8 Best Drawing Tablets For Animation 2D & 3D – A Must-Have For Animators

Do you know the original word of animation means "the state of being alive" in Latin? Just like the name implies, by getting a chain of individual images to change subtly but progressively, graphic characters are brought to life, moving and acting like living humans, making audiences laugh and mourn alongside them.

While traditional animation relies on the diligent work of illustrators to create thousands of images, higher productivity, refined visual effects, and compatibility with various platforms and devices are possible thanks to the 2D and 3D animation techniques nowadays. 

Want to kick-start making a cartoon as your personal passion project? This blog covers the basic tools you need on this creative journey. Read on to learn about basic facts about 2D and 3D animation software and the best animation tablets.

2D & 3D Animation: Comparison & Software

Popular 2D animation software includes Adobe Animate CC and Toon Boom Harmony. Creators will need to hand-draw basic images for the characters and environments, then the body movement can be simulated in the software. Rotoscoping is one of the methods to create animated sequences of characters.

3D animators, aided by computer technology that arose in the 1970s, use computers and software to create characters based on skeleton structures. No more hand drawing is necessary. 

3D Animators are primarily responsible for fine-tuning details in order to improve dimensional visual effects. The characters' motions can then be reproduced using motion capture technology. Popular 3D animation applications include Maya and 3DS Max.

Applications of Drawing Tablets for Animation

Whether you plan to explore the world of 2D or 3D animation, drawing tablets and styluses are the must-have gadgets you need besides a fast computer. Basic animation design procedures where a drawing tablet comes into play include:

• sketch up concepts of characters and environments

• create 2D/3D characters by painting or 3D modelling

• complete a storyboard with keyframes

• animate the scenes

Aside from the procedures outlined above, drawing tablets can be useful when creating a script for the tale and capturing daily inspirations. Instead of painstakingly dragging the awkward mouse around, you can easily get painting and writing experience closer to paper and pen with a tablet and a stylus.

What to Look For in Animation Tablets

When navigating the strange sea of drawing tablets, what should you look for? Here is a full breakdown of the critical factors curated by our tablet experts. You can also view the video below to grasp the key points.

Responsiveness

To fine-tune the details on character’s costume, or render the tiniest aspects of a 3D model, responsiveness between the stylus and the tablet is the key. To ensure that, look for higher pressure levels of at least 8192 in the stylus.

Screen Size

Drawing tablets are available in various sizes. Tablets with screens smaller than 15.6 inches are lightweight and easy to carry. They can be easily packed into a luggage or briefcase, ready for your creation even when on the go.

If you spend a lot of time at home painting on a screen, we recommend 20-inch or larger screens for more area for pen motions and to relieve eye strain.

However, keep in mind that the actual painting area differs from the tablet's size. A wide black ring across the screen will also limit the working area.

Resolution

To display brightest colors on the screen, choose drawing tablets with high LPI resolution. The minimum required is 2000 LPI, however most professional manufacturers, such as Veikk, offer 5000 LPI and above in their products.

Pricing

Pricing is one of many important considerations when making a purchase. Wacom is the most popular choice among professionals who have opted to spend enough money on products from more well-known brands. 

However, for beginner animators or budget-conscious designers, products with a cheaper price and higher quality represent a better value. Looking for an animation tablet that isn't cheap or badly constructed? Look no farther than Veikk products.

Brand story of Veikk

Founded in 2009, Veikk has been dedicated to the research, design, R&D, production, and marketing of digital pen tablets and we have obtained more than 60 product patents. We connect user experiences with continuous innovative technology and products, introduce new technologies that democratize creativity, inspire the next generation, and build a colorful digital creative world.

8 Best Tablets for Animation

Animators want as much precision as attainable to make correct marks, alter frames, and to maneuver by way of rapidly.

For this reason, tablets actually are the only option. In the event you're extra of a hobbyist then an easy graphics tablet could suffice.

However in the long term artists who work digitally sometimes transfer onto show tablets. They're higher high quality and simply really feel simpler to make use of.

1. Studio VK1200 V2

If you want to make animation on your computer, but don't want to use a screenless graphic tablet, then a graphic display might be an option for you.

They are more expensive than a non-screen graphic tablet, but let you draw and paint directly on a screen. Perhaps this will feel more intuitive to you.

Veikk Studio VK1200 V2 is one of the best drawing tablets with a large drawing area, tilt recognition, accurate color display, superb stylus, and more.

This tablet has a Full HD IPS 11.6-inch screen features a  AG glass which giving you a crisp, clear view that you need as an artist.

Coming with a fully laminated and anti-glare-treated screen, this VK1200 V2 has no parallax, and it offers even a much better colour output.

