# Using HDMI adapters with pen displays

## Before you begin

You may want to familiarize yourself with this doc before you continue if you are not experienced connection options: [Connecting a pen display](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/connecting/connecting-pen-display)

## Overview

Sometimes the tablet needs to be connected to your computer through HDMI. This means that there's a cable coming from your tablet that has a “male” HDMI plug. And of course you then need a “female” HDMI receptacle.

“Plug” and “receptable” are the official terms, by the way 😊

However it is possible you can use another port.

## Order of preference of ports for adapters

Not all ports are equally good for connecting to HDMI. Some you should try first because they will give you a better experience.

If you don't have an HDMI port you should try alternative ports in the order below.

* DisplayPort
* USB-C (remember not all USB-C ports support sending a display signal).
* DVI
* VGA

## Adapter details

* [DisplayPort to HDMI adapters](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/hdmi-adapters/dp-to-hdmi-adapters)
* [USB-C to HDMI adapters](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/hdmi-adapters/usbc-to-hdmi-adapters)
* [DVI to HDMI adapters](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/hdmi-adapters/dvi-to-hdmi-adapters)
* [VGA to HDMI adapters](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/pen-displays/hdmi-adapters/vga-to-hdmi-adapters)

## Check your requirements

You need to make sure your adapter supports the **resolution** and **refresh rate** that you want from you pen display.

## General flakiness

Generally these adapters "just work". But sometimes there are odd quirks on some computers and they just don't work or not work correctly.