Do you know the original word of animation means "the state of being alive" in Latin? Just as 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 the fictional characters. That magic might be why you want to be an animator.

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.

Should I Get a Drawing Tablet for Animation?

Whether you plan to explore the world of 2D or 3D animation, graphic tablets and styluses are the must-have gadgets you need besides a powerful computer. A drawing tablet helps streamline your workflow in the following animation design scenarios:

• 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 used for creating a script for the tale and capturing daily inspirations. Instead of painstakingly dragging the awkward mouse around, you can easily get a painting and writing experience closer to paper and pen with a tablet and a stylus.

What to Look For in Animation Tablets

Navigating a sea of drawing tablets on the market, how to find the best one for animation creation? Here is a full breakdown of the critical factors curated by our tablet experts.

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. Look for higher pressure levels of at least 8192 in the stylus to ensure a smooth and accurate stroke movement.

For those looking for an advanced gadget, don't miss out the latest X3 Pro Chip developed by XPPen. It has shattered the ceiling of pen parameters to 16K, bringing pen sensitivity to a new high.

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

Pricing

Pricing is one of many important factors to consider when making a purchase. With the rapid development of the industry over the past few decades and the emergence of more manufacturers, drawing tablets are no longer exclusively for pros. Even beginner animators can find quality devices at affordable prices. 

XPPen, as one of the top manufacturers in the industry, offers products with industry-leading 16K pressure sensitivity levels, some of which boast records of Red Dot Design award winners.

8 Best Drawing Tablets for Animation

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

For this reason, tablets are the only option. In the event you're extra of a hobbyist then an entry-level graphics tablet should suffice.

However in the long term artists who work digitally sometimes transfer onto show tablets. They're well built and simply really feel intuitive to use.

1. XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen 2) 

The XPPen Artist Pro 22 (Gen 2) is a new professional drawing tablet designed for detail-oriented animators. With its 2.5K resolution and 137PPI, this 21.5-inch canvas offers crisp visuals, which allows you to create intricate images without straining your eyes. Its Calman-verified color accuracy ensures colors in every pixel are just what you want, while the remote control and integrated driver help streamline your workflow as your animation projects grow. In a nutshell, it makes the routine of animation design much easier.

2. XPPen Artist 22 Plus

Artist 22 Plus is a premium digital drawing tablet display offered by XPPen. This cutting-edge device is designed to elevate the creative experience of digital artists, illustrators, and designers. With a generously sized 22-inch display, the Artist 22 Plus provides ample space for creating intricate artwork with precision and detail. It features an impressive 1920x1080 Full HD resolution, ensuring vivid and accurate color representation.

Equipped with X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus, this tablet offers 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for fine and nuanced brushwork. The foldable stand makes it flexible to go from 15° to 88° in seconds, and any angle in between. Feel free to adjust your working posture any way you like, in complete comfort. Plus, the Artist 22 Plus is more than just a drawing display. Unlock more possibilities by extending or projecting contents to this 22-inch big screen for an expansive, immersive viewing experience, whether for creation, games, videos, or entertainment.

Whether you're a digital artist looking to take your craft to the next level or a designer seeking a high-quality display tablet, the Artist 22 Plus promises an immersive and productive creative experience.

3. Best Ergonomic Animation Tablet: XPPen Artist Pro 16(Gen2)

If you want something more compact and ergonomic, this 2023 Good Design Winner, XPPen's Artist Pro 16(Gen2) will make a great choice. 

Perfectionists know all too well the intensive and yet joyful fulfillment being wrapped up crafting a unique work for long hours—as well as the strain it can bring to your eyes and body. 

We definitely get it—That's why we make sure the 2.5K display of Artist Pro 16 (Gen2) has minimal blue light and glare to protect your eyes. Paired with the remote control to zoom in and out, no more crouching in front of the display to see the details! 

Plus, the ergonomic X-edge wrist rest will help reduce the soreness from elbow lifting, whether you are right-handed or left-handed. 

Hopefully, these features make your creation more enjoyable and comfortable. 

But hey, don’t forget to take breaks to stretch your arms and grab some water anyway.

Another standout feature precision-focused artists shouldn't miss out on, is the industry-leading 16K levels of pen pressure. 

Every stroke at your fingertips will be just as smooth and natural as a feather pen on kraft paper. 

Let it be your secret weapon for creating animations that impress in every frame.

4. Best Affordable Animation Pad: XPPen Deco Pro Gen 2

XPPen Deco Pro Gen 2 is available in two different sizes and two connection models ( with or without Bluetooth connectivity ).

Large A5 or A4 working area allowing you to get creative without worrying about the space constraints.

