I am interested to know how many people use Wacom tablets. My main interest is Beauty and Fashion retouching and I am contemplating buying one.

I use a mouse, not tablet and pen, i did buy one, i hated it, went back to using the mouse, i use the mouse in painter also.

I love my tablet! I have the Wacom 5x3 or whatever the smallest one is. I really enjoy for some of the brush work in Photoshop. I use kb, mouse and tablet pretty equally depending on the tool. For example, I find my cropping is more accurate with the mouse. Dodging, burning, making freehand selections are easier with the tablet. And switching tools is very easy with the kb. It's just another tool to make some things easier.

I still use my mouse a fair bit, but find the tablet terrific particularly for things like fine masking.

If in doubt, you can always get an entry model - like the 4x5 Graphire3 - that's what I have and I think it's a great extra tool.

Have a search in the forum - there are a number of lengthy threads on Wacom tablets already.

Funny, I used to wish I had one but now, I dunno, I just kinda prefer my mouse. Guess I just am used to it.

I have seen some retouching jobs that specify experience on a Wacom tablet.

A Tablet Is defenetly needed when you are retouching! Alot of advantages to using a mouse. I takes a little practice to get used to it. A tablet is preassure sensitive... meaning i reads the preassure on you you use your pen creating unachiavable results that the mouse can't. When it comes to size of tablet ... size matters. I use a Wacom Intuos 6" X 8" and it works for me. The 9" X 12" its nice but at least for me is not as portable. I travel alot so I stick with the 6" X 8". Hope this helps you out...

Just browsing through your website now. Some great images there.

I'm using the Wacom Cintiq 21UX. That's the one where the monitor is built into the surface of the tablet so that you use the pen right on screen.

I will never to back to using just a mouse.

That sounds fantastic

I have a Wacom and an el'cheapo Aiptek model. I recommend the Wacom.

Shelby

I use a wacom for everything. I don't even have a mouse attached to the computer anymore.
I can't even imagine retouching with a mouse now.

Chris

I'm using the Wacom Cintiq 21UX. That's the one where the monitor is built into the surface of the tablet so that you use the pen right on screen.

I will never to back to using just a mouse.

After seeing this topic and post though... rethinking my Christmas list :dizzy:

Working with the mouse is like drawing with a bar of soap. The tablet and pen makes it far easier and quicker for me.

it gives a far more natural 'feel' especially when brushing.

yes it sounds as though it would be a good investment. Would you say it speeds up your retouching work. I mainly work on skin.

(must add to xmas list!)

Absolutely the best investment I ever made...!

As almost everyone else has already said, I wouldn't go back to using a mouse for retouch work.

The pen gives much more natural control when attending to fine detailed.

Still use my mouse for general browsing (horses for courses), but don't use it at all when working on images.

Like other's here, I'd love Racc Iria's set up, but when you look at the cost of it, it may cool your enthusiasm. But if I remember right from an earlier post, he had it provided by his employer and didn't have to buy it himself (lucky man).

After reading through threads like this one, and articles in "trade" (and not-so-trade) publications, I purchased a Wacom tablet (not sure what model).

Shellby - I gotta tell ya - it was probably the worst piece of hardware I ever had the displeasure of trying to get my head around...

It was an absolute nightmare to set up; the written instructions were practically non-existant, the help files read like they were written for a Wacom R&D specialist by a Wacom power-user, the configuration software was utterly horrific and the whole experience was excrutiatingly frustrating. The tablet has been languishing in the back of a rarely opened cupboard ever since.

Don't get me wong; I'm an experienced computer user and I don't shy away from opening up my PC and performing fairly advanced surgery, or delving into the depths of the OS and tweaking and tuning as I see fit. But the whole tablet thing basically pi**ed me off big-time, despite the fact that I laboured on-and-off for almost two weeks trying to get the thing to behave how I wanted it to.

Also (and this is equally relevant) I have ALWAYS used a mouse. All my techniques and working practices are based around (and have basically been formulated and developed around) the mouse. Suddenly having to make the leap (and for me it is a leap) from a mouse to a pen was almost as frustrating as the crappy tablet itself.

I know that I'm probably going to upset a lot of hardcore tablet fans - and that's not my intention. I'm just relating my own (fairly unique - I'm sure) experience. I guess if you're prepared to "unlearn" everything that makes you feel comfortable using a mouse, and "re-learn" everything you do but with a new (and very different) tool, then go right ahead and buy a tablet.

Personally, I do everything at "pixel" level, and strictly by the numbers (literally), so facilities like "pressure sensitivity" and "natural feeling brushstrokes" are not only pretty useless to me, but would most likely irritate me and get in the way of how I work.

