Using a mouse and a keyboard may help with a few basics of retouching and post-processing while working on picture editing. But when you may face a few challenges while working on more complicated projects. In a fast-paced world, few designers are willing to spend more time making adjustments to the setups.
A smart solution to this is to use a graphics tablet. This gadget gives you more precision and control while retouching your pictures. Should you have a large workload, it speeds up your workflow.
However, if you are new to using a graphics tablet for editing pictures, you need a quick guide. With practice, the tips in this article will help you become a pro picture editor. Keep reading.
7 Tips to Edit Pictures Better on Your Graphics Tablet
Yes, using a graphics tablet is very appealing. But some aspects of this device can also be tricky; editing pictures is one of them.
Below are a few tips for creating perfect pictures with this drawing tool.
- The setup
This is the first area on your graphics tablet you should pay attention to. Get the perfect setup before working.
A lot of gadgets may come with functionalities that users simply have to plug and play. It’s a different case when working on a graphics tablet.
For instance, the pen is often used on other devices. However, for the graphics tablet, you need to install and set up related software to access full functionality. It is therefore important to only install relevant drivers for the tablet. Inspect the options and only use what is compatible with your drawing device.
Also, you may have different preferences over time, you can always make adjustments. Adjustments can be made in the settings of the software to fix any issue.
Play with different setups as a beginner.
- Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboards are often useful during photo editing. As it’s needed while working with Photoshop or Lightroom, you will also need a keyboard on your graphics tablet.
Your tablet has different functionality and a few buttons can be used at a time. Add the keyboard shortcuts tab to your working space.
For a beginner, you may find it counterintuitive to use a keyboard and a stylus at the same time when editing pictures. With time, you will appreciate the combination.
- Shortcut buttons
You should be familiar with the shortcut buttons on your tablet. There are several programmable buttons on almost every modern graphics tablet, each capable of being assigned for a special function.
These shortcut buttons also vary from tablet to tablet. Expensive graphics tablets have more options than cheaper ones.
You may customize these buttons according to your editing needs. Few clues can be gotten from Photoshop’s workflow. For photo editing work, you will need more cropping and cutting buttons.
Just organize the shortcut buttons according to your need.
- Perfect settings for brush
Using a graphics tablet is similar to Photoshop. First, you need to unlock all the features. Brush settings are also essential to make your photo editing easier.
For brush settings, you should work on the pen pressure settings. Turning them on enables you to gain more control of the brush pressure. That is how much pressure is needed to be applied to your graphics tablet. Don’t forget this.
Here is a good example. If you click on the option ‘Always Use Pressure for Size’, you can adjust the size of the brush to fit your choice of pressure – how hard you want to press with the pen.
You can also use the Opacity option. This option gives you a light touch, a lower opacity from the brush tool is achieved.
For best results, always turn on both options ‘Opacity’ and “Always Use Pressure for Size’. The effects of both will perfect your photo editing work.
- Digital art guides
Here comes the retouching aspect of photo editing. This can be intuitive and counterintuitive at the same time, especially when you are working with a graphics tablet for the first time.
However, a little background in art is a big boost. It will be easier for you than other photographers with zero background in art.
If you have no experience in art (digital or traditional art), you may invest little of your time to learn about digital painting. This will improve the overall quality of your work.
These digital art tutorials will help :
Rendering : If you understand digital painting techniques for burning and dodging, you can work on advanced photo editings on your graphics tablet. Get some tutorials on rendering.
Drawing lines : To be competent while working with photos that require advanced digital art editing, you need to learn how to draw your lines perfectly. Get tutorials on how to draw lines. With this comes better control over the stylus. You also become more familiar with your tablet’s pressure sensitivity. Your movements will also become more precise. All these contribute to the quality of your work.
- Brushstrokes and control
With better knowledge and practice of digital art comes better flow and control of your brush strokes.
When editing pictures on your graphics tablet, allocate time to set a blank canvas. Then begin to practice your brush strokes. Use different settings for pressure to get better flow. This way, you will become proficient faster.
Also, blend with different retouching methods. Use them often for practice, whether you are working with retouching or not. This skill should be mastered.
Keep practicing
To get better at anything, adequate practice is required. The best way to become very competent with using your graphics tablet to perfectly edit pictures is to keep using it. Keep practicing. The more time you put into using it, the better your become. That’s how you tackle the challenges many beginners often face.
Wrapping Up
These seven tips should help you become better at editing pictures with your graphics tablet. Use the basics, practice them, and you will soon become a pro. Finally, go for iskn drawing tablet for smooth editing.
