Wacom tablet

[nkeevers]

I just got a new 22" widescreen monitor and a Wacom Intuos 4x6 tablet for Xmas. I'm trying to find the thread (not coming up with a search) where I think something was mentioned about the Wacom mouse interfering with another mouse, or something to that effect. I want to make sure I get all the facts before I install and something doesn't work or whatever.

Anybody know anything about mouse?

[Chuck S.]

Norma, I have a vague and fuzzy recollection that the Wacom mouse has to be removed from the tablet (i.e., not left laying on the surface of the tablet) for the other system mouse to work. I think that's right...but my memory isn't what it used to be.

Chuck

[troush]

I recommend putting the mouse in a drawer. I like the feel of my original mouse, so I put the wacom mouse in a drawer. Also, make sure your pen isn't lying (laying?) on the tablet when you try to use the othe rmouse.

-Trish

[nkeevers]

So I really don't need the mouse at all that came with the tablet? Good because I really like my own mouse. Thanks Chuck and Trish. For the life of me (my memory isn't the same either Chuck!) I couldn't remember what it was I had read about the mouse. Now wish me luck on using the tablet. That'll be fun...I'm so used to the mouse.

[Carbone]

Chuck is right, you just don't leave the wacom mouse on the tablet while not in use, because Windows will have problems distinguishing between the two mice.

Ray

[AngelicKim]

Norma, good luck with your Wacom. So many people posting that they got one for Christmas is making me couragous enough to get mine out and give it another try. I got one in October and couldn't really get the hang of the pen, I think I may need a fatter pen (I have long fingers and the pen was awkward for me.) The mouse was never an issue for me as I never even took it out of the box because I use a laptop with a touch pad and when ever I try to use a mouse now I am lost.:D

Ccongrats on the Wacom and good luck.

[Carbone]

The trick is to "force oneself" into using the Pen exclusively for one week at the very least. If you allow yourself to get back to using the mouse, even for simple tasks, the Pen will never be easy.

Also, you need to adjust the zoom level of the displayed document to match your stroke, else you are forcing yourself in doing unnatural moves and it results in the shaky lines, or "straight" curves ;)

Look at the kind of strokes you do with a real pencil and a piece of paper, and then adjust the zoom factor of your document to that size, it'll make using the tablet much more natural.

Ray

[AngelicKim]

Thanks for the tip Ray. Will give it a try when I return from Vegas. Leaving in two days for Ohio and then off to Vegas on New Years Day so don't have a week to play. At least not on the computer.:D

[mom to 4]

Kim:

I haven't used my wacom too much either. I don't know why though. Actually, I LOVE the mouse that came with it! It glides so much nicer than the one I have! But....I do need to get the hang of the pen. Too many other people use this computer! I need my own, esp. for those team photos.

If I don't get the chance to say later......HAVE A GREAT TIME IN VEGAS!!!

[AngelicKim]

Thanks Colleen. Maybe the team photo thing will get hubby to get you your own computer. When I started doing my own Photography stuff my hubby got me a new faster laptop.:D

[nkeevers]

Norma, good luck with your Wacom. So many people posting that they got one for Christmas is making me couragous enough to get mine out and give it another try. I got one in October and couldn't really get the hang of the pen, I think I may need a fatter pen (I have long fingers and the pen was awkward for me.) The mouse was never an issue for me as I never even took it out of the box because I use a laptop with a touch pad and when ever I try to use a mouse now I am lost.:D

Ccongrats on the Wacom and good luck.

Kim, don't tell me that! I have to get the knack of this thing - my hubby will never forgive me! Let's hope I can get the hang of it and don't have to "put it in a drawer"!:eek:

[nkeevers]

The trick is to "force oneself" into using the Pen exclusively for one week at the very least. If you allow yourself to get back to using the mouse, even for simple tasks, the Pen will never be easy.

Also, you need to adjust the zoom level of the displayed document to match your stroke, else you are forcing yourself in doing unnatural moves and it results in the shaky lines, or "straight" curves ;)

Look at the kind of strokes you do with a real pencil and a piece of paper, and then adjust the zoom factor of your document to that size, it'll make using the tablet much more natural.

Ray

Thanks for the tip Ray! I'll try it out.

