What is the best Pen Tablet for Photoshop/Illustrator

Hi all,

Take a look at the following article to move designs between Photoshop and Illustrator for different workflow that suits your design objectives: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/move-designs-between-photoshop-illustrator.html

Also, if you are looking to work with Illustrator design in Photoshop? See this: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/use-illustrator-artwork-in-photoshop.html

Hope it helps.

Thanks,

Mohit

XP-Pen is more essential to Photoshop/Paint programs than to Illustrator. However, having said that, Illustrator’s brush tool is pressure sensitive and thus using a tablet here is very helpful.

I use XP-Pen products. I currently have an DECO 03 ( https://www.xp-pen.com/goods/show/id/314.html ). I recommend this because it has all the best features, and the drawing size is enough to get the job done. Also it’s a more portable size. It’s about the same size as a laptop, and it fits in the same carrying case, easily. Side note: I has the small size graphics tablet Star G640S ( https://www.xp-pen.com/goods/show/id/371.html ), which was fine. For the way I worked I could get the job done. But the DECO 03 is better because I use two large monitors

Wacom tablet is one of the best cheap drawing tablets available under $100. The tablet is also compatible with Mac and Windows Laptop too. It also includes free downloadable software.

I am working with a Wacom Intuos size M and I am completely happy. The Bamboo Tablett is more for the hobby user, as the pencil is not that ergonomic as the Intuos one, where you can draw for hours without tiring your hand. You just have to get used to draw on the tablet while looking on the screen, but you get accustomed quickly. I am a Wacom  fan using their tablets since 25 years.

I know this is not a Drawling Tablet answer, but my HP Spectre 2016 has worked wonders, since I can draw straight on the screen. Hope you find your answer!

Dear Michael,

This is obviously personal but I can share my choices... The Intuos Wacom is solid and I've been using it for years. 

I wouldn't risk getting less than the Intuos, I've had a few BUT have never noticed any benefit of having the latest. Sure you can have 2000 levels of pressure instead of 1000 but I've never felt a difference. I think it peaked at Intuos 4 which had little LCD screens on it to say what the shortcut is. The new ones have an onscreen display I'm not a fan of. Perhaps you could find a 2nd hand deal?

Cintiq is over-rated and expensive.

I heard great thing about the iPad pro, Apple Pencil and AstroPad so I bought it and I'm really impressed. My only words of caution is with cintiq or iPad your posture changes. When you work on the screen directly you hunch over, with an Intuos (or similar) you can sit up right and look at the screen. When working long hours this is an important consideration.

I'd seriously consider an iPad since it could suit your needs and you could use it independently too.

All the best, Oscar

These days, the "best tablet" for Photoshop or Illustrator is really defined by how you might use it. There are a variety of options ranging from Microsoft's Surface tablet and computer line to Wacom's recent additions to the Cintiq family to the iPad Pro and it's various complimentary applications. Per your original question: Bamboo is Wacom's entry-level line, Intuos is more in their professional range, and the Cintiq is aimed at professional digital painters and illustrators. Just getting started a Bamboo should work okay, but I'd recommend bumping up to the smaller Intuos tablet if possible. It's going to provide better pressure sensitivity and a good feel for creating digital art.

If you find yourself having a rough time acclimating to the pen or using it while not having to look at the screen, you might be a good candidate for a Cintiq. Otherwise, you may find your workflow lends itself to using a tablet like the Surface or an iPad Pro to do initial creation of your drawings/painting, then you can transition over into Photoshop or Illustrator to enhance your digital works in post-production.

I currently use a Wacom Intuos Pro M (which is the medium size), along with a mouse as needed for quick edits, along with an iPad Pro 9.7. Sometimes I'll initiate work on the iPad then move over to Photoshop to manipulate the work further. I've been looking at picking up a Surface Pro because that could save a step but I'm unsure how different the pen will feel. Ultimately, try out some different options and see what fits your workflow and process best. Some of the best designers I know do all their digital illustration work using nothing but the mouse so as with everything, it all really depends. Good luck!

I agree with Huion tablets are VERY cheap and excellent quality & very light weight to carry easily anywhere (but screen size small), Wacom Intuos, Wacom Bamboo has (resolution of 2540 LPI) & Ugee 1910B is great (if need large & perfect screen size of 16:9), for detailed & comparison tablets check here: bestofgoods.com/top-10-best-tablets-drawing-artists/

Hello, how are you?

Can you suggest me which pen table would be perfect for a beginner? I would like to edit pictures in photoshop, some shadowing, etc.

I was looking at Intuos 5 with art pen, but I cant find this product anywhere. Does it have any other name maybe?

Thank you and best regards,

Matevz