Of course, the flipside of this coin is that I'm a reactionary old git who's too set in his ways to change / learn something new / move with the times. Maybe I just need a highly experienced tablet user to actually "show" me what I'm missing (if anything). I think that's probably the only thing that might persuade me to try again (and I'd have to be pretty blown away before I'd consider it!).

S

...and judging from your stunning portfolio (website) your mouse is serving you well :pleased:

I see that you are also based in the UK. :wavey:

It was an absolute nightmare to set up; the written instructions were practically non-existant, the help files read like they were written for a Wacom R&D specialist by a Wacom power-user, the configuration software was utterly horrific and the whole experience was excrutiatingly frustrating. The tablet has been languishing in the back of a rarely opened cupboard ever since.
I'm sorry that a tablet wasn't for you Steve - but this paragraph is the bit I don't understand. My Wacom I plugged in and it just 'worked'. I haven't had any need to even read the help files. Are we talking a while ago here - maybe a very early model?

That was my experience also, install the driver, then just plug n play.

There is no way I could go back to using a mouse for retouching work. With my tablet, I am able to have much more control over just about everything!

Thanks Shellby.

Caitlin: it wasn't that long ago - maybe a year (a year and a half at the most). If only it was just a simple case of plug'n'play... unfortunately it couldn't have been more complicated.

From the moment I plugged the tablet in nothing functioned correctly. By default the tablet represented a tiny strip of screen area along the top of my screen and nothing I could do would correct this. This was especially frustrating because the configuration screen for the tablet itself (the software that came with the thing) placed buttons OUTSIDE of the screen area that the tablet actually made available to the me... the bulk of my screen was totally inaccessible and I had to unplug the buggering tablet and plug my mouse back in just to make selections in the configuration window. This problem - despite my continued and repeated alteration of the various options available - simply perpetuated itself in slightly differing combinations of screen areas. Not once did I manage to configure the thing so that the tablet area represented my screen area (in over two weeks of screwing around).

In addition to these probelms, the pressure sensitivity issue was a nightmare. The default setting of the pen was totally over-sensitive (to the extent that even waving the pen tip over the tablet at a distance of almost a centimeter would initiate actions and functions) and no amount of adjustment could provide a consistent and usable pressure setting. Even with pressure sensitivity turned OFF the pen still behaved strangely and exhibited random pressure-based behaviour.

There were many other problems that I won't go into right now, suffice to say that my experience couldn't have been worse! The configuration software that came with the tablet was quite horrible; it conspicuously failed to explain any of its functions or parameters sufficiently and made no attempt to provide the novice user with an "easy" quick-start guide (or in fact any kind of guide at all).

I wonder if maybe I had a "dud" piece of hardware - quite possible considering how awful my experience was and how great everyone elses has been! Either way, I don't think i'll be trying a tablet again in a hurry.

S

Originally posted by Gary Richardson
Like other's here, I'd love Racc Iria's set up, but when you look at the cost of it, it may cool your enthusiasm. But if I remember right from an earlier post, he had it provided by his employer and didn't have to buy it himself (lucky man).
You remember correctly, Gary. It is supplied by my employer. I do love this thing, though. It's a work of art in its own right and it's a real pleasure to work with it.

And yes, at $2500 it is on the pricy side. But if I had a home based business I certainly would save up and buy one. I think they can also be leased to own. Even though I've always been quite used to working with a tablet, I find that this one is even faster to work on. And, if you've never worked with a tablet before, it's great because there is no need to "learn" how to use a tablet and get used to that disconnect between when your pen is and where you're looking. If you can use a pen and paper you can use this tablet.

Plus, when you realize that it's not just a state-of-the-art tablet, but a high quality 21" LCD monitor as well, then the cost is a little easier to justify.

--Racc

Interesting comments! I'm about to give up the business after nearly six decades and put my Cintique up for sale. Without it I would have given up long ago. Having been in the business years before computer aided retouching, I never could get the hang of working with a mouse - the LCD tablet was a life saver that let me continue to work with at least some semblance of a "natural" feel to art work.

Jim Conway
Timemark Photo Conservators

Racc... it didn't really register with me when you mentioned the Cintiq - I just thought it was another regular tablet, but I was at the Digital Print World Show in London yesterday and I saw the Cintiq and... WOW, what can I say!

It's not really a tablet at all - it's a completely different thing altogether and I'm seriously considering getting one.

Incidentally, the guy from Wacom who I was talking with said that my tablet (the one that gave me all the trouble) was almost definitely a dud as he had never encountered those kinds of problems before.

SK

wow, that thing's gorgeous... and at $3k worth more than my PC! I had a really cheap A5 tablet once - cant remember the brand but I wasnt impressed - it was just too small to make anything like realistic movements - I fiddled as much as I could with the settings but it was always just too small - the tinyest movement made too much of an impression on the screen. I'd much rather have had something with a closer relationship to the size of my screen. That Cintique looks perfect... maybe if I give up eating and drinking - one day I can have one lol.

