How to install a wacom graphics tablet. Features of using a graphics tablet. The most important thing is a properly configured pen

A graphics tablet makes working with computer graphics faster and easier. But in order to achieve maximum performance, a tablet, like any complex equipment, requires careful configuration and our article will help you figure out how to set up a graphics tablet and pen yourself. It will be very problematic for a person who is not thoroughly familiar with Photoshop and installing the necessary drivers to figure everything out on their own. So let’s figure out where to start and look at each stage of setting up the device. Let's take a Wacom graphics tablet as an example.

Installing the necessary software

The first thing you need to start with is connecting the device to the computer using the cable from the box. It should be noted that without drivers (on Windwos 10 it happens automatically), the tablet will not work correctly or will not work at all. Regardless of your computer’s OS (Windows, mac OS), drivers are installed in automatic mode after starting the corresponding program. You can install it using the disk that was in the box with the tablet (if it was not there, go to the next paragraph). Insert the disc, run the software update program. Follow the simple instructions and after that the device will be ready for use.
Another way to install or update drivers for a gadget is to download them from the website of the graphics tablet manufacturer. There are two reasons for this:

the first is the absence of a disk drive on a computer or laptop
the second reason is that the manufacturer’s website has the latest drivers

New versions of the software may fix errors, expand functionality, improve or add localization. Drivers for Wacom devices can be found on their official website by clicking on the link.

Setting up the graphics tablet itself

After installing and updating the software, you need to properly configure the graphics tablet for it to work correctly. We will select the pen sensitivity in SAI or PS that suits your pen pressure. Launch a suitable program and open the tablet control panel (in our case, “Wacom Tablet”). Create a new drawing and select as a tool the most common brush with a large size (diameter about 50 in Photoshop is suitable). Draw a couple of lines using the pen and pressing it with different amounts of pressure. Continue drawing lines, while simultaneously changing the “Sensitivity” parameter in the tablet settings (Wacom Tablet), until you feel as comfortable and comfortable as possible to adjust the thickness of the brush by pressing the stylus. On some more expensive models, it is possible to save similar settings for several programs separately (for example, there is one setting for SAI, and another for Photoshop). Sometimes this can be extremely useful when working with a graphics tablet.

Selecting and customizing brushes

Let's now set up the brushes you'll use in Photoshop. Press F5 or click on the Brushes button with the mouse and select Brush Tip Shape.

Let's start with the shape of the brush. We create an elongated or inclined brush by changing the values of the Angle and Roundness parameters or simply visually adjusting the shape of the brush in the picture on the right.
The second item we will configure is Spacing. It affects the “smoothness” of the brush. All changes made are displayed in the figure below.
The third point is Shape Dynamics. The following parameters can be adjusted here: Pen Pressure (the pressure on the pen), Pen Tilt (the angle of inclination of the tool), Stylus Wheel (adjusting the wheel on some pens), Rotation (rotation angle). It is very convenient to change the size of the brush by simply pressing the pen with different pressure, especially if you often have to change the diameter of the tool you are using. It is worth noting that the Pen Tilt option is mainly supported only on expensive models. Using the wheel you can quickly adjust the size and rotation of the tool used.
And finally, the fourth point – Other Dynamics. Here you can adjust the dependence of the transparency of the brush on the force of pressure on the pen.

Setting up additional keys

Some tablets have additional physical keys. On Wacom tablets they are called ExpressKeys. They are located on the sides of the work area and, as their name suggests, they are designed to make it more convenient and quick to control the program in which you are working. Each key can be assigned its own button. The default keys are usually the most popular, but you can customize everything if you wish. Note that initially both key blocks repeat their functions. Therefore, in the device settings it is possible to change the specified key values quick access. Here you can edit the values of each key individually, and in some tablets you can also save them different settings for different programs (different, for example, for sai and photoshop).

It is extremely important for a modern artist to learn how to transfer the results of his talent not only to paper, but also to the computer screen. It should be borne in mind that drawing on graphics tablet- this is not the same as transferring mental images onto paper. So please be patient. In addition, having received a precious product, you should configure it and only then begin to master the program for working with graphic images.

This article will tell you how to choose, configure a graphics tablet and learn to draw on it.

Where to begin. Choice g graphics tablet

Apple pie starts with selecting apples from your local market. Anyone who wants stunning success in working with a graphics tablet needs to choose it wisely.

