Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet Graphics Tablet Review

Affordable Entry into Digital Art

Published August 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM
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The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet represents a significant step forward in digital art tools, offering an accessible entry point for aspiring artists and professionals alike. This compact device features an 11.6-inch HD display with a fully laminated screen, providing a paper-like drawing experience with minimal parallax. The anti-glare coating further enhances visibility, allowing artists to work comfortably in various lighting conditions. Designed for versatility, the Wacom One 12 is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and even some Android devices. It comes bundled with a battery-free pen boasting 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, enabling precise control over line weight and opacity. While the active drawing area may be smaller compared to some competitors, the tablet's portability and included creative software make it an attractive option for digital artists on the go.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Verdict

Pros

  • Excellent entry-level drawing tablet
  • High-quality HD display with anti-glare
  • Responsive and accurate pen performance
  • Wide compatibility across devices
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Limited screen brightness
  • No programmable shortcut buttons
  • Smaller active drawing area than some competitors

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet emerges as a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists entering the world of digital art. Its 11.6-inch HD display with anti-glare coating provides a comfortable drawing experience, closely mimicking the feel of pen on paper. The fully laminated screen enhances precision, making it suitable for various creative tasks from illustration to photo editing.

One of the tablet’s standout features is its responsive pen performance. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, artists can achieve nuanced line work and shading. The battery-free pen, complete with customizable buttons, adds to the overall efficiency of the workflow. However, the lack of programmable shortcut keys on the tablet itself may be a drawback for some users accustomed to more advanced models.

Compatibility is a strong suit of the Wacom One 12. It works seamlessly with Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and even some Android devices, offering flexibility for users across different platforms. This versatility, combined with its compact and lightweight design, makes it an excellent option for students or artists who need portability.

While the Wacom One 12 offers great value for its price point, it does have some limitations. The screen brightness could be higher, which may be an issue in well-lit environments. Additionally, the active drawing area, while sufficient for most tasks, is smaller compared to some competitors in the same price range. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Wacom One 12 stands out as a reliable and capable entry-level drawing tablet, providing a solid foundation for those looking to explore digital art without breaking the bank.

Check Price

Style Model Number
Display 12" DTC121W0A
Display 13" DTH134W0A
Tablet Medium CTC6110WLW0A
Display DTC133W0A
Tablet Small CTC4110WLW0A

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Compared to Other Drawing Tablets

Pros

  • Competitive price point for its features
  • Versatile compatibility across devices
  • Natural drawing experience with paper-like texture

Cons

  • Smaller active area than some competitors
  • Limited shortcut options compared to higher-end models

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet holds its own against competitors in the entry-level to mid-range market. Its 11.6-inch HD display with anti-glare coating offers a paper-like drawing experience, rivaling more expensive options. The tablet’s compatibility with Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and some Android devices sets it apart from many competitors, providing versatility for users across different platforms.

While the Wacom One 12 excels in pen performance with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, some higher-end tablets offer 8,192 levels. The lack of built-in shortcut buttons may be a drawback for some users, as competitors like XP-Pen and Huion often include these features. However, the Wacom One 12’s competitive pricing, coupled with Wacom’s reputation for quality and durability, makes it an attractive option for beginners and intermediate artists looking for a reliable drawing tablet with a screen.

XP-Pen Artist 12
15.6" W/O X3 Pen
The XP-Pen Artist 12 offers similar screen size and functionality at a lower price point, but the Wacom One 12 generally provides better build quality and more precise pen performance. The Wacom also has a slight edge in software compatibility and driver stability.
Microsoft Surface Pro
Black Black Dune Platinum Platinum Platinum Sapphire
The Wacom Intuos Pro is a higher-end screenless tablet from the same manufacturer. It offers more advanced features and a larger drawing area but lacks the direct screen-to-pen interaction of the Wacom One 12. The One 12 is more intuitive for beginners and offers better value for its features.
Huion Kamvas 13
Black Pink
The Huion Kamvas 13 features a larger 13-inch display and more shortcut buttons compared to the Wacom One 12. However, the Wacom offers superior color accuracy and a more natural drawing feel. The Wacom brand also typically provides better long-term support and reliability.
Wacom Intuos Pro
Large Medium Small
While not a dedicated drawing tablet, the iPad Air with Apple Pencil offers a versatile, portable solution for digital artists. It provides a wider range of apps but lacks the specialized drawing features and desktop software compatibility of the Wacom One 12.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Design and Build Quality

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Sturdy construction with premium feel
  • Anti-glare screen coating
  • Fully laminated display

Cons

  • No built-in shortcut buttons
  • Limited screen brightness

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet impresses with its sleek and compact design, making it an ideal choice for artists on the go or those with limited desk space. Measuring 11.8 x 7.5 x 0.1 inches and weighing just 1.5 pounds, this tablet strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The tablet’s white exterior gives it a clean, professional look that fits well in various work environments.

Build quality is a standout feature of the Wacom One 12. Despite its lightweight nature, the tablet feels sturdy and well-constructed, with materials that convey a premium feel. The fully laminated 11.6-inch HD display is a significant upgrade, offering a paper-like drawing experience with minimal parallax. The anti-glare coating on the screen enhances visibility and reduces eye strain, allowing artists to work comfortably in various lighting conditions.

