Jennifer Waller asked: Artwork and technical drawing is something that has been prepared using pencil and paper for many of years. However the advent of computers has changed this and preparing and altering drawings and images on a computer screen is common practice these days.
One of the best methods of preparing graphics on a computer screen is a drawing tablet. These typically comprise two parts. The first is a flat surface which is connected to the computer. A pen, stylus or device known as a puck, which is programmed for use with the tablet is then used to draw on this. However typically the drawn image does not show up on the tablet itself, rather it appears on the computer screen.
One of the major advantages of using a drawing tablet is that it can be used in a similar style to paper and pencil. Creative people can find this beneficial in that it provides them with a more natural way of preparing on screen images. Those that are used to drawing free hand therefore have a digital method which works in a similar manner and provides a simple way of working on a computer.
A computer drawing tablet can be used for a few different purposes. First and foremost it is a method of creating on screen images and can be used for free hand or technical drawing purposes. It is also a simple way of altering and manipulating images and most people will be aware of the airbrushing that is used by magazines to enhance photos. It can also be used as a simple input device which is an ergonomic alternative to using a wired mouse or wireless trackball. If a computer has handwriting recognition software it can be used as a simple alternative to a keyboard.
Drawing tablets can also be known as graphics pads or digitizing tablets and there are a few different types. Some of these include active tablets, passive tablets, optical tablets and acoustic tablets. Each does similar tasks although using a slightly different method. The active tablet for example requires a battery controlled pen whereas the optical tablet has a pen with a small camera in the tip.
The cost for a simple drawing tablet can be as little as $50 with Genius making a few models which are ideal for home use. An example of this is the Genius EasyPeni405 which retails for around $50. The most well known manufacturer is Wacum with costs for their home and commercial tablets typically ranging between around $100 and $350.
The size of drawing tablets vary with smaller devices intended for home use being typically 4 x 5 or 6 x 8 inches in size. However this is the size of the input surface and the actual device will be larger. For more commercial use the size can increase to 9 x 12 inches or larger. These aspect ratios match up well with the size of a traditional monitor. However with wide screen monitors now being common more wide-format tablets are entering the market.
A drawing tablet is a simple way of working with graphics on a computer screen. It is an easy accessory to use and will give you the freedom to prepare and manipulate images and photographs in digital format.
Tyler
