Features of the operation of a graphics tablet. How do I use a pen tablet? How it works Getting started with a wacom pen tablet

Articles and Life Hacks

The popularity of such devices is increasing not only among professional photographers and designers.

Unfortunately, both they and most ordinary buyers often do not know what a graphics tablet is, how to use it, and whether it is worth buying this device. Let's try to answer the questions posed.

What is it for?

Let's start with what is a special input device that serves auxiliary tool for a computer or laptop. In other words, don't confuse it with the iPad and other tablets.

Before you buy a graphics tablet, you should give yourself an answer to the question of why you actually need it.

It is necessary to understand that even the most professional device (such as those produced by Wacom) is not capable of making an artist out of a user, if he is not.

However, it also happens that graphic tablets are purchased by business people, who, for example, often have to sign electronic documents.

This device is an excellent tool that speeds up the work process, but does not add to the existing skills and talent.

In addition, although the pen of a graphic tablet simulates drawing on paper as much as possible, in reality it takes some getting used to and even learning.

Of course, it is unreasonable to buy yourself an expensive professional device solely for testing.

It's better to try something budget first (for example, the Bamboo series from Wacom), and then move on to a professional device ( good example- Cintiq product).

Where to begin? Features of use

• If we already have this device, we should start by checking that the drivers are working properly. To do this, one at a time, bring the pen to different corners of the graphics tablet.
• The cursor should automatically move to the required position. Windows users can also try to disable the "Tablet PC Services" feature.
• A lot depends on how we sit and hold our device. Some users are more comfortable positioning their graphics tablet at an angle, while others are accustomed to placing it on a table or lap.
• Professional Cintiq devices are very convenient in this regard, as they are equipped with retractable stands.
• At the very beginning of working with the tablet, you need to go to its "Properties" ("Properties") and configure at your own discretion. You can find your device through "Start", the "Programs" menu, or through the "Control Panel".
• When changing the settings of the device, it must be connected to the computer.
• An important condition: you need to profile your software. In the "Properties" window, at the end of the list of applications, there must be a button with a "+" sign, which allows you to add new programs.
• Each of these programs differs in functionality and "hot" keys, which can be very useful. It is recommended to open the application and only then add it to the above list in the "Properties" window.
• On the "Express Keys" panel, it is advisable to place only those functions that we really use often.
• Also, do not forget that our pen has 2 buttons that can significantly increase the speed of the device. The second button is best used for Scroll / Pan.

If we have a graphics tablet, we should try to use it to the maximum. Most programs like Photoshop support layers; do not neglect working with them.

In drawing, modifiers will also be useful, that is, some keys on the keyboard (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, etc.).

Founded in 1983 in Japan, Wacom is at the forefront of the pen tablet market. All thanks to the patented technology of energy transmission using electromagnetic induction.

The goal of the company is to realize harmonious interaction between a person and a personal computer. Therefore, the graphic tablet from Wacom has become one of the essential tools for every artist.

Wacom logo

Description of Wacom tablets

Over the years in the pen tablet industry, Wacom has achieved excellence. They make tablets that are easy-to-use to suit every user based on their needs.

All products of the company are divided into three groups:

• designer tablets
• office and home tablets
• business tablets

Design tablets are the most sought-after group in the graphics technology market. Therefore, Wacom has released a special professional line - the IntuosPro graphic tablet and the Cintiq interactive pen display.

IntuosPro graphic tablets

The Wacom Grip Pen, included with the tablet, has a sensitive tip - 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, recognizes the minimum pressure of 1 gram. The built-in sensor of the position of the pen in space allows you to determine the angle of inclination up to 60 degrees.

The tablet itself has a handy Touch Ring and a set of custom keys that you can assign, for example:

• brush selection
• color selection
• switching between instruments

Standard Wacom Pen for IntuosPro

For the convenience of the user, the tablet software includes a special display function - Heads-Up-Display, which allows you to quickly reconfigure the tablet without interrupting your work. The tablet has a built-in Wi-Fi interface that allows you to use the tablet at a distance of 10 meters from the workplace.

The Cintiq combines IntuosPro tablet technology, but lets you get work done right on your tablet's interactive display. Depending on the size, the graphic tablet weighs from 1.2 kg to 29 kg. The smallest tablet in this family is 13 inches, but even it does not have a battery, the tablets are powered via the network.

Cintiq line

Depending on the modifications, different operating systems can be installed on these devices, for example:

• Microsoft Windows XP, 7, 8
• Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, 10.6

The monitor is based on H-IPS Active Matrix, from 13.3 to 24.1 inches. Regardless of the size of the device, the screen has a resolution of FullHD 1920 × 1080 WUXGA, supports 24-bit color (16.7 million colors).

Wacom also has the versatile Bamboo Stylus in its arsenal. The Bamboo stylus fits most tablet computers and mobile devices with a capacitive touchscreen display, and also acts as a regular ink pen. And last but not least, the genius graphic tablet also supports this stylus, although Genius is a direct competitor for Wacom in the market for this type of device.

Bamboo Stylus Duo with ink

Sign & save tablet from Wacom - a device that allows you to receive signatures directly in electronic document... This unique product pushed the competitive tablet genius into the background and strengthened Wacom's position.

Sign & save tablet by Wacom

The Wacom STU-500 is the most popular sign & save tablet. The monochrome TFT display has 5 inches and a resolution of 640x480 pixels. The screen simulates a paper surface and displays the result in real time. Electromagnetic resonance technology provides 512 levels of pressure sensing. Powered by a USB port.

Using graphic tablets (for beginners)

Drawing or other operations that can be done with the tablet are based on correct use of the pen (stylus). So, before using a graphic tablet: take a pen like a regular pencil, brush or pen. The function keys should hit comfortably under your fingers.

Before using the graphics tablet, you need to do eye-hand coordination exercises:

1. We launch any graphics editor. Select the most standard Line tool and draw a grid with square cells - cell size 20-25 mm. Initially, we use the mouse for drawing.
2. We choose in graphic editor the Pencil tool and the pen on the graphics tablet must be drawn bullet at every intersection of the grid lines.
3. We repeat point 2, but only draw a cross (X) at each intersection.
4. When two previous paragraph it turns out to be done, clear the screen and start drawing something.