[mom to 4]

We should all send Matt PM's telling him we need that course NOW!!!:D

Only kidding!:D

[Jodi Frye]

I gave my mom a tablet for Christmas...she was long overdue. Got mail within a few days and she is in love. I doubt she will ever draw with a mouse again !

Santa did not bring me a Wacom Cintiq :( ...nor did he bring me a gig of extra memory nor did he bring me a ...wait, that's it..that's all I wanted. Stupid Santa

[mom to 4]

Ah, Jodi, I'm sorry:eek: ! Maybe you as Santa's able bodied helper needs to go out now, get something you wanted, wrap it, and put it under the tree so when you are taking the tree DOWN, you just happen to find it. Then, just act like he got it for you!!!!:D I am sooooo sneaky! That is exactly what I would do!!;)

[Jodi Frye]

Colleen, indeed that is extremely tempting and I will do that....but first, ...know where i can find a quick $2,500 ? :rolleyes:

[mom to 4]

His bank account maybe:eek: :D !!! Do that and he will never forget again!!! Although he may close out the bank account and do a few other really drastic measures!:eek:

[AngelicKim]

Jodi and Colleen, you are too funny, thanks for the laugh, need it after doing laundry all day so I can pack tomorrow.

Norma, I am sure alot of my problem with the Wacom is that I use a laptop on my lap. Not alot of room to use it and the arm of the loveseat isn't the best surface.:D I now have a stand that goes under the loveseat and brings the laptop higher and off my lap and has a large enough surface area that I will be able to get better control of it too. I guess I forgot to mention that part earlier.

[nkeevers]

Kim, I get it now. Yep, that would be an impediment! I just go thru the tutorial and using the control panel and, gee, this is gonna be hard! But I'm going to try it for a week without using the mouse. We'll see if I'm pulling my hair out soon!:eek: So many different settings to choose from. Guess I'll have to experiment and try them all.:D

[Jancy]

You'll love the tablet, can't imagine not having one!!!
Jancy

[Robyn]

I probably still use my mouse 60% of the time. I love the pen for selecting, dodging and burning etc..........but the really frustrating bit for me is (I don't know whether all pens are like this) trying to use the buttons on the pen which I have programmed for right and left clicks..........I may have to press either button 4 or 5 times with quite some force before it reacts...........and I haven't got the patience to deal with that! :D

[Jancy]

Robyn,
Are you using the Intuous 3? That is what I have and the bottoms on the side of my pen are real sensitive. Very easy to use. I don't know what the pens are like in other tablet types, this is the only one I have used.
Jancy

[Robyn]

No..........my tablet is 12 months old and it is a Graphire 4..........I might consider upgrading sometime in the future if it is that much better. I wonder if anyone else is using a Graphire 4 and also finds the pen buttons virtually impossible to use because of the amount of pressure required ??? I do have arthritic fingers, but they are not THAT bad!

[karen donnybrook]

Robyn,

You are not alone. I find it nigh on impossible to do a right click with the pen and always have the mouse handy to do that and several other operations I find difficult to do with the pen.

Karen :)

[Robyn]

It's not just me then Karen. I think you have the same model as me........I wonder if this is an unfortunate characteristic of this particular model?

[karen donnybrook]

I'm not sure Robyn; maybe we need to upgrade the driver :D

Karen

[mom to 4]

I have a graphire 4 and the right click button seems to work fine. Notice I say seems. I just plugged it back in this morning and decided I would try to use it for the week, non-stop. Although with the kids home, this may not be the time to try to get used it it as they are going to want to use the mouse. The one thing I find difficult about the tablet is having to go to the very edge of the tablet to click in the right right hand corner of the screen where with the mouse if you pick up the mouse and move it, you pick up the curser where it is sitting. What I am trying to say is hard to explain, I am thinking that last sentence might not make sense to anyone else.

