What are the best drawing tablets used by professionals?

Are you a professional artist or designer looking to upgrade your equipment? Look no further than the best drawing tablets used by professionals. These tablets offer precision, versatility, and intuitive technology to help you bring your creative vision to life. Whether you prefer a traditional pen and paper experience or a more advanced digital drawing experience, there is a drawing tablet out there for you. In this article, we will explore the top drawing tablets used by professionals and what sets them apart from the rest. Get ready to take your art to the next level!

Factors to consider when choosing a drawing tablet

Pen sensitivity

Pen sensitivity refers to the responsiveness of the pen to the user’s movements. A high pen sensitivity allows for finer and more detailed lines, making it easier to create intricate artwork. The following are some factors to consider when evaluating pen sensitivity in a drawing tablet:

• Resolution: The resolution of a drawing tablet determines the number of levels of pressure that the pen can detect. A higher resolution allows for greater precision and control over the lines drawn. Most professional-grade drawing tablets have a resolution of 2,048 levels of pressure or more.
• Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the tablet’s ability to accurately translate the pen’s movements onto the screen. A tablet with high accuracy ensures that the lines drawn on the tablet closely resemble the intended lines on the screen. This is especially important for professionals who require precise control over their artwork.
• Pressure sensitivity: Pressure sensitivity refers to the tablet’s ability to detect different levels of pressure applied by the pen. This allows the user to create thicker or thinner lines depending on the pressure applied. A tablet with high pressure sensitivity provides more control over the appearance of the lines and allows for more realistic brush strokes.
• Tilt sensitivity: Tilt sensitivity refers to the tablet’s ability to detect the angle of the pen relative to the tablet surface. This allows the user to create shading and shadows by varying the angle of the pen. A tablet with high tilt sensitivity provides more control over the shading and depth of the artwork.
• Programmability: Some drawing tablets allow the user to program the pen buttons for different functions, such as undo or brush size. This allows the user to customize the pen for their specific needs and preferences.

In summary, pen sensitivity is an important factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. A tablet with high resolution, accuracy, pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, and programmability provides the user with the tools necessary to create intricate and realistic artwork.

Drawing surface size

When it comes to choosing a drawing tablet, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the drawing surface. The size of the drawing surface will directly impact the amount of detail and precision that can be achieved when drawing. Here are some key points to consider when evaluating the size of a drawing tablet:

• Larger drawing surfaces: Generally, larger drawing surfaces provide more room for detail and precision, making them ideal for professional artists who require a high level of control over their artwork.
• Medium-sized drawing surfaces: Medium-sized drawing surfaces offer a balance between portability and functionality, making them suitable for artists who need a tablet that can be easily transported while still providing ample space for creative work.
• Smaller drawing surfaces: Smaller drawing surfaces are ideal for artists who require a highly portable tablet that can be easily carried around, making them suitable for those who travel frequently or require a tablet for on-the-go sketching.

Overall, the size of the drawing surface is a critical factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet, as it will directly impact the level of detail and precision that can be achieved when drawing.

Display quality

When choosing a drawing tablet, one of the most important factors to consider is the display quality. The display is where you will be creating your artwork, so it is crucial that it is of high quality. There are several aspects to consider when evaluating the display quality of a drawing tablet.

First, consider the resolution of the display. A higher resolution means that the image will be sharper and more detailed. Look for a display with at least a 1920 x 1080 resolution, but if possible, opt for a display with a higher resolution such as 4K.

Next, consider the size of the display. A larger display will give you more space to work with, which can be especially useful if you plan on working with multiple windows open at the same time. A display size of at least 13 inches is recommended, but some artists prefer even larger displays.

Another important factor to consider is the color accuracy of the display. A display with good color accuracy will ensure that the colors you see on the screen are accurate and true to life. Look for a display with a high color gamut, which means it can display a wide range of colors accurately.

Finally, consider the type of display technology used. Some drawing tablets use LCD displays, while others use more advanced technologies such as OLED or E-ink. Each type of display has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to research and compare the different options before making a decision.

Overall, the display quality is a critical factor to consider when choosing a drawing tablet. By taking the time to evaluate the resolution, size, color accuracy, and display technology, you can ensure that you choose a tablet with a display that meets your needs and helps you create high-quality artwork.