It's important to know! On almost all graphic tablets, as well as on all Wacom tablets, the pen stops working at a distance of more than 10 mm. To move the cursor without drawing, the tip of the stylus should not touch the tablet surface, but also not exceed the maximum possible distance.

Customizing Wacom Tablets

Before setting up your graphics tablet, you need to check the drivers for your device. So, bring the tablet pen to the upper right corner of the tablet and press there with the stylus - the cursor on the PC screen should move there. Then move the pen to the lower left corner of the tablet and press down there. If the cursor has moved, the drivers are installed, otherwise reinstall or reinstall them from the disk or from the official website of the manufacturer according to the tablet model.

If the drivers are installed correctly, proceed to disabling the TabletPC services. To do this, go to the "Start" menu and write "services.msc" in the search bar.

Opening system services

In the opened services, we are looking for the "Tablet PC Input Service" service.

Service selection

Double-click on it with the mouse and first stop the service - click "Stop", and then disable it - select the "Disable" startup type. Reboot your PC.

Stopping and disabling the service

All basic preparations are completed, but before using a graphic tablet, you need to customize it for yourself.

So, to get to the Wacom pen tablet settings, you need to:

1. go to the "Start" menu
2. open the "All Programs" menu
3. select the "Wacom Tablet" folder
4. run Wacom Tablet Properties

It's important to know! The settings program will not start without a graphics tablet connected to the PC.

Your pen tablet automatically adds settings to the settings for any pen you use - you just need to bring it up to the tablet. Each pen has its own personal settings.

Graphics Tablet Settings Panel

In the settings window there is a "Application" item. It serves to define the tablet settings for each individual program. To add a program to the list, press the (+) key.

It's important to know! You need to add the program to the settings only after starting it.

Android graphics tablet

It is possible to connect a graphics tablet on android (no less than the 3rd version) as a graphics tablet. But since Android tablet is specific to operating system Windows, then its use is possible only in Linux OS.

This requires:

• GIMP graphics editor
• XorgTablet tablet app
• tablet drivers (Linux only)

The graphical editor is installed as standard in the Ubuntu assembly on Linux OS. The XorgTablet application can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/projects/xorgtablet/files/XorgTablet/.

To use an Android tablet, you just need to install the application (2) on it, install the drivers (3) on the PC and work as on a regular graphics tablet.

But there is one peculiarity, not all tablets are capable of detecting the level of pressure on the screen. For a complete resemblance to a graphics tablet, you must choose a tablet with an active digitizer and digital pen. For example, Samsung tablet Galaxy Note 10.1 with Wacom digitizer.

Sometimes Android tablet users have a problem: how to unlock graphic key tablet if forgotten.

So there are a couple of ways:

1. after five unsuccessful attempts to enter the key, the tablet is locked and sends a request for data entry Google account... Those. you must enter your email and password, but only if the tablet itself is connected to the Internet.
2. if the first method does not work, then you need to do a hard reset of the tablet. As a result, all data from the tablet will be deleted, and the settings will return to the standard state. To carry out a full reset, you need to hold down the shutdown button and the volume down button on the tablet. Keep until vibration occurs. After that, small text will appear on the screen, followed by two icons. Using the volume keys, select "Wipe Data" and press the volume up key twice.

It's important to know! When cleaning the tablet, do not turn it on by yourself; after the cleaning process is completed, the tablet will turn on itself.

Graphic tablets from Wacom

Basic principles of operation and characteristics

There are many interesting things to do in life. For example, when your humble servant went to school, he really liked to collect model airplanes. You know: plastic ones, made of many small and large pieces. They also need a special glue with paints that are quite fetid. So I painted them at the beginning with a brush. It didn't turn out very nicely. And then my parents gave me an airbrush. And less paint has gone away, and the process has become much more exciting, and, most importantly, the satisfaction from the work done has increased.

From a very young age I liked to draw. I remember that I learned to portray people thanks to the magazine with stickers about "Mortal Kombat". I drew with a simple pencil on plain paper. Sometimes I took markers. I didn't touch brushes and paints at all: then wash the brushes, wash clothes, wipe my hands with my face. But I always wanted to try to draw something with smoothly changing tones, with a play of light and shadow. Then, when I got a computer and Internet access, I learned about computer painting. For a long time I did not understand how they, computer artists, do it. I thought, as often happens, that everything is simple: you only need a suitable tool.

I always dreamed of buying myself what the masters use to paint electronic pictures. Graphics tablet. It is still quite rarely called "digitizer" or "digitizer". In English, his names are spelled like this: "graphic tablet", "digitizing tablet", "graphic pad", "drawing tablet". I started looking for some useful information about this device. And I didn't find anything specific. Neither how it works nor its purpose. In the end, I bought myself a tablet. But I had to do it with my eyes half-closed. The thing turned out to be very useful and exciting, but still not a word about it. Let's try to correct this circumstance. Let's figure out for a start what a graphics tablet is and why you might need it at all.

Subject and its purpose

In short, this is a sensitive surface and a pen. The cursor on the computer follows the movement of the pen on this surface. Why is this needed? The first thing that comes to mind is for drawing. Here a red light will probably light up in the head of many: "Not for me." And indeed: not everyone is interested in just drawing. And for some, even if it is interesting, there is not enough time for this.

Recently I wanted to "clean up" the old parental photos a little. I digitized them, but my hands did not reach the point of retouching. To cover up scratches, remove especially large dust, something else: I usually had to do all this with a mouse. And then I tried it after the experience with the tablet ... and could not stand it for ten minutes. A mouse and a pen are completely different things. What do you write more often: with a telephone receiver or a fountain pen? If you need to perform a rare and rough movement with the cursor - select text, aim - then the mouse is out of competition here. But for accurate and, at first glance, routine work, the pen is much more comfortable. You can enter some data by hand, make basic photo retouching. In addition, this is a wonderful toy for children who have grown to a computer. Let them not play shooters, but learn to draw. :-)

Among the devices for home use should also be noted the relatively inexpensive devices for inputting information by hand (manufacturers sometimes call them digital pads). Usually such devices are equipped with memory and can work without connecting to a computer. Let's also remember about professional graphics tablets that can display information on a sensitive plane. In fact, these are monitors (some of these tablets have a diagonal of 21 inches), but they are sensitive to the effects of a special pen. These two types of devices are outside the scope of this article, and their characteristics will not be considered in detail.

