Drawing tablets for 3D workflows
Overview
I don't do 3D work myself, so this document is based on feedback I've been given by others and what I have observed in online forums. Please share any feedback via our discord.
It seems that the 3D workflow tends has some special needs, ans for that reason we need to look at this use case specifically.
There are three considerations for 3D workflows
Whether to get a pen display or pen tablet (the most common answer is pen display)
What display resolution to get for the pen display
What size for the pen display
Pen display vs pen tablet
Based on on my observation, most people doing 3D work use a pen display (screen tablet) instead of a pen tablet (screenless tablet).
However, what will work for you takes some consideration. See: Pen tablets vs pen displays
Display resolution of pen display
4K+ is RECOMMENDED
2.5K to 3K is OKAY
2K, 1080p, and lower - NOT RECOMMENDED
Display size of pen display
19" to 32" recommended
I have personally noted a lot of 3D artists looking for a 24" display.
16" is OKAY
14 and lower - NOT RECOMMENDED
For general guidance on picking size: Choosing the right size for a drawing tablet
Prioritizing resolution and size
It seems that the 3D workflow typically involves having many UI elements on screen at once - for example when using node editors. Higher resolutions will make it easier to read the smaller text in these scenarios.
For example here is an example of what might need to be on screen


For this reason, some suggest prioritizing resolution first before size.
Notes
Thanks to tablet enthusiast KoyoD for providing the guidance that this document is based on.
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