Tablets for sketching
Creative artists usually find great use in sketching and drawing tablets, especially since they come with special tools and dedicated software. Most sketching and drawing tablets don’t have internet connectivity and need to connect to a computer to run the software. However, the few stand-alone options are significantly more expensive than even top-tier, multi-function tablets.
These kinds of digital drawing tablets, or graphic tablets, are mainly used for sketching and drawing. They have pressure-sensitive surfaces, special pens and connect to computers to create incredible drawings. Here’s how to find the best tablet for your sketching needs and some recommendations, including the Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 Creative Pen and Touch Display.
What to know before buying a sketching and drawing tablet
Graphic tablets simulate the experience of drawing with a pen and paper. These tablets are the digital version of large, hinged pads of sketching paper used by most artists.
The simplest sketching tablets don’t have display screens and instead connect to your computer. As you sketch on these pressure-sensitive surfaces, your images appear on your computer screen. However, sketching on one device while looking at another screen can be quite awkward and takes some getting used to.
More advanced tablets have their own built-in display screens. These are called pen displays, and they mirror the image you see on your computer screen.
Stand-alone sketching and drawing tablets are the most expensive, come with their own hardware and don’t need to connect to the computer.
Pressure sensitivity
Specialized drawing surfaces have far greater pressure sensitivity than those on your smartphone or tablet, which only recognize touch. These are less likely to detect the amount of pressure applied by a drawing tool.
Those who do a lot of sketching and drawing will want surfaces that can realistically interpret subtle actions. The more pressure sensitivity your sketching tablet has, the easier it is to vary the size and thickness of your drawing. Similar to sketching with a pencil or pen, the amount of pressure you apply with your stylus determines your strokes.
Stylus
A stylus is a writing instrument that looks like a pen but uses pressure to create strokes instead of ink. An artist’s stylus can act as a pen, pencil or brush. Since it’s a very personal tool, you should make sure it’s well-balanced, so it feels comfortable. The best stylus pens have ergonomic, non-slip features.
Resolution
If you spend hours sketching and drawing at a desk, you’ll want a crisp, clear screen to avoid eye strain and fatigue. The higher the resolution of your screen, the finer the detail will be in your sketches and drawings. Some lower-end sketching tablets measure their resolution in pixels, similar to a smartphone, tablet or computer. Higher-end sketching tablets measure resolution more precisely and rate in Lines per Inch (LPI). The LPI of a sketching tablet measures how many digital lines fit into one inch of the tablet’s screen. Most sketchers need only 1000 LPI. Those who need even higher quality find tablets with 2000 LPI or more.
Sketching and drawing tablet features
Stylus type
Drawing tablets come with various types of stylus pens. You can pick from battery-powered, rechargeable or electromagnetic resonance. Here’s how they differ:
Battery-powered styluses are usually thicker since they need to hold the battery. This may not be a good choice for small hands.
Rechargeable styluses are usually slimmer and fit more comfortably in your hand.
EMR-powered styluses transfer power wirelessly from the tablet to the pen.
Be sure the stylus you select will work with your sketching and drawing software before you purchase it.
Stylus response rate and pressure levels
You want a stylus with a response rate to lessen the lag between when your stylus touches the screen and when your image appears. Some sketching and drawing tablets use a measurement called points per second (PPS), and others use one called reports per second (RPS) to track response rate. Either way, it’s best to look for sketching tablets with higher PPS or RPS numbers, as these will offer a more satisfying sketching experience.
You’ll also want to be aware of how sensitive your stylus is to pressure. Beginners will be satisfied with lower pressure levels, while those who have more nuanced sketches and drawings should look for higher numbers.
Active area
The active area of a tablet is the portion you draw on. This is different from the total tablet size, which also includes casing and controls. The larger the active area, the more room you have to sketch and draw without having to pan and zoom to see your work.
Controls and touchpoints
Most sketching tablets allow you to customize the buttons on your tablet and stylus. Choose a drawing tablet you can easily customize, so you’re able to handle frequently repeated tasks.
If you want to use your fingers to zoom and scroll, choose a sketching tablet with a multi-touch display or an optical mouse pad.
Sketching tablet cost
Some low-end sketching tablets cost less than $50, which is great for beginners. Mid-level tablets run from $100-$400, and pro-level tablets cost $500 or more.
Sketching and drawing tablet FAQ
Can I just sketch on my tablet or computer instead?
A. All-purpose computer tablets typically only react to touch. You’ll want a device designed specifically for producing digital artwork, which has far more sensitive screens.
How can I remember what the measurements mean?
A. When in doubt, use the electronics rule of thumb – bigger numbers typically mean better performance.
Which sketching and drawing tablet should I get?
Best of the best sketching and drawing tablet
Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 Creative Pen and Touch Display: available at Amazon
Our take: World-class color and performance to provide absolute harmony with all your sketching and drawing experiences.
What we like: 4K resolution for pinpoint accuracy. Etched glass screen reduces glare and reflections while providing a distinctive tactile experience. Tilt resolution, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and lag-free technology. ExpressKey Remote for one-touch shortcuts. Connects to PC or Mac and mobile devices. Includes 2 months of Adobe Premiere Pro.
What we dislike: Very expensive.
Best bang for your buck sketching and drawing tablet
Huion Inspiroy H640P Graphics Drawing Tablet: available at Amazon
Our take: Reliable pen tablet without the display screen.
What we like: No screen means this tablet weighs less and takes up less space. It’s good for those who travel. Screen resolution and display characteristics match the computer you attach it to. Tablet doesn’t require charging, and the stylus doesn’t need a battery.
What we dislike: Sketching in one place while looking at the image on another screen takes some getting used to.
Honorable mention sketching and drawing tablet
XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Pen Display Graphics Tablet: available at Amazon
Our take: A budget-friendly graphics tablet with its own screen. A great choice for those just starting to sketch and draw.
What we like: Works with all major graphic software. 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. 178 degrees of visual angle and 60 degrees of tilt. Eight fully customizable shortcut keys. Stylus needs no batteries. Works with all Mac, Windows and Android computers.
What we dislike: No stand included.
David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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