[Jancy]

Colleen,
I don't quite understand what you mean by( click in the right right hand corner of the screen where with the mouse if you pick up the mouse and move it) but on the intuous you can map your tablet to a smaller size in the control panel. That way when you want to click on the top right corner for instance it will not actually be way up on the top hand corner of the tablet pad it can be where you resized it. Basically if you have a 6X8 you can actually resize it to a 4X5.
Or do you mean when you leave the mouse cursor where it is you see it when you come back? as opposed to the pen you actually have to pick it up and put it somewhere to see it???? Now I sound confusing--sorry if I am misunderstanding you!
Jancy

[nkeevers]

I have a graphire 4 and the right click button seems to work fine. Notice I say seems. I just plugged it back in this morning and decided I would try to use it for the week, non-stop. Although with the kids home, this may not be the time to try to get used it it as they are going to want to use the mouse. The one thing I find difficult about the tablet is having to go to the very edge of the tablet to click in the right right hand corner of the screen where with the mouse if you pick up the mouse and move it, you pick up the curser where it is sitting. What I am trying to say is hard to explain, I am thinking that last sentence might not make sense to anyone else.

I know what you mean - I just started using my new Intuos today and have to go to the edge of the tablet too! We're just so used to picking up the mouse and getting the cursor exactly where we want it. I keep thinking it's my setting up the pen that's making me have to go all the way to the edges to do something on the screen! I'm trying to use the pen for everything so I can get used to it faster.

[Jancy]

You will get use to doing that with the tablet. But I also pick up my mouse alot. If it does bother you try resizing just a bit so you don't have to go way to the edge. Most of the time I just find using the mouse alittle easier or quicker, it just depends on what your using it for.
Jancy

[mom to 4]

I meant what Norma said :D ! I don't always explain things in understandable language!! I will have to look into the resizing thing. Thanks for letting me know about it!

[nkeevers]

Jancy, thanks! I''ll try resizing the tablet area. Maybe that'll help because it feels weird with my hand over the edge of the tablet when I'm using the pen on the edge of the pad. Are you using the Wacom mouse. I put it away because I didn't think I really needed to use it if I have one of my own that I like. Don't know exactly what the purpose would be other than being able to customize it?

[ChristineV]

I just ordered a Wacom Tablet using Christmas money. The 4x5 is on sale at Circuit City for $79.99 and comes with PSE3 and some other software. I can't wait to play with it after hearing so much about it here.

[nkeevers]

I meant what Norma said :D ! I don't always explain things in understandable language!! I will have to look into the resizing thing. Thanks for letting me know about it!

Colleen, I went in to the control panel and changed the mapping of the tablet and now I'm not on the edges of the work surface. Feels much better now. Course, I'm still trying to get used to using it so I'm using it for everything. Even on this site!

[Jancy]

Hi Norma,
I actually like my old intellimouse, but I am going to try using the one that came with the tablet again. But I am sure I will stick with my old one. Another thing I bought when I got my tablet was a wrist pad. I got one that was long and gel like that I folded along the bottom and the right side, that kept my wrist straight and more comfortable, so It didn't feel like I was slipping off the edge. After a while you will just get use to using it.
Jancy

[nkeevers]

Jancy, that's a great idea about the wrist pad! I have one attached to the pad with my mouse but I never thought of getting one for the tablet. My arm is resting on the tablet and it would be better if I had a pad. I'm definitely going to go out and buy one now!

I'm starting to get used to it because I'm trying to not use the mouse for a while. Having a little trouble with the pressure of the pen. I have it on soft and most times it works but occasionally I have to hit a couple of times.

[nkeevers]

I have another question - why bother with the modifier keys? I like how you can map them the way you want but right now my tablet is on the right side of my keyboard. If I have my pen in my right hand, I really can't use my left to touch the modifier keys. Is it better to use them if you are only using the tablet in PE and move the keyboard aside. I don't know if I'm explaining this well enough so hopefully, someone will understand.

[ChristineV]

Gosh this thread is scaring me! It sounds like I will have to read the instructions when mine arrives right? :eek: I hate reading directions! :cool:

[nkeevers]

Christine, don't let anything we say scare you...it's really not that bad. I'm actually getting used to it already since I'm using it for everything. I just have lots of questions because it's new and I figure I can get some tips from everyone who is using one. I remapped the tablet so I'm not on the ends which was a big help. I haven't read the manual I printed out yet so there some things I'm still not clear on...like what are the other tips for? And I'm still trying to get used to the button on the side of the pen that I'm using for a double-click. Guess I'll have to do some reading tonight. But it works great. I'm getting ready to try it out in PE5. That'll be the big test!