Check the class ads here in a week or two - I'll put the one I have up for sale at about half the current price. In fact, I'll even toss in an Adams Retoucher and a few graphite pencils for any of you that know what one of those might be used for! :-)

Jim Conway

Stevek...

Yep, I reacted the same way. I didn't even need to see it work, just the description and a picture was all it took for me. But it is hard to appreciate unless you've seen it and tried it. And once you have, you don't want to go back. It really is a work of art... both technically and physically.


NancyJ...

If you're seeing it priced at $3,000 don't buy from that source. It's street priced at $2,495. You can also lease one. Don't know the details, though. Even though it is expensive, it's worth it. If I did a lot of work at home, I would absolutely save up for one.


Jim...

What model are you selling?


--Racc

Model is TL 550-02

Early adopter here :-) I bought it with the intent of setting up on site digital here and hired a guy named Pete (some long time Retouch Pro readers may remember this trying venture of mine). Anyway Pete lasted about 30 days and I think went back to Kmart and retouching kiddie pics. I gave up on the idea of bringing in a staff retoucher, hired a few people from Retouch Pro and went back to outservicing our digital work.

The Cintiq (along with an Athlon 1700 computer configured with a second monitor for it) sat around for about three years before I started using it myself. Although digital software has come a long way to reduce the art work needs, at least in my mind, this piece of equipment is the only way to fly when you take on the tough jobs that require "creating" realistic detail.

I'm still more comfortable with an airbrush in my hand and often find it faster for many tasks so I guess it's all in all it's way you start in the business that forms your choices. I still think retouching with a mouse is something like the idea of starring at the projected image on the ceiling while you try to airbrush a canvas. Not exactly the high road to perfection for anything that can't be done again and again to get it right - maybe that's why they invented "layers" do you suppose?

Jim Conway
Timemark Photo Conservators

Jim...

I've never heard of that model Cintiq. It must really be an early one. I remember the 15SX and the 18SX, but now they just have the 21UX and a 17SX. The UX is really nice because there is no bezel around the edge of the screen, it's perfectly flat and smooth.

There is also an airbrush stylus that's available with control for airbrush ink flow, brush size, opacity, etc. And also a new "art" pen that has a tip shaped more like a small paint brush and it acts like a brush would when you tilt or rotate it.

--Racc

I use a wacom, the smallest one they do, it comes into its own for certain stuff, but otherwise I use mouse / shortcut keys.

Mine only cost £75,Graphhire 2, and although its not high-end I think its GREAT.

Intuos 3, 6X8 (I think). Would hate to be without it.

I agree, drawing with a mouse is exactly like drawing with a brick. of course the mouse is good for certain things, but I think a small wacom is indespensable.

While I realize that this thread is old, and that the Wacom Faction has more than had its say--I can't resist jumping in and saying that my first Wacom (a 12x12 refurbished Intuos, purchased directly from Wacom) was the BEST piece of technology I ever purchased! (Do I have a comparison basis? Yeah--after 13 years in IT, doing various forms of support and training, yep, I've been exposed to plenty! :-))

I was hesitant about making such a large, expensive purchase, on something I'd never seen "in real life"--touched, used, etc--and about 9 years before that, I'd purchased a cheap tablet device that was completely worthless, making me even more gun-shy...but 6 months of careful online research convinced me that I should give it a try.

WOW!!!!

It was better than I'd imagined!!!!

Yes, it took about a week of using it, to really get used to drawing without "looking at the page", so to speak...but with a background in art--I'm VERY used to relying on my strokes to achieve different effects, based on the pressure I use--and the my Intuos was extraordinarily responsive. It cut my retouching time down considerably, once I mastered the use of it...and I've never looked back.

Then there was the bundled software--notably, Painter Classic--a marvelous little program--that was eligible for upgrade to the full-blown Painter for $149, at the time, I believe, through "Wacom privileges". Wacom privileges are available to you after you register your tablet. I not only bought Painter immediately after trying Painter Classic--but I bought several Nik Multimedia filter packages (the only third party filters I ever use) at reduced prices--also through Wacom privileges.

Today, I use an Intuos 3 9x12--and it's better still--with it's programmable buttons on either side of tablet--so that when I want to ALT + click to define a cloning source, healing source, etc, I use a button right on the tablet...and a touch strip on one side of the tablet is programmed to resize my brush on the fly...one of the buttons on the other side of the tablet brings up a menu I've filled with my favorite key sequences (an overlay layer, filled with neutral gray, for instance), so I work even more quickly, without having to shift to reach my keyboard.

