Best Computers For Drawing And Animation (2024 Updated)

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As an artist or animator, finding the best computer for drawing and animation can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, there are a few key points that you should keep in mind when looking for the best computer for your creative needs.

Firstly, you need to consider the hardware specifications of the computer. A computer with a high-performance processor, dedicated graphics card, and ample RAM is essential for running demanding software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Maya. Secondly, you should consider the display quality and size. A high-resolution display with accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles is crucial for accurate color representation and comfortable viewing.

Thirdly, the input method is also important. A stylus or pen input device, such as Wacom's Intuos or Cintiq, can greatly improve your drawing and animation experience. Fourthly, storage capacity and speed are crucial for storing and accessing large files, such as high-resolution images or video footage. Finally, the operating system should also be taken into account. Windows and Mac OS are the most popular platforms for creative work, but there are also options such as Linux or Chrome OS.

In summary, when looking for the best computer for drawing and animation, you should consider the hardware specifications, display quality, input method, storage capacity and speed, and operating system. By keeping these key points in mind, you can find a computer that meets your creative needs and helps you achieve your artistic goals.

10 Best Computers For Drawing And Animation

1. Huion Kamvas 13 Graphics Tablet With Screen And Battery-Free Pen, 8192 Pressure Levels, Tilt, And 8 Hot Keys, Adjustable Stand – Compatible With Android, Mac, Linux, And Windows.

The HUION Kamvas 13 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is a high-performance device that offers exceptional drawing capabilities. It features a full laminated IPS screen that seamlessly combines the glass and screen to provide precise cursor positioning and the lowest parallax. The 13.3-inch screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 FHD display with 16.7 million colors, 120%sRGB (85% NTSC) color gamut volume, and 178° viewing angle. Additionally, it comes with an anti-glare film that can be scratch-resistant and offers a clear picture even under bright light.

One of the most impressive features of the Kamvas 13 is its ability to work with a variety of devices, including Mac, Windows, and Linux. It also supports connection with Android devices via a full-featured Type-C cable (not included). This makes it a highly portable drawing tablet that is easy to carry for outdoor drawing.

Another great feature of the Kamvas 13 is its easy cable connection. It does not require an AC power adapter and can be powered by a laptop running on 5 volts or above via the included 3-in-1 HDMI cables with or full-featured Type-C cable (sold separately). A USB extension cable is also included to help extend the connection to your computer by 1.2m.

The Kamvas 13 is optimized with Capacitive Pressure Sensor and stable pen nibs providing you the most natural and highly-sensitive drawing experience as using a regular pen. Together with 8192 levels of pen pressure, 60 degrees of tilt function, and 266pps of report rate, the battery-free stylus PW517 immediately reacts to the tilt and each movement of your hand with amazing precision and control.

To optimize your workflow, 8 shortcut keys are designed on the left to be customized as needed. They are devoted to simplifying your workflow and creating your ideas faster and more efficiently. You can draw with Kamvas 13 in any creative software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, Painter, SAI, Krita, Medibang, and so on! An adjustable stand is included to allow you to create at your best angle.

In summary, the HUION Kamvas 13 drawing pen display is an exceptional drawing tablet that must be used with a computer or android device running Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android OS. Its full laminated IPS screen, compatibility with multiple devices, easy cable connection, advanced pen technology, and customizable shortcut keys make it a must-have tool for any artist or designer looking to take their work to the next level.

2. Huion Kamvas 12: 11.6-Inch Full-Laminated Drawing Tablet With Tilt Support And Usb-C Connection For Digital Art And Design On Mac, Pc & Mobile (Orange)

The HUION KAMVAS 12 Drawing Tablet is a versatile and powerful tool that is ideal for artists, designers, educators, and professionals seeking to create stunning digital art. With its full-laminated and 1920×1080 full HD screen, this tablet delivers vibrant colors and exceptional clarity, allowing users to see every detail of their creations with ease.

The anti-glare film provides a natural paper-feeling surface that eliminates unwanted distracting reflections, while the Huion PenTech3.0 technology ensures ultra-responsive pen movement and virtually no lag. This tablet is compatible with MacOS 10.12 or later, Windows 7 or later, Linux (Ubuntu), and Android devices that support USB3.1 GEN1 and DP1.2.