With the Deco Pro Bluetooth model, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless creation with built-in Bluetooth.

The tablet has 8 shortcut buttons and an innovative dual wheel that lets you easily pan around and zoom in and out of your drawings quickly.

The Stylus is lightweight and battery-free, the device is capable of recognising 60° of tilt and 16K levels of pressure in the pen. You can use this device with any 2D animation software such as Krita and 3D animation software like Blender.

5. XPPen Artist 22R Pro

XPPen Artist 22R Pro is an affordable drawing tablet for those who spend long hours in the home office. Equipped with a large screen, a set of shortcut keys, and an ergonomically designed stand, this drawing tablet is aimed to offer a comfortable and stress-free drawing experience.

2K 22-inch canvas: a 21.5-inch large drawing tablet with 1920 x 1080 display resolution.

Smooth and premium color display: 120% SRGB will provide good color accuracy and improve your visual experience with this tablet. Direct video input is enabled with a separate HDMI port and enhanced with

Easy control on both sides: Outfitted with 20 specific keys and 2 red dial wheels, animators can absolutely customize their workspace, aided by the adjustable monitor stand that effortlessly alters the tablet's angle.

An ergonomic design: An integrated stand adjusts from 90 to 130 degrees, allowing you to position the screen at the perfect angle. The button layout makes it easy to use for both left-handed and right-handed animators.

Battery-free stylus with precise strokes: PA2 battery-free stylus comes with 60 degrees natural tilt recognition and 8192 levels of pen pressure that help to achieve a realistic drawing experience.

6. XPPen Artist 24 Pro

For animators and creators looking for a graphics tablet, but still want a professional-grade product, then the XPPen Artist 24 Pro is a worthy option. It has fantastic build quality, accuracy, and precision. Discover more about its standout features and why it' s a top choice for professionals:

A 24-inch large canvas: with a huge drawing surface of 24 inches, you can create directly on a large canvas, potentially enhancing your gesture in a long drawing session.

Premium color performance: The combination of 90 percent Adobe RGB color accuracy, 2k ( 2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution, and 16.7 Million colors produce a true-to-life visual experience.

Battery-free Stylus: The drawing tablet is paired with a stylus with low pen latency, tilt support, and pressure sensitivity to give artists more precise control and a natural pen-on-screen experience.

Convenient shortcut control: There are 20 shortcut keys and 2 red dial wheels available on each side, allowing you to customize keys as needed.

6.Best Standalone: XPPen Magic Drawing Pad

People who often use drawing tablets must be familiar with the XPPen brand. In 2024, it launched an Android tablet named Magic Drawing Pad. Different from previous drawing tablets required a computer connection, the Magic Drawing Pad is powered by the Android 12 operating system, allowing it to be used independently.

Key Features:

Super portable: The Magic Drawing Tablet is 6.9mm thick and weighs only 599 grams. You can easily take it anywhere.

Powered by Android 12: Featuring the latest operating system, Android 12, users can enjoy an enhanced user experience and improved application compatibility.

X3 Pro Pencil and EMR Technology: Unlike most tablets, the Magic Drawing Tablet is equipped with the X3 Pro Pencil, which has 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity. In addition, with advanced EMR (Electro-magnetic Resonance) technology, X3 Pro Pencil delivers a digital drawing experience that feels as intuitive and natural as pen on paper.

X Paper: X-Paper is crafted with AG etched technology to emulate the friction and resistance of premium paper as you move the stylus across the surface of the pad, while reducing unwanted glare and fingerprints.

Best iPad for Animation: 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).

Animate with XPPen Tablet - A Video Tutorial

How to use XPPen drawing tablet to create stunning animations? Check this video tutorial to learn more.

Conclusion

Now, have you decided on the best tablet for drawing and animation? As you can see, the advantages of using a drawing tablet for animation drawing, cartoons outweigh the benefits of using other devices. They will make your life as a digital cartoonist so much easier, particularly when you use Toon Boom Harmony , Moho or OpenToonz!

Stylus pens will make you feel more natural and you will be able to get more information about your projects. Shortcut keys and pressure sensitivity functionality will carry the job to a different level, and you'll be able to do more in less time! So, no more hesitating and get your drawing tablet with pen to practice using the animation software now! Fantastic exploration awaits ahead!

Developing drawing skills while being a digital cartoonist takes time and practice, but it can inspire your creativity much as it did in childhood. To achieve that point, it's worth taking the time to learn the fundamentals of how to catch the human face and how to draw flora and fauna. From there, you can build up character illustration, comics, manga and animation, or whatever style you find suits your aesthetics.

If you've been using any other tools for animation creation, feel free to drop a comment to share it with us below! We will update it in our upcoming articles.