Editing Graphics tablet (section)

{{Short description|Computer input device}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{For|the mobile device|Tablet computer}}
[[File:Pen Tablet.jpg|thumb|A graphic tablet]]
A '''graphics tablet''' (also known as a '''digitizer''', '''digital graphic tablet''', '''pen tablet''', '''drawing tablet''', '''external drawing pad''' or '''digital art board''') is a computer  [[input device]] that enables a user to hand draw or paint images, animations and graphics, with a special pen-like [[stylus (computing)|stylus]], similar to the way a person draws pictures with a pencil and paper by hand.

Graphics tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures. They can also be used to trace an image from a piece of paper that is taped or otherwise secured to the tablet surface. Capturing data in this way, by tracing or entering the corners of linear [[Polygonal chain|polylines]] or shapes, is called [[digitizing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/digitizing_tablet.html|title=What is digitizing tablet? Webopedia Definition|website=www.webopedia.com|date=September 1996}}</ref>

The device consists of a rough surface upon which the user may "draw" or trace an image using the attached [[stylus (computing)|stylus]], a pen-like drawing apparatus. The image is shown on the computer [[computer display|monitor]], though some graphic tablets now also incorporate an [[LCD screen]] for  more realistic or natural experience and usability.

Some tablets are intended as a replacement for the computer mouse as the primary pointing and navigation device for desktop computers.