Did you know that “animation” comes from the Latin word meaning “the state of being alive”? Animation breathes life into characters, making them move, act, and evoke emotions just like real humans.

While traditional animation required illustrators to create thousands of images, modern 2D and 3D animation techniques enhance productivity, visual effects, and platform compatibility.

Thinking of starting your own animated project? This blog covers essential tools for your journey. 

Why You Need a Drawing Tablet for Animation

Whether exploring 2D or 3D animation, a graphic tablet is essential. It streamlines tasks such as sketching characters, creating models, storyboarding, and animating scenes. Tablets offer a more intuitive, pen-and-paper-like experience than a mouse, enhancing creativity and efficiency.

Choosing the Best Animation Tablet

Responsiveness: Look for a stylus with at least 8192 pressure levels for smooth, accurate strokes. The XPPen X3 Pro Chip pushes sensitivity to a new level with 16K pressure levels.

Screen Size: Tablets under 15.6 inches are portable hinting ease of travel, while larger screens (20 inches+) provide more space for detailed work and reduce eye strain.

Resolution: For vibrant colors and detailed work, choose tablets with a resolution of 2000 LPI or higher. XPPen tablets offer resolutions of 5000 LPI and above.

Pricing: Quality drawing tablets are now accessible to beginners and professionals alike. XPPen provides top-tier products, including Red Dot Design award winners, at competitive prices.

5 Best Tablets for Animation

1.The XPPen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2)

The XPPen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2)  is a top-tier tablet for professional animators, featuring stunning color accuracy, a high-resolution 15.6-inch display, and the world’s first 16K pressure sensitivity enabled by the X3 Pro Chip for ultra-responsive drawing. Its ergonomic design, customizable shortcut keys, tilt support, and wide compatibility with various animation software make it a versatile and efficient tool. This powerful combination of features makes it an ideal choice for creating high-quality animations with precision and ease.

Price – INR 45,999/-

2. The XPPen Artist 22 Plus

The XPPen Artist 22 Plus is a premium 22-inch drawing tablet, perfect for animators seeking a large workspace and precise control. Its Full HD resolution delivers vivid color accuracy, essential for detailed animation work. Equipped with the X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus offering 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity, it allows for fine-tuned brushwork and smooth transitions, critical for creating fluid animations. The adjustable stand provides flexibility, letting you find the most comfortable working angle, which is key during long animation sessions. Beyond drawing, its expansive screen is ideal for extending or projecting content, enhancing both creative and entertainment experiences.

Price – INR 49,999/-

3.The XPPen Artist 24 Pro

For animators seeking a professional-grade graphics tablet, the XPPen Artist 24 Pro is an excellent choice. Its expansive 24-inch drawing surface allows for detailed work on a large canvas, while the 2K resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) and 90% Adobe RGB color accuracy ensure vibrant, true-to-life visuals. The battery-free stylus offers low latency, tilt support, and pressure sensitivity, providing precise control and a natural drawing experience. With 20 customizable shortcut keys and 2 red dial wheels, you can streamline your workflow efficiently. The Artist 24 Pro combines exceptional build quality with advanced features, making it ideal for intricate animation projects.

Price – INR 69,999/-

4.The XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro

For animators seeking a versatile and high-performance graphics tablet, the XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro stands out as a top choice. Its 15.6-inch display offers a compact yet spacious canvas for detailed animation work, featuring Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) for sharp and vibrant visuals. The tablet boasts 88% Adobe RGB color accuracy, ensuring accurate color representation. The battery-free stylus provides 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, allowing for precise and natural drawing strokes. With customizable shortcut keys and a sleek design, the Artist 15.6 Pro is perfect for animators looking for a powerful, portable solution that combines professional-grade features with exceptional value.

Price – INR 30,999/-

5.The XPPen Deco Pro Gen 2

For animators seeking a high-performance graphics tablet, the XPPen Deco Pro Gen 2 is an excellent choice. Available in three sizes—Medium, Large, and XL—it provides a generous drawing area tailored to various creative needs. The tablet features an impressive 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, ensuring precise and natural drawing strokes. Its dual programmable dials and customizable shortcut keys enhance efficiency, while the sleek, ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use. The Deco Pro Gen 2 combines cutting-edge functionality with robust build quality, making it a top choice for animators seeking a versatile and feature-rich tablet.

Price – INR 14,999/- – INR 17,999/-