What is a tablet and what it can be useful for, we figured it out. Suppose you made the decision: "Buy!" We open the catalog of goods and find there a huge number of different devices in the "graphic tablets" section, the cost of which will differ by one and a half orders of magnitude. What's the matter? Here you should understand a little about the characteristics of the tablets and carefully study the lineup.

Specifications

Let's take, for example, a line about a graphics tablet from a price list of one store.

• Graph. tablet A5, 5080 dpi, 1024 degrees + mouse (USB)

I remember previously collected system blocks also sold. They will write a bunch of beeches with numbers and think that the average buyer will figure out what's what. So, the first part of the encryption is "A5". It's pretty easy to guess - here we are talking about the geometric dimensions of the sensitive area of ​​the tablet. It is customary to make the dimensions approximately corresponding to one of the paper sizes of the ISO standard. A4 - sheet 210 x 297 mm. A5 is half of A4. A3 will turn out if you connect two A4 sheets with long sides. All other things being equal, the larger the size of the sensitive field, the more expensive the tablet. Professional designers and artists often use A4 tablets. However, this does not mean that smaller devices will severely limit the possibility of realizing creativity. For example, the painting "Always in my heart" is drawn on an A6 tablet.

When choosing a device, the first thing to pay attention to is not the size, but the aspect ratio. It is important that the aspect ratio of the monitor and tablet is the same. Simply put, if the monitor is wide (16:10), then the tablet should be marked wide. It is fair to say that there are other opinions (for example, in the article "Before you buy a graphic tablet" by Sue Chastain). Basically, the tablet driver makes it possible to configure the device so that some part of the tablet completely "covers" the monitor. But, you must admit, buy a tablet, knowing that O Most of it will not be used, not entirely reasonable. Someone might object, saying that the tablet area can be "stretched" to the monitor surface in the settings, thereby distorting the proportions of the device. This will greatly interfere with the creative process. Imagine the situation: you are trying to draw a circle on the blackboard with chalk. The board can move in a vertical plane. As soon as you begin to drag the chalk not only to the left, but also up, the board moves with your hand. At best, you end up with an ellipse.

Further in the encrypted position of the price list "5080 dots / inch" appears. This is resolution, sensitivity to influences in the plane of the tablet - along the x and y axes. Simply put, how many subtle movements of the pen will be recognized if the tip is moved one inch (2.54 cm). It is important here to dispel one common misconception that the monitor size and the tablet's sensitive area should be the same size. Precisely because of the sensitivity, it follows that this is not so. Monitor resolution - 72 or 96 dots per inch. You can carry out simple arithmetic operations to show that even an A5 tablet will be comfortable to work behind a 19 "monitor. Note also that sometimes instead of" dots per inch "(or DPI - dots per inch) in stores you can find another unit of measurement - "Lines per inch" (or LPI - lines per inch). In fact, sellers mean exactly the number of dots per inch. LPI is not applicable to a tablet: this is a typographical term. The essence of various resolution measurements is described in detail in the article "LPI - halftone resolution "Jackie Howard Behr. Of course, the higher the sensitivity, the more expensive the device should be. However, this characteristic, as a rule, is" tied "to others that affect the price to a much greater extent. From my own experience I can see that for home use 2000 dpi is more than enough.

The next digit is the number of pressure sensitivity levels (1024). We are talking about sensitivity to influences in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the tablet itself - along the "z" axis. That is, how many different pressures the device can recognize. Practice shows that the number 512 is quite enough for solving non-professional tasks at home. The situation with the influence of this characteristic on the cost is the same as in the case of resolution. The product line of the main companies on the Russian market is characterized by the “binding” of this parameter to others that have a greater influence on the price. However, this is a completely reasonable approach, both from the point of view of the manufacturer and the consumer.

It is also worth noting that there are devices that are sensitive to the angle of inclination of the pen relative to the plane of the tablet - to the position of the pen in the "XYZ" space. This feature is inherent in professional models. It is intended, for example, to work with different tools. For example, you can purchase an airbrush pen for such a device, the trace of which will be different depending on the angle of inclination relative to the sensitive plane. For the sake of fairness, we note that the absence of this function does not in any way hinder amateurs, and in some tasks and professionals.

The penultimate part of the line that we are analyzing reads as follows: "mouse". This means that the tablet comes with wireless mouse... From the point of view of the device, this is also a pen, only deprived of the ability to transmit information about the pressing force and having the usual form of a mouse-type manipulator. In principle, the presence of such an accessory should allow the user to abandon the usual mouse altogether, but the rather heavy "rug" (the tablet itself) and the inability to use the mouse outside the device leaves the classic manipulator space on the desktop.

At the very end, the interface through which the tablet is connected to the computer is indicated in brackets. As a rule, these are USB or Bluetooth (there are also wireless tablets).

History and working principle

This part of the article is mainly for hobbyists. We will indicate the information important for the purchase at the very beginning. Next, let's go a little deeper into the technical subtleties.

Tablet pens come with batteries, or without batteries. Typically these are AAA batteries. This is over 12 grams. Plastic ballpoint pens are lighter than one battery, and adding extra weight leads to a displacement of the center of mass. You need to keep this in mind when choosing a tablet. It is best to ask the seller to try the device in action (especially since the Consumer Protection Code allows it).

Unfortunately, it was not possible to find reliable data on the history of the tablets. But, analyzing the general information, it can be argued that the first device, the principle of operation of which was similar to today's, was "Grafacon" (an abbreviation for the English Graphic Converter). The device was a grid of conductors under the surface of the tablet. Upon contact with the surface, the pen received a magnetic signal with encoded position information. Further processing of the signal made it possible to determine the position of the pen above the surface of the grid.

