MATERIALS USED FOR ANIMATION

Graphics tablet

Also called a drawing tablet or a pen tablet, a graphics tablet is a natural input
device that converts information from a handheld stylus. The user uses the stylus
like a pen, pencil, or paintbrush, pressing its tip on the tablet surface. The device
can also be used in replacement of a computer mouse. Pictured is an example of a
graphics tablet and stylus, manufactured by Wacom or Huion.

The first graphics tablet for home computers was the KoalaPad. Developed by
Koala Technologies in 1984, the KoalaPad was originally designed for use by the
Apple II computer. However, it was eventually made available for the IBM PC
compatible computer as well.

Similar to an artist drawing with a pencil and paper, a user draws on the graphics
tablet with a stylus. The computer will convert the drawing strokes into digital
form, displaying them on the computer screen.
The graphics tablet can also be used to capture users' signatures. This use is
similar to the signature pads found at many retail stores, where you would write
your signature after using a credit card to make a purchase.

Who uses graphics tablets?

Below is a list of professions and people who are more likely to use a graphics
tablet.

 Architects and Engineers

 Artists
 Cartoonist
 Fashion designers
 Graphic designers
 Illustrators
 Photographers
 Teachers

Stylus

In computing, a stylus is an instrument shaped like a pen, designed to be used with

graphics tablets or devices that use touch screen input. It is used to write or draw
on a screen, similar to how you would on a sheet of paper. Unlike a pen, styluses
have a plastic or felt tip depending on its purpose and functionality. The picture
shows the Palm Z22 stylus.

Which devices use a stylus?

Originally, the stylus was not commonly found or used with devices other
than graphics tablets and PDAs. However, with the rising popularity of touch
screens on mobile devices, many individuals like using a stylus instead of their
finger. The reasoning varies, but it's usually for more accurate navigation and
keeps oils from their fingers from getting on the device's screen.

What is the difference between passive and active styluses?

A stylus can come in two forms: passive (also known as a capacitive stylus) or active
(also known as an active stylus or active pen). A passive stylus is not different than
using your finger as far as the device is concerned. An active stylus (such as the
one used with the Microsoft Surface) has an electronic component that interfaces
with the device's touch screen controller. They have a few distinct advantages:
more accurate and finer lines, different levels of pressure sensitivity, and the
ability to ignore input from your hand resting on the screen. The last feature is
referred to as palm rejection.

How is a stylus an input device?

Before the touch screens we know today, the stylus was used to input data into
small palmtop devices. This form of input may be known as pen input. For example,
the Palm Pilot used the stylus to write symbols known as graffiti to input letters
into the device.

Today, a stylus is still considered an input device because it can point to and open
or manipulate objects on a screen, like a computer mouse. However, it is not as
common now with more sophisticated touch screens capable of reading the user's
finger. Newer computers also use handwriting recognition software to help take
your handwritten notes into easy to read and share text.
What is a digital pen?

A stylus is a small basic plastic or steel device that is only used to input data.
A digital pen resembles a stylus but is bigger and has its own capabilities.

For example, a digital pen may have a digital eraser that allows the pen to be
flipped over and used as an eraser when drawing. Digital pens are also pressure-
sensitive, allowing you to draw or paint on the screen depending on how hard you're
pressing down on the pen. Other features may be one or more buttons on the pen
that allows it to perform a special function, such as changing the brush type or
size. Because of these additional capabilities, they'll also require batteries.

Phone

is the Platform where the animation takes place.

Flip a Clip

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