7 tips to get the most out of your Wacom tablet

Is it worth buying a Wacom tablet? The definitive answer is: yes! Surely if you enjoy drawing and making digital illustrations you will agree that there is nothing more uncomfortable and less intuitive than trying to make strokes with a mouse. Instead, the graphic tablets give you a flat and dark surface with a soft texture under which you can make strokes using a pen with different tips. Do you want to know how to get the most out of this amazing tool? Here we tell you.

First, remember that the best ally of anyone who intends to draw is precision. No matter what technique you use, it will always be helpful to get exact strokes. A graphics tablet like the Wacom provides a sensitive surface even at minimal pressure.

Something that we cannot deny is that these types of tablets, despite bringing great benefits, have a learning curve. So a good idea is to know some of its characteristics:

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Define functions

1. A good idea to start is to program the way the pen will be used. You can customize and assign key press options, or scroll options with the buttons on the sides of the pen. An example of this may be to set it to move when the upper button is clicked or “Right click” when the button is pressed at the bottom.

Another possible configuration is to use different commands depending on the program you are working with. For example, in Photoshop you can have the upper button configured for Command-X, while for Microsoft Word it can be Command-Y. It is worth spending a little time on this so that everyone finds the most appropriate configuration.

2. Similar to the buttons that the pen has, the tablet itself also has some buttons. Although it is true that most neglect and prefer not to use them can be of great help. The so-called “ExpressKeys” can be configured to perform your favorite functions and are quick and easy to access. In this case, you can also change the functions for different applications.

Among the options are Show / toggle, with which you can switch between several monitors); precision mode used to adjust the stroke with the pencil and pen; as well as Pan / Shift.

Be sure to continue with your pen

3. Next comes something that might seem irrelevant, but it definitely isn’t: before continuing with your life, make sure you leave your pen at the base intended for it. We tell you this because we know that you could easily leave it anywhere and even your mom could borrow it and put it in her bag believing it is a common pen and of course we don’t want this to happen.

So for security always put it in place, so you will not have to spend money to replace it frequently and you can make sure that the configuration you chose will continue there whenever you get ready to draw again.

Choose a tip that suits you

4. Another important issue while you are getting to know your new tablet is to recognize the tip that best suits your needs and preferences. It is not always so simple, after all there is where to choose: in total there are 10 tips available.

I guess there will be someone who prefers some resistance to tracing, in which case a good option may be the one made of felt, while other people may prefer a stroke more similar to that of a brush. For the above, the White Stroke tips are very popular for double springs.

It is best to play and experiment with all, until you find one or more of your preference or it may depend on the use you are going to give it.

Some final recommendations

5. Trouble remembering which button was which option? Quiet, not everything is lost, it is still possible to know. Just leave your finger on the button and a table will appear indicating the function of each button on the screen.

6. Always keep in mind that Wacom tablets are designed to be used as naturally as possible. And what is this? just as you would with a piece of paper and a pencil. So it is not necessary to adopt awkward positions or try not to touch your tablet’s surface to avoid generating unwanted strokes. In fact, while the pen is half a pound inside the tablet, your hand will be ignored.

7. Finally, don’t get frustrated with the learning curve. Maybe you bought your Wacom and you were extremely excited and now you realize that it is not so easy to use and you want to quit. Quiet! As in everything else, this is a process. You need to adapt the multiple possibilities you have to your needs.

It is likely that you even want to use your mouse again in order not to face this new experience that is not being as you imagined. But even if it is not the best moment, we assure you that it is worth it, when you see that your work pace and productivity increase. Once you understand the process well, there will be no going back.

The only thing left is to go play and experience new things with your Wacom tablet, but the most important thing: learn and have fun.