your tablet comes with a display and not just a regular drawing pad, then yes.
Question

Do graphical tablets use Windows 10?

Yes, they do. They support pretty much every OS, including MacOS, Linux, and even down to Vista on the Windows side.
Question

Do all tablets have pressure sensitivity?

No. Less expensive tablets will not have pressure sensitivity, however, most tablets do offer it now.