[Jancy]

Hi Everyone,
The only reason I was trying to use the wacom mouse was because it was cordless. I just really use my regular mouse. When I got my tablet I felt like my hand was coming off the side also but the wrist pad around the bottom and right side made a big difference in the beginning to get use to it. Now I don't use it at all. I guess if I were using the pen for a really long time I would use the pad. When I purchased the Tablet I actually got the 4x5 and the 6x8 to see which one I felt more comfortable using, I decided on the 4x5. So my hand and arm are not moving as much with the smaller on.
I use the pad on the side to scroll up and down but I don't use the buttons. Have to learn them. If the pen is not sensitive enough you can go and change that in the control panel.
Don't be afraid Christine--just a learning curve. Get's easier very fast.
You will love it especially in Elements and any other paint program.
You'll wonder how you did certain things in these programs without it! :)
Jancy

[ChristineV]

Thanks for the reassurance Norma and Jancy! I am very excited about getting it! I am known to not like to read the instructions or user manuals, I want to plug things in and they just work ;)

[nkeevers]

Don't feel bad...I don't like to read manuals either. But since getting my camera and joining this forum, I've had to read all kinds of articles, manuals, books! :D :D

[ChristineV]

Yeah, Norma, me too. I never read manuals but since joining here I find it very valuable. Now if I can just find the manual to my camera LOL!

[nkeevers]

Now I'm LOL! :D :D :D

[Carbone]

Yeah, Norma, me too. I never read manuals but since joining here I find it very valuable. Now if I can just find the manual to my camera LOL!

Canon, if that's what you have, offers their manual on their website, in the support section (Canon USA, that is).

Ray

[RonH]

Kim, You mentioned wanting a larger diameter pen for your tablet. Try the office supply store. They make rubber tubes that slip over conventional pens to reduce fatigue. Maybe you could find something there.

[ChristineV]

Thanks Ray, I actually have a Fuji . I keep asking my husand if he knows where it is .. I may have to look for it myself ;)

[clemsonjim]

I have had a tablet (Graph 4) for some time and use it occasionally and would like to use it more. I have discarded the mouse that came with it and went back to my old one.
The question I have is this:
When using a tool such as a brush, I have trouble knowing exactlly where the stylus is going to begin to lay down the brush stroke or erasure etc. Is there a way to make the cursor position more accurate or the sensitivity less so that you can control where the brush stroke begins? Seems like when I am 'hovering' over the area there is little room for error to begin touching the pad. I have tried all the settings with no success.

[nkeevers]

I have had a tablet (Graph 4) for some time and use it occasionally and would like to use it more. I have discarded the mouse that came with it and went back to my old one.
The question I have is this:
When using a tool such as a brush, I have trouble knowing exactlly where the stylus is going to begin to lay down the brush stroke or erasure etc. Is there a way to make the cursor position more accurate or the sensitivity less so that you can control where the brush stroke begins? Seems like when I am 'hovering' over the area there is little room for error to begin touching the pad. I have tried all the settings with no success.

If you go into your pen tablet properties, you should be able to change the tip feel, sensitivity,etc. Not sure about the "hover" control though. I've gotten used to how close the pen is to the tablet when it starts to move my cursor. The minute I touch down on the tablet, it starts working in exactly that spot. Is this what you are talking about.

Is it possible you might need a little more eye-hand coordination. My manual has an eye-hand coordination exercise. Maybe that'll help you get used to the position/sensitivity problem.

Not sure if any of the above will help you. But good luck and let me know you how do.

[JulieM]

Gosh this thread is scaring me! It sounds like I will have to read the instructions when mine arrives right? I hate reading directions!


Christine - I just got a new Graphire and found the two video tutorials in the subscriber area to be quite helpful in getting started with it. Also, I signed up for the Eclectic Academy Wacom course which starts this weekend. Maybe you should join me!

[nkeevers]

Julie, thanks for the tip about the tut in the subscriber area. I haven't been there for a bit and didn't even know there was one! I'm going to check it out.

[ChristineV]

Thanks Julie for the heads up on the tutorials! I did not know they were there either! My wacom tablet is supposed to arrive tomorrow!