This tablet comes with 6 shortcut buttons on the left side that you can easily customise.

You get the connectivity ports on the right, making it pretty convenient because the wires won't interfere when you're drawing. 

The battery-free stylus has 8192 pressure sensitivity levels and pen tilt support making it super accurate.

It is compatible with Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, Linux and even Android devices. Artist 16 (2nd gen) allows flexible drawing, sketching, and editing as per the user's needs.

If you're doing artwork for a job that involves some digital painting, or perhaps you're a freelancer who doesn't have a gigantic budget, this tablet will be totally fine for your needs without destroying your budget.

2.Studio VK2200Pro

If you want to level up your digital work space and art skills, or just need a big working space, then the Veikk Studio VK2200Pro would be your best choice. It features a 21.5-inch, 1920x1080 FHD IPS screen, 2 quick dials and 8 silent shortcuts, which fully meet your productivity needs. And, the dual-head USB-C design allows connection to other devices without an adapter.

First seen on the Veikk Studio VK2200Pro display, it combines the shortcuts and the screen without any extra gap. Unlike typical pen displays, it looks more elegant and memorable and thinner to only 17mm.

Specifications:

• Display: 21.5-inch LCD with full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and 16.7 million colors.

• Design: Fully laminated display with minimal parallax, anti-glare film, and an integrated adjustable stand. Compatible with VESA mounts.

• Connectivity: USB Type-C, HDMI input,  DC input.

Reasons to Buy:

• High-Pressure Sensitivity: Allows for detailed and nuanced artwork.
• Ergonomic Design: Comfortable grip for long working sessions and adjustable stand for preferred angles.
• Wide Color Range: Suitable for color-sensitive work with vibrant and accurate color representation

3. Veikk Voila L 

Veikk Voila L is an excellent alternative for both new and seasoned artists searching for a good blend of functionality and mobility. Since it is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, it is a versatile tool for various creative projects. Those looking for more advanced features, such as stronger tilt sensitivity or special compatibility needs, may need to look elsewhere. Also, you can check profession review by Creativebloq and Petapixel.

Specifications:

• Stylus: Battery-free, supports 60° tilt, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity.

• Active Area: 10" x 6.25".

• Resolution: 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch).

• Express Keys: 4 customizable keys and a Dial.

• Report Rate: 290PPS.

• Accuracy: ±0.01 Inch.

• Reading Height: 10 mm.

• Compatibility: Windows 7 (or later), Linux (detailed versions), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Android 6.0 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later).

  Reasons to Buy

• Portable and Lightweight: It's easy to carry around.

• Customizable Express Keys: Enhances efficiency with easily accessible shortcuts.

• Broad Compatibility: Works with various operating systems and major software like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

• Versatile Stylus: Offers a natural drawing experience without the need for batteries or charging.

  4. Veikk VK1060Pro

  

  The Veikk VK1060Pro is one of the best tablets for drawing. It features 2 Quick Dials and 6 Customizable Shortcuts meeting your productivity needs. 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a battery-free pen that supports ±60° tilt capability allow you to create whatever you want in a 10x6-inch working area.

  Specifications:

  • Working Area: 10 x 6 inches 

  • Keys: 6 customizable shortcut keys and 2 Dials.

  • Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels.

  • Tilt Support: 60° tilt

  • Pen Resolution: 5080 LPI.

  • Report Rate: 290PPS.

  • Accuracy: ±0.01 mm.

  • Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, Android 6.0 or later, Chrome OS 88 or later, and Linux.

    Reasons to Buy

     

• Customizable Shortcuts and dials: Offers four shortcut keys for easier navigation and tailored workflow.

• High Pressure Sensitivity: Enables detailed and nuanced strokes, suitable for various artistic needs.

• Broad Compatibility: Works with various operating systems and major software like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

• Versatile Stylus: Offers a natural drawing experience without the need for batteries or charging.

5. iPad Pro

Ideal for animators as well as regular users, the Apple iPad Pro comes replete with powerful features and a stylish body.

The 2021 refresh of the iPad Pro comes with the M1 processing chip, which was previously only found in Macs. This enables apps to run faster than ever.

with its luminous 12.9-inch liquid retina XDR display, creating incredible works of art is easier.

The Apple Pencil 2 makes for smooth , intuitive and impressive drawing, especially when combined with the Procreate app and some amazing Procreate brushes.

With the addition of a Magic keyboard, it can be converted into a laptop. but you'll have to fork out more money for the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic keyboard.

If you wanted portability you should've taken the iPad Pro. Also 12.9-inch is a really good size for carrying around (I always carry it with me).