Best Smart Pens 2019 - Digital Pens for Sketching, Note-Taking
We tested the top smart pens from seven manufacturers for over 16 hours by writing, doodling and taking notes. We wrote out the Gettysburg Address with each pen to get a feel for writing longform and to test for accuracy. We also sketched at least two pictures with each pen to get a feel for how well the digital pens could replicate finer details and shading. The Livescribe 3 Smartpen Black Edition is the best smart pen because of its impeccable accuracy, comfortable grip and easy setup.
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Livescribe 3 Smartpen
Mac Compatible Drawing Tablets A wide variety of Macintosh compatible computer drawing pad and graphic tablet hardware exists, in many Apple graphics design, CAD, and illustration programs can take advantage of pressure sensitive pen input capabilities.
The Livescribe 3 Smartpen Black Edition was the most accurate smart pen we tested and only took 26 seconds to set up and start recording.
Best for ArtistsWacom Bamboo Folio
Right now, the best drawing tablet for Mac is Huion H610 Pro Graphics Drawing Tablet. While it is a graphics tablet, it is also used as a drawing board and drawing table. The Huion H610 has pressure sensitivity, a battery-free stylus, an ultra-thin design, and much more. Mac Compatible Pro Drawing Tablets These precision graphics pads and drawing tablets for Mac feature up to 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, programmable buttons and USB or Bluetooth wireless tablet freedom for Professional graphic designers, architechture and CAD, 3D modeling, and/or Illlustration. Wacom tablets provide unparalleled quality and usability, allowing artists to create with digital/computer drawing pads and tablets.
The Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad can record your writing and drawing on any paper, and the rounded soft-rubber pen is one of the most comfortable we tested.
Best for ComfortNeo Smartpen N2
Best Drawing Tablet For Mac Air
The Neo Smartpen N2 has the most comfortable pen design we tested and features good accuracy and a smartphone app that instantly tracks your handwriting.
Product | Price | Overall Rating | Performance | Design | Features | Help & Support | Battery Life (hours) | Sketch Capture Quality | Setup Time (min:sec) | Handwriting Capture Quality | Comfort Score | Weight (ounces) | Wireless Connectivity | Requires Special Paper / Notebooks | Audio Recording Capability | Mobile App | iOS, Android, Mac, PC | Tutorials | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Livescribe 3 Smartpen | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 8.8 | 14 | A+ | 0:26 | A+ | B+ | 1.1 | Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | iOS, Android, Amazon | ✓ | 1 Year |
Wacom Bamboo Smartpad | View Deal | 4.5/5 | 9 | 10 | 6.8 | 8.8 | 8 | A | 1:02 | A+ | A- | 0.6 | Bluetooth | ✓ | - | ✓ | iOS, Android | ✓ | 1 Year |
Neo Smartpen N2 | View Deal | 4/5 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 5 | C+ | 0:34 | A | A+ | 0.9 | Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | iOS, Android | ✓ | 1 Year |
Moleskine Pen+ | View Deal | 4/5 | 6.8 | 8 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 5 | C- | 0:28 | A | A+ | 0.9 | Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | iOS, Android | ✓ | 1 Year |
IRIS Notes Air 3 | View Deal | 4/5 | 8.8 | 7.3 | 6.8 | 6.3 | 10 | B+ | 0:30 | A | C | 0.7 | Bluetooth | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 1 Year |
Livescribe 2GB | View Deal | 3.5/5 | 9.8 | 2 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 12 | A+ | 0:05* | A+ | C- | 1.3 | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | Mac, PC | ✓ | 1 Year |
Equil Smartpen 2 | View Deal | 3.5/5 | 6 | 7.8 | 6.8 | 10 | 8 | C- | 3:37 | B- | C | 0.7 | Bluetooth | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | 2 Years |
Best Overall
Livescribe 3 Smartpen
Most accurate pen we tested
Easy, twistable on/off switch
Requires expensive Livescribe notebooks
The Livescribe 3 Smartpen Black Edition is the best smart pen we tested because it has impeccable accuracy for both writing and drawing. It’s also comfortable and easy to use.