Connectivity options

When selecting a drawing tablet, it is crucial to consider the connectivity options available. This is because the connectivity options will determine how easy it is to transfer data and files between the tablet and other devices, such as a computer or laptop. Some of the connectivity options available in drawing tablets include:

• USB: This is a wired connectivity option that is commonly found in older drawing tablets. It is easy to set up and use, but it can be limited in terms of data transfer speeds.
• Bluetooth: This is a wireless connectivity option that is commonly found in newer drawing tablets. It allows for easy data transfer between the tablet and other devices, but it can be limited in terms of data transfer speeds and range.
• Wi-Fi: This is a wireless connectivity option that is commonly found in newer drawing tablets. It allows for fast and easy data transfer between the tablet and other devices, but it requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• USB-C: This is a newer connectivity option that is becoming increasingly popular in drawing tablets. It allows for fast and easy data transfer between the tablet and other devices, and it is also used for charging the tablet.

When choosing a drawing tablet, it is important to consider the type of connectivity options that are available. For example, if you need to transfer large files frequently, a tablet with a fast and reliable connectivity option such as USB-C may be the best option. On the other hand, if you need a tablet that is easy to transport, a tablet with a wireless connectivity option such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may be the best option.

Ergonomics and design

When choosing a drawing tablet, it is important to consider its ergonomics and design. This refers to how well the tablet is designed to fit the user’s needs and how comfortable it is to use for extended periods of time.

• Comfort: A comfortable drawing tablet should have a sturdy base that provides stability and prevents it from slipping or wobbling. The tablet should also be at a comfortable height, so that the user can draw or paint without experiencing strain on their wrists or arms. Additionally, the tablet should have a smooth surface that is easy to draw on and doesn’t cause hand cramps or fatigue.
• Pressure sensitivity: A pressure-sensitive tablet allows the user to control the thickness and opacity of their lines or brush strokes by applying more or less pressure to the tablet’s surface. This is an important feature for artists who want to create realistic brush strokes or shading.
• Pen design: The pen that comes with the tablet should be comfortable to hold and easy to use. It should also be precise and responsive, with little to no lag time between the user’s input and the tablet’s response. Some tablets come with pens that have customizable buttons or settings, which can be useful for artists who want to map certain functions to specific buttons.
• Programmable buttons: Some drawing tablets come with programmable buttons that can be customized to perform specific functions or commands. This can be helpful for artists who want to streamline their workflow or quickly access frequently used tools.
• Software compatibility: The tablet should be compatible with the artist’s preferred software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint. Some tablets come with their own software, which may or may not be compatible with other programs.

Overall, a drawing tablet with good ergonomics and design will be comfortable to use for extended periods of time, responsive to the user’s input, and easy to integrate into the artist’s workflow.

Price

When it comes to choosing the best drawing tablet for your needs, the price is a crucial factor to consider. The cost of a drawing tablet can vary widely, ranging from around $50 to over $1,000. It’s important to keep in mind that while a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better quality, it can often mean that the tablet is more durable, has more features, and offers a better user experience.

That being said, it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping for a drawing tablet. Consider what you’re willing to spend and what you need from the tablet. If you’re a beginner or just want to use the tablet for casual drawing, a lower-priced tablet may be sufficient. However, if you’re a professional artist or designer, you may want to invest in a higher-priced tablet that offers more advanced features and a more accurate drawing experience.

In general, it’s recommended to invest in a quality drawing tablet that fits within your budget, rather than opting for a cheap, low-quality tablet that may not meet your needs. A good drawing tablet can last for years and provide a more enjoyable and efficient drawing experience, making it a worthwhile investment for serious artists and designers.

Top drawing tablets used by professionals

Wacom Intuos Pro

Features

The Wacom Intuos Pro is a highly regarded drawing tablet among professionals, thanks to its impressive range of features. It boasts a pressure-sensitive touch screen that allows for natural and precise drawing, as well as tilt recognition, which enables users to draw at any angle. Additionally, the tablet comes with a stylus pen that features a gyroscope and accelerometer, ensuring accurate and smooth movement tracking.

The Intuos Pro also includes multi-touch capabilities, allowing users to zoom, pan, and navigate their artwork with ease using gestures. Furthermore, the tablet offers a wide range of customizable express keys, which can be programmed to access various tools and functions, providing a more streamlined workflow.

