Articles

Editorial articles and explainers about Pen tablets, pen displays and digital-art workflows.

Pen tablet or pen display? ↗

A pen tablet has a drawing surface separate from the monitor; a pen display lets you draw directly on screen. Screenless tablets are often lighter and less expensive. Displays can feel intuitive but add cost, cabling and desk-space demands.

What pressure sensitivity actually does ↗

Pressure sensitivity lets software vary brush size, opacity or flow according to pen force. The pressure curve determines how quickly effects build. A high reported level count does not guarantee better line quality; driver stability and calibration matter.

Choosing the right active area ↗

Small active areas suit compact desks and travel. Larger surfaces allow broader arm movement but require more room. Multiple-monitor mapping can make a small tablet feel cramped, so consider mapping to one display for precision.

Pen-display parallax explained ↗

Parallax is the apparent gap between the pen tip and the cursor. Calibration maps pen input to the screen, while viewing angle can change perceived alignment. Check independent tests of the exact model rather than relying only on marketing claims.

Graphics tablet drivers and setup ↗

Install the correct driver for your operating system, follow the vendor's uninstall sequence when replacing drivers, and check OS privacy permissions. If pressure works in one app but not another, inspect the app's tablet API and brush settings.

Using a pen tablet for photo editing ↗

A tablet can make mask painting and local retouching more controlled than a mouse. Map it to the editing display, assign only useful pen shortcuts and work non-destructively on layers or masks. Keep a mouse nearby for interface tasks.

Your first graphics tablet: setup guide ↗

Confirm OS compatibility, ports and software support before buying. Align the active area with your monitor, install the official driver, configure mapping and practise short exercises with lines, curves and hatching.

How to choose a pen display ↗

Evaluate screen size, resolution, surface texture, lamination, colour calibration, stand adjustability and cable requirements. For colour-critical work, look for independent measurements and a workable calibration process.