FAQs

General

FAQ: Which brands of drawing tablet should I get?

An overview of the brands, and my take on some of them, is here: Brands

FAQ: Is iPad better than a drawing tablet?

See: Apple iPad notes

FAQ: Can I use a drawing tablet with my iPad or iPhone?

It is possible in some cases. More here: Using drawing tablets with an iPad or iPhone

FAQ: Can I use a drawing tablet with a Chromebook?

Yes, it is possible. Be prepared for some limitations. Read more here: Connecting a drawing tablet to a ChromeOS device

FAQ: What size drawing tablet should I get?

It depends on a lot of factors.

• For pen tablets, I recommend a medium size, about 11 inches.

• For pen displays, I recommend a medium size, about 16 inches. Many people start with 13 inches. I personally prefer 22 inches.

More here: Choosing the right size for a drawing tablet

FAQ: Which cables do I need for my tablet?

• First, identify the tablet's model number.

• Then, once you have the model number, contact customer support to identify the cables.

• I recommend watching YouTube videos of people reviewing, unboxing, and setting up the tablet. This will help you understand which cables came in the box and how they plug into the ports on the tablet, computer, and power supplies.

• Once you've identified the cables you need, you can purchase them from:

  • The tablet brand's online store

  • Amazon

  • eBay

FAQ: Should I get a pen tablet or pen display?

There is no single right answer. Each has pros and cons. More here: Pen tablets vs pen displays

Pen displays

FAQ: Why does my pen display have a sparkly, grainy, noisy, or greasy look?

To reduce reflections and make the display easier to use, manufacturers apply an anti-glare treatment. This treatment scatters light, which can create a colorful sparkle or grainy look. Read more here: Anti-glare sparkle.

FAQ: Can I use a pen display as a normal monitor?

Yes. But there are some things to consider if you want to use it that way: Using a pen display as a monitor

FAQ: Why does my pen display show a temporary afterimage?

This is a temporary phenomenon called image persistence. It is not a permanent change, and it is not screen burn-in (Screen burn-in).

FAQ: Can I use a pen display without plugging in the HDMI cable?

Yes. More here: Using a pen display as a pen tablet

FAQ: How do I make my pen display mirror what is on my monitor?

See: Mirroring or extending

FAQ: How do I enable mouse mode on a pen display?

The drivers that manufacturers release for their drawing tablets often support Mouse Mode only on pen tablets, not on pen displays.

FAQ: Can I fix a dead pixel on my pen display?

It may be possible. More here: Dead pixels.

General

FAQ: Is it normal for a pen to lag?

Yes. All drawing tablets have some lag. Pen tablets usually have less lag than pen displays. However, extreme lag is not normal. You should still be able to draw comfortably. More here: Pointer lag

FAQ: Can I extend the length of my cables?

Yes. More here: Extension cables

FAQ: What subreddits exist for drawing tablets?

There are quite a few. See this list: Subreddits for drawing tablets.

FAQ: Can I replace the surface of my pen tablet?

See: Surface protection

FAQ: What should I do if I spilled water on my tablet or pen?

See this guide: Dealing with water damage

Pens

FAQ: Can I use a metal nib with my pen?

I do not recommend this. However, it is possible. Be careful and do your research. There are potential risks to your pen and tablet. More here: Using metal nibs

FAQ: How do I connect my pen to my drawing tablet?

More here: Connecting a pen to a drawing tablet

FAQ: My pen is lost or broken. Can I just buy a replacement pen, or do I have to buy a new tablet?

You just need to buy a pen with the same exact model, and it will work with your tablet. You usually do not need to connect or pair it. Just bring it close to the tablet, and it should work.

Drivers

FAQ: What do I do if a driver no longer supports my tablet?

See: TSG: Driver no longer supports a drawing tablet

FAQ: Can I have two tablet drivers from different manufacturers installed at the same time?

It depends. More here: Connecting multiple drawing tablets at the same time

FAQ: How do I completely uninstall a tablet driver on Windows?

See: Tablet Driver Cleanup tool