The soft-rubber grip and round design makes this pen easy to hold, and we were quite impressed with the 30-second initial setup. Syncing was effortless once we installed the app on our test smartphone. This pen didn’t record a single inaccuracy in both our writing test and our drawing test. The Livescribe app makes digitizing your handwriting as easy as swiping left or right, and you can start or stop audio recordings using the app or the navigation icons printed at the bottom of Livescribe’s notebooks.
This pen can last for 14 hours of continuous use, and it charges using a micro-USB port at the tip of the pen. Though this pen is one of the fattest and heaviest that we tested, the round design fit in our hands much better than some of the triangular digital pens. Overall, with its competitive price and advanced features, the Livescribe 3 Smartpen Black Edition is our favorite smart pen.
This pen can last for 14 hours of continuous use, and it charges using a micro-USB port at the tip of the pen. Though this pen is one of the fattest and heaviest that we tested, the round design fit in our hands much better than some of the triangular digital pens. Overall, with its competitive price and advanced features, the Livescribe 3 Smartpen Black Edition is our favorite smart pen.
Best for Artists
Wacom Bamboo Folio
Smartpad works with any paper
Comfortable pen that doesn’t need to be charged
Short battery life
If you’re a doodler or an artist – someone who does a lot of drawing – the Wacom Bamboo Folio Smartpad is the ideal smart pen because it lets you use any paper on its pad.
During our writing and drawing tests, the Wacom Bamboo only recorded one error. The included pen is one of the most comfortable we tested and features a simple twist mechanism to start writing. Though you don’t have to charge the pen, the pad itself will run for eight hours before you need to charge it using the micro-USB port at the bottom of the device. It took just over a minute to get the pad up and running and paired with our smartphone. Using the pad is simple; all you have to do is touch the pen to any paper on the pad and it starts digitizing.
When you’re finished writing or drawing, just press the single button and the pad syncs with your phone and saves to the Wacom Inkspace app. The app allows you to view your saved sketches and make simple edits directly from the app. This pen is perfect if you’re an artist with a certain type of paper that you like to draw or sketch with.
When you’re finished writing or drawing, just press the single button and the pad syncs with your phone and saves to the Wacom Inkspace app. The app allows you to view your saved sketches and make simple edits directly from the app. This pen is perfect if you’re an artist with a certain type of paper that you like to draw or sketch with.
Best for Comfort
Neo Smartpen N2
Best Affordable Drawing Tablet For Mac
One of the most comfortable pens we tested
One-click emailing of your handwritten notes
Longer than normal pens
The Neo Smartpen N2 feels great in your hand, though it requires special notebooks and writing pads.
The pen itself is one of the longest we tested, but the metal body and elegant design present an attractive alternative to triangular digital pens. The pen is also one of the easiest to use; all you have to do is press the single button on the bottom of the pen to turn it on and off or to toggle the Bluetooth and pairing settings. When we put the Neo Smartpen N2 through our writing and drawing tests, it performed better than average. We only found two errors during our writing test and two in the drawing test.
This pen charges through a micro-USB port located on the top of the pen. Its five-hour battery life is the shortest of any pen we tested, so it needs frequent charging. In our setup tests we were able to get the pen up and running in just over 30 seconds, meaning it should be easy to pair to your tablet or smartphone. If you’re looking for a sleek, all-metal smart pen that works well, the Neo Smartpen N2 is a great choice.
This pen charges through a micro-USB port located on the top of the pen. Its five-hour battery life is the shortest of any pen we tested, so it needs frequent charging. In our setup tests we were able to get the pen up and running in just over 30 seconds, meaning it should be easy to pair to your tablet or smartphone. If you’re looking for a sleek, all-metal smart pen that works well, the Neo Smartpen N2 is a great choice.
Best Accessories
Moleskine Pen+
Included high-quality notebook
The Moleskine Pen+ is part of the Moleskine Smart Writing System, a collection of high-quality products including the Pen+ and Ncoded Paper Tablets.