Graphics tablets differ not only in cost, but also in purpose. Decide for yourself what you need a tablet for: drawing, editing photos, communicating? Let's list the most famous models.

The most budget option today is the model Bamboo, which is well suited for both office and home work. Everything you draw on the tablet will be displayed on the computer screen.

Bamboo Connect Suitable for drawing and communication. Model similar to her - Bamboo Splash.

Bamboo Capture- the most popular model. Good for photo editing and drawing.

Bamboo Create- the most expensive model of the Bamboo line.

Graphics tablet Wacom Intuos aimed at professional users.

The most expensive and prestigious is the graphics tablet Wacom Cintiq. It allows you to see the drawing on the tablet itself, and not on the PC screen.

Equipment and configuration

After purchase, the graphics tablet will be pristine - it will have to be configured. To do this, you need to either download the drivers on the website of your tablet model, or use the installation disk.

The pen that always comes with the tablet can also be used as a mouse - moving it above the surface at a height of two centimeters. If you want to draw, you should draw directly on the surface. Comfortable!

Moreover, a button on the side of the pen replaces the right mouse button. And using the ring on the tablet, you can change the screen scale.

Get familiar with the pen attachments and get used to them. To speed up the process, sit at your computer with a graphics tablet when you're not working on images.

Having configured the working tool, you can proceed directly to training.

Websites and Video channels to help the beginning artist

The following resources will help you master the profession of illustrator and improve your skills:

... - lessons on working with a graphics tablet for beginners. The video explains how to work with a sketch, tutorial, and transferring illustrations from paper to digital format.

- page of the school of concept design. Here you will learn how to draw concept art on a Wacom tablet. Photoshop program. There is an author's free program on the basics of constructive drawing using traditional materials with a combination of drawing skills on a graphics tablet. A free analysis of a student’s specific work is possible.

Drawing and digital painting lessons in Photoshop (and not only) for both professional artists and amateurs. Also here you can find works of different illustrators, their concepts and sketches.

It should be borne in mind that different artists use different programs to work with images. Each has its own characteristics, therefore, when searching for a demonstration of a technique, you can specify the program in which you are used to working.

A graphics tablet (or digitizer) is a plane on which you can draw. electronic pen. The movements of the pen are repeated on the computer screen in the form of lines and the result is a drawing. This is how most tablets work. But there are especially expensive models for professional work, combining the functions of a digitizer and a display at the same time. Such devices create the feeling as if you are drawing on paper.

Any graphics tablet duplicates the functions of a mouse. Touching the tablet with the pen is equivalent to clicking the left mouse button. The pen button can cause context menu, similar to the right mouse button. It should be noted that many models allow you to set various functions for the above button at the user's discretion. You can also reset the assignment for the buttons on the tablet itself. For example, zoom in and out, scroll up and down, etc.

Now a few words about work. The main advantage of graphics tablets is that they simulate drawing on paper. The artist, holding an electronic pen instead of a mouse, can freely draw without experiencing any inconvenience. For example, drawing a straight line, an oval or the outline of an object with a regular mouse is very difficult or even impossible. But when working with a pen, you can masterfully draw lines of any complexity. But don't be fooled. If a person does not have drawing skills, then a graphics tablet will not be able to provide them. Experience with regular pencil is required. The tablet simply makes the work much more convenient, because the artist holds in his hands a tool similar to a brush or pencil.

Simulating a pencil, the pen of a graphics tablet is capable of responding to pressure. The harder you press it, the wider the line. But not all tablets have this feature. In addition, the pen's capabilities largely depend on the graphics editor. For example, if you work in Photoshop, then this is one thing, but if you work in simple Paint from Windows XP, then this is completely different. Therefore, if you buy a tablet and find that it does not live up to your expectations, do not rush to be disappointed. First, select a suitable graphics editor, configure the tablet driver, and only then can you draw objective conclusions about the quality of the graphics tablet. The ability to feel the pressure on the pen is an important property. The beauty of the line depends on this. After all, it can be “wire” or drawing, or it can be alive, picturesque, changing its character, etc. Sometimes you need to make graphics that imitate pen and ink. And, here, pressure sensitivity will come in handy. It is also very important if you are doing computer painting. In this case, the graphic editor provides an abundance of different brushes that can imitate paint strokes, calligraphic lines, blurred lines, rough, textured lines, etc. And the electronic pen of a graphics tablet, capable of changing the nature of the spot, will add even more dynamism to paint strokes or lines from brushes The work will be more picturesque.

