Choosing A Tablet For Digital Painting

Choosing a Tablet for Digital Painting:

A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re thinking about getting into digital painting, choosing your first tablet can feel a little overwhelming.

There are so many different tablets, sizes, features and price points that it’s easy to wonder whether you actually need all the things they advertise.

The good news is that you don’t need the most expensive tablet to create great digital art.

What matters is finding something that feels comfortable to use, works with the software you want to use, and suits the way you like to draw.

So, let’s look at the main options and the things that are actually worth paying attention to.

What Types of Tablets Are There?

The first thing you’ll notice when you start looking is that there are a few different types of drawing tablets.

They don’t all work in the same way, so it’s worth understanding the difference before you spend any money.

Graphics tablets

A graphics tablet connects to your computer. You draw on the tablet while looking at your computer screen.

If you’ve never used one before, it can feel a little strange at first because you’re looking at one place while your hand is drawing somewhere else.

It does take a bit of getting used to, but most people adapt surprisingly quickly.

One of the biggest advantages is the price. Graphics tablets are generally cheaper than tablets with built-in screens, and they’re also lightweight and easy to store.

Display tablets

A display tablet has a screen built into it, so you draw directly onto the image in front of you.

For many people, this feels much more natural because it’s similar to drawing on paper. You can see exactly where your pen is making the mark.

The downside is that they usually cost more, and they can be heavier and less convenient to carry around.

Standalone tablets

These are the all-in-one option. You don’t need to connect them to a separate computer because they have their own operating system and apps.

They’re particularly useful if you want to be able to draw anywhere without sitting at a desk.

The trade-off is usually the price. You also need to check that the apps you want to use are available and have the features you need.

There isn’t one “best” type of tablet. It really comes down to what feels right for you, how you like to work and how much you want to spend.

Getting Started With Digital Painting

If you’re completely new to digital painting, try not to get too caught up in all the technical details.

Your first goal is simply to become comfortable with the tablet and stylus.

Spend some time playing around with different brushes, colours and settings. You don’t have to create a masterpiece. In fact, it’s probably better if you don’t try to!

Just draw some lines. Change the brush size. Try pressing harder and then more lightly. Experiment with opacity and different textures.

This is how you start to get a feel for how your tablet responds to your hand.

For a beginner, a medium-sized tablet can be a nice place to start. It gives you enough room to draw comfortably without taking up your whole desk.

And remember, you can always change your setup later. You don’t have to get everything perfect on day one.

Things to Look For When Choosing a Tablet

Once you’ve decided which type of tablet you want, there are a few features worth considering.

Pressure sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is one of those things you’ll hear about constantly when looking at drawing tablets.

Basically, the tablet detects how hard you’re pressing with your stylus.

Press lightly and you might get a thinner or more transparent stroke. Press harder and the stroke can become thicker or darker, depending on the brush and software you’re using.

Many tablets offer thousands of levels of pressure sensitivity. You don’t necessarily need to obsess over the exact number, though.

For most beginners, a decent modern tablet with good pressure sensitivity will be more than enough.

How the tablet actually feels when you draw is often more important than having the biggest number on the specification sheet.

Screen size

If you’re buying a display tablet or standalone tablet, think about how much space you actually want to work with.

A small tablet is easier to carry around and usually costs less.

A medium-sized tablet is often a good compromise. You get enough room to work comfortably without needing a huge desk.

A larger screen can be lovely if you like making big sweeping strokes or working on detailed paintings, but it will usually cost more and isn’t as portable.

There’s no right answer here. Think about where you’ll be using it and how much space you have.

Compatibility

This is one thing you definitely don’t want to overlook.

Before buying a tablet, check that it works with the software you plan to use.

You might be using Photoshop, Krita, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate or something completely different.

Also check whether the tablet works with your computer or operating system.

It’s much better to spend five minutes checking compatibility before buying than to discover afterwards that your favourite software isn’t supported properly.

Your budget

And then there’s the big one: price.

It’s very easy to start looking at tablets and think, “Well, if I spend another £100, I can get this… and another £100 gets me that…”

Before you know it, your “budget” tablet has become very expensive!

Try to decide what you’re comfortable spending before you start shopping.

There are perfectly good entry-level tablets available, so you don’t need to spend a fortune just because you’re a beginner.

If you’re interested in a display tablet or standalone tablet, look out for sales and refurbished models too. You can sometimes get much more for your money this way.

Making Your Tablet Work for You

Once you’ve got your tablet and have become comfortable with it, you can start playing around with the settings.

This is where things can get quite interesting.

Adjust the settings

Most tablets let you change things such as pressure sensitivity, shortcut buttons and the way your stylus responds.

