When it comes to upping your digital art game, in that location probably isn't a more worthwhile investment than getting a graphics tablet or pen display. It can be hard to figure out what to look for when buying one for the first time, though.

Hither'southward everything you should know before going shopping for a graphics tablet...

1. Display vs. Non-Display

Digital painting on an Asus laptop

You're going to have to determine whether or not you lot remember you lot need a display on your graphics tablet, as it has a huge affect on toll.

Tablets that don't have a brandish are significantly cheaper, but they can take some getting used to. You'll be making drawing and writing motions on the tablet in your hands, even so looking at your computer screen. This tin feel really, really odd to beginner digital artists.

Having a display tablet avoids that awkward setup entirely, so if you're transitioning from traditional art to digital art, it's made a lot easier. Cartoon directly on the screen will experience more than alike to putting a pencil to newspaper. Simply once again, this is the more costly pick.

2. The Availability of Replacement Parts and Drivers

The nib of a Wacom tablet pen stylus
Image Credit: Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons

Some graphics tablets will require you to make other purchases in the future. For instance, a new battery if the tablet has Bluetooth connectivity, or more normally, replacement tips and nibs for the stylus.

This is something that you need to keep in listen, especially if you're buying a older graphics tablet model, or getting a graphics tablet secondhand. You lot don't desire to pick up a tablet on a good deal, just to find out later on that the manufacturer no longer makes the parts you'll eventually accept to supercede.

In club to really save money on a graphics tablet, cull a device that still has its "refills" in stock (if any) and even so has driver support (which you can usually observe on the manufacturer's website).

3. Consider Browsing In-Person

Man drawing on a graphics tablet

We highly recommend buying your graphics tablet from a physical store, as opposed to ordering 1 online. This is so that you can see, in person, how big your tablet is and concur the stylus (if the store allows this before purchase).

The part of your tablet that you draw on is chosen the "active area." Larger tablets tend to have larger agile areas, and are more expensive. It tin, however, be a worthwhile investment. Y'all can work on big artworks without having to zoom in equally much, and working on details volition be made much easier.

What'southward more, styli come in all shapes and sizes. Y'all'll want i that fits in your hand just right, and you won't know that until you hold it.

4. Pen Pressure or Sensitivity

Pen pressure or pen sensitivity refers to the function of a graphics tablet'southward stylus that recognizes how much pressure you're putting down on it when drawing or writing. The advantage of having more pressure levels is that information technology allows you to make finer distinctions in line thickness.

That said, having a crazy number of levels usually isn't necessary for beginner artists, and some programs have a cap as to how many pressure levels they can handle in the first place. 1,024 pressure levels should be more than than plenty for nigh graphics tablet users.

Simply brand sure that your tablet supports pen pressure or pen sensitivity in some capacity. Some cheaper tablets don't even have the choice, leaving you lot to draw unattractive strokes without varying thickness or tapers.

5. Don't Be Dazzled past Brand Name or Loftier Price

save-money-food

But because a graphics tablet was created by a popular make or is expensive, doesn't mean that information technology's better than those of smaller brands or ones that don't toll equally much. While the phrase "you lot go what you pay for" is truthful in some ways, it's not always necessary to break the bank with every new tech purchase.

Information technology's probably very tempting to go through the Wacom and XP-Pen lines of products, given their stellar reviews, but don't be afraid to look at other brands. Huion, VEIKK, and UGEE offer neat cheap entry-level tablets.

Go through all your options and see what fits best for your needs and budget.

vi. Package Deals

Drawing with a graphics tablet

A graphics tablet tin can be a hefty investment, which is why yous should exist making certain you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Sometimes, the companies behind graphics tablets will pair up with the art software developers to sell both together as a bundle. This ways you can get both for a lower toll than if you lot were to buy the tablet and plan separately.

Keep an center out for these deals! If a tablet comes with gratuitous software, information technology's usually listed on the box somewhere. Merely exist careful, because some software might be region-locked (e.g. "offering only bachelor for US customers," etc.).

7. Compatibility

windows-mac

This might exist a no-brainer for some people, but you need to ensure that the tablet yous desire is compatible with your setup. Most major graphics tablet brands offer full support on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but it'southward not uncommon for the more budget-friendly options to only take Windows compatibility.

Some tablets tin can be choosy with certain programs too, so we also recommend looking into that if you aren't the typical Photoshop and Illustrator user.

8. Warranty

Drawing on a graphics tablet

Spending a lot of money on anything can exist stressful, but it'll help you breathe easier if your purchase has a warranty. Like many other electronic purchases, warranties frequently have tiers, with the more expensive tiers having more than extensive coverage (e.one thousand. damage caused by handling, water, etc.).

Most drawing tablets have a manufacturer's warranty that activates as soon as y'all buy the product, just warranty's length will depend on the make of the tablet. A skilful drawing tablet should come up with a warranty that covers you lot for at least a year.

Remember That Doing Your Research Is Primal

When selecting a graphics tablet, there'south a lot to consider. It'south a good thought to expect extensively into all your options, compare prices and functions, and read reviews from existing customers. Soon, y'all'll find the perfect tablet for you.

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