Today's tablets can be divided into two types according to the principle of operation - passive and active. It is worth noting here that information about the technology of the tablets was obtained only from one company present on the Russian market - from Wacom. Unfortunately, there was no response from Genius to the request for materials. Therefore, when describing the principles of operation, only data from one company were used.

In the first case, the tablet sends signals to the pen. Signals are received and fed back to determine the position of the pen. This method avoids the use of batteries in the pen. It is based on the principle of electromagnetic resonance. The pen is a rather complex device with a resonant circuit (acting as an energy source for transmitting a response signal) and a microcircuit that encodes information from pressure sensors and pen buttons into a response signal. The grid of the tablet during operation changes the transmission mode and the signal reception mode approximately every 20 microseconds.

In the pens of active tablets, a battery is used to create a signal. In this case, the pen becomes heavier and its balance is disturbed, but the tablet does not have to switch between receiving and transmitting signals. However, the user should not be concerned about the need to switch modes. The change every 20 microseconds is so fast that it does not affect the operation of the device in any way. After performing a couple of arithmetic operations, it is easy to find out that the tablet changes mode 50,000 times per second. It turns out that in order for the feature of the passive pen to interfere with the work, you need to change the state of the "tablet-pen" system 50,000 times per second. The margin of stability is quite solid, especially if we remember that we change the state of such a system continuously and rather smoothly.

Conclusion

I hope this article will somewhat expand the circle of users of graphic tablets, especially since today manufacturers are striving to lower the price bar for these devices. I also want to believe that the material will help you not to make mistakes when choosing a suitable model, broaden the horizons of the reader and arouse interest in computer painting.

Used materials

1. Graphic tablet, (), article in the English wikipedia;
2. How cordless pen and tablet works, (

Until recently, the concept of a tablet was associated with tablets from global giants like Samsung or Apple, that is, a device that has a touch surface. However, everyone forgot for the presence on the market of the concept - a graphic tablet that helps designers and computer artist.

Therefore, how to use a graphics tablet will be discussed further in the article using the example of the Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch device.

Outer outline

The work surface takes up the bulk of the graphics gadget itself. In the upper part there are four function keys for customization, and the emblem of the line of devices - Bamboo.

Working surface

In the opposite part, there is a yellow pen holder.

Backside

I was very surprised by the color scheme: the combination of black and yellow-green shades, in principle, is very interesting and non-standard. There are rubber feet in the corners for easy placement on the table and to prevent slipping.

Left side edge

To connect to external devices, the standard microUSB is used:

1. TO personal computer
2. To laptop
3. To the tablet

Nearby, under a special flap, there is a connector for connecting a wireless module, namely Bluetooth.

Removing the cover

After removing the cover, the owner can remove the external battery. Also in that area are ports for connecting additional accessories.

Optional accessories

Spending a little more of their own money, the owner can get a varied set for external interaction with tablets and computers.

Electronic pen

There are two keys on the body of the pen, which are configured after installing special applications in the kit with the disc.

Specifications

The main feature of this device is its affordability, so it is obvious why the tablet belongs to the amateur class of graphic gadgets.

The working field resolution is 2540 tracks per inch, and the pressure sensitivity has up to 1024 levels, a good indicator, but far from the best. The full size of the tablet is 176.1x11x278 millimeters, of which 92.3x147.6 millimeters is a useful surface for work.

You can also note characteristics such as:

1. Pen input
2. Touch input
3. Scroll and zoom gestures
4. High sensitivity nibs and eraser
5. Tablet mirroring
6. Pen ergonomic and battery free

The weight of the graphics device is 418 grams, which is not very heavy compared to other similar tablets.

Device complete set

After unpacking the box, you will find the following items:

1. Tablet
2. User manual with instruction
3. Connection cord
4. Nib nib
5. Tip Replacement Tweezers
6. CD with drivers and software

Tablet kit

Settings and operation of the device

And now we will proceed to the direct question of how to use a graphic tablet by connecting it to a personal computer.

As mentioned above, the kit includes drivers and special software for the correct and conflict-free operation of a graphics tablet, everything must be installed directly connected to a PC.

It is important to know that any settings and adjustments will not make you a great artist, it takes hard years of training, and most importantly, talent!

Standard application

The set includes a standard program for initial interaction - Bamboo Dock. Basically, from this application, the owner can access the surface and pen settings. But ArtRage is a basic editor for showing the capabilities of a device.

Setting up your tablet

The initial settings are specific to the tablet and function keys, since the tablet is mirrored, the user can change its orientation. To the right is the setting of key assignments - or select the default, as defined by the manufacturer.

Pen customization

Touch setting

In the next menu, the owner can adjust the sensitivity of pressing the pen and eraser, change the key assignments on the body, change the pen to the mouse - select a different operating mode, and another in the item additionally.

Touch settings

At this point, the touch surface is configured, namely its sensitivity to touch, pointer speed, and scrolling to start the mode touch input.

Sensor adjustment

If in the previous one we assigned for touch input, then in this item the settings for interaction with certain touches to the surface, for example:

1. Touches: with one, two, three or more fingers
2. Scrolling
3. Drag and drop
4. Pressing
5. Brush away
6. Touch and more

Screen customization

In the last paragraph, the user can customize the operation of pop-up windows on the screen during certain actions.

Additional settings

The Windows operating system also has a number of settings for working with graphic touch surfaces, for this you should go to the notification panel and find the section - pen and touch devices.

In addition, you can connect a graphics tablet to a tablet via USB, if there is OTG support, but why, if a regular tablet can be used as a graphics one anyway.

Unlimited tablet use

Hello everybody!
My name is Matt M. Laskowski and I am a graphic illustrator.

STEP 1. NEW FOLLOWERS

:: I do not have a tablet, but I am planning to purchase one.

Fine! But first: try to find the answer to the question "why do I need a tablet?" It doesn't have to be Wacom, they just make what is arguably the best quality and easiest tablet to use. But if you are completely new to this business, then it is better to first ask yourself why and how much you need this tablet.

And I will say slowly and clearly:

NONE OF THE GRAPHIC TABLETS, OF WHAT BRANDS AND MODELS IT WAS, IS CAPABLE TO MAGICALLY MAKE YOU A SUPER-POOPER ARTIST.

