In the digital age, creating digital art is required in most artistic fields, such as illustration and graphic design. Digital paintings and drawings are versatile. You can add and remove layers of your picture at will. You can apply color and take it away. You can resize images, combine elements from separate documents, add text and transfer finished images directly into layout programs for printing or publishing. In other words, you have more flexibility when working with graphic design software and your digital art tablet than you get with most traditional art mediums.

Understandably, however, many artists still prefer to work with a pen rather than a computer mouse. And while tablets and 2-in-1 laptops offer drawing programs that you can use with a stylus pen, digital art tablets prioritize art and design in their hardware and graphic design software options as well as their size and feel.

With a digital drawing pad, you can combine the control of hand drawing with a creative array of digital tools to make stunning digital art. This straightforward technology makes the digital drawing tablet a great device for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.

Drawing and graphics tablets come in two main varieties: the drawing tablet with screen that shows your image right on your device, and the electronic drawing pad that connects to a laptop or desktop computer. The latter design provides the surface on which you draw, but you will see your image on the computer’s monitor. If you have a device that you like to work on already, this version is a good choice for adding a hand-drawing component.

Even non-artists find these devices useful. You can use a graphic pad as a digital notebook for making handwritten notes on digital documents or signing contracts. But if you are using one for art, you will want to look at the range of dynamics the pad can react to. The best drawing tablets feel just like paper with touch sensitivity that creates a true pencil-like response that understands each stroke.

Art tablets are compatible with a range of devices, and you will want to make sure the one you purchase will work seamlessly with your other equipment. Plus, ask yourself whether you need any accessories. For safety, always back up your work in multiple places, such as online or on a flash drive.