Many smart pens require specific, proprietary paper to work properly, but of the pens we tested, the Moleskine notebooks were by far the best, as they don’t sacrifice style or practicality. The pen itself is sleek and weighs about as much as five regular Bic pens. The triangular body is comfortable to hold and easy to write with. The Moleskine Pen+ didn’t fare well in our drawing tests, so it’s not the best choice for artists. In our handwriting tests, however, the Pen+ recorded only one error when we wrote out the full Gettysburg address. Likewise, transcribing the written words to the app had highly accurate results, even with messy handwriting. That, paired with the app’s ability to record audio, make it great for note-taking during lectures or meetings.
Best Value
Wacom Drawing Pads
IRIS Notes Air 3
Works with any paper
The IRIS Notes Air 3 doesn’t require special paper to work properly. Instead, it uses transceiver technology for accurate handwriting recording.
A small transceiver clip records your pen strokes on any paper or notebook, saving you money versus similarly-priced pens that require you to buy expensive coded paper. It also has both a smartphone app and computer software for taking and uploading your notes. The IRIS smart pen performed well in handwriting tests, only marking a few extra lines when we viewed the digital versions of the notes. It didn’t record drawings with much accuracy, though, so it’s best for note-taking. There are two odd design aspects with the IRIS Notes Air 3. For one, the pen is two separate pieces that both need to charge, but it only comes with one mini-USB charging cable. The second is that there’s no place for the pen cap while you’re using the pen. It doesn’t fit on the end of the pen and could easily get lost.
Why Trust Us?
We conducted our own hands-on tests with each digital pen – writing, doodling and taking notes for over 16 hours in total. We read what other review sites and consumers had written about the pens and took their ratings into consideration. We wrote out the Gettysburg Address with each pen to get a feel for the comfort and accuracy of each one. We also sketched at least two pictures to see how well the digital pens could replicate finer details and shading. We weighed the pens using a high-quality scale in our Purch test lab and took careful notes as we wrote with each pen. We’ve reviewed smart pens for several years as well as countless other digital products.
Because smart pens are such a niche device, the market is small. We tested all the major pens that are currently on the market and that you can buy today, even some that may take you weeks to ship from Amazon. We also scoured Kickstarter to look for any up and coming products. The pens we reviewed are the ones you’ll see on Amazon or in box stores.
How We Tested
To test the writing accuracy of the pens, I wrote out all 272 words of the Gettysburg Address with each pen and then compared the written copies with the digitized versions. I looked for extra lines and incorrect strokes that didn’t result from poor penmanship and were incorrectly inserted by the pen. Incorrect lines counted as errors and lowered the writing accuracy score.
To test the accuracy of the pens with regard to sketching and drawing, I drew a simple house and attempted to draw a horse (it wasn’t pretty) with each pen. I looked for missing lines and incorrect shading when reviewing the digitized drawings for accuracy. As with the writing accuracy comparison, each missing feature was counted as an error and hurt the sketching accuracy score.
How Much Do Smart Pens Cost?
Most of the smart pens we evaluated cost about $150, though a few are upwards of $200. Other things to consider when calculating cost are the prices of consumables, including ink refills and paper. A few of the pens we tested work with any paper, but most require specially coded paper to work properly. These papers are proprietary for each company, as is the case for the Neo Smartpen N2, and the special notebooks cost upwards of $20.
Who Could Use a Smart Pen?
Smart pens are becoming obsolete. If you own an iPad Pro, the Apple Pencil offers better accuracy and better functionality than any technology that digitizes physical pen and paper.
Smart pens are becoming obsolete. If you own an iPad Pro, the Apple Pencil offers better accuracy and better functionality than any technology that digitizes physical pen and paper.
However, certain use cases, like taking notes in a college class or wanting to share your handwritten meeting notes, could make smart pens a smart buying decision. Be warned, however, that if your penmanship is sloppy, digitizing them won’t do you any favors.