A graphics tablet is a productivity tool that accelerates the artist's workflow to fit digital media. It doesn't add to your pre-existing skills just because it's a high-tech item connected to Photoshop. Very often everything is just the opposite.

While the tablet comes with a pen that gives you the feeling of just drawing on paper, real-world practical use of the tablet (especially if you've never used one) is a completely different dimension that can be reached through a long, winding learning path. After all, after setting up a regular desktop tablet, you will be holding it horizontally on a table or on your lap, with the lines of your pen on the vertically positioned monitor in front of you. It will take some getting used to and it may take weeks before you stop feeling uncomfortable with such a system.

I have met many artists who were thinking of buying themselves a tablet for testing, having unfastened $ 350-400 for a professional mid-level model, using it 10 times and never remembering it again, because getting used to this technique turned out to be overwhelming for them. Well, then this tablet could be used as an expensive mouse pad - otherwise, the money could be spent more wisely.

So don't let that scare off your desire for a tablet. Buy yourself a tablet anyway, if you've come to the conclusion that you really want it. The only thing you really need to remember here is that you need to act smart if you buy blindly on the principle of "everything will work out."

:: I want a tablet but have never used it before

There is good news for you. Wacom manufacturers know that people buy tablets with different content and for different purposes. If you've never used a tablet, and you can't say for sure whether you will like it after you try it, of course, you shouldn't even think about starting with something big and expensive.

Wacom offers a range of low budget BAMBOO tablets for aspiring artists (at the time of writing this article). These tablets can provide a good drawing experience for about 30-40% of the series cost professional tablets INTUOS. (At the time of this writing, the BAMBOO PEN will retail for just $ 70, compared to the same-sized INTUOS SMALL tablet at $ 220.)

Plunging headlong into the digital world, it is best to buy a BAMBOO, because even with a minimal likelihood that you will like it and you will continue to use it, this tablet will serve you faithfully for a long time. As you get narrower experienced user this tablet, you can safely switch to INTUOS. At the end of the day, the cost of a BAMBOO is negligible and can be resold to someone else who just wants to try the product, or you can simply store it and use it when traveling or elsewhere. You need to treat it easier, and not bury your nose in it. (To learn only what you need at the beginning of the journey, and develop as your experience accumulates.)

At the same time, if in the end you didn't like BAMBOO and never used it again, you won't be very upset, because it costs nothing - and by keeping it, you potentially increase your chances of using it again.

:: What about the CINTIQ series of tablets? Are they easier to use?

CINTIQ tablets, for those who don't know, this is a professional grade WACOM product. At CINTIQ, the screen is built into the tablet body itself. This means that when you paint on it, you get instant visual feedback at a 1: 1 scale. It's like drawing on a plain sheet of paper without taking into account your work in Photoshop. Due to its stand, functionality and ease of handling, it is very expensive. The small model (12-inch Cintiq 12WX at the time of this writing) has a retail price of $ 1,000, while its older 21-inch sibling, the 21UX, costs $ 2,000. As you can imagine at these prices, it's too early for you to even think about such tablets until you have a very good reason for it.

Click on the picture to see the image in full size and 100% quality.

For the working professional, CINTIQ tablets are like a steamed turnip. They enable professional artists to work faster and more accurately. The end result that a professional artist creates on a Cintiq tablet is likely to be no better than a painting he painted on a regular Intuos, but the very fact of the 1: 1 scale makes any contribution worthwhile. Take professional photographers, for example. If you are just starting out in photography, will you buy expensive equipment that professionals use? Probably not, because expensive equipment doesn't make you a good photographer, just as it doesn't make a professional a good photographer. Of course, you can buy the technique of the last word, like from famous photographers, but you will use it as much as your knowledge of this technique. Thus, a beginner, having acquired professional equipment, will still produce work at the level of a beginner. Professionals are only interested in the latest technologies because it almost always improves their efficiency.

This, of course, does not mean that you should not think only about this and buy a tablet like Cintiq. They are created not only for professionals and the artistic elite. Cintiq tablets are easier to use than traditional Intuos or Bamboo because they are the format you are most used to (pencil and paper), but they are not perfect either. Aspects such as cursor lag (lag), pen line wobble, pen calibration, and the bulkiness of Cintiq tablets may be unacceptable to some, but can be minimized with appropriate use of the tablet. Some newbies (and even professionals) to digital art may find it impossible to get used to traditional tablets like Intuos and Bamboo and refuse to work on them. However, when you give them Cintiq, they can do anything on it, and the result will be on the highest level... These people are ready to pay one, or even two thousand dollars for such a technique.

For most people, it will make sense to start with a basic tablet and work your way up to the Cintiq, especially if you spend a lot of time working on a tablet. When you really understand that the Cintiq's characteristics are exactly what you need, then, no doubt, grab it.

:: Tablet personal computer (Tablet PC, Tablet PC)? What is this fruit?

Tablet computers have been around for quite some time, but there were hardware and usage issues that made working with programs like Photoshop problematic. In recent years, the development of more power, lower voltage of processors, and more simple electronic circuits allowed Tablet PCs to rise to the fore in the personal computer world, now being as powerful as larger non-tablet systems.

As the name suggests, a tablet computer is a tablet inserted directly into a computer monitor. Most Tablet PC tablets with pens are manufactured by Wacom, using a technology called "Wacom Penabled". The Tablet PC with the Wacom Penabled has all the same specifications as the Bamboo in terms of tracing and pen pressure sensitivity, with the exception of the LCD screen. However, they are a little more similar to the Wacom Cintiq series, but not high enough in terms of standards. technical characteristics... Most tablet PCs are rotatable, which means they are usually 12 or 13-inch laptops, and the screen can rotate around an axis and fold over the keyboard, thus becoming a thin PC with only one monitor. Unlike Cintiq tablets, tablet PCs are much more convenient, more powerful, and completely autonomous (work without wires). However, unlike the Cintiq, the tablet constantly works in conjunction with the computer. Therefore, when your computer gets old and deteriorates, the same thing happens with the functionality of the tablet. Cintiq tablets gain their functionality by connecting to a computer, so Cintiq works as long as the computer to which it is connected is working properly. Thus, we can say that generally Cintiq tablets are more durable than tablet computers, due to the fact that its hardware equipment lives much longer.

