How to Use a Pen Tablet to Overlay
A pen tablet is a peripheral computer device that allows for fine control over the mouse cursor. Pen tablets are typically used when working in a graphics program. The active drawing area of the tablet is linked to the display, so that when the pen is used on an area of the tablet, a similar action will appear in the same area on the screen. Many pen tablets have a clear overlay, allowing the user to insert a sketch or image into the tablet, which can then be traced in a graphics program to create a copy of the image.
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Instructions
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Plug your pen tablet into the computer. A pop-up message will display, indicating that the connected hardware is ready-to-use.
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Launch your preferred graphics program and create a new, blank canvas.
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Lift up the clear plastic overlay on the pen tablet and slide the image under it. Use the active area markings on the plastic overlay to center the image so it is lined up with the active area of the tablet.
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Use your mouse to click on the "Brush" tool in the graphics program. Set the desired brush width and tip options using the "Brush" options toolbar.
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Zoom in using the "Zoom" tool to fill as much of the screen as possible with the blank image canvas in the graphics program. Close or minimize any unnecessary palettes or toolbars.
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Begin tracing the image on the pen tablet. Check the screen often to see your progress and assess if you need to erase and redraw any areas of the image. Do not zoom in or out, or change the position of the image canvas on the screen because this may negatively effect the reproduced image.
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Change brush options as needed and continue tracing the image. Press and hold the "CTRL" key and tap "Z" to undo any mistakes in most graphics program.
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Click the "File" menu and choose "Save" when finished tracing the image. Type in a save name and choose a location for the image file on your hard drive. Click the "Save as type" drop-down menu to select an image format. Click the "Save" button.
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References
- Photo Credit graphics tablet image by Simon Bradley from Fotolia.com