The pen of the graphics tablet is comfortable to hold in your hand, it resembles working with a pencil. But no matter how hard digitizer manufacturers try to make their product as similar as possible to paper and pencil, plastic remains plastic. Therefore, the tip of the electronic pen is made different. For example, made of felt, elastic plastic, hard plastic... Or the plastic tip is attached to a spring. All this contributes to comfortable work, as close as possible to ordinary drawing with a pencil, felt-tip pen or even a brush.

But to better imitate the described artist's tools, the graphics tablet must have good characteristics. What should you pay attention to when choosing or purchasing this device? For the following parameters:

permission
size
pen working height
accuracy
sensitivity
speed

The resolution of the graphics tablet affects the accuracy of movements, so the higher it is, the better. The size of the tablet affects how you will work - with your whole arm from the elbow, or just your hand. Sometimes a small tablet can be even more convenient than a large one - it all depends on the tasks. The working height of the pen is the distance from the surface of the tablet to the tip of the pen at which the tablet “feels” the pen. That is, when you move the pen over the surface at a distance of, say, 3 mm, the cursor on the screen also moves; if you hold it higher, the pen stops working. If you touch the tablet and move your hand without lifting it, the cursor begins to draw. And if you point at the virtual buttons on the screen and touch the tablet, you “click” on them. As you can see, such characteristics are important in work. Therefore, they need to be taken into account when choosing a suitable tablet.

Below I give examples of graphics tablets from Wacom. This manufacturer makes high-quality devices suitable for professional work. The list contains both inexpensive models and models at a very high price for professional designers and artists.

Graphic tablet WACOM Cintiq 13HD (DTK-1300-4)

The approximate cost for October 2016 is 70,000 rubles.

Resolution: 5080 dpi
Dimensions of the active area: 299X171 mm.
Working height of the pen: 5 mm.
Accuracy: 0.5 mm.
Tilt angle: 60°
Pen nibs: flexible, standard, felt, spring.

In addition to touch input via a pen, this model is distinguished by the presence of an LCD display on which the drawing is directly displayed. Here are the characteristics of this display:

Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
Diagonal: 13 inches
Grain size: 0.15mm
Color depth: 24 bit
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Contrast: 700:01:00
Response: 25ms
Vertical viewing angle: 89°
Horizontal viewing angle: 89°

WACOM Intous Pro L graphics tablet

The approximate cost for October 2016 is 39,000 rubles.

Resolution: 5080 dpi
Dimensions of the active area: 299X190 mm.
Working height of the pen: 10 mm.
Accuracy: 0.5 mm.
Pressure sensitivity: 2048 levels
Speed: 200 dps
Tilt angle: 60°
Pen nibs: brush nib, felt-tip nib, flexible and hard nibs.

WACOM BAMBOO PEN graphics tablet

Dimensions of the active area: 152x95 mm.
Pen working height: 16 mm.

Graphic tablet WACOM One Small Size CTL-471

The approximate cost for October 2016 is 4000 rubles.

Resolution: 2540 dpi

Working height of the pen: 7 mm.
Accuracy: 0.25 mm.
Pressure sensitivity: 1024 levels

Graphic tablet WACOM Intuos Draw Pen S (CTL-490DW-N)

The approximate cost for October 2016 is 5,300 rubles.

Resolution: 2540 dpi
Dimensions of the active area: 152x95 mm.
Working height of the pen: 3 mm.
Accuracy: 0.25 mm.
Pressure sensitivity: 1024 levels
Speed: 133 dps

I hope that this description of the features of working with graphics tablets will help those who are planning to acquire these devices and engage in computer graphics. For those who are drawing with a computer pen for the first time, this method may seem unusual. But after practice, you will find that this device provides a lot of advantages in work, freedom of movement, and a truly creative process of drawing on the computer.

Those who are not closely familiar with graphics tablets think that this tool is used exclusively by people whose work is related to design, engineering, etc. In fact, it can be a regular input device, along with the keyboard and computer mouse.

Naturally there are various models, which differ in their capabilities and functions. And depending on this, they are used either by professionals or ordinary users leading an active computer lifestyle. Let's take a closer look at graphics tablets.

A graphics tablet is a pen device designed to enter information into a computer for subsequent work. In other words, a graphics tablet is an electronic sheet of paper and a pen with which you can perform various manipulations with information in various programs. And do it with great comfort.

