FAQs

General

FAQ: Which brands of drawing tablet should I get?

An overview of the brands and my take on some of them are here: drawing tablet brands

FAQ: Is iPad better than a drawing tablet?

Read : using an iPad as a drawing tablet

FAQ: Can I use a drawing tablet with my iPad or iPhone?

It is possible in some cases. More here: Using a drawing tablet with an iOS device

FAQ: Can I use a drawing tablet with a Chromebook?

YES, It is possible, but be prepared for potential limitations. Read more here: Using a a drawing tablet with a Chromebook

FAQ: What size drawing tablet should I get?

It really depends on a lot of factors.

• For pen tablets - I recommend a MEDIUM size (about 11")

• For pen displays - I recommend a MEDIUM size (about 16") though many start off with a 13" and I personally prefer a 22"

More here: tablet size

FAQ: Which cables do I need for my tablet?

• First you need to identify the tablet's model number

• Then, once you have the model number contact customer support to identify the cables

• I recommend you watch youtube videos of the people reviewing, unboxing, setting up the tablet. This will help you under stand which cables came in the box and how they plug into the ports of tablet, computer, power supplies, etc.

• Once you've identified the cables you need, you can need to purchase them. Some options

  • From the tablet brand's online store

  • Amazon

  • eBay

FAQ: Should I get a pen tablet or pen display?

There is no single right answer. Each has pros and cons. More here: Pen tablets vs pen displays

Pen Displays

FAQ: Why does my pen display have a sparkly grain/noisy/greasy look?

To avoid the light sources from interfering with using your drawing tablet, Manufacturers apply an anti-glare treatment to drawing tablets. This anti-glare treatment disperses like from the tablet in such a way that you see it as a colorful sparkle. Read more here: anti-glare sparkle.

FAQ: Can I use a pen display as a normal monitor?

Answer: YES. But there are some things you should consider if you want to use it this way: Using a pen display as a monitor

FAQ: Why does my pen display show a temporary after image?

This is temporary phenomena called Image Persistence. This is not a permanent change and is not screen burn in (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_burn-in).

FAQ: Can I use a pen display without plugging in the HDMI cable?

Answer: YES. More here: Using a pen display as a pen tablet

FAQ: How do I make my pen display mirror what is on my monitor?

See this: Mirroring or extending your desktop to a pen display

FAQ: How do I enable mouse mode on a pen display?

The drivers that manufacturers release for their drawing tablets support Mouse Mode often only on their pen tablets but not on pen displays.

FAQ: Can I fix a dead pixel on my pen display?

It MAY be possible to fix. More here: Dead pixels.

General

FAQ: Is it normal for pen to lag?

Answer: YES. All drawing tablets experience some kind of lag. Pen tablets experience less lag than pen displays. However, extreme lag is not normal. You should be able to comfortably draw even if there is some lag. Read my notes on pen lag

FAQ: Can I extend the length of my cables?

Yes. More here: Extending cables

FAQ: What subreddits exist for drawing tablets?

There are quite a few. See this list: Subreddits for drawing tablets.

FAQ: Can I replace the surface of my pen tablet?

See: Protective sheets

FAQ: What should I do if I spilled water on my tablet or pen?

See this guide: Dealing with water damage

Pens

FAQ: Can I use a metal nib with my pen?

Answer: I personally do not recommend this,. However. YES it is possible, but BE CAREFUL and DO YOUR RESEARCH. There are potential risks to your pen and tablet. More here: Using Metal Nibs

FAQ: How do I connect my pen to my drawing tablet?

More here: Connecting a pen to a drawing tablet

FAQ: My pen is lost/broken. Can I just buy a replacement pen or do I have to buy a new tablet?

You just need to buy a pen of the SAME EXACT MODEL and it will work with your tablet. You don't even have to connect it - just bring it close to your tablet and it will work.

Drivers

FAQ: What do I do if a driver no longer supports my tablet?

See: Troubleshoot driver no longer supports a drawing tablet

FAQ: Can I have two tablet drivers from different manufacturers installed at the same time?

It depends. More here: Using multiple tablets on the same computer

FAQ: How to I completely uninstall a tablet driver on Windows?

See: Uninstalling manufacturer tablet drivers