I will have to pass on the class this time around though. I have allocated my time elsewhere this month. Please let me know how you like it though! I am making a list of lessons to take!

[clemsonjim]

You are right I probably need to practice more and I will reset the feel so that is is not as sensitive. The 'hovering' comment was about the pen being above the pad right before touching and beginning operation(stroke, etc)
Thanks for your help!

[nkeevers]

Yeah, I found out that my pen hovers about 1/4 of a inch above the pad when it then starts working. But that is good because I can "hover" and move around my picture before deciding where to start my action.

My practice is putting away my mouse and just using my pen for everything, from e-mail to photos. That's the only way I'll get used to it. It's forcing me to not use the mouse and to use the pen.

[JulieM]

Christine, I'm sure you're going to enjoy your tablet. I spent the first few days after Christmas trying to figure out how to pronounce it! Fortunately, the video tutorial resolved that issue for me. By the way, I love your gallery, especially this picture http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=14542
It gave me a start, though. At first I thought the log in the background was a crocodile coming to snap up your adorable little boy!

[nkeevers]

How funny! I thought the same thing for a minute!:D Then I realized it was a log or something like that.

[ChristineV]

LOL! We thought that too! Of course at the time of taking the picture the only thing moving around in the water were frogs LOL

Thanks so much for the compliment on my gallery :D

[ChristineV]

Hey Julie .. your border breakout is so FUN! http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=15762
I really like that take on it! I have not tried a border breakout yet. I am looking for the right picture and effect for me.

[JulieM]

Thanks, Christine! The hockey championship image isn't a very good one, but it was fun to experiment with the breakout technique. I wanted my son's team to look like it was perched on a tiny piece of the ice... (Now that I look at it again, I bet someone more talented could make the ice look like a slab with jagged edges! That would be cool...)

[MarieBoyer]

Christine - I just got a new Graphire and found the two video tutorials in the subscriber area to be quite helpful in getting started with it. Also, I signed up for the Eclectic Academy Wacom course which starts this weekend. Maybe you should join me!

Julie:
My Wacom tablet should be here in a day or two. I went to look at the Wacom Eclectic course you mention. It looks like it requires "Painter." I know nothing about that program. Wish it were Elements based, and I would take it with you!

[JulieM]

Marie - The Painter Essentials 2 program referred to in the course description is shipped with the Wacom. At least it was with my Graphire 4. (It also included Photoshop Elements 3 and something called NIK color EEfexPro 2) Maybe you can join the class? :)

[John L Gray]

My Wacom Intus 3 6x8 arrived and I did what Wendy W suggested and put my mouse in my drawer. The learning curve is slow but I can still remember when I started using a mouse years ago I felt like a baby learning to walk.

The Wacom is amazing in what I able to do in restoration of photos in just a few days. Looking forward to learning for about using Wacom in the future.

I hope we soon an online class on Wacom. Has anyone heard the status of new classes?


John:)

[nkeevers]

John, congratulation on your new Intuous! I did exactly what you're doing; put my mouse away. I'm finally starting to get the hang of it and it's so much easier for selecting. The only problem I have is when I click on an icon on my desktop, I can't see to get the hang of the buttons on the pen yet because it hops and my icon moves and I get two windows opening up. Guess I'm not steady enough yet!:eek:

[virgo1]

Norma,
I have the same problem at times so the forward pen button is set on double click. I got my sister a Graphire for Christmas and she loves it.:D
Eva;)

[nkeevers]

Eva, thanks for telling me that. I think I'll try using the front for double-click. It might be easier than going for the back button. I have a little trouble with my hand coordination going for the back one.

[MarieBoyer]

Mine arrived yesterday. Still in the box but hope to take it out this weekend and give it a whirl. Here are some good instructional pieces I found:

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/printerfriendly.asp?p=383855&rl=1
http://www.informit.com/articles/printerfriendly.asp?p=170178&rl=1
http://desktoppub.about.com/b/a/257224.htm?nl=1

[nkeevers]

Thanks Marie! I printed them out. They should come in handy as I'm learning. Good luck with yours and let me know you do you and if you like it! It does take a little getting used to.