My tablet doesn't have pressure sensitivity...

[Cheetah]

I'm new to digital painting, complete noob... And my friend gave me his old tablet. I've looked at many tutorials on digital painting and they all have to do with using pressure sensitivity is there a way I can paint with out it?... is there any tips on making nice gradations and what have you with out pressure sensitivity?

[AdamR]

Sure you can. While pressure sensitivity is an absolute godsend in many cases, you can make due without it. The most appropriate technique that I can think of for your situation is using the number pad to manually change the opacity of your brush.

For instance, when painting, if you hit 9 on your numpad, it will make the brush opacity to 90%. 8 to 80%, 7 to 70%, so on and so forth. This is a technique that I have seen used a lot and once you get the hang of it you should be able to comfortably utilize it without being hindered too much by not having pressure sensitivity.

Pressure sensitivity is nice though, let me tell you. I'd invest in a new tablet if I were you -- but the one you have now will (should) work perfectly fine. Just later on down the road it's something you'll probably want to take into consideration.

- Adam

[Cheetah]

Thanks, that actually works really well. I was bummed when I found out that my tablet didn't support pressure sensitivity. I'll probably get a new one when I get the chance.

Thanks again!

[slipp3ry]

just get a Bamboo for 80 bucks.

[PsiBug]

What model is your tablet? are you sure it doesn't have pressure sensitivity or do you just assume it doesn't because it is not currently enabled?

If it is a wacom intuos 3 for example, you just have to enable some of the dynamics settings in photoshop (or other application)

However, if it is "Bob's generic tablet company model 2" maybe it really doesn't have pressure dynamics.

[sho-nuff]

maybe update your drivers?

[Euphemism]

... Hmm. Many tablets require the software they came with - the software should contain the drivers you need for that tablet. If your friend still has the original disc the tablet came with, your problem could be fixed. If not, you ought to invest in a new one, and attempt to install everything from the disc too! :)

[AdamR]

If your friend still has the original disc the tablet came with, your problem could be fixed.

Just about anyone selling any product will have their appropriate drivers on their website for you to download. If you do know for a fact that the model you have doesn't have pressure sensitivity, then that's it. If it's just not working and you assume that it doesn't, then yes, I'd look into doing a search for them.

- Adam