03/03/2024

Best drawing pads for graphic designers

In the world of graphic design, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Drawing tablets with pen are most commonly used by graphic designers for digital illustration, photo editing, animation and more.

These tablets are used with a pressure-sensitive stylus that provides a much more natural and intuitive drawing experience compared to a mouse, allowing for higher precision and control in creative tasks.

Graphic tablets also offer useful features like customizable shortcut buttons and multi-touch gestures, making them an indispensable tool for many digital artists and designers.

As a graphic designer, a reliable and efficient graphic tablet is essential to bring your creative visions to life.

However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which tablet is best suited for your design needs.

In this article, pc tech test will explore the 12 best drawing tablets for graphic design today, from all major manufacturers, ensuring you can find the perfect tablet to take your design skills to new heights.

What are the 3 types of drawing tablet for Graphic Design?

There's three types of drawing tables for designers. There's the ones you connect to the computer and it doesn't have a screen , ones you connect to the computer and it does have a screen, and then people will use ipads as drawing tablets.

1. Graphics Tablet without screen

A graphics tablet has a flat plastic surface on which you use the stylus to draw, and the image is displayed on your computer monitor.

While these are the best budget-friendly option, their drawback is the Hand-eye separation between the tablet and the monitor, although many will get used to it very easily.

2. Drawing Tablet with screen

The drawing pen display is a flat-screen monitor that has a pressure-sensitive surface that you can draw on using a stylus.

Unlike graphics tablets, users do not experience Hand-eye separation, but similar to how you would use pen and paper, allowing artists to have a more intuitive and natural drawing experience.

However, There will be more cables between the display and the computer than a graphics tablet, and for some, the pen display will be more expensive.

3. Standalone Drawing Tablet

Standalone tablet support pen input like the Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy Tab Android pen tablet does things the other two options do not.

With a Standalone tablet, you do not need to connect to an external monitor or use another computer, giving you more freedom and flexibility as a pen tablet for graphic design.

They are usually the most expensive, but very slim and portable with decent battery life, great for drawing on the go or in different areas of their house without needing to be plugged in.

One disadvantage that a standalone tablet has is that you are more limited on the graphic desig software. Not every desktop program has an iPad OS or Android version, especially the "industry standards".

Top 12 Pen Tablets for Graphic Design in 2024

Although everyone has different needs, these are the best drawing tablet for graphic design in 2024.

We selected these devices for their accurate styluses, excellent displays, and strong performance.

They give artists and designers the tech they need for their creative work.

1. Wacom Intuos

2. XPPen Deco 01 V2

3. Huion HS64

4. XPPen Artist 12 (2nd Gen)

5. Wacom Cintiq 16

6. Huion Kamvas Pro 16

7. XPPen Artist 24 Pro

8. Huion Kamvas Pro 24

9. Wacom Cintiq Pro 24

10. iPad Pro

11. Surface Pro 9

12. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

What are the best graphic design applications?

Most professional graphic designers use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign.

Others may also use Corel Draw, Affinity Designer, Inkscape, GIMP, Figma, Sketch, etc.

The best graphic design software depends on what you're doing/want to do.

For example, UX Designer/Developer, exclusively use Illustrator CC and Figma in tandem when designing.

Is a drawing tablet mandatory for graphic design?

graphic design is a broad niche with a lot of various fields of study including UI/UX design, App Design, Illustration etc.

Not every designer needs a graphics tablet, which is definitely an option, not a necessity.

You can learn graphic design without a tablet. Many people start their journey using just a computer and mouse.

However, a pen tablet offers much more precision and control than a mouse, ideal for intricate designs. Plus, design tablets are enjoyable to use!

How to choose the best drawing tablet for graphic design?

When selecting the best drawing tablet for graphic design, it's crucial to consider factors such as types, pressure sensitivity, size, resolution, and compatibility with your device and design software.

More pressure levels ensure a more accurate representation of pen strokes, while tablet size can greatly affect the overall drawing experience.

Some prefer a compact tablet for convenience, while others need a larger workspace for intricate projects.

Last but definitely not least, the price or cost of a tablet is the most important factor to consider before you plan on buying a tablet.

Conclusion

Graphic Tablets have revolutionized the design industry by providing a natural and intuitive way for designers to create and refine their work.

Whether it's sketching out initial ideas or putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece, Graphic Tablets is a versatile and powerful tool for design.

In our list you will find something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or a professional graphic designer.

If you want to purchase a workhorse device for your studio, choose the pen display with a larger screen and higher resolution.

Having always been on a business trip, standalone tablet like ipad pro or surface pro is the best travel companion.

If you are inexperienced with digital input devices, grab XPPen Deco 01 V2 or Wacom Intuos to start your inspirational journey!

Embark on your creative journey with confidence, armed with the perfect drawing tablet that suits your artistic needs and preferences.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-graphic-design-pen-tablets

05/02/2024

The Best Free Online Photo Editors

If you're looking to quick edit your photos, but you don't want to download software to do so, then an online photo editor that runs directly from your browser might be a good fit.

