# Connecting a pen display

## Overview

Connecting a pen display to a computer can sometimes be a challenging task. This document explains the fundamental things you MUST understand to make it all work.

## Connection instructions

We can categorize all pen display connections by **which cable is used to transmit the video signal**.

99.9% of the time HDMI or USB-C cables are used for the video signal. Instructions for each case are below. I recommend you <mark style="color:red;">**WATCH BOTH VIDEOS LINKED BELOW**</mark>.

* HDMI for video signal: [Connecting with HDMI](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/connecting-pen-display-hdmi)
* USB-C for video signal: [Connecting a pen display with USB-C](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/connecting-pen-display-usbc)

## Basics

### Fundamental requirements

For a pen display to work correctly, three requirements must be met:

The pen display MUST

* Receive enough **POWER**
* Be able to send **DATA** to your computer
* Receive a **VIDEO SIGNAL** from your computer

From these fundamental requirements, we can explain, plan, and troubleshoot everything about connecting pen displays.

ALL THREE requirements MUST be met to fully use the pen display.

### Connector types

This document is going to talk about connectors a lot. So you need to know what they look like first. Read this guide on [Display connector types](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/display-connector-types) before you continue.

### Connection diagrams

Your tablet user manual will contain diagrams should you exactly how to connect your tablet to your computer. Look at those diagrams before you start trying to connect things. In fact, look at those diagrams before you buy a pen display.

## Troubleshooting

### "NO SIGNAL": When the pen display does not receive a video signal

When you've connected your display you might see it show a message saying NO SIGNAL. Here is a [TSG: Pen display shows NO SIGNAL message](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/troubleshoot/tsg-no-signal).

### When the pen display cannot send data to the computer

See: [TSG: Tablet driver does not detect tablet](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/troubleshoot/tsg-tablet-driver-does-not-detect-tablet)

### When the pen display does not get enough power

TBD

## Other topics

### What about connecting a pen display mobile devices?

Go here: [Connecting a pen display to a mobile device](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/pen-display-with-mobile-device)

### What about wireless connectivity?

No pen displays connect wirelessly. They all require at least one cable to connect to your computer.


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