Lately, I've been thinking about getting one of these, http://reviews.pimprig.com/input_devices/ergodex_dx1_input_system.php?page=1 , and setting up a layout for Photoshop shortcut keys for my left hand--getting my regular keyboard COMPLETELY out of the loop--and, I think, speeding up my workflow even more--once I get used to it, that is! ;-)

I would, of course, love a Cintiq--but I don't feel it will be as much of a productivity jump as the "mouse to Intuos" leap--and I'd prefer to wait for a wireless version, anyway--so I could edit with it in my lap. ;-)

Can I do the same things with a mouse, that I do with my Intous? Of course I can!!! It will take longer, for many things--and leaves me more vulnerable to carpal tunnel flareups--but I can, and do, edit with a mouse, when I find myself somewhere without my Wacom...but I'd never, EVER go back to a mouse only. (Plus, when you're feeling frustrated with life in general--nothing beats opening up photos of beautiful people and doodling glasses, a moustache, and whiskers on them, for stress-relief and a good giggle. It's not NEARLY as much fun, with a mouse! ;-))

i have added it to my christmas wish list!

I really like your Interpretive Portraits section. The dreamy fairy-like images are stunning.

I'll keep my fingers crossed, and hope Santa's nice to you, then! :-)

And thanks for the kind words about my Interpretive Portraits--it means a lot--particularly coming from you, as the lovely work in your portfolio was influential in my choosing to join up here. (And I AM glad to hear you mentioning the "dreamy, fairy-like" quality of the images there--as many of the images are part of an ongoing project of mine, wherein I try to create images that are reminiscent of the work of the pre-Raphaelites/Victorian classicists, and some of the early, romantic photographers, like Julia Margaret Cameron and the Allen sisters. There's a LOT of experimentation going on, as I try to find the right balance between my own vision--something appealing to the modern sensibilities--and the timeless appeal of their work. It's still a bit "hit or miss"--but when people comment on the qualities I'm going for--it lets me know I'm on the right track, at any rate! :-))

(I discovered your portfolio, btw, in a fabulous thread started by heyrad, wherein he described his "recipe for perfect skin"...causing me to rush to my computer, and spend HOURS trying to replicate his effect, using his technique!)

You have a strong artistic eye, and a light touch with your retouching--and even though your retouching interests are clearly more focused in a different direction than mine are, it's always a delight and an inspiration to see such lovely work. (And such a professional looking website, too! ;-) I've had my layout on paper for a couple of years now...but haven't gotten around to DOING it yet...)

Thanks again--and I do hope you get that Wacom for Christmas--I, for one, can't wait to see what sort of work you do with it! :D

yes I spent many hours learning Dreamweaver and designing my site... so thanks!

I ticked No because I don't use a Wacom tablet. Wacom are not the only people who make graphics tablets, contrary to what many people may think :tongue: I use a Trust tablet and don't know what I would do without it !! It was also a LOT cheaper than a Wacom !!!

I use my Wacom tablet for certain jobs, but I don't like the effect of variable pen pressure (adjusting my brush size). I like to set that myself.

Ken

I just got the Wacom Intuos 6x8 a few weeks ago. I would NEVER go back to using a mouse now.

I was trying to do some stuff on a mouse the other day to show somebody how to do something and I felt handicapped.

By far and away the biggest advantage is the variable brush size. Sure, I love having something that is like a pen in my hands but I really like not having to switch brush sizes all the time.

-Bryan

I've tried using it several times but have found that it doesn't serve much use. At least for me. I am fine with using Photoshop's tools...

While I use a Wacom 6x8, it's going back. Do NOT by a refurb model.

I was on Wacoms site one night, ordering nibs for my pen on my 4x5 tablet and saw refurbed Intous3's for $270. So I ordered one. Everything looked ok until I started using it. There is a dip in the center of the tablet, so when moving from left to right you will actually feel it and the mouse will wobble when using it. After contacting Wacom about it, the Customer Service rep said they would issue an RMA but it's quite possible that it's "within specifications." Huh? Noticable wave in the tablet would be IN spec? RIGHT. So I told them the hell with it and I just want a refund. NewEgg had NEW 6x8's for $15 more than I paid for the Refurb. Ugh.

Hi, I've a 5x4 Genius tablet and it works for me. It has all the advantages as any Wacom, including a mouse. Try a Genius, it's great and it's not as expensive.

Silvia. :classic:

I just got the Wacom Intuos 6x8 a few weeks ago. I would NEVER go back to using a mouse now.

I was trying to do some stuff on a mouse the other day to show somebody how to do something and I felt handicapped.

By far and away the biggest advantage is the variable brush size. Sure, I love having something that is like a pen in my hands but I really like not having to switch brush sizes all the time.

