> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/core/active-area/active-area-mapping.md).

# Active area mapping

## Overview

Mapping is how the tablet driver translates the position of the pen on the EMR sensor, also called the digitizer, to a position on the display.

## Mapping for pen displays

For pen displays, mapping is relatively straightforward because the digitizer and the display are built into the same device.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FMSvcsCKb4xR9gYYHHUjU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bb901e70-dcf8-44ce-83da-f18dc910a371" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Mapping for pen tablets

To start with, mapping for pen tablet is a little more complex because the pen and the display are physically separate.

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2FK8VEyA0JD45BPJLXFneD%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=602719aa-f115-47c7-a7bf-6484a91e321e" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Active area mapping is a surprisingly complex topic because it must work in different situations, such as single-monitor and multi-monitor setups. It is also highly configurable and can even change dynamically at the press of a button.

For pen tablets (screenless tablets) mapping is the most complex, since the digitizer and the display are separate devices.

### Dealing with mismatched aspect ratios

Because the tablet's active area and the display may have different aspect ratios, distortion can be introduced unless you enable Force Proportions: [Matching aspect ratios with Force Proportions](/drawtab/guides/customizing/force-proportions.md)

<figure><img src="https://1457921496-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNde0PQIvNcFZNVxuTO0G%2Fuploads%2F3It8Tgu5T8O8APus1g01%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b3c7f4bf-aec8-4dd3-be4a-428929260e1b" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Display Toggle for pen tablets and multiple monitors

When multiple monitors are in use, you can have the tablet switch between mapping to each monitor at the click of a button. See [Display toggle](/drawtab/core/active-area/display-toggle.md).