One of the main differences, however, is that tablet computers are rarely designed for real artists. Most Tablet PCs are designed for end users who want their computers to be more responsive in a small space. Most of their target consumers are in hospitals and warehouses. Since Tablet PCs are not 100% a product for artists, their functionality can sometimes be frustrating. Not all software will be compatible with this computer, and calibrating the pen can be overwhelming.

For those who are interested in Tablet PC, I present for your attention the following models:

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Wonderful! From now on, I will only focus on Wacom tablets, not tablet computers - but for you, dear Tablet PC users, there are still many useful information so keep reading.

- Check your drivers!

The first step, of course, is to make sure your drivers are working properly! Many novice tablet users often forget to install the drivers completely, and then wonder why some functions, such as pen pressure, do not work. The best way to find out if your drivers are installed and working is to bring the pen to one corner of the tablet, then remove it and bring it to another corner. If the cursor automatically jumps to the second corner where the pen tip is, you can be sure everything is working fine. Without installed drivers, the cursor will not move.

- Disable Tablet PC Services on Windows

This step does not apply to: Mac users, Tablet PC users, and Windows Vista / 7 handwriting and flicks users.

Windows 7 and Vista have a feature called Tablet PC Services. By default, this feature is enabled when a tablet connected to the computer is detected. Tablet PC services, as the name suggests, should only be applied to tablet computers- not in any way to your laptop or personal computer to which the Wacom tablet is connected. These Windows functions will only get in the way if you intend to fully and completely devote yourself to painting.

To disable Tablet PC services, click the Windows (Windows) button on the taskbar and type Services in the search box. A shortcut named "Services" should appear in the search results. Label in the form of two small mechanisms.

Click on it, and an even larger window with a list of other shortcuts will open in front of you. The list is alphabetical, scroll down to “Tablet PC Input Service”.

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Double click on it, a small window will appear showing the current status of the services, as well as the ability to enable (start), stop (stop), or disable (disable) these services. We are only interested in stopping AND disabling these services.

First press the stop button. Wait for the program to stop running, then click Apply at the bottom of the window.

That's all! Tablet PC services are now disabled. From now on you can get 100% pleasure from working with Wacom, forgetting about Windows glitches. For artists, this is just an ideal state, because this ensures that the pen responds as quickly as possible.

(If some of the Tablet PC services are still running, try restarting your computer.)

- Prepare a good work area!

The way you sit and hold your tablet has a huge impact on how you use it. For many people, angling the tablet is the most convenient. this minimizes the difficulty of translating horizontal to vertical movement and simulates a drafting table. Many people put the tablet on their lap, leaning the corner of the tablet on the edge of the table (of course, only owners of a large enough tablet can afford this). Other people use things like coolers and laptop stands to somehow keep their tablet at a certain height. For those who have the opportunity to visit an IKEA store, I want to say that they have a great laptop stand for $ 2, which also works great for tablets of any size.

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Of course, you can always lay your tablet upright on a tabletop. Just remember to keep the monitor a little closer to the tablet, and if your monitor has height and tilt adjusters, lower it and tilt it towards you.

It may seem to you that Cintiq tablet users in this regard are much easier, because They have built-in retractable stands that automatically give them the most comfortable working position, but you can still improve your work area with the tools at hand.

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:: It seems all the way! Now how about actually using the tablet?

So, about using a tablet, the first step is to open the Tablet Properties window and think about how you would like to customize it with certain software. I know, I know, you want to start working right away with the maximum settings and possibilities - but trust me, you must first understand how to effectively use your tool!

Windows users can find tablet properties in two places:
- Start menu - All programs - Wacom Tablet (sometimes Pen Tablet) - Wacom Tablet Properties
- System control panel - Wacom Tablet Properties
Users Mac computers can find the properties of their tablets right in the System Preferences menu.

When you open this window, you will see the following in front of you:

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Please note that to change the settings of your tablet, it must be connected to your computer. The program for changing the parameters will not work without a tablet. Please also note that if the tool you want to edit, such as a pen or mouse with increased precision, does not appear under the Tools list, you probably have not registered it with the tablet yet. Wacom tablets register all the instruments with which it interacts simply by bringing it up to the tablet within a signal detection distance. This means that you can use more than one pen, or any other tool, and each will have its own own settings... The Features tool refers directly to the tablet hardware, such as ExpressKeys and hot spots, and so on.

However, each person will have their own preferences regarding the settings of their tablet, so I will not talk a lot about what is better and what is not - just because if one thing is true for me, it does not mean that it will be so for you. is true. In addition, all tablet models differ from each other in their capabilities and settings. I, nevertheless, will tell you for an example about those settings that I myself usually use. We will cover only a few of them. The rest will be touched upon in one way or another later in this article, but to a lesser extent.

- Profile your software!

Note that your tablet properties window should have a [+] button at the end of the Applications list? It allows you to add a program in order to have special installation configurations ONLY for the selected program. This is very useful when you are using several programs in parallel, each with its own hotkeys and functions. It may seem like you don't need to profile your software, but remember, this step will help you improve your productivity.

The property program allows you to create multiple profiles for each tool, just like the settings for the tool itself. Your pen may have completely different profiles than tablet functions. Therefore, first of all, do not forget to select the tool for which you want to create a profile.

A good example of things that are most often profiled in different ways is the hotkeys for undo and redo an action (like, for example, in Photoshop the keyboard shortcut ctrl + alt + Z, and in Painter ctrl + Z), as well as changes to some functions that are clearly missing in other software.

Good advice to help you install your software: first open the program you want to profile and only THEN add it to the list in the Tablet Properties window. The launched program will appear in the list of programs that you most likely want to add.

- Place only the most frequently used functions on the ExpressKeys!

Your Wacom tablet has an express pad. Older models, such as the Bamboo, have at least two of the three buttons on this panel; Cintiq 21UX tablets have as many as 16 express buttons. To simplify your workflow, you should assign the most frequently used functions to these buttons.

