> 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/pen-displays/etched-glass-vs-film.md).

# Etched glass vs film

## Overview

A pen display will usually have one of two surface types:

* Etched glass - glass with an etched texture. Learn more here: [Etched glass](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/etched-glass.md)
* Film - a thin plastic film that sits on top of the glass. See [Anti-glare film](/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/anti-glare-film.md).

The traditional thinking is that etched glass is better. You will see many "pro" tablets that have etched glass while their "consumer" counterparts have the film.

My view is that this is not so clear. In some cases, film has real advantages. In this document, I'll discuss the merits of each.

## Anti-glare sparkle

Anti-glare sparkle is an undesirable effect. It can appear with both etched glass and film. The amount varies a lot. You cannot say that one always has less sparkle than the other. You have to judge the specific surface used on a tablet.

## Changing the etching

This is not possible. There is no known way to reduce the amount of etching on glass.

## Removing and replacing the film

Many tablets with film have removable film. Some manufacturers even sell replacements.

This is one flexibility that films have over etching.

* You can remove the film entirely
* If you scratch the film, you can replace it.
* If you do not like some aspect of the film - maybe it has too much AG sparkle - you can buy a different film with different properties. For example, Photodon sells films with different amounts of AG effect. You can even get completely clear film.

Note: Some pen displays have very securely attached films, and they may be difficult to remove.

## Handling scratches

* Scratches in etched glass are permanent
* Film is clearly better here because it can be replaced.

## Texture

Plain glass feels slippery to draw on. Etched glass offers texture, and so does film. In both cases, the pen grips the surface a bit better.

In my opinion, etched glass has a slightly stronger texture. Film tends to feel a little different. Both are better than plain glass.