> 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/ergonomics/posture.md).

# Body posture when using drawing tablets

## Overview

Depending on the kind of drawing tablet you have, your body posture will be very different.

To quickly summarize:

* With a **pen tablet**, your back will naturally be more vertical
* With a **pen display**, you will be hunched over a little or a lot
* With a **standalone tablet**, you will also often be hunched over

## The pen tablet posture

When using the pen tablet on a desk...

The pen tablet will typically lie flat on the desk, so it is parallel to the desk.

Your posture will be as follows:

* Your back will be vertical
* Your head will be looking straight ahead at your monitor
* Your eyes will be pointed straight ahead at your monitor
* One hand will be holding the pen on the tablet
* The other hand will usually be on the desk, often placed on or near the keyboard to press shortcut keys

## The pen display posture

When using a pen display on a desk...

The pen display will usually be at an angle to the desk rather than flat because people:

* Tilt the tablet using the legs that come with it
* Tilt the tablet to varying degrees using a stand. Some tablets come with a stand, and some are bought separately
* Tilt the tablet using a monitor arm

Your posture will be as follows:

* Your back will be leaning in toward the tablet
* Your head will be angled down a bit toward the tablet screen. How much you look down depends on the tablet's tilt.
* Your eyes will likely be looking down a little bit
* One hand will be holding the pen on the tablet
* The other hand will usually be on the desk, often placed on or near the keyboard to press shortcut keys

## Which has better posture?

Most people report that using a **pen tablet gives them better posture**.

Even people who prefer to use pen displays typically have to be conscious of their posture and take breaks, stretch, etc.

Be aware that many people find the posture of a pen display very difficult to deal with. Many people buy a pen display, then return it and switch to a pen tablet for this reason.

For some people, the posture of a pen display is very uncomfortable and can cause real pain.

Here is an example:

* <https://www.reddit.com/r/wacom/comments/rzihu7/shoulder_and_back_pain_with_cintiq_22hd_touch/>


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