What Is A Graphics Tablet?

Date First Published: 27th August 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 5/10

CONTENTS

Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Graphics Tablet

Learn about what a graphics tablet is in this article.

A graphics tablet, also known as a drawing tablet, is an input device that allows users to hand-draw graphics, illustrations, and animations by pressing the tip of a stylus pen on the pressure-sensitive tablet surface. All drawing or tracing strokes on the graphics tablet are converted into digital form and the images are created with the computer monitor the tablet is connected to. The stylus pen mimics the feel of drawing images with a pencil and paper.

The invention of graphics tablets has increased the digitalisation of art, graphics, and illustrations. Artists and graphic designers often use graphics tablets so that they can draw without needing to use any paper, which is better for the environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Graphics Tablet

The advantages of a graphics tablet are:

Using a graphics tablet allows graphic designers and artists to produce much more accurate drawings than they could with a mouse or other pointing device. This means that much smoother curves and small, complex shapes can be drawn more easily than a mouse.
It usually feels more natural to draw diagrams with a stylus pen instead of a mouse. Drawing with a mouse is less common and often awkward.
It also supports other uses. For example, data entry and handwritten signatures can also be captured using these tablets.
They are lightweight and small in size. This makes it an extremely portable device. In addition, they don't need to be connected to a computer to work, so they can be taken out and about.

The disadvantages of a graphics tablet are:

It is less ideal for general selection work, like pointing, clicking on, and selecting menu items. For example, using the button to click on the pen can be awkward, especially with extended use.
They are more expensive than mouses. Depending on their make and model, they can get very expensive.
It is usually slower than drawing on pencil and paper.