Thinking about a digital drawing tablet

[Betty J.]

I am thinking about buying a digital drawing tablet. There is a package for about $200 that includes Corel Draw 4, the latest Adobe Photoshop elements, which I need to update anyway, the additional needed software, and the Wacom bamboo. I'm wondering, is the drawing space big enough to use as an art quilt tablet? I'm thinking it might help me improve my quilt drawings, which is how I start making my art quilts. Do any of you use something like this? Any suggestions or cautions?

[Margo C.]

Hey BJ! I have a Wacom Bamboo pen/touch tablet and I love it! However, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't taken time yet to learn the PhotoShop Elements software that came with it. The drawing surface is only about 3-1/2" x 5-1/2", but it represents your entire computer screen. I just use it to try out quilting designs on quilt photos, and that alone has made it worth the purchase price for me. Attached is a picture of my neutral BOM that a friend of mine "whispered" for me. Obviously she understands PSE better than I do, but I manage the basics in MicroSoft Paint that came with my computer. Try it! You'll like it! Especially if you already understand PSE.

[Betty J.]

Wow, Margo, that looks very interesting. I think I will try it. By the way, PSE is relatively easy to "master"...it's pretty intuitive I have found. I have a very old copy (4.0) of it, though and don't know how complex the newer version is.

[Anne B.]

Margo, do you find that the small drawing surface means you have to use very tiny movements of the pen? I can imagine a small surface making my drawing very rough when it appears on my computer screen. Would a larger tablet make a difference this way?

[Anne B.]

I have two Wacom tablets. The Bamboo for use with my laptop, and a larger one for my home computer. I find no difference at all as far as size goes. My manual movements adjust to what I am seeing on the screen. I don't look at the tablet, I look at the screen. I use the tablet with Corel Draw and Corel Photo Paint. I find it most useful when painting with pixels or for photo retouch. I find it so comfortable to use that I sometimes use it when I play Free Cell. I say go for the tablet, you will enjoy using it. Betty Ann

[Anne B.]

Thanks, Betty Ann.

[Betty J.]

This discussion has answered my questions on this. Thanks very much. Cheers, BJ

[Margo C.]

No, the small work area on the tablet is no problem at all! I'm thinking that all design software programs allow you to zoom in, so if you need more detail, just click the zoom icon or slider! I have also found it a much more user friendly tool than drawing with a mouse when I digitize quilting designs for my Pro-Stitcher.

[Betty J.]

Now here's an interesting thought...will it work with Bernina embroidery design software?

[Margo C.]

I don't know. I've never done embroidery, but if it involves drawing, it sure beats using a mouse!

[Betty J.]

After a bit of research and talking to several people who use them, I decided on a Wacom Intuos4 tablet. It was more expensive than the bamboo, but I want it to draw my art quilt basic pictures with and it seems to answer my needs. I found a deal where it comes with Corel Draw 11 also, and I ordered it tonight. It will take about a week to get here. I'll let you all know how well it serves once I get it and have a little time to work with it. Maybe I can get my knight on horseback quilt drawing done with this and design my quilting plans on quilts. I think I can also use it for embroidery design. Kinda spensive :shock: but seems it might be worth it. One more tool for in my quilting quiver. Cheers, BJ

[Margo C.]

Good for you, BJ!! Let us know how you like it!

[Susan B.]

Using my Bamboo Pen Tablet for any length of time kills my arthritic hand. Just be aware if you have any hand problems 7 you're in a restricted position for a long time, the ouchies set in.

and Yes, it works with embroidery design software!

[Joann H.]

Does a ipad work with this also. I know nothing about this technology.
I just bought a fancy phone any am still having trouble answering the calls. Has lots of apps though. :lol:
Thanks.

[Joann H.]

I just got a XP-Pen Artist 12 Pro digital drawing tablet with screen 12" . It's just great playing round with Corel Draw software .
If you are a graphic designer or digital artist working with a tablet is more efficient and comfortable than a mouse, especially when you use it for longer period of time. You can make illustrations and vector art in software like illustrator or digital paintings in photoshop.

They are also used for making 3D sculpted models in softwares like zbrush and blender…

Other than that there are many other uses…like if you make educational tutorials than you can use the tablet to write handwritten notes.

In office they are used for taking digital signatures.