If you find yourself needing a smart pen for just taking voice recordings, we recommend the Livescribe Echo, which has a solid voice recorder built in. If you’re looking for the clearest quality, though, a dedicated voice recorder will get much clearer audio. The smart pens in our review are best used for digitizing your handwritten notes; recording audio is more of an additional feature.
If you’re a true pen and paper aficionado, a smart pen could be a great way to digitize and keep track of your handwritten notes. The high price and questionable quality, however, makes choosing the right pen an important decision. Read more in our reviews to determine which digital pen might work best for you.
Stylus For Touchscreen Tablets & Phones
The smart pens we tested digitize handwritten notes and drawings and send them wirelessly to mobile apps on a phone or tablet. If you prefer sketching or taking notes on mobile devices by touching a pen directly to the touchscreen surface instead of to a conventional notepad, a stylus is the best option. Here are some of our favorite styluses for mobile devices.
Apple Pencil
If you have a first or second generation iPad Pro or the sixth generation iPad, this is the best stylus available. It doesn’t work on Android or Windows tablets, but because it’s designed specifically for iOS devices, there aren’t any issues with syncing or any lag in response time. The Apple Pencil syncs to the tablet via Bluetooth and charges with a Lightning connection. When you draw on the pressure-sensitive screen with the side of the tip, it creates wide strokes perfect for shading. For handwritten notes, the tip has a fine point that’s extremely accurate. It doesn’t have a rubber handle, which makes it slippery after many hours of use, but the size and weight feel similar to a conventional pencil or pen.
If you have a first or second generation iPad Pro or the sixth generation iPad, this is the best stylus available. It doesn’t work on Android or Windows tablets, but because it’s designed specifically for iOS devices, there aren’t any issues with syncing or any lag in response time. The Apple Pencil syncs to the tablet via Bluetooth and charges with a Lightning connection. When you draw on the pressure-sensitive screen with the side of the tip, it creates wide strokes perfect for shading. For handwritten notes, the tip has a fine point that’s extremely accurate. It doesn’t have a rubber handle, which makes it slippery after many hours of use, but the size and weight feel similar to a conventional pencil or pen.
Adonit Switch
This stylus is a handwriting solution for digital and analog surfaces. On one end there’s a fine-point stylus surrounded by a clear plastic disc that works on all iOS phones and tablets and most Android devices. On the other end is a 0.8-millimeter ballpoint pen for writing on paper. The stylus syncs via a Bluetooth connection and is compatible with popular note-taking apps like Notability and GoodNotes. This hybrid stylus doesn’t have the same creative painting and drawing features as the Apple Pencil, but if you take notes on tablets and paper, it is a great option.
This stylus is a handwriting solution for digital and analog surfaces. On one end there’s a fine-point stylus surrounded by a clear plastic disc that works on all iOS phones and tablets and most Android devices. On the other end is a 0.8-millimeter ballpoint pen for writing on paper. The stylus syncs via a Bluetooth connection and is compatible with popular note-taking apps like Notability and GoodNotes. This hybrid stylus doesn’t have the same creative painting and drawing features as the Apple Pencil, but if you take notes on tablets and paper, it is a great option.
More Guides for Note-Takers:
Related Product Reviews
Cartoonists and comic creators are moving away from traditional pen and paper. Today, artists can use graphic tablets which allow them to achieve the same results on their computers.
If you’re just starting out on your digital art journey, you’ll need to buy a graphic tablet and download an appropriate editing app. It doesn’t matter whether you’re learning to draw manga comics or you dream of becoming the next Joseph Barbera, having the correct tools is half the battle.
But which tablets and apps are right for you? We’re going to introduce you to some of the best graphic tablets across several categories, then recommend graphics programs for you to download.
The Best Graphic Design Tablets
In recent years, there’s been an explosion in the number of graphic tablets on the market. Top-end models—such as the Wacom Cintiq 22HD—now retail for more than $1,500. If you’re already an established artist, it’s money well spent.
