Whether you’re a beginner entering the world of digital art or a veteran in the field, chances are you have considered purchasing a graphic tablet to make your workflow easier.
In the realm of digital art and graphic design, drawing tablets have emerged as indispensable tools, allowing artists to bring their visions to life with more precision and fluidity than a traditional mouse could ever offer.
The main benefits include more control and precision with a stylus (pen-like tool), pressure sensitivity for varying brush strokes, and the ability to easily undo mistakes.
It’s especially popular in the creative industries for producing professional artwork or designs.
What is a drawing tablet?
Drawing tablets, also known as pen tablets or graphic tablets, are input devices that can be used to substitute or complement a mouse.
The pen tablet typically connects to a computer and works in combination with graphics art software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, and more.
They’re very popular in the graphic arts field and are considered by some as an indispensable aid for any creative professional.
There are 3 main types of drawing tablets available, including standard graphic tablet, the graphic tablet with display, and the standalone tablet computer. Depending on your needs, each has benefits and disadvantages to the others.
What is a digital drawing tablet used for?
Drawing tablets can be used for most creative and content production needs such as illustration, photography, 3D modeling, animation, graphic design, etc.
Most professional programs like photoshop, illustrator, etc on those fields offer advanced pen support and can recognize and use pen pressure and even tilt, on more feature-rich models like the Wacom Intuos Pro lineup.
Touching the tip of the pen on the tablet surface is the equivalent of a click, while pressure and pen tilt can be used to vary stroke width, opacity, effect intensity, and other attributes. There are buttons on the tablet that can be programmed for right click or other commands.
Most important of all, working with a drawing tablet is faster and more efficient than with a mouse. Your hand can travel from point to point on the screen in a single movement instead of repeated slides, as with a conventional mouse or trackpad. More importantly, it also allows for more natural input in activities such as drawing and photo retouching.
Holding a pen is also much more ergonomic than using a mouse, and most users with repetitive strain injury (RSI) or tendonitis suffer less pain when using a tablet.
In my personal case, it completely cured a chronic pain I had in my right wrist. I’ve been using a Wacom pen tablet exclusively for the past 10 years and could not go back to a mouse.
1. Digital Painting
Artists use graphics tablets to draw, sketch, and paint digitally, mimicking the experience of traditional media with the added benefits of digital tools.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic designers rely on pen tablets for creating logos, layouts, and other design elements with precision and ease.
drawing Tablets with display screens make it easier to see fine details and get closer to their final vision.
3. Photo Editing
Photographers and photo editors use tablets to retouch and manipulate images, where the fine control offered by a stylus is essential for detailed work.
4. Illustration
Illustrators create detailed and complex artwork for books, magazines, and digital media using graphics tablets.
5. 2D & 3D Animation
Animators use tablets to draw frames for animations, benefiting from the ability to make quick changes and test motion sequences.
A great tablet can help you translate your ideas seamlessly into stunning animations, character designs, and illustrations.
6. 3D Modeling & Sculpting
For 3D artists, drawing tablets offer precision and control that are difficult to achieve with a mouse.
Features like tilt recognition allow for more nuanced strokes, essential for creating lifelike textures and fine details on complex 3D objects.
Customizable buttons allow sculptors to switch tools quickly. They can easily rotate the model and zoom in or out. This feature enhances their workflow efficiency.
A drawing tablet can significantly improve the creative process for those who work extensively with programs like ZBrush.
Programs like Blender, Autodesk Maya, and 3ds Max benefit from tablet integration, allowing modelers to manipulate vertices, edges, and faces with greater ease and accuracy.
7. Architecture Design
Engineers and architects use graphics tablets for designing and editing detailed architectural and engineering plans. This enables them to create detailed sketches, blueprints, and plans easily.
The portability of some tablets allows architects to work on-site, sketching ideas directly in the field.
8. Digital Writing & Online Teaching
Teachers and educators integrate graphics tablets into online teaching, using them to write notes, draw diagrams, and interact with digital content during lessons and presentations.
Conclusion
Drawing tablets are highly useful for artists and designers as they offer precise control over digital drawing tools, mimic traditional mediums like pencils and brushes, and allow for efficient workflow with features like pressure sensitivity and customizable shortcuts.
They are versatile for creating artwork directly on a computer with various software options, enhancing productivity and artistic capabilities beyond traditional paper and pencil methods.
Finding the right drawing tablet is an exciting step in your creative journey, whether you’re diving into digital art or graphic design for the first time or looking to upgrade your current setup.
From budget-friendly screenless options to high-end, professional pen displays and stand-alone devices, there’s a tablet out there that fits your style, skill level, and budget.
Happy drawing, and may your next masterpiece start with the perfect tablet!
Explore More: The 12 Best Drawing Tablets for Mac of 2025