If your tablet has a lot of buttons on the express pad, don't bother assigning a function to each button. Assigning buttons to functions that you rarely use can negatively affect your work, instead of helping it. Over time, you may forget which functions are assigned to which buttons, and it may well happen that you press the wrong button by mistake, which can lead to undesirable consequences.

If you need to do something like Undo, zoom in, etc., there should be a button on your tablet that you press most often - like the "home position" ... This “subconsciously preferred” button should power your most frequently used function. For me, this is the modifier for the Shift button. Don't be surprised if you don't find your starting position right away. You will understand when you open it for yourself, when, wanting to perform a certain function, you press the wrong button on the tablet. If this happens, you need to change the button with which you were mistaken and put in its place the one that you intended. The second most frequently used function should come immediately after the starting position. For me it is "undo". With these two buttons next to each other, there is no need to guess where to poke - everything is already at hand.

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Pay attention to the picture above - these are the settings that I use on my Cintiq. It can be seen that the main buttons here are the two express buttons closest to the center, since they correspond to the Shift function. I also found myself using the bottommost button a lot, so I assigned the Alt function to it. Note that I also placed my second most used function above Alt - Undo. This allows me to quickly undo actions in case I make a mistake while drawing.

- The only one required setting for your pen:

The Express Bar is great for quick access to frequently used functions, but keep in mind that your pen also has two buttons. They can greatly speed up the process of working on a graphics tablet.

Unlike the buttons on your tablet, the buttons on the nib should be used as access to certain actions, not as hotkeys. Therefore, I recommend one of the buttons on Right button mouse (Right click) (frequently used and necessary function), and the second - Pan / Scroll (Pan / Scroll).

Pan / Scroll is probably one of the best features because it works in almost all programs. In almost all image programs, it allows you to scroll the canvas - indispensable for quickly accessing different parts of the canvas to continue drawing. It also allows you to scroll through lists of folders, pages on the Internet in your browser, in general, anything that can be scrolled up and down.

Although the express panel may be different for everyone, I guarantee you that specifically for the pen buttons, you will not find more suitable functions than these.

So how about real, serious tablet use now?

You will soon find out.

STEP 3. TAKE YOUR PLACES

Please note, this article is not a tutorial on drawing, improving your skills, or anything like that. The purpose of this is to supplement your knowledge of your Wacom tablet, and to help you find your own style of work on it.

Before you start, you should know that there are some special differences in graphic drawing that you should get used to. There are many things that can give you some benefits that cannot be achieved on paper, so let's take a look at a few of them.

- If you have a tool, squeeze out of it to the maximum!

Graphic canvases have no physical limitations like paper. However, they still have physical limitations in relation to your computer. Try working on a canvas of several thousand pixels. If you have a computer, PC, or Mac purchased after 2007, you shouldn't have any problems working with large files as long as you don't run out of 2GB of system memory to the minimum possible.

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You shouldn't be afraid to work with pictures of, say, 5000x3500 pixels. You will be surprised how small this huge file will be after printing, no matter how large it looks on your monitor. But remember that it all depends on the scale - if you are painting on a large canvas, reduce the scale by half and use a thicker brush. And then you will see that the canvas is no longer so "deceptive".

- Use layers. But don't overdo it so you don't get lost in them!

Most image processing software such as Photoshp, Painter, Tool / SAI, PhotoPaint, and SketchBook Pro support the ability to work with layers.

Rule # 1 graphic drawing reads: never paint on a background layer. The background layer is a permanent, completely opaque layer. You cannot place anything under this layer, so the first step you must take when opening a new file is to create a new layer on which you will paint. In this case, the lines you draw will be on the transparent canvas, and you can add other details or colors under this layer if you need to exclude any other action or fill the void. Working on new layers is like an endless number of blank fields to work on, but know that if you use too many layers, you'll spend more time finding the right layer instead of wasting that time painting. Cluttered layers can also lead to incorrect work results, which can interrupt all of your work.

It is best to stick to a certain level of simplicity of things. Break down your artwork into a series of base layers such as sketch, detail, highlights and shadows, base colors, and more. It would be nice to train yourself to add new details on new layers, and only then merge the new layer with one of the base layers, in case you are sure that everything turned out as intended. So, for example, always reduce all rough sketches to one layer, instead of keeping all 10 with different small details on each one.

The more you use layers, the more you get carried away with them. The list of layers in the picture above is one of my more complex paintings. Sometimes, cluttered layers are inevitable, and I agree that I could probably cut 70% of those layers to free up space. However, when creating this picture, I did not want to do this. So it took me a lot of time to find the necessary layers in this booth.

Unlike traditional painting, layers allow you to group elements of your work so that it is easier to fix mistakes later without damaging other parts of the image. But it can drastically slow down your work speed if you don't organize your layers wisely. This is why graphic artists must be mindful of their traditional sensibilities, and remember that a problem area in a painting can be solved by erasing it and re-painting the detail, rather than using filters and transformations to "fix" the problem. And in general, in the graphic world, you can erase problem areas as much as you like and the canvas will not suffer from this.

This list (picture above) is much easier to work with. This set of layers allows you to work on a painting more freely, unlike many small groups with layers.

I advise beginners in the field of graphic painting to use no more than three layers in their drawings, simply because it will allow you to work more naturally. You will undoubtedly benefit from using layers, but do not overdo it, otherwise you will lose all connection with the traditional approach to painting.

STEP 4. LESSON OF DRAWING WITH A PENCIL

:: I'M READY. Teach me some techniques!

Glad to see that you are still with me. Because this is where your learning curve on the techniques for using your tablet to draw with pencil and paint begins. Let's start with a simple pencil drawing.

- Slide the canvas towards the pen. Not the other way around.

Your tablet, like your monitor, is only a window. It allows you to work on a specific area that looks like at a specific moment. Therefore, learn to move your canvas freely. If you need to draw something in the corner of the monitor, do not bring your pen to this corner and do not draw in this limited piece of canvas - pull this part of the canvas to the center of the monitor so that you can freely draw in as much space as possible on your tablet. By working in the center of the monitor, you can make larger lines with your pen, making it easier to rotate the canvas if you need to. This is why the Pan / Scroll function on the pen is so important.