Wacom Cintiq 22HD 21-Inch Pen Display Tablet, Black (DTK2200)Wacom Cintiq 22HD 21-Inch Pen Display Tablet, Black (DTK2200) Buy Now On Amazon $1,399.95
But if you’re a beginner who’s looking for your first big break, spending so much money on your first device would be foolish. Instead, set your sights a bit lower.
Here are some devices for you to consider, each of which is aimed at a different subset of users and has a different price point.
Best Computer Drawing Pad
Wacom Intuos Pro
Wacom Intuos Pro digital graphic drawing tablet for Mac or PC, Large, (PTH860) NEW MODELWacom Intuos Pro digital graphic drawing tablet for Mac or PC, Large, (PTH860) NEW MODEL Buy Now On Amazon $399.99
“For the wannabe professional.”
If you’re confident in your abilities and happy to spend the money on a quality tablet, you can’t go far wrong with the Wacom Intuos Pro. At under $500, it’s considerably cheaper than the market-leading Cintiq, but it still packs a powerful punch.
The tablet comes in three different sizes, but you shouldn’t consider purchasing anything other than the 16.8″ x 11.2″ (42.6cm x 28.4cm) large edition. For $100 more, you can upgrade to the Paper version. It lets you export your pen-on-paper doodles directly to your computer.
Quick Specs
- 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Pen tilt recognition
- 5080 LPI
- 200 points per second
- Support for multi-touch gestures
- Eight customizable express keys
- Wacom Grip Pen included
What Are People Saying?
CNET: “It’s an essential buy for creatives who do a lot of digital freehand sketching.”
Fstoppers: “The Intuos Pro is an absolute joy to use […] It’ll pay for itself in the time you save.”
Fstoppers: “The Intuos Pro is an absolute joy to use […] It’ll pay for itself in the time you save.”
Best Cheap Drawing Tablet
Huion H610PRO
Huion H610PRO V2 10 x 6.25 inch Graphics Drawing Tablet with 8192 Battery-Free Stylus Tilt Function, 8 Shortcut Keys, Compatible with Mac, PC or Android MobileHuion H610PRO V2 10 x 6.25 inch Graphics Drawing Tablet with 8192 Battery-Free Stylus Tilt Function, 8 Shortcut Keys, Compatible with Mac, PC or Android Mobile Buy Now On Amazon $75.99
“The best entry-level model for hobbyists.”
If digital cartoon design is a hobby rather than a career, you should consider the Huion H610PRO. You can pick one up for less than $100, but consistently scores highly among users. It boasts an average of four stars from more than 1,200 reviews on Amazon.
Measuring 10″ x 6.25″ (25.4cm x 15.875cm), it’s significantly smaller than the Wacom Intuos Pro. As such, it’s unsuitable for professionals or people who like to work on large projects across several monitorsHow to Be More Productive with Dual MonitorsHow to Be More Productive with Dual MonitorsYou need space for several documents, to get an overview and swiftly shift between tasks. What's true for your desk also applies to your virtual workspace. We show you how it matters.Read More. However, for beginners, its “bang for your buck” is unrivaled.
Quick Specs
- 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Eight customizable express keys
- 16 mappable hotkeys
- 200 report rate
- Weighs 635 grams
- Left-handed driver for southpaws
- Compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, Autodesk Sketchbook, Manga Studio, Clip Studio, and Zbrush
- Battery-free P80 Huion stylus included
What Are People Saying?
Fstoppers: “If you don’t own a tablet yet, don’t have the budget for a Wacom, or you’re looking for a smaller and cheaper digital art board to travel with, do not look further, this is most likely the solution for you.”
Tablets for Artists: “If you’re looking for a professional-quality drawing tablet that’s great value, the Huion 610 Pro is worthy of consideration.”
Tablets for Artists: “If you’re looking for a professional-quality drawing tablet that’s great value, the Huion 610 Pro is worthy of consideration.”
Best Digital Art Tablet
Ugee 1910B
Ugee 19' Graphics Drawing Pen Tablet Monitor with Screen Protector and Pergear Clean KitUgee 19' Graphics Drawing Pen Tablet Monitor with Screen Protector and Pergear Clean Kit Buy Now On Amazon
“Simulates a traditional pen-and-paper experience.”