This article will talk about the company's graphics tablets Wacom.

Working on the tablet is very simple. First, a little preparation: connect the tablet to a computer or laptop via a USB port and install the driver. The device is ready for use.

Typically, the surface is a sensitive area on which you can write or draw with an electronic pen. All information is displayed on the computer screen. Some models combine the MultiTouch function. Many users are accustomed to using a trackpad on a laptop. A graphics tablet allows you to do the same. You can rotate, scroll, and zoom images with simple gestures.

There are also display tablets in which the tablet is combined with a monitor. Work on electronic canvas. Isn't it great? An example is Wacom displays Cintiq. So, how can a graphics tablet be useful and convenient for the average user?

Let's look at the functions Wacom Bamboo Pen&Touch series.

Bloggers, active participants social networks, lovers of digital creativity, gamers, attention! Using a tablet you can do handwritten notes, create sketches, sketches, sign photographs, work on the Internet, draw graffiti on the Vkontakte wall, add your character to any material.

Edit documents quickly and clearly, create notes, speed up your communication with an instant stroke of the pen!

Convenience is largely due to working with the pen. It has a familiar shape for a human hand and intuitively resembles a pencil. The pen is ergonomic, the muscles of the hand are relaxed when working, the fingers are in motion. This is safe for users who spend a lot of time working on the computer and is especially useful for children who are developing motor skills. All these pleasures will bring you Bamboo Pen&Touch tablets. These are devices for home and office work. They come in different sizes, are customized specifically for left- and right-handed people, and come with the necessary software. Despite ample opportunities, working with the tablet is very simple, even for a child.

There are also amateur PL series. They are intended for people leading an active business lifestyle, non-employees who often travel to meetings, take part in negotiations and presentations, sign documents, as well as for teachers and business trainers who need to convey information to a wide audience.

With Wacom PL tablets you can insert electronic signatures in documents and office programs, draw diagrams, graphs, do handwritten notes. This good tool when conducting presentations, it is convenient for them to equip classrooms and meeting rooms.

We talked about amateur Wacom models, now let's talk about professional graphics tablets. These include Intuos and interactive display Cintiq. They have more features and accessories, higher resolution and are available in different sizes.

In particular, Intuos has tilt sensitivity, programmable keys, and a touch ring with mode switching. All this helps to work with materials on an intuitive level. Available in sizes from A6 to A3.

As a rule, designers, photographers, artists, and in general professionals whose activities are related to working in graphic editors. This tablet is indispensable for processing photographs, drawing, creating 3D models, etc.

As mentioned earlier, there are also graphic displays. Wacom offers 2 models: Cintiq12 And Cintiq21 with a diagonal of 12 and 21 inches, respectively.

Working with such a device, the designer draws directly on the screen. The Cintiq 21, for example, has 16 programmable hotkeys, 2 scroll bars, 2 touch rings. Thanks to a special stand, it can be rotated 360 degrees in a lying position and tilted 10-60 degrees in a vertical position.

No matter what you do, a graphics tablet is a good helper during work and rest, speeds up communication with friends and colleagues, is ergonomic and functional. And most importantly, it does not require special knowledge and skills.

Articles and Lifehacks

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

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

What is it for?

Let's start with the fact that it is a special information input device that serves as an auxiliary tool for a computer or laptop. In other words, it should not be confused with the iPad and other tablets.

Before you purchase a graphics tablet, you should answer the question of why it is needed.

It is necessary to understand that even the most professional device (like those that produce Wacom company) is not capable of making an artist out of a user if he is not one.

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

The described device is an excellent tool that speeds up the work process, but does not multiply existing skills and talent.

In addition, although the pen of a graphics tablet imitates drawing on paper as much as possible, in reality it requires getting used to and even learning.

Of course, it is unwise to purchase an expensive professional device just for testing.

To begin with, it is better to try something budget (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, we alternately bring the pen to different corners of the graphics tablet.
The cursor should automatically move to the desired position. Windows users You can also try disabling the “Tablet PC Services” feature.
A lot depends on how we sit and hold our device. Some users find it most convenient to place their graphics tablet at an angle, while others are used 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” and configure it at your own discretion. You can find the device through the “Start” menu, “Programs”, or through the “Control Panel”.
When changing device settings, it must be connected to the computer.
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.
It is advisable to place on the “Express Keys” panel 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 scrolling/panning (Scroll/Pan).

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

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