> 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/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/connecting-pen-display-usbc.md). # Connecting a pen display with USB-C ## Overview {% hint style="info" %} Read this first: [Connecting a pen display](/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display.md) {% endhint %} ## Video {% embed url="" %} ## Considerations Key things to keep in mind: * Not all pen displays support this configuration, even if they have USB-C ports. * Not all computers can send power and a display signal over USB-C. * Not all USB-C cables can be used for this purpose. So, do your research and plan carefully. Do not buy a pen display assuming that a single USB-C cable connection will work. ## Verify with your manufacturer The first thing you should do is verify whether the tablet supports a single USB-C connection. Ideally, do this before you buy the tablet. You can do this verification easily: * Read the user manual and check how the tablet connects. * Or contact support and ask whether it works for that specific model. ## Summary of requirements
## Video signal with DP alt mode support Your cable and ports must support DP alt mode. To find out whether your ports and cables support DP alt mode, read [USB-C DisplayPort alt mode](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/usbc-dp-alt-mode.md). ## Power support * Cables * Thunderbolt USB-C cables can usually carry enough power. * Ports * Even if the cable supports power, your computer's USB-C port may not supply enough power. * Power needed * The size of the pen display affects how much power is needed. * A 13-inch pen display is more likely to work from USB-C power alone. * At 16 inches, some pen displays need additional power from a wall adapter. * Above 16 inches, a single USB-C cable is often not enough. ## USB-C Port preference Often with tablets there are two USB-C ports. Sometimes they are not interchangeable: * Some tablets dedicate the top port to video and data, and the bottom port to power. * Some tablets dedicate the bottom port to video and data, and the top port to power. * Some tablets can use any combination of ports for video, data, and power. ## USB-C Ports that are recessed You should be aware that recessed USB-C ports on your pen display typically mean that only the manufacturer-provided USB-C cables will fit them. More here: [Recessed USB-C ports](/drawtab/guides/connecting/recessed-usbc-ports.md)
## Manufacturer cables vs third-party cables I recommend you get the USB-C cables provided by the manufacturer for two reasons: * These cables are known to work with your tablet * The tablet may have recessed USB-C ports and these cables are designed to fit that port. Other cables may not even fit inside. * I have personally seen third-party USB-C cables fail with a tablet even though they met the specs and worked with other tablets. More here: [Using 3rd-party cables with your drawing tablet](/drawtab/guides/connecting/3rd-party-cables-for-drawtab.md) ## Thunderbolt 3/4/5 cables To keep it simple, I often just use Thunderbolt 3/4/5 cables since these are USB-C cables that are defined to support DP alt mode and enough power. ## The specific Thunderbolt 3 cable I use I use a CableMatters Thunderbolt 3 cable. The exact cable and my testing results are here: [CableMatters Thunderbolt 3 cable](/drawtab/catalog/accessories/cables/cablematters-thunderbolt-3-cable.md). ## How to tell if a USB-C cable could be used as a single-cable for your pen display Unfortunately, this can be hard because there are no reliable visual indicators for USB-C cables. Most USB-C cables are unmarked. **Thunderbolt-labeled USB-C cables** — If you see a Thunderbolt logo on a USB-C cable, it is a Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 cable. That means it supports the needed requirements. **USB4-labeled USB-C cables** — I've never seen a cable labeled USB4. But if you see one, it should support the needed requirements. **Unlabeled USB-C cables** — You will need to rely on the manufacturer specs. These cables are sometimes described as "full-featured" USB-C cables. ## Adding a USB-C with DisplayPort to your computer If your computer does not have a USB-C port that supports DP alt mode, it may be possible to add one. This is apparently possible but will require a desktop computer that is capable of accepting an expansion card. See: [Dan S Charlton: Add USB-C with DisplayPort-alt-mode to your PC](https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2020-07-20/add-usb-c-with-dp-alt-mode-to-your-desktop-pc/) ([archive link](https://archive.is/WylTo)) ## Resources * Here is a list from Huion about devices that can use a single USB-C cable: * Brad Colbow connecting the Huion Kamvas 13 with a single USB-C cable: See 6:00 in this video: * Teoh on Tech connecting the XP-Pen Artist 13 (2nd gen) using a single USB-C cable. See 4:30 in the video: --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display/connecting-pen-display-usbc.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.