Pros

• Highly sensitive pressure-sensitive touch screen
• Tilt recognition for natural drawing
• Accurate and smooth stylus pen tracking
• Multi-touch capabilities for easy navigation
• Customizable express keys for efficient workflow

Cons

• The tablet can be relatively expensive for some users
• The stylus pen may not be as comfortable for long drawing sessions
• Some users may find the multi-touch gestures to be less intuitive compared to traditional tablet interactions

Microsoft Surface Pro

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile tablet that comes with a detachable keyboard and stylus pen, making it a popular choice among professionals who require a portable and powerful device for their artwork. Some of its notable features include:

• A high-resolution display that supports up to 2736 x 1824 pixels
• A built-in kickstand that allows for comfortable drawing and sketching angles
• A pressure-sensitive stylus pen that offers accurate and natural drawing experience
• Integrated graphics card that delivers smooth performance for graphic-intensive applications

• A detachable keyboard that provides a comfortable typing experience

• High-quality display for accurate color reproduction

• Versatile design that can be used as a tablet or a laptop
• Pressure-sensitive stylus pen for natural drawing experience
• Integrated graphics card for smooth performance

• Detachable keyboard for comfortable typing experience

• Can be expensive compared to other drawing tablets

• Limited storage space compared to other devices
• May require additional software for certain art programs

Apple iPad Pro

The Apple iPad Pro is a versatile device that offers a range of features for digital artists. Some of its most notable features include:

• A large, high-resolution display that supports the P3 wide color gamut and comes in sizes of 11 inches and 12.9 inches
• A powerful A12Z Bionic chip that enables fast performance and smooth animations
• A compatible Apple Pencil that attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and offers pressure sensitivity and tilt support
• A range of creative apps, including Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Sketchbook, that offer a variety of tools and features for digital art creation
• Compatibility with other accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard and the Logitech Crayon, that provide additional functionality for artists

The Apple iPad Pro offers several advantages for digital artists, including:

• Its large display and powerful processor provide a seamless drawing experience
• Its compatible Apple Pencil offers precision and control for artists
• Its range of creative apps and accessories provide flexibility and customization options for artists
• Its sleek and portable design makes it easy to take on the go

The Apple iPad Pro also has some drawbacks for digital artists, including:

• Its high price point may be prohibitive for some artists
• Its compatibility with certain software may be limited
• Its reliance on Apple’s ecosystem may not be suitable for artists who prefer more open systems
• Its smaller 11-inch size may not offer enough screen real estate for some artists

Wacom Cintiq Pro

The Wacom Cintiq Pro is a highly regarded drawing tablet that offers a range of features designed to meet the needs of professional artists and designers. Some of its most notable features include:

• High-resolution display: The Cintiq Pro boasts a 16-inch or 24-inch display with a resolution of 4K or 5K, respectively. This provides users with incredibly sharp and detailed images that can be used for design, illustration, and other professional applications.
• Pressure-sensitive pen: The included pen is designed to provide a natural drawing experience, with a pressure-sensitive tip that allows users to create a wide range of strokes and textures.
• ExpressKeys: The Cintiq Pro features four customizable ExpressKeys that can be programmed to perform a variety of functions, such as switching tools or toggling brush settings.

• Touch input: The tablet also includes a multi-touch surface, which allows users to navigate and manipulate their artwork using gestures and other touch-based inputs.

• High-quality display: The Cintiq Pro’s 4K or 5K display provides incredibly sharp and detailed images, making it an excellent choice for professional artists and designers.

• Natural drawing experience: The pressure-sensitive pen provides a highly realistic drawing experience, with a range of pressure levels and tip options that can be customized to meet the needs of individual users.
• Customizable ExpressKeys: The four ExpressKeys can be programmed to perform a variety of functions, providing users with a highly personalized and efficient workflow.

• Multi-touch input: The Cintiq Pro’s multi-touch surface allows users to navigate and manipulate their artwork using gestures and other touch-based inputs, providing a highly intuitive and responsive user experience.

• Expensive: The Cintiq Pro is a high-end drawing tablet, and as such, it can be quite expensive. This may make it less accessible to budget-conscious users or those who are just starting out in their careers.

• Limited software compatibility: While the Cintiq Pro is compatible with a wide range of software programs, some users may find that certain programs do not work as well with the tablet as others. This may require some trial and error to find the right software for individual needs.

Huion Kamvas Pro

The Huion Kamvas Pro is a digital drawing tablet that features a 225% large-format display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It also has a pressure sensitivity of 8192 levels, which makes it one of the most sensitive drawing tablets on the market. Additionally, it comes with a built-in battery, which allows for easy portability and a longer work time.

