What is a writing tablet and why would you want one? For one, we’re gearing up to teach Photoshop Elements 3: Digital Designing starting April 11, and we require students use a writing tablet. This is Kris here to explain why we can’t live without our writing tablets.
Make Photoshop Elements Work Better
Writing tablets consist of a drawing/writing area and a pen. They can replace the computer mouse. But, they are another monetary investment, so we don’t recommend one lightly. Consider these reasons:
- Pen Pressure. You can program a writing tablet to react to pen pressure, allowing you to change the size, opacity, etc. of what you are drawing. For this reason, Deb wrote a blog post on tablet settings. Click here to read it.
- Accuracy. Your accuracy in drawing is much better using a writing pen.
- Natural Movement. A writing pen is more natural to use than a mouse.
- Health Benefits. A writing pen does not take its toll on your wrists like a mouse can. It has saved my hands from the worst effects of carpel tunnel syndrome.
Pick a Writing Tablet
We don’t represent any company, but we have been satisfied customers of Wacom since we started Pixeladies. Students always ask us which Wacom tablet we recommend. We really don’t recommend just one model because in the end they all work quite well. Here are some you might consider:
- Wacom Intuos Small. Under $100. 6.0″ x 3.7″ drawing area. Does not have tilt sensitivity.
- Wacom Intuos Medium. App. $175. 8.5″ x 5.3″ drawing area. Does not have tilt sensitivity. Better suited for two or more monitors.
- Wacom Intuos Pro Medium. App $360. 8.7” x 5.8” drawing area. Has tilt sensitivity. Better suited for two or more monitors.
Use Your iPad as a Writing Tablet
If you have an iPad with a pen, you can turn it into a writing tablet, too! Check out https://astropad.com/product/studio/. Here’s their short video on how it works:
Practice!
Once you get a writing tablet, take it out of the box, plug it in, and practice. Don’t use it only for Photoshop Elements. In fact, it’s easier to learn the eye/hand coordination by practicing mundane tasks such as checking your email, surfing the web, copying and pasting in a writing program such as Microsoft Word. Anything you do with a mouse you can do with your writing tablet. And here is a case where you can justify playing online games! Like this Google Solitaire:
Use Your Tablet In A Pixeladies Class
If you want more practice working with your writing tablet, consider taking our Digital Designing class. Click here for more information and to register. The classroom is already open, and class begins April 11, 2022.