Adobe Illustrator is one of the most popular and powerful software for vector graphics and illustration. It allows you to create stunning logos, icons, typography, and illustrations for print, web, video, and mobile. But to use Adobe Illustrator effectively, you need a tablet that can handle its demands and offer a smooth and intuitive drawing experience. A tablet that has a large and bright screen, a pressure-sensitive and tilt-responsive stylus, and a fast and reliable processor.
In this article, we will show you the best tablets for Adobe Illustrator that meet these criteria and more. We will also explain what to look for when choosing a tablet for Adobe Illustrator and answer some frequently asked questions.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet that runs on Windows 11 and offers excellent performance and versatility. It has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display that supports 120Hz refresh rate and 10-point multi-touch. It also comes with a Surface Pen that has 4,096 pressure levels and tilt support. The Surface Pro 8 can run Adobe Illustrator smoothly and let you create amazing vector art with ease. It also has a long battery life of up to 16 hours, a detachable keyboard, and a built-in kickstand.
2. Best for Apple Fans: Apple iPad Pro
The Apple iPad Pro is a powerful tablet that runs on iPadOS and works seamlessly with Adobe Illustrator. It has a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology that delivers vivid colors and smooth animations. It also comes with an Apple Pencil that has advanced features like pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and palm rejection. The iPad Pro can handle complex illustrations and graphics with its M1 chip and 16GB of RAM. It also has a long battery life of up to 10 hours, a Face ID security system, and a USB-C port.
3. Best Budget Option: Huion H640P
The Huion H640P is an affordable graphic tablet that works well with Adobe Illustrator. It has a 6 x 4 inch active area that offers enough space for drawing and designing. It also comes with a battery-free stylus that has 8,192 pressure levels and 60 degrees of tilt support. The Huion H640P can connect to Windows, macOS, or Android devices via USB cable and let you use Adobe Illustrator without any lag or delay. It also has 6 customizable express keys, a pen holder, and a glove.
4. Best for Wacom Fans: Wacom Cintiq 22
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a pen display tablet that offers a premium drawing experience with Adobe Illustrator. It has a large 21.5-inch Full HD screen that shows your illustrations in high resolution and accurate colors. It also comes with a Wacom Pro Pen 2 that has 8,192 pressure levels and tilt support. The Wacom Cintiq 22 can connect to Windows or macOS devices via HDMI or USB cables and let you use Adobe Illustrator with full functionality. It also has an adjustable stand, an anti-glare screen protector, and an express key remote.
5. Best for Illustrators: Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition
The Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition is a unique graphic tablet that lets you draw on paper and digitalize your sketches with Adobe Illustrator. It has an 8.7 x 5.8 inch active area that supports multi-touch gestures and pen input. It also comes with a Wacom Finetip Pen that has real ink and can capture every stroke on paper.
The Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Edition can connect to Windows or macOS devices via Bluetooth or USB cable and let you use Adobe Illustrator to edit your sketches or create new ones. It also has 8 customizable express keys, a touch ring, and a paper clip.
Things to Consider
Some of the best tablets for using Adobe Illustrator are high-end Android tablets or iPad Pro models. These provide powerful processors, ample display space, and graphics capabilities suitable for Illustrator’s demanding requirements.
Numerous Android tablets from Samsung, Lenovo, and other brands offer octa-core processors, at least 8-12 inches of screen real estate, and dedicated graphics cards with several gigabytes of dedicated memory. The latest Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Lenovo Creator Pad provide some of the most compelling options. They run the latest version of Android, have vibrant AMOLED or OLED screens ideal for Illustrator’s interface, and include styluses for precision work.
Apple’s iPad Pro lineup is arguably the premium choice, with models featuring fast A-series chips, brilliant 11 or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR displays, and the ultra-responsive Apple Pencil. The latest 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros perfectly complement Illustrator. They deliver amazing color fidelity, wider color gamuts, HDR video playback, and a buttery-smooth stylus experience. Either size would be an excellent, future-proof tablet for Illustrator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best screen size for Illustrator? Larger 12-inch or larger displays provide more workspace and editing room.
Does it need a stylus? Yes, a precision stylus dramatically improves editing, masking, and detail work in Illustrator. Styluses like the Apple Pencil or comparable Android styluses are must-haves.
What other features matter? A fast processor, dedicated graphics, plenty of RAM, and storage are essential for handling complex Illustrator files without lag or crashing. A 120Hz refresh rate on some models also improves responsiveness.
Conclusion
In summary, the most capable tablets for Illustrator are high-end Android slates or iPad Pro, with 12-inch or larger displays, stylus support, potent specs, and ample memory & graphics capabilities to meet the demanding needs of Adobe’s professional design software. By considering these factors, you can choose an exceptional tablet to leverage your creativity in Illustrator.