Not to be confused with a tablet like an iPad, a graphics tablet is a tool used by artists and designers. They connect to your laptop or desktop, and come with a digital pen - so, what you draw on the tablet appears on your screen.
What is a graphics tablet?
Graphics tablets come in different sizes with varying levels of spec and software, but generally they're a flat black screen (without any visuals) that you connect to your computer. Graphics tablets sit flat on your desk (think of it like a notepad to draw on), but you can adjust some models to sit at the angle that suits you.
What is a graphics tablet used for?
Graphics tablets are designed to work with creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator - perfect for professional and enthusiast designers and photographers. Plus, painters and those who love sketching and drawing are catered for too – with software like Corel PaintShop and CorelDraw.
How do I connect a graphics tablet to my PC?
Most graphics tablets connect via USB or wirelessly through Bluetooth. It should be really simple to set up - most are plug and play.
What is pressure sensitivity?
One of the most important features of the pen or stylus is the pen’s pressure sensitivity. This is measured in a number – the higher the better.
Sensitivity, put simply, affects whether you’re creating fine lines or thick ones, and how much difference there is in between. And programs like Photoshop and Illustrator are built to get the best from it.
Best graphics tablets for designers
Professional fashion and graphic designers demand tools that help them to work with speed and accuracy and to get the best from industry standard software. And using a pen is much quicker than using a mouse. You can also set the buttons on the pen to do whatever you want - perfect for fast jumping to your most used actions.
Which graphics tablet is right for you?
Need more help choosing a graphics tablet? If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store or have a video chat using ShopLive.