While the overall design is praiseworthy, there are a few considerations to note. The tablet lacks built-in shortcut buttons, which may slow down workflow for some users accustomed to more advanced models. Additionally, some users have reported that the screen brightness could be higher, which may be an issue in well-lit environments. However, these minor drawbacks are offset by the tablet’s overall design quality and its focus on providing a natural drawing experience.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Display and Drawing Experience

Pros

  • Vibrant 11.6-inch HD display
  • Anti-glare coating reduces eye strain
  • Paper-like drawing surface
  • Fully laminated screen minimizes parallax

Cons

  • Limited screen brightness
  • Smaller active area compared to some competitors

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet boasts an 11.6-inch HD display that provides a vibrant and clear canvas for digital artists. The fully laminated screen offers a paper-like texture, creating a natural drawing experience that closely mimics traditional media. This feature, combined with the anti-glare coating, significantly reduces eye strain during extended drawing sessions, allowing artists to work comfortably for longer periods.

The display’s 1920×1080 resolution ensures crisp image quality, essential for detailed work in illustration, photo editing, and graphic design. The anti-glare coating not only enhances visibility but also improves the overall drawing experience by reducing reflections and allowing artists to work effectively in various lighting conditions. However, some users have noted that the screen brightness could be higher, which may be a consideration for those working in well-lit environments.

One of the standout features of the Wacom One 12 is its minimal parallax, thanks to the fully laminated display. This means the cursor appears precisely where the pen tip touches the screen, providing a more intuitive and accurate drawing experience. While the active drawing area is smaller compared to some competitors, many users find it sufficient for most tasks, especially considering the tablet’s portability and compact design.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Pen Performance

Pros

  • 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • Natural tilt recognition
  • Virtually lag-free tracking
  • Two customizable buttons
  • Battery-free design

Cons

  • Only one customizable button on pen
  • Lower pressure sensitivity than high-end models

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet comes with a battery-free pen that offers impressive performance for its entry-level price point. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, artists can achieve nuanced line work and shading, allowing for a natural drawing experience that closely mimics traditional media.

One of the standout features of the pen is its natural tilt recognition and virtually lag-free tracking. This combination provides a smooth and responsive drawing experience, enabling artists to create fluid strokes and maintain precision during detailed work. The pen’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended drawing sessions, reducing hand fatigue.

The pen includes two customizable buttons, which can be programmed for frequently used shortcuts like undo or copy/paste. This feature enhances workflow efficiency, allowing artists to stay focused on their creative process. However, some users may find the lack of additional shortcut buttons on the tablet itself a minor drawback compared to more advanced models.

While the 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity are sufficient for most users, particularly beginners and intermediate artists, it’s worth noting that this is lower than the 8,192 levels found in some high-end tablets. Nevertheless, for the target audience of the Wacom One 12, the pen performance strikes an excellent balance between functionality and affordability.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Software and Compatibility

Pros

  • Wide compatibility with major operating systems
  • Bundled creative software package
  • Plug-and-play functionality
  • Customizable pen settings

Cons

  • Limited built-in shortcut options
  • Some software may require separate purchase

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet shines in its software compatibility and ease of use. It seamlessly integrates with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and even some Android devices, making it a versatile choice for artists across different platforms. The plug-and-play functionality ensures users can start creating immediately without complex setup processes.

Wacom provides a bundle of creative software with the tablet, including trials of popular applications like Clip Studio Paint Pro and Bamboo Paper. This package gives users a head start in exploring digital art. However, it’s worth noting that full versions of some software may require separate purchases after the trial period.

The tablet’s driver software allows for customization of pen settings, enabling artists to tailor their experience. Users can adjust pressure sensitivity and map the pen’s buttons to preferred shortcuts. While this offers flexibility, the lack of built-in shortcut buttons on the tablet itself may be a drawback for some, potentially slowing down workflow compared to more advanced models.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Performance and Responsiveness

Pros

  • Virtually lag-free tracking for smooth drawing
  • 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • Natural tilt recognition enhances drawing experience
  • Responsive pen with customizable buttons

Cons

  • Limited screen brightness may affect visibility
  • Lack of built-in shortcut buttons on tablet

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet excels in performance and responsiveness, offering a smooth and intuitive drawing experience. The tablet’s virtually lag-free tracking ensures that every stroke appears on the screen almost instantaneously, allowing artists to work with precision and confidence. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, users can achieve a wide range of line weights and opacities, mimicking the feel of traditional media.

The included pen features natural tilt recognition, further enhancing the drawing experience by allowing for more nuanced shading and line variation. The pen’s two customizable buttons can be programmed for frequently used shortcuts, improving workflow efficiency. However, some users may find the lack of built-in shortcut buttons on the tablet itself a minor drawback compared to more advanced models.

While the overall performance is impressive, especially for its price point, there are a few considerations to note. The screen brightness is limited, which may affect visibility in well-lit environments. Despite these minor issues, the Wacom One 12 delivers a responsive and capable performance that meets the needs of most digital artists, particularly beginners and intermediate users.

Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet: Conclusion

The Wacom One 12 Drawing Tablet emerges as a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists entering the world of digital art. Its 11.6-inch HD display with anti-glare coating provides a comfortable drawing experience, closely mimicking the feel of pen on paper. The responsive pen performance, featuring 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, allows for nuanced line work and shading.

While the tablet offers great value for its price point, it does have some limitations. The screen brightness could be higher, and the lack of built-in shortcut buttons may slow down workflow for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Wacom One 12 stands out as a reliable and capable entry-level drawing tablet, providing a solid foundation for those looking to explore digital art without breaking the bank.

                                 

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