Photoshop is one of the most popular and powerful software for photo editing and digital art. However, using a mouse or a touchpad can limit your creativity and precision. That's why many professionals and hobbyists prefer to use a drawing tablet for Photoshop. A drawing tablet allows you to use a stylus to draw, paint, retouch and manipulate images on your computer screen or on the tablet itself. But how do you choose the best drawing tablet for Photoshop?
Read more:
Our Choices
There are many factors to consider, such as size, pressure sensitivity, resolution, battery life, compatibility and price. To help you make an informed decision, we have selected some of the best drawing tablets for Photoshop available.
1. Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet Bundle: Best Overall for Professional Artists
This is a new and innovative tablet that offers a premium experience for Photoshop users. It has a large and smooth drawing area of 10 x 5.8 inches, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. It comes with two battery-free pens, one thin and one thick, that feel natural and comfortable in your hand.
It also has eight customizable express keys and a wheel that can be used for zooming, scrolling or changing brush size. The Xencelabs Medium Pen Tablet Bundle is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and works seamlessly with Photoshop and other Adobe software. It also includes a wireless kit, a pen case, extra nibs and a glove.
2. XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro: Best Drawing Tablet for Photoshop with Screen
If you prefer to draw directly on a screen, the XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro is a great option. It has a 15.6-inch full HD display with 88% NTSC color gamut and 178-degree viewing angle. It also has an anti-glare coating that reduces reflections and protects your eyes.
The pen has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, and does not require charging. The tablet has eight shortcut keys and a red dial that can be customized to suit your workflow. The XP-PEN Artist 15.6 Pro is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and supports Photoshop and other popular software.
3. Wacom Intuos Pro Small: Best Pen Tablet for Photoshop under $100
If you are on a budget but still want a high-quality pen tablet for Photoshop, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small is a good choice. It has a compact and portable design, with a drawing area of 6.3 x 3.9 inches. It has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, as well as multi-touch gestures that let you zoom, pan and rotate your images.
It has six customizable express keys and a touch ring that can be assigned to different functions. The pen is battery-free and ergonomic, and comes with extra nibs and a pen stand. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and works well with Photoshop and other Adobe software.
Things to Consider
If you are looking for the best drawing tablets for photoshop, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available in the market. However, not all drawing tablets are suitable for photoshop, as they have different features and specifications that affect their performance and compatibility. In this article, we will help you find the best drawing tablets for photoshop by considering some important factors.
-
Size: The size of the drawing tablet affects how much space you have to work with and how portable it is. A larger tablet will give you more room to draw and edit your images, but it will also be heavier and more expensive. A smaller tablet will be easier to carry around and fit on your desk, but it might limit your creativity and precision. You should choose a size that matches your needs and preferences.
-
Pressure Sensitivity: The pressure sensitivity of the drawing tablet determines how responsive it is to the amount of pressure you apply with the stylus. A higher pressure sensitivity will allow you to create more variations in line width and opacity, which is essential for photoshop. A lower pressure sensitivity will make your strokes more uniform and less expressive. You should look for a drawing tablet that has at least 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, or higher if you want more control and accuracy.
-
Resolution: The resolution of the drawing tablet refers to the number of pixels per inch (PPI) that it can display or capture. A higher resolution will result in sharper and clearer images, which is important for photoshop. A lower resolution will make your images look pixelated and blurry. You should look for a drawing tablet that has at least 5080 PPI, or higher if you want more detail and quality.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a computer to use a drawing tablet for photoshop?
A: It depends on the type of drawing tablet you have. Some drawing tablets are standalone devices that have their own screen and operating system, so you can use them without a computer. However, most drawing tablets are peripheral devices that need to be connected to a computer via USB or wireless connection, so you need a computer to run photoshop and transfer your files.
Q: What are the advantages of using a drawing tablet for photoshop?
A: Using a drawing tablet for photoshop can enhance your workflow and creativity in many ways. Some of the advantages are:
-
You can draw and edit your images more naturally and intuitively with a stylus than with a mouse or a trackpad.
-
You can achieve more precision and accuracy with a stylus than with a mouse or a trackpad.
-
You can create more variations in line width and opacity with a stylus than with a mouse or a trackpad.
-
You can use gestures and shortcuts with a stylus to access different tools and functions in photoshop more quickly and easily.
Q: How do I set up my drawing tablet for photoshop?
A: Setting up your drawing tablet for photoshop is usually simple and straightforward. You just need to follow these steps:
-
Install the drivers and software that came with your drawing tablet on your computer.
-
Connect your drawing tablet to your computer via USB or wireless connection.
-
Open photoshop and go to Edit > Preferences > Input Devices.
-
Select your drawing tablet from the list of devices and adjust the settings according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Finding the best drawing tablets for photoshop can be challenging, but it is worth it if you want to improve your skills and results. You should consider the size, pressure sensitivity, and resolution of the drawing tablet before buying one. You should also check the compatibility and functionality of the drawing tablet with photoshop. We hope this article has helped you find the best drawing tablets for photoshop that suit your needs and budget.