-Bryan

Do profesional techincal illustrations. Cannot do without the Wacom Intuos 3. As a "left hander" it is just what I needed. Cannot even consider doing grpahics without the pen! Airbrush is quesitonable.

I could not work without my tablet. I have a large 12x12 Wacom. When I started retouching several years ago with a photo house, my boss MADE me use the tabet (which was very uncomfortable). But I am so glad he did. If I ever work for anyone else again, one stipulation before taking the job would be a tablet. One of the best features... PRESURE CONTROL! :bow: WACOM!

The stylus has been in my hand for so long, that even doing simple navigation tasks on the desktop are clumbsy with a mouse. So many features with a tablet, size and flow for instance or combinations of each, cant be done any other way but preasure sensitivity. I simply cant work with out my tablet.

Glad I am not the only one who still uses a mouse most of the time. When Is started with Photoshop many moons ago, I was able to persuade the company we bought all our equipment from (lots of it) to throw in a free Wacom. It was the lower model of the time but I had previously used a CAD system that used a pen on a huge tablet. So I jumped right in, learned Photoshop and the tablet together. I swore by it. I moved companies and for a while my reliance on Photoshop was minimal and I could not get a tablet ( and was not in a position to buy my own) I started using Photoshop more at home than at work for a while and got used to the mouse, but the ball was annoying. Well another change of position and now I started using Photoshop again at work, but still mouse. Well eventually mice lost their balls so to speak and that made mouse life so much easier, far less slip ups. When I was finally in a position to get a tablet I was really wanting one, but when I got it I was SO used to the mouse that it felt really awkward, so now I have to force my self to use the tablet and will do so for some jobs but then other jobs I still find I am still far more accurate with the mouse. Maybe if I was in a position to try the Wacom Cintiq it would be different as it changes your way of working, you don't stare at the screen while trying to draw off to your side, you draw right there on the image.

But for now, budget and job wise, I use 80% mouse 20% pen. I use the pen at home and any job be it a pen type job or not at work I do with the mouse. Some people say there are things you do with a pen that cannot be done with a mouse, this is not true, t may take a few different approaches but all can be achieved.

I have been working with Photoshop about 2 years now, mainly using it for restorations. For the first couple of months I was using a mouse, then switched to Intuos3 6X8. So I did not have a lot of previous experience/knowlege to transition from.
I use the pen for all of my computer work now, the mouse for the tablet is covered in dust and sits beside the monitor. Sometimes I come to my computer to work and see the mouse on the tablet and it looks real strange and I know my wife has been on my comp for something.
One or two times I have picked up the mouse at someone else's computer and it feels like I am using a rock to scratch a stick figure on the sidwalk.
Larry

Years ago, I started working on an Apple machine at a job that was new somewhere around 1995 I believe. It had Photoshop 3 and a large wacom tablet. I loved it. The wacoms they are expensive though, so about 2 years ago I bought an Aiptek 12x12 for myself because I get mad at my mouse often enough to warrant trying things another way. It wasn't bad and I did alot with it but recently my frustrations grew to new proportions. The AAA battery in the pen was just one of my gripes but I also found myself being continually frustrated (from the day it was brand new) by not being able to put it anywhere within 2 feet of my monitor or else suffer a jittery cursor. It's a good tablet considering the price - I think I just outgrew it. 2 weeks ago I finally broke down and got a wacom 9x12 Intuos3. All I can say is NICE! This one is USB (I recall looking at tablets once and being irritated that wacom was still using serial even though competitors were using USB) and doesn't have a seperate power supply/wall wart like the old one I'd used once did.

I do still use the mouse (my logitech not the wacom mouse) mainly and probably always will but there are times when I really need a pen. And being able to vary opacity, size and or flow on the fly as you paint/draw is just mandatory sometimes :)

I'm using the Wacom Intous 9x12

I will never to back to using just a mouse.

http://homepage.mac.com/nokyai/PhotoAlbum4.html

Just placed an order for a Wacom tablet. Should arrive in a few days time. Looking forward to it.

YAY!!! You're gonna love it, Shelby! :)

I use a trust model graphics tablet which works fine, going back to a mouse
would be like using a pen with my foot!

at my studio we have 42" plasmas and wacom tablets on all the retouching stations. i believe in having the best equipment available in the shop to lure the hottest talent to work for us. also it impresses potential clients when they see the willingness to invest in technology.

that being said, i've employed/worked with lots of retouchers over the years. in my experience, the tablet does not do as accurate of a job at masking, outlining, etc. when people try and use the tablet to create soft masks over say, a sky, there are often holes where things are not painted at 100% opacity. a big no-no when dealing with high end agency stuff.

the mouse can do everything well. the tablet can do most things well. a lot of people feel the tablet is more "artistic"....as long as it's used for ONLY the artistic stuff then it's fine. people shouldn't use it for mechanical things. period.

