How does a graphics tablet work?

More and more photographers, designers, professional artists and simply creative people have recently chosen graphics tablets for their work. This article will tell you why such devices are used and what criteria you should rely on when choosing.

What is a graphics tablet and how does it work?

In simple terms, a graphics tablet is a pen (pencil) and paper converted into an electronic format. The two main components of the device are the base and the pen. If desired, the pen can be replaced with a special mouse, which in general will perform the same functions.

The operating principle of such devices is the use of electromagnetic fields. A grid of special conductors is built into the base of the structure, which receive electromagnetic pulses from the pen. The last user moves along the grid, creating an image that is immediately transmitted to the computer monitor to which the connection is made.

If we talk about the types of feathers, then according to the principle of nutrition there can be only three of them:

• wired;
• wireless (battery operated);
• without batteries (the operation of the device is based on the principle of EM resonance).

Reference! Professional artists do not speak very favorably of battery-powered models due to their relatively heavy weight and shifted center of gravity.

Why do you need a graphics tablet?

Many people mistakenly think that this technique can only be fully used by artists, but graphics tablets will be useful not only for them. Currently, they are widely used for various purposes:

1. Works in many graphic applications.
2. For processing and retouching photos and images.
3. In the field of web design.
4. In the field of 3D modeling.
5. In the work of CAD programs.
6. In the business sector for electronic signatures.
7. For creating handwritten notes, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.

As is clear from the above list, such a technique can be useful not only to designers and businessmen, but in general to any PC user who wants to expand the available functionality of the computer.

What to look for when choosing a drawing tablet

In order to choose the most suitable model, you need to have an idea of ​​the main criteria that experts rely on when choosing graphics tablets.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the size of the device’s working area. The modern market offers the buyer a large number of models with a wide variety of workspace formats, and it is better for the user to choose the one with which he is accustomed to working in “paper” form.

The second important criterion will be the aspect ratio of the device. If you plan to connect your tablet to a widescreen monitor, then you can opt for the “wide” model, which is wider than the standard one.

Reference! If you plan to connect the device to a square-shaped monitor, then you should not take a narrow tablet, since in this case some area of ​​the device simply will not be available for drawing.

An important parameter is the sensitivity of the model surface. Sensitivity is measured in so-called levels, and for professional artists and designers the level of sensitivity should be different from that for beginners. Beginner users usually need a model with a sensitivity of no more than 512 levels.

The next important criterion – permission. Resolution determines the device’s ability to “recognize” the movement of the pen on a surface. High-resolution models for professional use are usually not cheap, but for beginners, models with a resolution of up to 2000 dpi are quite suitable.

Reference! In addition to the above, professionals should also pay attention to the sensitivity of the device to the angle of inclination of the pen in degrees.

If the user is going to use several tools, then in order to make the work easier, it is better for him to create a separate profile for each of them, since the device may respond differently to a new pen or mouse.

Based on the criteria described above and approaching the issue as carefully and thoughtfully as possible, you can easily choose a graphics tablet for amateur or professional use.