Luckily, There are plenty of online photo editors available, fast, convenient and many of them are free, perfect to match your skill level and needs.

You'll find that some are great for improving selfies, others are better at adding text, and some have features found in professional software like Photoshop.

Which online photo editor to use? With so many editors available, making a choice can be difficult if you don't know the benefits and features of each app.

Fear not, as we've created a handy guide and a list of the 8 best online photo editors to help you decide which one is right for you.

Why do you need an online photo editor?

The Installed desktop photo editing apps like photoshop may be too much for those who aren't power users or professional photographers.

If you just need to touch up holiday snaps and crop and resize the occasional business asset, the online photo editors will cater to your every need.

Additionally, if you use an OS that doesn't run the app you need, such as ChromeOS and Linux, then an Online Photo Editor will be a boon.

Online photo editors are usually free to use, and provides access to various basic photo editing features.

8 Best Online Photo Editors

Explore the 8 best online photo editors available now, each offering unique features and tools to enhance your images effortlessly.

1. Pixlr

Pixlr stands out with its powerful features and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice among popular photo editing software.

2. Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express is packed with features that help improve photos significantly.

3. Photopea

Photopea is an online image editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop in terms of functionality and layout.

It supports PSD files, making it a great choice for users familiar with Photoshop.

4. PicMonkey

PicMonkey is an easy-to-use online photo editor with basic editing features and filters.

5. Canva

Canva offers a variety of design tools including photo editing. It's excellent for creating social media graphics and simple designs.

6. Fotor

Fotor offers a variety of editing tools for photos, collages, and graphic design. It has a user-friendly interface and offers pre-made templates as well.

7. BeFunky

BeFunky offers a fun and easy-to-use interface for editing photos. It also offers tools for creating collages and graphic design projects.

8. PicsArt

Picsart PicsArt is a super powerful online photo editor, which provides us all useful tools to edit photos in very easy steps.

How to Choose the Best Online Photo Editor?

Here are a number of key factors worth to consider before you make your choice

User-Friendly Interface

If you are a beginner, Opt for an editor with a user-friendly design for a smooth and enjoyable editing experience.

Feature Versatility

Look for a balance of powerful features and simplicity that matches your skill level and editing needs.

Some online editors has AI-powered features that simplify complex tasks like background removal and object recognition. One-click presets and automated adjustments also save a lot of time.

Accessibility and Integration

Choose an editor that seamlessly fits into your workflow, allowing you to access and integrate your work across various devices for flexibility and convenience.

Budget and value

It’s clear that all online photo editors have a free version with limited features and can be a great choice depending on your particular needs.

If you have more money to invest or want to access the advanced features, then subscribe to a premium version to unlock other extra advantages may be the best option.

Conclusion

After weighing up the 8 different online photo editors available, It’s clear that all have their own unique advantages and can be a great choice depending on your particular needs.

Whether you need to retouch a portrait, add text to an image, or create a composite image, you can find something fitting for any task.

It is worth noting that if your photo editing needs are more complex than casual use or basic touch-ups, then paying for a subscription of the photoshop or other premium software may be the best option.

So, the next time you need to edit your photos, give one of these online photo editors a try and see the difference they can make!

Related Articles: Best Business LaptopsInkscape Graphic Tablets.

FAQs

Are there any online RAW photo editors?

Photopea includes a RAW photo editor. However, it has only exposure, temp tint, and contrast.

Most online photo editors doesn't accept raw camera files, so you need to Convert your RAW image file to another format, like JPEG or PNG, to fix the problem.

Desktop RAW Photo Editors like RawTherapee and Darktable can be used to edit and convert RAW files, and you can use them without paying anything.

Online vs Desktop Photo Editor: which one is better?

Online photo editors lack a lot of advanced functionalities that a full version of desktop photo editors like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or GIMP provides.

For users that are seeking something more advanced for complex projects, you may need a more professional image editing software.

What is the best free online photo editor tool?

There are some great free online photo editors like Photopea, Pixlr, Photoshop Express, PicMonkey, Canva, Fotor, BeFunky, PicsArt, etc.

They generally offer you a free version with limited functionalities, the best one will depends on your favorites and needs.

Do drawing tablet works with Online Photo editor like pixlr?

By using a Pen Tablet for editing photos in an online photo editor like Pixlr, you can create illustrations, montages, manipulate photos and more.

Tablets are really handy if you need to draw a mask on something, or doing other edits that require painting onto the image.

If you just do spot edits and move sliders around for photo editing, it actually seemed to slow down your processing.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-online-photo-editors

28/01/2024

The best free video editing apps

In today's digital age, video content is more popular than ever, It allows you to capture precious moments, create captivating vlogs, produce professional-grade films and more.

The Raw footage looks raw and messy, Videos do not always come out the way we want them, which is why it is so important to have the right video editing software.

From basic transitions to CGI effects, Having the right tools at your disposal can make a world of difference in the quality of your videos.

With so many options available on the market and each one boasting different perks, it can be confusing or difficult to pick the right editing platform.

How in depth does it need to be? Does it include many special effects features? Is it free, cheap or expensive? What platforms do they run on? Fear not!