The Kamvas 12 drawing tablet supports USB-C to USB-C connection and can be easily connected to your Linux, Mac, Windows computer, or Android device directly with a Huion full-featured USB-C cable (sold separately). It is compatible with a wide range of creative software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, Painter, Draw, Paintshop Pro, Sketchbook, and more.

This tablet features 8 customizable express keys on the monitor and 2 buttons on the pen, allowing users to program their favorite keyboard shortcuts for optimal workflow. With its 11.6-inch compact size, the Kamvas 12 fits perfectly in a laptop bag for easy carrying and use in limited desktop areas.

The Kamvas 12 can replace a computer mouse and work as an extended display, allowing users to efficiently edit and annotate, sign documents digitally, and take notes with a precise pen at hand while working from home. It is also an excellent tool for teachers and students seeking to build interactive and memorable online classes. Compatible with most software tools, including Skype, Microsoft Team, ZOOM, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint), Google Slides, PDF Annotator, and more, the Kamvas 12 is a creative tool that delivers exceptional results.

3. Huion Kamvas Pro 16: Full-Laminated Graphics Tablet With Battery-Free Tilt Pen And 8192 Pressure Levels. 15.6" Touch Bar And 6 Hot Keys For Pc/mac/linux.

The HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is an advanced digital drawing tool that offers a full laminated HD display with anti-glare glass to reduce parallax and provide accurate stylus control. The 15.6-inch graphic tablet boasts a 120% sRGB wide color gamut volume with 16.7 million colors to make images more vivid and true to life.

The battery-free stylus pen comes with a ±60° tilt function, 8192 pressure sensitivity levels, and an industry-leading 266PPS report rate for smooth and natural drawing transitions. The tablet also features 6 customizable express keys and 1 touch bar that can be programmed for canvas zooming, brush adjusting, and page scrolling.

The HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 is ideal for online education and remote work, making it perfect for online teaching, web conferencing, webinars, and screen sharing via Zoom, the Xsplit software, and other applications. The tablet is compatible with Windows 7 or later, Mac OS 10.12 or later, Linux Ubuntu, and most mainstream drawing software.

The tablet is constructed with an 11mm thickness and aluminum alloy structure, making it both durable and lightweight at 1.2kg. The hidden Type-C interface and 3-in-1 cable eliminate clutter and bring a clean desktop workspace.

Overall, the HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen offers a powerful and versatile digital drawing tool for artists, designers, and remote workers alike. Its advanced features, compatibility, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality drawing tablet.

4. Huion Kamvas Pro 12: Graphics Drawing Monitor With Battery-Free Pen And Adjustable Stand, 8192 Pen Pressure.

The Huion KAMVAS Pro 12 Drawing Tablet with Screen Graphics Drawing Monitor Full-Laminated Pen Display with Battery-Free Pen and Adjustable Stand 8192 Pen Pressure(GT-116) is an advanced drawing tablet that is perfect for artists, designers, and creatives of all levels. Equipped with a tilt function battery-free stylus, this tablet comes with 8192 levels of pen pressure with ±60 pen tilt support, allowing you to have advanced pen performance. The battery-free pen PW507 eliminates the need to worry about charging, making it convenient and hassle-free.

The device features an 11.6-inch IPS screen with 120% sRGB color gamut volume that presents 16.7 million colors vividly, which can greatly reduce the color difference. The dimension of the KAMVAS Pro 12 is 350 x 198.6 x 11mm, which is close to an A4 sheet, making it ultra-thin and portable, allowing you to take it anywhere you want.

The Huion KAMVAS Pro 12 comes with 4 press keys and 1 touch bar, allowing you to set the express keys in the light of your preference, making it easy to access your favorite settings and enhance your productivity. The 266 PPS report rate provides a quick and agile feedback of the pen strokes, which is conducive to the smoothness of the lines.

The tablet is equipped with full-laminated anti-glare glass, which effectively reduces the glare damage to human eyes and shortens the distance between the pen nib and the cursor, making you feel like drawing on paper and offering a better drawing experience.

The KAMVAS Pro 12 drawing pen display is compatible with Mac (OS 10.12 and above), Windows 7 and above, and Linux (Ubuntu), making it suitable for a wide range of users. It is also ideal for online teaching and working, allowing users to meet all their needs for every subject with online tutoring software such as Power Point, Word, OneNote, PDF, and more. The device can be used for online conference purposes, web conferencing, webinars, and screen sharing, making it a versatile tool for any creative or professional setting.