Unlike the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Huion H610PRO, the Ugee 1910B shows your artwork in real-time on its screen. Accordingly, many users will find that the tablet provides a more natural usage experience; it feels like you’re working on a piece of paper rather than a computer.
It costs around $400. That’s not much cheaper than the Intuos, but significantly less expensive than the similarly-equipped Cintiq. Much of your purchase decision will boil down to whether you would enjoy using the 19-inch 5080 LPI screen.
Quick Specs
- 1440×900 screen resolution
- 800:1 contrast ratio
- 16.7 million display colors
- 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Multi-angle adjustable stand
- P50S Graphic Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Tablets for Artists: “The Ugee is a fine choice for artists on a budget, for students, or beginners wanting to try a tablet monitor without a big investment.”
Art’s Art Reviews: “The Ugee 1910B is a tablet display that may serve as a good alternative to the more expensive displays such as Wacom’s Cintiq line.”
Art’s Art Reviews: “The Ugee 1910B is a tablet display that may serve as a good alternative to the more expensive displays such as Wacom’s Cintiq line.”
Best Value Drawing Tablet
Wacom CTL-471 ONE
Wacom CTL471 One Pen Small Tablet for PC / MACWacom CTL471 One Pen Small Tablet for PC / MAC Buy Now On Amazon
“The cheapest graphic tablet worth buying.”
Drawing Pads For Computers
The Wacom CTL-471 ONE is in direct competition with the Huion H610PRO. If you have used Wacom tablets before, or you trust the Wacom brand name more than Huion, the CTL-471 ONE represents a sensible purchase. It costs less than $50.
Wacom primarily aims the product at people who’ve never owned a graphic tablet before. In addition to painting, drawing, and sketching capabilities, it’s also ideal for editing photos and using on-the-go. Ultimately, with high ratings on Amazon, you know you’re going to get a quality product.
Quick Specs
- 1024 pressure levels of sensitivity
- 2540 LPI
- Weighs 240 grams
- 152 x 95 mm active area
- No multi-touch support
- Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Art’s Art Reviews: “If you are a beginner looking for your first tablet, the Wacom CTL471 will serve you well. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the area of drawing space that this tablet provides.”
Sweet Monia: “It can be an excellent choice for first graphics tablets owners, it can also be a great option for those looking for a second tablet to carry on-the-go.”
Sweet Monia: “It can be an excellent choice for first graphics tablets owners, it can also be a great option for those looking for a second tablet to carry on-the-go.”
Best Alternative Digital Art Tablet
XP-Pen Artist 16
XP-PEN Artist16 Pro 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing MonitorXP-PEN Artist16 Pro 15.6 Inch IPS Drawing Monitor Buy Now On Amazon $299.99
“A slightly cheaper alternative to the Ugee 1910B.”
The XP-Pen Artist 16 is more expensive than the Ugee 1910B. Apart from the price, there is little difference between them. Both let you design directly on the monitor’s surface.
The tablet’s biggest selling point is the quality of its screen; the 1080p 15.6″ FHD IPS display looks stunning. Size-wise, it measures 15.9″ x 8.6″ (40.5cm x 25.5 cm), making it slightly smaller than the Ugee.
Quick Specs
Best Drawing Tablet For Mac 2016
- 16.7 million display colors
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 1920×1080 resolution
- 2048 pressure sensitivity levels
- 5080 LPI
- 200 reports per second
- Pen included
What Are People Saying?
Parkablogs: “Drawing performance is good. The pressure sensitivity works very well. The display is responsive, and lines appear instantly as they are drawn. There’s no lag.”
Surface Pro Artist: “The Artist 16’s FHD (1920×1080) display and 2048 pressure levels should be sufficient to satisfy most entry- and mid-level users.”
Surface Pro Artist: “The Artist 16’s FHD (1920×1080) display and 2048 pressure levels should be sufficient to satisfy most entry- and mid-level users.”