I even surf the web using my tablet. Hee.

Just placed an order for a Wacom tablet. Should arrive in a few days time. Looking forward to it.

is this the one everyone would recommend? i heard from a company which sent them back as the pointer was jumping around, maybe a bug

i still work with an apple mighty mouse, which i enjoy very much. thinking of this, what if i had a wacom, i maybe would enjoy it even more? i tried it once in a studio. i had the problem of not knowing where the pointer is, when i remove the pen from the ground. thats why i left it.

Absolutely--Wacom is aces! :-) Admittedly--I only tried another brand once, and over a decade ago--but I've been a happy Wacom user for so long now, that I don't see any reason why I'd try another brand. Why mess with success?!

I think that most people find the 6x8 size to be the most convenient combination of "small enough to be easy to manuever with a keyboard" and "large enough to be easy to use"--and if your budget stretches towards it, I'd go with their high end, Intuos 3, (more pressure sensitivity than their lower end, Graphire). I have a 12x12, and it's heavenly, but cumbersome, and a 9x12, which is a little more convenient of a size, but is probably larger than I need. (I WANT it that large--but I probably don't NEED it! ;-))

Give yourself a week, to get used to one--force yourself to use it in Photoshop for just one week...and I think you'll be a convert, too. The first week IS a little rough--getting used to it, I mean...but the Intuos line comes with lots of fun extra software, like Painter Classic (I think it's called Painter Essentials, now)--and I find it very relaxing to just pop over into that, when I need a break, and just doodle with all the fun paintbrushes (NOTHING like Photoshop--more like an artist's tools). That was very helpful to me when I was just learning to use my Wacom...

Mine is the Intuos 3

A5 size (UK paper size)

Just arrived! Haven't even plugged her in yet.

Ok I have it now... surfing the net with it just to get the feel for it.

Now, do you guys have any tried and tested tips for setting it up for retouching in Photoshop CS2?

:)

The real key is to figure out what commands you use the most--and with which hand you'd prefer to use them. My set up (I'm right handed) looks like this:

Left hand buttons
CTRL - default
ALT - default
SHIFT - default
Touchstriip - brush size larger & smaller

Right hand buttons
one button - is set to pull up a menu with the following:
Overlay layer filled with its neutral color
Soft Light layer filled with its neutral color
Hard Light " "
Multiply " "
Darken ""
Screen ""
Lighten ""
Touchstrip - zoom in or out
other buttons - I reprogram as needed

Pen buttons
Left click - new, blank layer
Right cllick - right click function

Basically--anything I can do, to avoid having to use my keyboard--since that either means stretching my arms (leading to eventual RSI); or taking my eyes off what I'm doing, and looking at the keyboard, and thus interrupting my "flow". (Which is why I reprogram the other buttons on the fly--because there are certain things I might find myself doing more frequently on one image than on another). I don't use my pen as much as I do the tablet programming--I tend to forget about it, and have to force myself to use it. Cloning and healing with the ALT button on your tablet is HEAVENLY!

When I'm teaching someone Photoshop, and they've just purchased a tablet, I'll sometimes reach for it, to show them how to do something, and I always find myself nonplussed, when I can't resize my brush by using the left touchstrip--it's so automatic for me now! (And when I'm using my old, Intuos tablet--I find myself reaching for where the buttons "should" be--and tapping them, before I realize that I'm on the wrong tablet! ;-)

One thing I've found, while setting up my buttons, etc--is that it's easier to first, get used to the default settings...and then gradually add in new features. It's hard to remember how to do a whole bunch of new things at once--but once you're used to using CTRL, ALT, SHIFT--then it's very comfy to add in new programmable features, a bit at a time.

You're going to LOVE how your workflow changes, with your new baby--I'm so happy for you! :-)

LOL

Thanks!! Been playing around with dodge and burn on a softlight layer and the control is SO much better!

Ain't it the truth!!!! :-) And faster, too, once you get the hang of it! :grin:

Im wondering which model tablet to get. Now keep in mind I dont have a lot to spend on one, but I want to try one. Can anyone tell me the major differences between the Graphire and Intous? I have been slowly trying to start up my own restoration business and thought this is something I should purchase. Also, maybe someone can explain which size they prefer and why.

Thanks! -cedwar

There are ony two big differences between the Intuos line and the Graphire line--and those are programmability and pressure sensitivity--how sensitive the tablet/pen are to the way you use them. A mouse--has constant pressure sensitivity--or near to it. If you draw a line with a mouse in Photoshop, it will not be substantially darker or lighter based on how hard you press on the mouse--whereas with a tablet, your lines will be darker or lighter, or even wider or narrower, based on how much pressure you apply, and how you hold your pen--just like when you draw on paper with a pen or pencil. And the Intuos line is more sensitive than the comparable model of Graphire--more responsive to your touch.

