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Unlike your standard tablets on the market, Wacom tablets are specifically designed for doodling and drawing to your heart’s content. The company has graphics tablets for hobbyists or professionals needing a device for work. Among the Wacom tablet’s features and specs, there is the question of software compatibility.
You can use a Wacom tablet with Blender. Their devices are compatible with the free and open-source 3D design suite. There may be some setup required to get the most out of the experience of using Blender on a Wacom tablet.
Every artist has their preferences for their mediums, whether physical or digital. The great thing about the Blender/Wacom combination is that you can customize the stylus and ExpressKeys™ according to your needs. Keep reading for a breakdown of the process.
How to Setup Blender On a Wacom Tablet
If you go to the Blender website, you can download the application for your Wacom device. The application allows you to do everything from sculpting and modeling to video editing, animating, and rigging. Whatever your artistic passion, Blender has the tools to help you create.
After you download and the installation is complete, add Blender to your Wacom tablet properties as a program. Then you can set the options for your stylus, like your Pen Button Mode, which allows you to choose between a Hover or Click & Tap option. You can also adjust pen tip pressure and opt-in to Tip-Up Assist.
You can further configure the setup by going into Blender and selecting Edit>Preferences>Key Map. Check the box next to “Tab for Pie Menu” and “Extra Shading Pie.” These checked boxes give you ExpressKeys™ with “Tab” and “Z,” which will bring up additional controls.
Some users opt to use a mouse, which can function similarly to a stylus and a keyboard; it’s a matter of personal preference. You can also use your stylus as a mouse when placed in “Mouse Mode.” If you’re looking for a design tool that doesn’t require set up, you can use a website like Placeit.net for your design needs.
How to Set Up ExpressKeys™ for Wacom Tablet
ExpressKeys™ are customizable buttons on the Wacom device. These keys act as shortcuts for commands and can make your design process in Blender easy and fast.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to setup ExpressKeys™ on your Wacom tablet:
- Go to your Wacom Tablet Properties, select your device under “Device” and “Functions” under “Tool.”
- Select the ExpressKeys™ or “Tablet” tab
- From the drop-down menu, choose the setting or command you want for each ExpressKey.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when setting up your ExpressKeys™. You can use combinations to activate a function, like CTRL+Alt, and enabling Express View will allow you to rest your finger on a key to display the current setting.
Now you can create ExpressKeys™ for such commands as rotate, pan, erase, zoom, etc. Whichever commands would be most utilized in your design process, you can change them at any time.
Can You Use Blender Without a Wacom Tablet?
Blender is an exciting and helpful tool when it comes to creating. The application is so versatile in artistic mediums and allows you to jump from one project to the next. It’s a great program for beginners to 3D modeling and does not need to be connected to the internet to work properly.
Blender is a cross-platform application which means it can be used on various devices from MacOS to PC to Linux. You do not need a Wacom drawing tablet to use the program. Depending on the model, you may not even be able to use the Wacom tablet apart from your desktop computer or laptop.
There are some benefits to considering using Blender with a Wacom drawing tablet. The tablet offers that pen and paper experience with a stylus that you can’t always get with a computer and mouse. You also have the option of connecting your tablet to your computer and utilizing it as a second display.
If you opt to use Blender on a Wacom tablet for any reason, be sure that you purchase a model that will accommodate all your lifestyle needs. The Wacom One can only be used connected to a computer, so if you’re looking for one that is wireless or can work independent of a computer, you may consider other models, like the Cintiq Pro.
Conclusion
When using Blender with a Wacom tablet, you get a well-rounded and versatile experience that other devices may not be able to offer. It’s a simple setup with intelligently designed shortcuts that make your design process easy and quick.