Best Drawing Tablet With Screen
Microsoft Surface Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB)Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB) Buy Now On Amazon $774.00
“A great all-rounder with excellent graphical and productivity capabilities.”
Graphic tablets can be split into two categories: those that have a screen (like the Ugee 1910B) and those that don’t (like the Wacom models).
In the “best drawing tablet with a screen” category, we’ve gone for the Microsoft Surface Pro. It’s not necessarily the first device people think about when considering graphics tablets, but its productivity tools make it a great choice for people who want to do more than merely draw with their purchase.
The only downside? The price. You need to be ready to shell out the better part of $1,000.
Quick Specs
- 12.3″ screen
- 2736×1824 resolution
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- 8.0MP autofocus camera with 1080p HD video
- A USB 3.0 port
- A microSD card reader
- The pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
- 1.6W Stereo speakers
- Wi-Fi and mobile data connectivity
What Are People Saying?
TechRadar: “Microsoft upped the pressure sensitivity of its pen to 4,096 levels of detectable pressure, meaning creators have more control over the width and intensity of their lines in illustrations or designs than before.”
Digital Arts Online: “The Microsoft Surface Pro is a welcome hybrid device which may no doubt feel like a step up for many people looking to be more creative.”
Digital Arts Online: “The Microsoft Surface Pro is a welcome hybrid device which may no doubt feel like a step up for many people looking to be more creative.”
The Best Graphics Editing Programs
The graphics editing program is the software the cartoonist uses with a graphic tablet in order to draw on the computer. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on software that specializes in producing 2D raster art.
Photoshop and Corel Painter
“The professional options.”
Photoshop and Corel Painter are two of the most powerful tools used by professionals in the comic industry. They come with a wide array of brushes, effects, and amazing free plug-ins that provide digital cartoonists with all the versatility they need to produce beautiful art.
Additional features include support for layered editing and masks, professional text editing for typographers, and more.
Photoshop Elements
“The perfect balance of price and functionality.”
Adobe Elements is different from Adobe Photoshop and is targeted at hobbyist cartoonists and the occasional user. It’s sold at a fraction of what Photoshop sells at, and may be given as a freebie when purchasing certain graphic tablets.
It doesn’t include many of the advanced features that Photoshop has, including advanced selection and editing tools, advanced text editing, and support for CMYK coloring.
GIMP
“A free option for beginners.”
GIMP is a free and open-source alternative to Photoshop. It runs on all major operating systems and is designed to work smoothly with Wacom tablets.
The app provides most of the same core functionality as Photoshop offers (for 2D image editing) and is a true lifesaver for anyone who needs basic features while saving money.
Krita
GIMP isn’t the only free app that can rival Photoshop. You can also try Krita. It’s a GIMP alternative that you really should try. Like GIMP, Krita is open-source.
Importantly for owners of drawing tablets, it’s heavily geared towards painting and drawing. With a color wheel, sliders, and a solid array of selection tools, you can make a masterpiece in minutes.
Graphic designs can also enjoy some benefits. There’s a text tool and plenty of functions to work with lines and shapes.
Krita does offer photography and animation tools, but they’re not as feature-rich as the painting and graphic options.
Do You Know How to Draw Digital Art?
We’ve introduced you to the best graphic tablets for anyone who wants to break into digital cartoon design.
But you won’t get far if you can’t draw. Luckily, there are YouTube videos that teach you how to drawLearn to Draw at Your Own Pace With Awesome YouTube VideosLearn to Draw at Your Own Pace With Awesome YouTube VideosAre you interested in learning how to draw? You can learn at your own pace when you have moments to spare thanks to awesome YouTube videos.Read More and websites that teach you how to draw10 Sites That Will Teach You How to Draw Well10 Sites That Will Teach You How to Draw WellWe all want to draw well. But, drawing skills can only come through daily practice. Go to these ten websites and their fantastic tutorials to begin your journey.Read More.
Explore more about: Adobe Photoshop, Comics, Digital Art, GIMP.
- Sketchbook pro by autodesk is now free and easily one of the best apps for any tablet based artist.