In this article, we will explore and evaluate 14 of the best video editing software options available on Windows and Mac. We do it in the most straightforward possible language to convey what each delivers and the main differences.

All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. And their use ranges from basic to advanced.

Whether you're a professional filmmaker, an aspiring YouTuber and TikToker, or simply someone who enjoys creating videos for personal use, there's a great video editor out there for you.

How to Choose Video Editing Software?

Think about the features that you need for your video editing projects. It helps to make a list of the features you absolutely need, features that would be nice to have, and features you don't really need.

Armed with this information, you will be less tempted to go all-in on that professional video editing software that comes with bells and whistles you'll never use.

If you are looking forward to being a professional video editor we would suggest that you go with the paid software. As they carry some premium features that the free versions do not.

If you're a beginner, it's best to start with free or budget-friendly software and work your way up as you gain more experience.

The choice of the best video editor depends on your specific needs, skill level, and budget.

14 Best Video Editing Software

Whether you want a basic video editor or a tool to create professional-looking videos, this list can give you the best choices.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade video editing software widely used in the industry. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for video editing, effects, transitions, and audio manipulation. It's suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

2. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro X is a powerful video editing software designed for Apple users. It offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features, making it a favorite among Mac users for marketing video production.

3. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a feature-rich video editing software known for its color grading capabilities. It's suitable for both editing and color correction, making it an excellent choice for visually impactful marketing videos.

4. Filmora

Filmora is a beginner-friendly video editing software available for both Windows and Mac. It offers an easy-to-use interface with a wide range of effects and templates, making it ideal for quick and straightforward marketing video production.

5. Vegas Pro

Vegas Prooffers a feature-rich environment for video editing, compositing, and audio production. It's been a popular choice for both professionals and hobbyists.

6. Lightworks

Lightworks is a great free video editor with numerous tools to satisfy most casual video editors, although if you want more advanced features, you’ll need to pay for the privilege.

7. HitFilm

HitFilm is a popular video editing software that includes visual effects capabilities. It's a good option for those on a budget who still want access to advanced editing features.

8. PowerDirector

PowerDirector is a relatively easy program to use and will make your video quality look professional.

9. iMovie

iMovie comes pre-installed on Mac computers and is a user-friendly video editing software for beginners. It offers basic editing tools, transitions, and effects, making it a great starting point for simple marketing videos.

10. VSDC

VSDC Video Editor is an amazing software for those who have a limited budget. It is inexpensive and allows users to create high quality content.

11. Shotcut

Shotcut is not a complicated program that supports almost all media file formats. Work with 4K, overlay effects, titles, audio, transitions, effects, and so on.

12. Openshot

Openshot provides high-quality output after editing, making it an excellent and free tool for basic video editing.

13. Corel VideoStudio

Corel VideoStudio has all the characteristics of the other top-of-the-line products on this list, including 360-degree VR and 4k support, but it also has the distinction of being the first piece of consumer video editing software to offer motion tracking.

14. Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle Studio is an incredible video editor, with many welcome and powerful features and is well-suited for both beginners and intermediate users.

Conclusion

Whether you prioritize advanced features, ease of use, or budget-friendly options, one of these options above will fit your needs.

Take the time to evaluate your requirements, consider your level of expertise, and make an informed decision based on the software's capabilities, pros, cons, system requirements, and cost.

With the right video editing software, you'll be able to bring your creative vision to life and produce stunning videos that captivate your audience.

The key to mastering any video editing software lies in practice and experimentation. So don't be afraid to explore the different features and tools offered by each software.

With dedication and passion, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient video editor and achieving your creative aspirations!

Have you found a different free video editor you like? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Related posts: Best Laptops for Music ProductionBest Laptops for Graphic Design .

FAQs

How Does Video Editing Software Work?

Also known as a video editor, a video editing program allows you to edit and polish your video post-production with special tools and effects.

It breaks your video down into several clips or segments that you can move and manipulate to fit your needs.

The best video editing software should enable you to swiftly and efficiently edit your material, generate high-quality videos, and enhance your videos with special effects, transitions, and sound.

Who Uses Video Editing Software?

Both amateur and professional filmmakers utilize video editing software, and some television productions use it to create television programs.

You can use video editing software to edit most movie trailers, featurettes, and other things shown on the big screen.

Should I buy a laptop or desktop for video editing?

Desktop is a better option but if you want to edit video on the go, then obviously you need to have a laptop.

What is the best laptop for video editing?

Video editing process demands a lot of processing power, so get a laptop with fast CPU, Discrete Graphics card, ample RAM, and a good quality display.

Some best laptops for video editing include the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, Razer Blade, Lenovo ThinkPad, Asus Zenbook Pro, etc.

The more powerful the laptop is the better performance it can give in Video editing and rendering.

Is drawing pen tablet good for video editing?

For video editing in premiere pro and alike- a drawing pen tablet probably not much use, unless you are doing frame drawing.

If you've ever experienced carpal tunnel syndrome from using a mouse, you can have a try, The pen is less accurate definitely.

Source: https://pctechtest.com/best-video-editing-software