Don’t be afraid to experiment.

If your strokes feel too heavy or too light, try changing the pressure settings. If there are buttons you never use, assign them to something you actually need.

The aim is to make the tablet work for you rather than forcing yourself to work around the default settings.

Try different brushes

This is one of my favourite parts of digital painting.

Digital art gives you access to an enormous range of brushes, and they can completely change the way your artwork looks.

Try pencils, inks, textured brushes, soft brushes and brushes that imitate traditional paint.

You might discover that a brush you initially thought you’d never use becomes one of your favourites.

Use shortcuts

If your tablet has shortcut buttons, make use of them.

You could assign shortcuts to things you use all the time, such as undo, zoom, brush size or switching between tools.

It might not seem like a big deal at first, but once you get used to them, they can make your workflow much quicker.

Experiment with colour

Digital painting gives you so much freedom when it comes to colour.

Try creating your own colour palettes rather than always choosing colours individually. Experiment with blending and layering, and see what happens when you change the opacity of your brushes.

There’s no need to get everything right immediately. A lot of learning happens simply by experimenting.

What Should Beginners Focus On?

If you’re just starting out, I honestly wouldn’t worry too much about having the perfect setup.

Get comfortable with the basics first.

Learn how your stylus feels. Practise making different types of strokes. Try different brushes. Get used to undoing mistakes and working with layers.

And don’t worry if your first digital paintings feel strange.

If you’re used to traditional drawing or painting, digital art can feel surprisingly different at first.

Even something as simple as the way the stylus moves across the surface can take a little getting used to.

A few things worth looking for:

A comfortable stylus: You’ll be holding it for long periods, so it should feel good in your hand. Buttons are useful, but they shouldn’t get in the way.

A surface you enjoy drawing on: Some screens and tablets have a smoother feel, while others have more texture and resistance. If you like the feeling of drawing on paper, you may prefer a slightly textured surface.

Good software and driver support: A tablet is only useful if it works reliably with your computer and your chosen art software. Check reviews and compatibility before buying.

Most importantly, remember that the tablet itself isn’t going to make you a better artist.

Practice will.

The tablet is simply the tool that helps you get your ideas from your head onto the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tablet is best for a beginner?

A graphics tablet is usually the most affordable way to get started and can be a great introduction to digital art.

If you really want to draw directly onto a screen, a mid-range display tablet could be a better choice.

There’s no need to jump straight to the most expensive model.

How important is pressure sensitivity?

It’s useful, particularly if you want to vary the thickness, opacity or intensity of your brush strokes.

However, I wouldn’t choose a tablet based purely on the number of pressure levels it offers.

Once you reach a decent level of pressure sensitivity, other things such as the feel of the stylus, the drawing surface and how well the tablet works with your software can be just as important.

Can I use a tablet with any drawing software?

Not necessarily.

Many popular art programs work with a wide range of tablets, but it’s always worth checking before you buy.

If you already have a favourite program, make that one of the first things you check.

What if my new tablet doesn’t feel right?

Give yourself some time.

It can take a while to get used to a new tablet, especially if you’ve never used one before.

Try adjusting the pressure settings, changing your brush settings or setting up some useful shortcuts.

Sometimes a few small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

And if you eventually realise that your tablet genuinely isn’t right for the way you work, that’s okay too. As you develop as an artist, you’ll probably get a much better idea of what you actually need.

Don’t Forget to Experiment

One of the best things about digital painting is that there’s really no need to stick to one particular way of doing things.

Try different brushes. Paint on lots of layers. Experiment with textures. Try colours you wouldn’t normally choose.

Give yourself permission to make a mess!

Some of the most useful discoveries happen when you’re simply playing around rather than trying to create a finished piece.

It can also be worth changing your workspace every now and then.

Maybe move your tablet to a different position, adjust your chair or lighting, or organise your shortcut buttons differently.

Sometimes a small change can make your whole setup feel better.

And if you get the chance, connect with other digital artists too. Online art communities can be a great place to ask questions, share your work and see how other people approach things.

Just remember that you don’t have to copy someone else’s setup.

What works brilliantly for one artist might drive another person mad.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a tablet for digital painting doesn’t have to be complicated.

You don’t need to understand every technical specification or buy the most expensive equipment you can find.

Think about how you like to draw, where you’ll be using your tablet, which software you want to use and, of course, what you can comfortably afford.

Then give yourself time to get used to it.

Your first few attempts might feel awkward. That’s completely normal.

The more you use your tablet, the more natural it will start to feel. Eventually, you’ll stop thinking about the technology and start thinking about the artwork instead.

And that’s really the goal.

Your tablet is just a tool. The fun part is seeing what you can create with it.

---