Modifier keys are the names of the keys on your keyboard, such as Ctrl, Alt, Cmd, Shift, etc. These keys modify the function of other keys and even how the instruments operate in the software.

The most important modifier operations you need to know to draw are the same for most image editing programs, and the only modifier you need to know is the Shift key.

- Shift key: Holding Shift key with the Pencil or Brush tool selected, you can get a straight single line. Depending on the direction line initially set, the Shift key will switch to a vertical or horizontal line. Some programs or instruments can also be switched 45 degrees. In Photoshop, hold down the Shift key and create a straight line by specifying the start and end points. Click in one place, then in another, and a straight line will stretch from the first point to the second. This is a particularly useful feature when creating perspectives in a freer drawing style because you can create beautiful straight lines at any angle.

- Keys [and]: While these are not modifier keys, you need to know them. Most image processing programs use these two keys as hotkeys for changing the brush size. Especially for pencil drawing, you can use these keys to get different lines on different parts of your painting. Using [and] keys is much easier than opening the brush properties every time you need to make changes.

- Be direct, work quickly, don't be afraid. Everything can be redone.

Graphics work is cleaner than traditional drawing tools, but that doesn't mean you have to push yourself to create the cleanest, most perfect artwork ever made by humans.

Unless you obsessively sketch your idea on the canvas, you will never get ahead in your drawing. You will simply draw and erase one small part that you are trying to insert and the general picture, and then you will understand that you cannot continue it, because you do not see this very GENERAL picture. Unlike traditional painting tools, your monitor can display so much at the same time. While working, you may not always be able to see the whole picture, and you may lose sight of how the work will look from afar. This is why you have to work quickly and not worry about little things. Zoom in, then zoom in and clean up when the baselines are ready. This is how you would work on paper, so you should work the same way in a graphical version.

Rough sketch. Be spontaneous, don't worry about extraneous things.

Start erasing the excess when you are confident that the sketch is correct.

Come up with a composition, fix it when you're done.

Later, refine what fit into the work, then remove the extra lines. Add details.

- Use scaling to your advantage.

When you clean up your painting, the margin of error will decrease dramatically because you are trying to make the image look more perfect. If you work on a remote scale, you are likely to run into some problems along the way. You won't get very far in your work until you zoom in and fine-tune the details.

Wacom tablets have significantly higher resolutions than your monitor. This means that as you zoom out, the canvas's pixel density increases. For example, if an image has dimensions of 1000x1000 pixels, at 50% scale it will be 500x500 pixels, doubling the density of each visible pixel. If your tablet has a resolution of 2000x2000 pixels on the active area, it will still draw with high accuracy, as if you were working at 100% scale, even though your screen will not be able to display those minor small movements. However, if you continue to zoom out, the tablet resolution will become much smaller than the increasing canvas density. Therefore, when you paint at such a distant scale, detailing becomes impossible.

This is why you zoom in when you want the ultimate in image fidelity. The more you enlarge your image, the more resolution your tablet will have to work with, giving you a larger margin of error - allowing you to clean up the image more accurately.

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As you can see in the picture above, where I tried to draw a circle at different scales, the details of the detected pen movements are lost after 50%.

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The image on the left is a screenshot of the canvas at 100% scale.
The image on the right is a screenshot of the canvas at a scale of 300%.
If you need to draw the pupils in the eyes of a given heroine, on what scale would you do it?

STEP 5. PAINT DRAWING LESSON

No, here I am not going to teach you how to paint, use a color scheme correctly, or anything like a compositional curriculum. I've created enough other tutorials to explain these things. Everything I'm going to teach you here revolves around the basic technique that you must master in order to start mixing and manipulating colors for the purpose of painting.

- Know how modifier keys can help you draw.

As before, there are also some useful modifier keys for painting with paints. One that you should remember is the Alt key, or Option as it is called on Mac computers.

- Alt key: Holding down the Alt key while the Brush tool or any other color tool is selected changes that tool to the Eyedropper. This is the most useful Alt function when painting with paints. it allows you to quickly match a color and use it to blend with a nearby color. You can think of the Alt key as a key that lets you smudge the brush with new tones created by overlapping two colors. The more you use the Alt key to match colors in the intermediate areas, the more these shades blend, smoothly flow into each other. You can of course use Alt to pick new, unmixed colors from the canvas for use elsewhere. If you paint with paints, the Alt key must be on the express panel. Especially because almost all image processing programs use this modifier with this particular function.

- Use pressure for opacity and low opacity for mixing colors.

Most pressure-sensitive image processing programs can adjust the brush so that when you press harder on the pen, the lines get thicker instead of wider.

In Photoshop, this setting is easiest to find under Other in the Brush Settings panel. (Although in CS5 this section was renamed Transfer, so keep that in mind if you have CS5.) When Opacity Jitter is set to Pen Pressure, you will see that if you press on the nib easily, the lines will be light, translucent, and a stronger effect on the nib will result in solid, dense lines. I would advise you to turn off the section called Shape Dynamics while drawing, because you don't need the lines to taper at the ends to make it lighter. This opacity setting can be applied to any kind of brush and can be very easy to get used to, so give it a try and see how it makes mixing colors easier. Note: In some programs, Opacity is called Density.

Now that your lines have a certain level of opacity, apply some paint to the canvas and choose another paint to paint over it. You will notice that the colors are mixed because visible through each other. Changing the pressure on the nib can help you control things like gradation and volume in objects. When you pick a new color from the middle zone you just painted over, you can use this new low opacity color to blend the colors even more on the target area and create a shape.

1) In this picture, you can see that we start with a simple cut where the two walls and the floor converge. One wall is yellow, the other is gray, the floor is also gray.

We're going to paint the light from the source on this object and apply the shadows accordingly.

2) In the next step, I used the Alt key to select a gray floor color with the eyedropper and lighten it a little. I painted over a small area on the floor with this color to create the appearance of a falling shadow.
Likewise, I picked yellow for the wall and darkened it a bit to paint a continuation of the shadow.