In conclusion, the Huion KAMVAS Pro 12 Drawing Tablet with Screen Graphics Drawing Monitor Full-Laminated Pen Display with Battery-Free Pen and Adjustable Stand 8192 Pen Pressure(GT-116) is an exceptional tool for artists and designers. With its advanced features, ultra-thin design, and compatibility with a range of software and devices, it is an excellent investment for any creative or professional setting.

5. Huion Kamvas 22: 21.5" Drawing Tablet With Screen, Pw517 Stylus, Adjustable Stand, 120% Srgb, For Windows, Mac, Android.

The HUION KAMVAS 22 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is a top-of-the-line drawing tablet that is designed to bring your creative ideas to life. With advanced pen technology, the PW517 stylus is optimized with Capacitive Pressure Sensor to make it responsive to every pen movement without any lag. The pen tip is designed with better nib firmness and short nibs to improve accuracy and reduce offset, making it the most accurate and natural pen performance.

The 21.5-inch immersive screen with 1960x1080p full HD resolution presents your creation in the depth of detail. The pre-applied anti-glare film minimizes glare and distracting reflection, while the scratch-resistant surface feels more like drawing on paper and creates a good intuitive drawing experience. The stand is adjustable and included to help you get into the perfect position to start your creation.

Connecting the Huion Kamvas 22 to your computer is easy with the included 3-in-1 Type-C cable or an optional full-featured Type-C to Type-C cable. A USB-A port is also added to connect flash disk, keyboard, mouse, or other devices. The user-friendly connection design will bring you better convenience and higher efficiency.

Kamvas 22 could work with Mac (MacOS 10.12 or later) and Windows computer (Windows 7 or later), and you can also connect it to your Android smartphones and tablets with a full-featured USB-C cable to release your inspiration whenever and wherever you want. Note: Your android device is supposed to support USB3.1 GEN1 or DP 1.2.

Boasting with 120%s RGB color gamut volume and 16.7 million colors, Kamvas 22 offers you exceptionally vivid and lifelike color performance. The 178° wide view angle provides crisp pictures for your artwork from different angles. It is compatible with most drawing programs, such as Sketchbook, MediBang, etc.

In summary, the HUION KAMVAS 22 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is a high-quality drawing tablet that offers advanced pen technology, an immersive screen, easy cable connection, and vibrant color performance. It is compatible with multiple devices and most drawing programs, making it the perfect tool for artists and designers who want to bring their creative ideas to life.

6. Xppen Artist 12 2nd Gen Drawing Tablet With Full-Laminated Screen And Battery-Free Stylus For Various Operating Systems (11.9" Pink)

The XPPen Artist 12 2nd Pen Display Computer Graphics Tablet with Battery-Free X3 Stylus Full-Laminated is a drawing tablet designed for artists. Equipped with the latest X3 chip, the ingenious pen performance needs just 0.1oz pressure-sensitive that XPPen will help you make your digital drawing vivid. The tablet comes with 8 personalized express keys that optimize your workflow and save your valuable time. The painting or learning process will be more productive and enjoyable.

The Artist 12 2nd digital pad provides 1920*1080 high resolution, anti-reflective screen protector, 60 Degree tilt, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity with a digital eraser. The XPPen graphics drawing monitor is able to reduce glare and reflections and provide the same vivid images across wide 178 Degree viewing angles.

The pen display supports Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux, Android (USB3.1 DP1.2). It is also compatible with popular digital art software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, CDR, GIMP, Krita, MediBang, FireAlpaca, and Blender 3D. The XPPen drawing tablet can be easily connected with the convenient USB-C cable, compatible with Chromebook, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, and most of the design software such as PS, AI, SAI, CDR, GIMP, Krita, CLIP STUDIO PAINT, MediBang, Fire Alpaca, Blender 3D, OpenCanvas, CAD, etc.

The XPPen Artist 12 2nd drawing tablets with screen is a wonderful tool for kids, artists, photographers, illustrators, painters, and designers to optimize their workflow. The tablet is easy to use and comes with a worry-free 12-month warranty and friendly customer service. Start your sketch or animation design now with the XPPen Artist 12 2nd Pen Display Computer Graphics Tablet with Battery-Free X3 Stylus Full-Laminated.

