A drawing tablet is an input device that lets you draw pictures by hand with a pen-like stylus, just like how typical pens and paper are used to draw.
Unlike a graphics tablet, the drawing tablet can be used without a monitor. Drawing tablets can display your work while you’re working on it, which is truly valuable for artists.
However, you may be wondering what else you can do with a drawing tablet, aside from drawing. From taking effective notes to streamlining your digital workflow, the possibility is endless!
Here are some fun and useful things to do with a drawing tablet.
1. Replace Your Mouse
One of the best yet overlooked things that a drawing tablet can do is replace your mouse. Yes, that’s right!
This flat surface, in addition to your pen tool, means you no longer have to use your mouse. Particularly, when you’re using digital editing or drawing programs.
Overall, your tablet is faster, more intuitive, and more accurate. You can easily switch between drawing and navigating the interface. What more would you want?
2. Take Effective Notes
Whether you’re a student or professional, PowerPoint and PDF files are probably something that you use a lot.
Especially during this time when virtual learning and remote working have become the new normal. Handouts and shared documents are all online.
The good thing about this is that you can use a drawing tablet to take notes just as easily as you would on paper.
Only this time, you get access to digital tools! This includes annotating on PowerPoints, adding images, copying large texts, etc.
3. Conduct an Interactive Classroom
Online learning can sometimes feel isolating for students. You can simulate real-time interaction using a classroom software and drawing tablet.
This lets you annotate images or documents, draw diagrams or other complex equations.
This instant visual communication will improve engagement and student’s understanding of the subject. This technique is also applicable for professional meetings in a workplace environment.
4. Write on Documents
Similarly, a drawing tablet lets you easily write over existing documents. You can make comments on them by typing, but nothing beats the flexibility and spontaneity of handwritten edits!
Not to mention the ability to change pen colours or switch to highlighter mode.
This can be an especially handy tool for students who need to annotate readings. Additionally, it’s possible to draw in diagrams or symbols that would otherwise take too much time digitally.
5. Experiment with Artistic Versatility
Because it’s called a drawing tablet, it should not come off as a surprise that a tool designed for artists will have incredible artistic versatility.
Combining the tablet with your preferred drawing or art software, the freedom you can have is simply limitless! This is because you’re combining the unique features of a digital program with the flexibility of a pen-like stylus.
For example, if the stylus your drawing tablet comes with has a good pressure sensitivity, you can create beautiful strokes by varying how hard you press it. Just like with a real-life brush pen!
Further reading: 10 Best Drawing Tablets with Screen
6. Draw Accurate Digital Signature
Most of us prefer to sign important contracts on paper due to safety reasons. When you sign a PDF contract, the signature can be easily faked. This is where professional e-sign software and drawing tablets can work together.
Using a tablet can be helpful for signing a contract since it allows simultaneous digital inking so the markings of your signature can be presented accurately.
I recommend a software like DocuSign for intense signing, though any generic note-taking app would do too.
7. Use Photoshop Like a Pro
Finally, one of my favourite things to do with a drawing tablet is using Photoshop like a pro. Unlike using a mouse or simple trackpad, this gives you much more control in less time.
It’s easy to create natural and flowing strokes. This means using the cut tool to outline shapes or erase backgrounds will be like using a pen and paper.
Drawing tablets are also great because they’re pressure-sensitive and tilt-sensitive. You can use these features to create softer lines with light pressure, or thicker lines when you press harder. Meanwhile, the tilt sensitivity is useful for controlling brush angles.
All in all, a drawing tablet can give you plenty of flexibility. You can use it to take notes, enhance the classroom experience, or even sign more accurately. So, do you think you know how to make the most out of your drawing tablet now?