I've been considering getting one of the Wacom Intuos4 or 5 small tablets to use while working in PS. I'm just curious as to how many of you guys use one while working? From what I've read they really make editing and, just working in PS in general, much easier. Thoughts? Input?
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Using a tablet/pen in PS?
- Thread starter s1rGr1nG0
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xtrme
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Without a doubt, get one. I usually recommend getting the largest one you can afford. I've had a 12" Wacom Intuos II for 9 years now, working with it at least 6 hours a day and the only thing I've ever had to service is changing the pen nib and the tablet overlay, which is easy to do yourself and inexpensive.
The only drawback is there can be a fairly steep learning curve involved getting used to using a tablet. For instance, when you pick up and move a mouse, the cursor stays where it was on screen, meaning it's position is relative. When you move the pen on a tablet, it moves to the corresponding location on screen, meaning it's position is absolute... the corners of the tablet represent the corners of the monitor.
Also, the default brush settings in Photoshop aren't the best (at least not for me) and there are so many ways to set them up, it can be a little overwhelming.
All that being said, once you get used to a tablet, you'll never go back to using a mouse. For anything!
Let me know if you get one and I'll post the brush settings I use.
The only drawback is there can be a fairly steep learning curve involved getting used to using a tablet. For instance, when you pick up and move a mouse, the cursor stays where it was on screen, meaning it's position is relative. When you move the pen on a tablet, it moves to the corresponding location on screen, meaning it's position is absolute... the corners of the tablet represent the corners of the monitor.
Also, the default brush settings in Photoshop aren't the best (at least not for me) and there are so many ways to set them up, it can be a little overwhelming.
All that being said, once you get used to a tablet, you'll never go back to using a mouse. For anything!
Let me know if you get one and I'll post the brush settings I use.
Sierraccr
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I just recently started using a Wacom myself. It is a long learning curve, but I'm finding it definitely worth the effort.
Using the tablet makes precision work so much easier. I do a lot of photo restoration and I honestly don't know what I did before I got it. The pressure sensitive part definitely takes practice. I find it difficult to predict results quite yet, but I'm sure that will get easier in time.
Some people are able to do away with having a mouse. Not me. I find there are still things that are simply easier with the mouse.
Using the tablet makes precision work so much easier. I do a lot of photo restoration and I honestly don't know what I did before I got it. The pressure sensitive part definitely takes practice. I find it difficult to predict results quite yet, but I'm sure that will get easier in time.
Some people are able to do away with having a mouse. Not me. I find there are still things that are simply easier with the mouse.
Smokey2011
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I've said this many times before. You're totally wasting your time using a mouse with Photoshop.
When you get a tablet, you'll unleash the true power of Photoshop. But if you continue to use a mouse, you're experiencing a very low percentage of what the program is actually able to do. It was *meant* to be used with a tablet, not a mouse. A mouse is a last option for those who can't afford $100 for a starter tablet.
I don't see any learning curve, either. It works just like a pen. Like you write on paper, you write on the tablet and guide the pointer.
Get one. Even if it has to be a cheap starter tablet. (Make sure it's Wacom, though.) You just don't know what you're missing
When you get a tablet, you'll unleash the true power of Photoshop. But if you continue to use a mouse, you're experiencing a very low percentage of what the program is actually able to do. It was *meant* to be used with a tablet, not a mouse. A mouse is a last option for those who can't afford $100 for a starter tablet.
I don't see any learning curve, either. It works just like a pen. Like you write on paper, you write on the tablet and guide the pointer.
Get one. Even if it has to be a cheap starter tablet. (Make sure it's Wacom, though.) You just don't know what you're missing
Smokey2011
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Thanks for the replies guys.
I just ordered a Wacom Intuos 4 small a few minutes ago. Now, as soon as my CS5 upgrade, my book, and my Intuos get here I'll be set!
excellent move. you're going to be amazed by the precision and pressure sensitivity of the tablet. Say goodbye to your mouse, you'll never use it again for Photoshop.
That said, you can also use the tablet for everything on your computer, not just photoshop. whatever you use a mouse for on your computer, you can use the tablet instead. so to move the pointer around for checking emails, opening folders, whatever- you'll be using the tablet instead. I rarely even look at the mouse anymore. I hate it
sassyprint
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Drawing and editing with a tablet is much easier. It gives you more freedom of movement as compared to using a mouse.