Notes on OpenTabletDriver

Overview

As I've gotten a chance to use open tablet driver here are some notes I've collected that I think will be useful for you if you ever want to explore using it for yourself.

Links

• OpenTabletDriver - an introduction

• Install OpenTabletDriver on Windows

• Install OpenTabletDriver on MacOS

Use the OTD discord to get help

• Join the OTD Discord server: https://discord.gg/9bcMaPkVAR

• DO ask questions in the #support-windows channel.

• DO NOT ask for support via DMs.

Your tablet manufacturer will not help with OTD

Your tablet manufacturer WILL NOT help or support you in any way when you are using OpenTabletDriver instead of their own drivers.

Limitations of OpenTabletDriver

• Features that a typical driver has, but OTD does not.

  • OTD does NOT support touch input.

  • OTD does NOT support tablet rotary dials.

  • OTD does NOT support pen barrel rotation.

  • OTD does NOT support wireless or Bluetooth connections.

  • OTD does NOT support per-application configuration. All OTD settings are system-wide.

• Features that a typical driver has, and OTD does not have built-in, but for which you can use OTD plug-ins to achieve the same result.

  • OTD does not have a built in pressure curve, for that you should use an OTD plug-in like Slimy Scylla. Pressure curves in OpenTabletDriver

OpenTabletDriver on Windows

Running OTD as admin

• DO NOT run OTD as administrator.

• OTD will not work correctly if you do.

Windows Ink & WinTab

• There are two Pen APIs in the Windows ecosystem: WinTab which is older, and Windows Ink which is newer.

• OTD only supports Windows Ink so any apps you want to use it with must also support Windows Ink.

• Most creative apps support Windows Ink - Clip Studio Paint, Krita, Photoshop.

• If you want pressure sensitivity, tilt, etc. - you must you MUST configure OTD to use Windows Ink and configure your apps to also use Windows Ink.

Application data directory

• OTD stores information in its application data directory

• More here: OpenTabletDriver application data directory

• If you are doing more advanced things with OTD you should be familiar with this folder.

Pen hover height

By default, OTD has no restriction on the hover height of your pen. Most drivers impose an artificial limit of about 10mm for a pen. But you'll often find with OTD that the hover height is increased substantially.

The maximum hover height is dependent on the specific model of tablet involved. For example with a Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-860) my hover height goes from 10mm with the Wacom Driver to 20mm with Open Tablet driver.

You can install a plug-in to control the hover height and have whatever limit you want.