7. Ugee M708 Graphics Tablet With Pressure Pen Stylus, 10×6 Inch Drawing Area, 8 Hotkeys, And Easy-To-Use Art Tablet For Beginners On Win/mac/chrome Os.

The UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet is a high-quality graphics tablet that offers a smooth and accurate drawing experience for digital art creation. With a large 10*6 inch drawing area and an 8192 level pressure-sensitivity pen stylus, this tablet is a perfect choice for artists looking for a reliable and efficient tool for their digital art projects.

The M708 drawing tablet is designed with beginners in mind and is easy to use. Once connected to a PC or laptop, users can install the driver to activate the responsive pen with pen-to-tablet interaction. The driver can be easily accessed on the official website, making the installation process hassle-free.

The pen stylus for the M708 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for high accuracy drawing of lines and multiple brush effects with programs. The pen stylus also supports tilt function drawing with the tablet for digital creation.

The UGEE drawing pad is compatible with all creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, SAI, Infinite Stratos, 3D MAX, Autodesk MAYA, Pixologic ZBrush, GIMP, and more. It is mainly used for photo editing, sketching, and digital drawing for experts and beginners alike.

In addition to the UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet and Pen Stylus, customers will also receive a Pen Stand, 8 Pen Nibs, Nib Replace Ring, 2-finger Glove, Normal Gloves, Cleaning Brush, and Cleaning Cloth. The product is backed by 24/7 customer support and a 12-month warranty, ensuring that customers can rely on the product's quality and longevity.

Overall, the UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for artists looking for a reliable and high-quality graphics tablet. With its large drawing area, precise pen stylus, and compatibility with all creative software, this product is perfect for both beginners and experts in the digital art world.

8. Huion Kamvas Pro 13: 13.3inch Full-Laminated Graphics Tablet With Battery-Free Stylus, Tilt, Touch Bar, And Stand For Windows/mac/linux.

The HUION KAMVAS Pro 13 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is a powerful tool for artists and creatives looking for a high-quality, immersive drawing experience. With a full laminated IPS HD screen, the KAMVAS Pro 13 offers a 1920×1080 HD and 178° viewing angle IPS monitor paired with 85% NTSC(120%SRGB) Color Gamut Volume, making it perfect for visual design work. The anti-glare glass helps to minimize harsh glare and offers clear and vivid picture even under bright light.

The digital pen PW507 comes with 8192 levels of pen pressure and ±60° tilt support, which offers accuracy as well as sleek and natural transition between each line. The industry-leading report rate offers smooth drawing without any lag, making it feel like a real pen drawing on the paper. Additionally, the KAMVAS Pro 13 graphics tablet comes with 4 express keys and 1 touch bar that can be programmed for canvas zooming, brush adjusting, and page scrolling, among other functions.

The KAMVAS Pro 13 has an aluminum alloy structure, making it durable and portable, and it comes with a stand that can be adjusted to six different angles, allowing you to find the perfect position for creating your work. It has a dimension of 388 x 219 x 11mm, which is almost the same thickness as that of a smartphone.

This drawing tablet is compatible with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, Linux Ubuntu, and supports most art software like PS, SAI, Painter, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Zbrush, Krita, Canvas, etc. It is perfect for online education, webinars, screen sharing, and web conferencing, making it a versatile tool for working from home. It also works efficiently with online tutoring software like PowerPoint, Word, OneNote, PDF, etc.

In conclusion, the HUION KAMVAS Pro 13 Graphics Drawing Tablet with Screen is an excellent choice for artists and creatives looking for a high-quality, immersive drawing experience. With its full laminated IPS HD screen, battery-free stylus, and customizable hot keys, it is an excellent tool for digital art and design work. Its compatibility with most operating systems and art software, as well as its versatility for online education and working from home, make it an excellent investment for any creative professional.

9. Flipaclip: Create 2d Animation

FlipaClip is a powerful mobile application used for creating 2D animation. Its latest version boasts better performance and stability, providing users with a seamless animation experience. With FlipaClip, users can organize their projects into stacks, making it easier to manage and keep track of their work.

The application's interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to switch between light and dark mode, depending on their preference. With the use of blending modes, users can create unique effects that enhance their animations. Additionally, the new glow effect feature enables users to add a mesmerizing glow to their animations, making them more visually appealing.