You can use the "compare a tablet" feature at Wacom, to get specifics on pressure and programmability: http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/differences.cfm There are differences between the number of programmable buttons/touchstrips depending on size, as well as model line.

(There may be additional differences in terms of included software--Wacom has VERY nice included software packages with their tablets!--and the Wacom privileges that comes with each model, but you can check that out on their website.) (Wacom privileges are discounts--often quite substantial--on other, external software packages, based on the model of tablet you have registered with them.)

If you are an artist--and are already very used to controlling your pen strokes through pressure, then you'll probably be happier with the Intuos line. If you're not--you probably wouldn't miss the additional pressure sensitivity of an Intuos--particularly if you haven't tried one already). I know that many retouchers use the Graphire line successfully are perfectly happy with it--and if money is a big consideration, then get what you can afford--and upgrade someday, if you feel you need to. :-)

As far as size is concerned, the most frequently recommended size is 6x8--as it seems to be the perfect compromise between "enough space to move on" and "small enough to fit on my desk comfortably". I've never used a 4x5, but I've used 6x8, 9x12 and 12x12, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that 6x8 didn't make me feel cramped. (I own a 9x12 and 12x12...but could see myself purchasing a 6x8 the next time I feel the need to upgrade.) Your hand size may also play into your choice. I'm a small woman, with small hands. One of my students, a guy, with large hands, found the 6x8 to be much too small for him, and returned it to replace it with a larger tablet.

Another thing to consider, is your screen size. If you have an LCD, and it's a wide aspect screen, then you might be better off with Wacom's new, wider aspect tablet. (Can't remember the size--and am not sure if it's available in Graphire, as well as Intous--but you can find this out on their site.) I do know that using my Intous on my 18" LCD is much easier than using it on my 19" LCD, because the pen strokes match the aspect ratio of 18" better--even with the included software set to compensate for the difference, my strokes are just a little less accurate on the 19". If I wasn't an artist, used to making precise strokes--I don't know if I'd notice it as much, but I am, and I do. It's a minor annoyance--but it IS an annoyance, nonetheless--and one of the reasons that I'm very intrigued by new, wider tablets that are available.

If you've only got $100, however--getting your feet wet with a 4x5 Graphire3 would still probably be significantly better than a mouse--and you can always buy another one, later on, if you need to. Once you get used to a tablet--you'll hate to use the mouse--and if anything ever goes wrong with your tablet, and it needs to be repaired--it's not a bad idea to have a backup. (I've never had a problem with either of mine--but I feel good, knowing I have a spare. My boyfriend DID have a problem with his Intuos3, a few months after he bought it--and even though Wacom replaced it within a few days, he's a fulltime artist--and was facing a deadline--and he would've been lost, if he hadn't had a spare!)

One final thing to consider, if price is an object--is Wacom refurbished tablets. If you purchase directly from Wacom, you can sometimes find an older model tablet at a significant cost savings. For instance, you could buy a new Intous3 6x8 for $289--or you could buy a refurbed Intous 2 6x8 for $239. Refurbs directly from Wacom have the same software, privileges, and one year warranty as a new tablet has. My first Wacom was one model out of date--but because it was refurbed, I was able to afford the 12x12--got it for $300, instead of the $500 it would've cost new. PCMall currently has refurbed 4x5 Graphire3 tablets for $49.99--$39.99 after mail-in rebate--making that a VERY affordable way to get your feet wet! :-)

I have been using my tablet and I am really happy so far, but one thing -

I am happy with it being pressure sensitive, but it is also brush size sensitive. If I press lightly then the brush size is small and soft, as I press harder the brush size gets larger and harder.

I need to be able to work with a large but soft brush at times.

How do I turn off the auto brush size.

I have made the two buttons on the tablet [ and ] to increase and decrese the brush sizes in Photoshop. I have made the bottom button on the pen the ALT or Option for cloning.

All of this was done through the System Prefs, choosing Photoshop, then changing the settings. I just cannot see where to amend the brush size one.

Briarrose- Thanks for all your input, I have another question. What do you think are the top couple of things that are made easier with a tablet over a mouse? Im not an artist, I basically do restorations.

Thanks -cedwar

Shellby

To turn pressure sensitivity on or off for various aspects of your brushes, open the brush preset palette.

If you look at the attached image, item A (shape dynamics) determines whether or not pressure will affect the size of the brush.

Item B will determine if pressure will affect the opacity of the brush.

