Comments on: How to Use a Graphics Tablet to Edit Photos: 10 Powerful Tips

By: Rached

Rached — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:08:34 +0000

I’d like to edit pictures jpeg images rather than photographs is it possible to do using this tablet? I am a complete novice so will probably need an idiots guide. Also what software if any would I need to purchase please?

By: PhotoRestoration

PhotoRestoration — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:38:12 +0000

One of the unique and useful features of the Wacom tablet is the ability to change the size of the brush with the dial, on the fly as you draw. For example this can increase the ‘feather’ edge of the brush as the brush size increases then so does the softness of the edge. This is great when making manual selections where edges aren’t all the same sharpness or focus. Using auto selections often misses these subtleties do actually this is a time saver!

By: shan chong

shan chong — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 23:59:46 +0000

I find I like my XP-Pen Star G430S Drawing tablet best for projects that require a lot of broad “coloring” type work. Filling in with brushes, getting close to outlines with color, etc.

By: John McIntire

John McIntire — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 11:52:52 +0000

In reply to PDL. Thank you for adding your experience here.

By: John McIntire

John McIntire — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 11:50:46 +0000

In reply to Derek. Hi Derek, I hate to say it, but I can't answer that question as I've never used one of those options. My thoughts immediately go to the pressure sensitivity of the pen and whether or not the options you've described match up to a more purpose built tablet, but I don't know through experience.

By: PDL

PDL — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 20:04:54 +0000

In reply to Derek.

My first Wacom device was a Tablet PC I bought in 2005. I also have a Wacom graphics tablet attached to my desktop. Using the Screen on a pen/stylus computer is easier than working with a graphics tablet. The graphics tablet takes a little more practice over the laptop but in the long run, the effect can be the same.

The issue with using a pen/stylus on a laptop is the angle the screen needs to be. Using a graphics tablet the keyboard is always there for short cuts but you are not looking at the tablet to see where you are drawing.

The other issue with pen/stylus enabled devices is having the screen at a angle making you use the tablet at almost arms length with is uncomfortable when doing a lot of work. The screen will tend to bounce back and fourth (on my Lenovo laptop this is an issue) while drawing.

As a point of history, Wacom made the touch/stylus enabled screens for the first and maybe second generations of Surface models. Microsoft changed vendors for the stylus technology with their follow on models.

Opinion: After working with a stylus enabled device for doing photographic work, it beats using a mouse with a stick. If you paid attention during Art class as a youth, you have all the skills you need. The graphics software available today is almost better than paper.

By: Derek

Derek — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 20:26:48 +0000

How do you find using a Wacom type tablet compares to drawing directly on the screen, like with a Microsoft surface or pen enabled 2 in 1? is there an advantage?

By: John McIntire

John McIntire — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:59:23 +0000

In reply to Nancy Kirkpatrick. Hi Nancy, what I can say from personal experience is that, yes, using a tablet does reduce the stresses on your hands. I've also heard from several photographers in situations like yours, that most of their pain went away shortly after starting to use a tablet. That, of course, is all anecdotal and I can't speak for you directly, but since you already have a tablet, why not try it out for a week and see if it helps?

By: Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy Kirkpatrick — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:09:21 +0000

I have Intuit Wacom. Been in desk drawer for years, so perhaps these tips will get me started, providing I can still update the version I have. Question is this, however, will using tablet be less stress ergonomically than mouse? I do use keyboard shortcuts on my desktop, but these days with all the digital devices I use daily already, would graphics tablet make that much difference? I can see it would be more precise, but also need to be mindful of additional stresses on my hand.