Aside from its animation features, FlipaClip also allows users to add photos, videos, and music to their projects. This provides users with endless possibilities for creating unique animations that are tailored to their preferences. The application's user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate through the various features and tools available.

FlipaClip's performance and stability make it a reliable application for both amateur and professional animators. Its capabilities enable users to create high-quality animations that can be shared on various social media platforms. The application's versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice among animation enthusiasts.

In conclusion, FlipaClip is a robust mobile application that provides users with a wide range of features for creating 2D animations. Its performance and stability ensure a seamless animation experience, while its user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate through the various features and tools available. The application's versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for both amateur and professional animators.

Best Computers For Drawing And Animation FAQs

Are gaming laptops suitable for drawing and animation?

Yes, gaming laptops can be suitable for drawing and animation depending on the specifications of the laptop. A gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card and a high-performance processor can handle complex graphics tasks needed for drawing and animation. However, there are some factors to consider such as the size and resolution of the display, color accuracy, and software compatibility.

For drawing and animation, a larger screen with a higher resolution and color accuracy is preferred. Additionally, software compatibility is essential as some animation and drawing software may require specific hardware specifications to run smoothly. It is important to research and choose a gaming laptop with the appropriate specifications for your specific needs.

In summary, gaming laptops can be suitable for drawing and animation if they have the necessary hardware specifications, display size and resolution, color accuracy, and software compatibility.

How much RAM and graphics card memory is recommended for digital art and animation work?

For digital art and animation work, the amount of RAM and graphics card memory that is recommended depends on the complexity of the projects you are working on. Generally, a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 2GB of graphics card memory is recommended for basic digital art and animation work. However, for more complex projects that involve high-resolution images, 3D modeling, and animation, it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM and 4GB of graphics card memory.

Having more RAM and graphics card memory can help with smoother performance and faster rendering times, which is important for digital art and animation work. It is also important to consider the processing power of your computer's CPU and the type of software you are using, as these factors can also impact performance. Ultimately, investing in a high-performance computer with adequate RAM and graphics card memory can greatly improve your workflow and productivity in digital art and animation.

What are the best computer brands for artists and animators?

The best computer brands for artists and animators are those that offer high-performance hardware and specialized software that can handle intensive graphics processing. Apple's Mac computers are popular among artists and animators for their powerful hardware, user-friendly interface, and specialized software such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Microsoft's Surface Studio is also a popular choice due to its large touchscreen display and compatibility with popular software such as Adobe Creative Cloud. Dell's Precision and XPS series are also known for their powerful graphics capabilities and are a popular choice among professionals. ASUS and HP also offer high-performance workstations specifically designed for creative professionals. Ultimately, the best computer brand for artists and animators will depend on their specific needs and preferences, as well as their budget.

What are the best computer specifications for drawing and animation?

For a computer to be used for drawing and animation, it needs to have certain specifications. A good processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or better, is essential for running software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Animate smoothly. The computer should have a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, which can handle complex rendering and other graphics-intensive tasks. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended, with more being better for larger projects. A solid-state drive (SSD) is also preferred over a traditional hard drive, as it offers faster read and write speeds. A high-resolution display with accurate color reproduction is also important for artists and animators to see their work accurately. In summary, a high-end computer with a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, ample RAM, SSD storage, and a high-quality display is necessary for efficient and effective drawing and animation work.

Which operating system is better for drawing and animation: Mac or Windows?

Both Mac and Windows have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to drawing and animation. Mac operating systems are known for their user-friendly interface and superior color accuracy, which is essential for creating high-quality digital artwork. Macs also have a range of creative software options to choose from, including Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate. However, Macs tend to be more expensive than comparable Windows machines, which may not be feasible for all artists.

Windows operating systems, on the other hand, are known for their versatility and compatibility with a wider range of hardware and software options. This can be advantageous for artists who need specific tools or software to achieve their desired results. Windows machines also tend to have more powerful hardware options, which can be useful for complex animations or rendering tasks. However, Windows systems can be less intuitive to use for those who are new to the platform.

Ultimately, the choice between Mac and Windows comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the artist. Both operating systems offer a range of tools and software options, so it's worth considering your budget, skill level, and the type of artwork you want to create when making your decision.

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