One of the biggest advantages of the Huion Kamvas Pro is its high-resolution display, which allows for incredibly detailed and precise drawings. Its pressure sensitivity is also a major selling point, as it provides a more natural and intuitive drawing experience. Additionally, the built-in battery means that users can work for longer periods of time without needing to worry about power.

One potential downside of the Huion Kamvas Pro is its price point, which is relatively high compared to other drawing tablets on the market. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the tablet’s driver software, which can be difficult to navigate and may cause compatibility issues with certain software programs.

Grip Pen Tablet

The Grip Pen Tablet is a popular choice among professionals due to its unique features. Some of the key features of this tablet include:

• Pressure sensitivity: The Grip Pen Tablet offers a high level of pressure sensitivity, allowing artists to create a wide range of brush strokes and line types.
• Tilt recognition: The tablet’s tilt recognition feature enables users to switch between different brush tips and strokes simply by tilting the pen.
• Ergonomic design: The Grip Pen Tablet has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.

• Programmable buttons: The tablet comes with programmable buttons that can be customized to access frequently used tools and settings.

• The Grip Pen Tablet is highly accurate and responsive, making it ideal for professional-level artwork.

• Its pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition features offer a high level of control and versatility for artists.
• The ergonomic design of the tablet reduces hand and wrist strain, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.

• The programmable buttons allow for quick and easy access to frequently used tools and settings.

• The Grip Pen Tablet can be somewhat expensive compared to other drawing tablets on the market.

• Some users may find the tablet’s pen to be less comfortable to use than other options on the market.
• The tablet does not come with a stand, which may be a drawback for some users.

How to choose the best drawing tablet for your needs

Factors to consider

When choosing the best drawing tablet for your needs, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Budget: The cost of the tablet can vary widely, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend.
• Size: If you plan to use the tablet for on-the-go drawing, a smaller and more portable option may be best. If you plan to use it primarily in a studio setting, a larger tablet may be more suitable.
• Drawing experience: If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider a tablet with a simple and intuitive interface. If you’re a professional artist, you may want a tablet with more advanced features and greater precision.

Questions to ask yourself

Before making a purchase, it’s important to ask yourself some key questions. These may include:

• What is your level of experience with digital art tools?
• What is your budget for the tablet?
• What are your specific needs and goals for the tablet?
• What features are most important to you?

How to test the tablet before buying

To ensure that you’re choosing the best drawing tablet for your needs, it’s important to test it out before making a purchase. This can involve:

• Reading reviews and ratings from other users
• Watching videos of the tablet in action
• Trying out the tablet in person, if possible
• Experimenting with the tablet’s various features and settings

By taking the time to carefully consider your options and test out the tablet before buying, you can ensure that you’re making a smart investment in your digital art practice.

FAQs

1. What is a drawing tablet?

A drawing tablet is a digital art tool that allows artists to create drawings and illustrations on a digital canvas. It typically consists of a tablet-like device with a touch-sensitive surface and a stylus pen. The tablet is connected to a computer, which serves as the display and processing platform for the digital artwork.

2. Why do professionals use drawing tablets?

Professionals use drawing tablets because they offer a natural and intuitive way to create digital artwork. Drawing on a tablet feels similar to drawing on paper, but with the added benefits of digital editing and correction tools. Additionally, drawing tablets offer greater precision and control over brush strokes and lines, which is essential for creating high-quality digital artwork.

3. What are the best drawing tablets used by professionals?

There are several drawing tablets that are popular among professionals, including the Wacom Intuos Pro, the Wacom Cintiq Pro, the Huion Kamvas Pro, and the XP-Pen Artist 12. These tablets offer a range of features and capabilities, such as high-resolution displays, pressure-sensitive stylus pens, and customizable Express Keys, that make them ideal for professional digital artists.

4. How do I choose the right drawing tablet for my needs?

Choosing the right drawing tablet depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the size of the tablet, the resolution of the display, the pressure sensitivity of the stylus pen, and the number and location of the Express Keys. Additionally, consider your budget and the compatibility of the tablet with your computer and software.

5. How do I get started with using a drawing tablet?

Getting started with a drawing tablet is relatively easy. Most tablets come with software that allows you to customize the settings and create a digital canvas. You can then use the stylus pen to draw and paint on the canvas, just as you would on paper. Many tablets also come with tutorials and resources to help you learn how to use the tablet and software effectively.

Best Drawing Tablets 2023 – The Only 5 You Should Consider Today