Frequently Asked Questions
Questions List
Is <Insert Tablet Here> good? - Q000
What’s the difference between a tablet and a mouse? - Q111
What does drawing with a tablet feel like? - Q222
Is it hard to draw with a tablet? - Q333
How do I get better at using my tablet? - Q444
When I draw with a tablet, the lines are really shaky. How can I fix this? - Q555
Does a certain tablet affect the quality of the artwork? - Q666
Is one tablet easier to use than the other? - Q777
Should I get a larger tablet? - Q888
Do I need a special tablet because of my monitor size? - Q999
What is the "active area" of a tablet? - Q100
I hear you look straight down at the screen with a Cintiq. Is it better/easier than other tablets? - Q110
What's a Tablet PC? - Q120
What are some good programs to use with my tablet? - Q130
What is a 'nib'? - Q140
What is a tablet driver? - Q150
Are there any special add ons or requirements that I need, in order to use a tablet? - Q160
Are tablets Mac/Laptop - compatible? - Q170
What tablet should I get? - Q180
I’m poor and can’t afford a tablet! - Q190
Press CTRL + F and type in the key name (ie Q111) to go to that question.
Is <Insert Tablet Here> good?Q000
It probably is.
Odds are, the tablet you chose is one that many people use. Take a look at the reviews before asking what people think of it, because, odds are, many have already stated their opinion on that tablet.
What’s the difference between a tablet and a mouse?Q111
If you’ve ever tried to draw with a mouse before, the answer is pretty obvious. It’s extremely hard, for most people, unless you’re using the pen tool. (Even then, it’s still tough.)
Basically, the goal of a tablet is to simulate drawing traditionally. A tablet is very similar to using a pencil, making it much easier than using a mouse. A mouse is pretty much nothing at all like a pencil, which makes it harder for people.
What does drawing with a tablet feel like?Q222
This is basically using a tablet in a nutshell. You move the stylus (Which looks like a pen, and pretty much is.) over the tablet and it moves the cursor. When you press down on the tablet, it’s like clicking.
There are also two modes within this. There’s the mouse mode, where it moves just like a mouse. Then, there is pen mode, where it the tablet is more like the screen. For example, if you move your stylus to the top left corner of the tablet, the cursor will move there, as well, no matter where it was before.
Is it hard to draw with a tablet?Q333
In the beginning, it is kind of hard. Most people have issues drawing a straight line. The learning curve is pretty steep, but practice will fix it.
This varies from person to person, but most people will get used to it after a week or two. After you get used to it, then drawing is pretty easy.
How do I get better at using my tablet?Q444
Just keep using it. That's all there is to it. Use your tablet for anything and everything. Get familiar with it. A tablet is just like any other piece of art equipment. You need to keep at it to get better.
When I draw with a tablet, the lines are really shaky. How can I fix this?Q555
If you're new to using a tablet, it's natural and you just need to keep practicing.
If you've been using your tablet for a while now, then you need to work with a bigger canvas. Then scale it down. Make sure to zoom in, as well. Using shorter strokes can also help, but you don't need to force yourself to, if you draw differently.
Does a certain tablet affect the quality of the artwork?Q666
No, it does not! You can get the same drawing by using the Bamboo Fun that you can with the Intuos. You just have to be able to draw the picture in the first place.
Is one tablet easier to use than the other?Q777
Tablets are more or less the same thing. So, not really. All in all, a monkey could operate a tablet, it's just like a mouse. They all have the same concept with a stylus on a surface, so you're not going to have a better time, regardless. There isn't any confusing trick to using it, you just pick up the pen and get working.
Only things like battery life (if any), lifespan, and pressure sensitivity are going to matter. Those are just some examples. Those are more focused on the quality of the product, not the actually ease of use.
Should I get a larger tablet?Q888
For most people, the answer is no. However, if you draw with your whole arm, then you need a larger one. If you draw with your wrist, then you will be fine with a smaller one.
Do I need a special tablet because of my monitor size?Q999
A tablet is like a mouse. It just moves along the screen. Regardless of the size of the tablet, it will work on the monitor. If you move your stylus to the corner of your tablet, the cursor will appear in the corner of the screen. However, if you're still worried, you can adjust the size of the active area of your tablet so that it will be in the same shape as your screen.
What is the "active area" of a tablet?Q100
It's exactly what it sounds like. It is the area that the stylus will work in. You can shrink it to whatever size you like. This will help if you have a big tablet but want to work in a small space.
I hear you look straight down at the screen with a Cintiq. Is it better/easier than other tablets?Q110
Most people will tell you that it is not better. Just because you’re looking down does not make it any better than the Intous or Bamboo. To be honest, the Cintiq is way more expensive and actually way older than some of the other tablets. You’re probably better off getting the Intuos, if you’ve got money to burn.
What's a Tablet PC?Q120
A tablet PC is basically a computer that allows you to touch the screen, instead of using a mouse. Basically, imagine a Nintendo DS and Laptop combined into one.
What are some good programs to use with my tablet?Q130
Most people prefer Photoshop. It’s a good program that most people use. If you’ve gotten a Wacom brand tablet (Excluding a couple, like the normal Bamboo), then it should have come with Photoshop Elements free, too.
Some other programs are Open Canvas, Manga Studio, Deleter Comicworks, Pixia, Corel Painter, Artrage, Project Dogwaffle, and Art Weaver. You can find more information about art programs
here. Be warned that Gimp is not compatible with a Bamboo Fun, though.
What is a 'nib'?Q140
A nib is the plastic part on the tip of your stylus.
As time goes on, the nib will wear out. When it gets aggravating to use (There's no actually time limit), then use tweezers to remove it and replace it with a new one. If you run out of replacement nibs, you can generally find more on the website that you bought your tablet on.
What is a tablet driver?Q150
A driver is the software that controls the tablet, you could say. Basically, all you need to know is that it must be installed to keep your tablet working. The most up-to-date drivers can normally be found on the company's website. (The Wacom one is
here.)
Are there any special add ons or requirements that I need, in order to use a tablet?Q160
A tablet is just like a mouse. It doesn't take much at all to run. If you have a
USB port available, then you will be able to use it. It takes up minimal space and doesn't require much to run, so you should be fine.
Are tablets Mac/Laptop - compatible?Q170
Read question fifteen. (That's the one above this one.) A tablet can run with ANY computer, NO MATTER WHAT, as long as it has an available
USB port .
What tablet should I get?Q180
This one is asked so often that it needs to be said..
Read the thread. Not only is there a list of good Wacom tablets, but there's even a list of reviews that you can refer to. As well as TONS of information on other tablets that you can find by browsing the pages.
I’m poor and can’t afford a tablet!Q190
Sucks for you?
I just thought I’d include that due to the number of people who feel the need to say they are jealous of people with tablets. If you’re really serious about art, then you should be ready to shell out some cash for it.