The second image shows how to make the stroke much smoother by turning the spacing all the way down to 1%. This is a good idea if you use broad or quick strokes as it will keep the stroke from having "lumps" or "bumps." Increase the spacing to see the effect in the sample window below it.

Hope that helps.

--Racc

I thought it was great back in '95 when I started using a Wacom tablet. (really just being able to do it on a computer at that point was great, as opposed to my old-school methods) Totally awesome. This is exactly how I feel about the Cintiq21. I can't think of going back to the old tablet down there on the desk. This is as nature intended it; working ON the subject directly.

BTW - For those of you who are traditional media artists, check out Alias SketchBook Pro. It's not Painter but it's very cool for drawing and sketching, especially on a Cintiq.

Pocoroba...

I totally agree. I'm using one myself at work and can't imagine going back to a regular tablet, let alone a mouse. I find it speeds up nearly every aspect of computer use, let alone working with images.

--Racc

I believe it's probably got ergonomic advantages as well. My arm isn't in a fairly prone position anymore. It's up in the air and moving about in all directions.

Cedwar--the things that a tablet really does better than a mouse are: a) pressure sensitivity and b) more natural interface.

You already know how to use a pen/pencil. You know without thinking about it, that when you want just a *little* bit of pencil on the paper, you press lightly, and when you press harder, you get more pencil. When you're using a tablet, it's like using a pencil--and your retouching becomes more intuitive. When you want just a wee bit of color on your retouched image--you press lightly...and when you want the color to be denser--you bear down more. It makes for faster retouching--since with a mouse, a click is a click. If you only want a LITTLE bit of color on your image--you have to change your brush opacity...and then do the same, when you want more. Some people have told me that they only use ONE BRUSH--with one opacity--after switching to a tablet--because they control the amount of each effect (opacity of the effect) via the pressure of the pen!

And again--when it comes to trying to outline something...it's a WHOLE lot easier to outline and select, when using a pen. Try writing your name in cursive, with your mouse, in Photoshop. Not too impressive, is it?! Even if you have a great deal of control (and I do--I can draw with a mouse, if need be)--it's NOT the same as writing it with a pen. Enter the stylus! :-) When you write on a tablet--your signature really looks like you wrote it--it's smoother, nicer...and just feels more natural.

And of course, if you're clenching your hand over a mouse for 8 hours a day, clicking and clicking and clicking, as you retouch--you're just begging for carpal tunnel, sooner or later! While I'm not going to tell you a tablet is more ergonomically correct (you get just as tired and cramped, using a pen for 8 hours!), it doesn't do the same damage to your wrist as a mouse does. (And as someone who spent a year with both hands in braces, due to tendonitis--I REALLY take care of my wrists now!!) With a tablet, you don't have to click to release an effect--you just draw it right on to the image. It takes a bit to get used to it--about a week, I think, to get really comfortable--but it's heavenly, once you do! :-)

And don't throw away your mouse, either--there ARE times it works better, even in Photoshop, than a tablet...and I ONLY use my tablet in Photoshop or Painter--it's not practical for me to use it for everything...but a tablet really is a huge improvement in terms of speed and ease of use, in the long run.

Hope that helps! :-)

Hello all,

This is my first post to the forumn since joining about 2 months ago. I love the site and will be posting some of my work in the near future. I truly enjoy the feedback that everyone gives so I thought I would bring this issue to you.

I am in the process of getting a new computer. I mainly do photography and work in photoshop and Painter IX. I would love to get a Wacom tablet, but I was wondering if there are any tablet PC's that would serve this same purpose. I really like the idea of being able to travel and edit at the same time.

Thanks,
PJ

I'd like to try one out some day but our son wants one sooo bad it's killing him (he's a junior photog).

Jon.

could you please advise me which tablet i could buy? what size would be enough? my desktop is not too big, so....i like the 16:10 size of the wacom A5. but its more expensive.

wacom is the best i can read....

whats the difference between intous and graphire? i dont get it. its only cheaper and wacom site itself i dont find a comparison, sorry.

i heard that some tablets have very slippery surface. i would like to have the lastest and most improved one for a reasonable pricing maybe.

i havent the faintest idea, as of some people told me wacom built some in 2005, and they sent it back to wacom, as they very pretty much useless, i dont know why. coordination porblems i guess.

i tried one pen, a wacom i think. what i liked was the sensitive pen, and the shortcut buttons, very fast working with the buttons, i use to press the keys 1-10 for blending. what i disliked was only, that i didnt know where i am in the screen, i kind of lost orientation very often.

do they have a program maybe, like money-back if you dont like the product, if i cant work with it?
i am living in germany.

thanks

I use an intuos 6X8. After switching to the tablet I completely abandoned the mouse.

intous 3? or older

I'm all mouse. Haven't tried a tablet, but the mouse works well for me.