Dev:Ref/Requests/Tablet

Graphics Tablet

A graphics tablet (or digitizing tablet, graphics pad, drawing tablet) is an input device used by many artists in programs such as Photoshop, Zbrush, Painter, Artrage, GIMP, Inkscape, etc.[1]

Unfortunately few 3D programs take advantage of the capabilities of tablets. The intention of this page is to create a discussion on what features are missing so tablet users can utilize their input devices within Blender more easily and frequently. And to discuss the advantages of using a Tablet with Blender.

Ergonomic advantages of Tablets

First lets discuss the ergonomic advantages of the tablet. Advocates of tablets and pens cite relief from occupational overuse syndrome varieties such as repetitive strain injury [2]. Sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome also report good results. This is because the use of a computer mouse tends to be very repetitive on the wrist, whereas operating a pen is more natural and tends to involve the movement of the entire arm [3].

Functional advantages

One primary advantage of many tablets is that they allow direction visual interaction within Blender (utilizing a graphics tablet that incorporates an LCD into the tablet itself or a Tablet PC, allowing the user to draw directly "on" the display surface.) One such advantage of direct visual interaction is while sculpting. Being able to directly view the model beneath the pen while sculpting provides a more tactile feel.[4]

Tablets also offer a variety of input methods above and beyond a standard mouse including: pressure sensitivity, stylus tilt and rotation, eraser, etc.

Tablets often can be more intuitive to some users than the mouse, as the position of the pen on the tablet typically corresponds to the location of the pointer on the computer screen.

It is also worth noting that many Blender users utilize other programs while using Blender (GIMP, Photoshop, etc.) whether for texture painting or some other function. Tablet users may have to switch between using the tablet stylus and mouse when changing programs due to Blender's lack of tablet friendliness.

Feature improvements to improve tablet functionality within Blender

Gestures

Blender already has simple gesture functionality.[5] This functionality can be improved on by allowing custom gestures and/or giving the user the ability to alter the existing gestures. The current gesture commands are not as necessary especially with the addition of manipulators in Blender [6]. Imagine a quick swipe gesture to open the specials menu or to access the space bar menu. Gestures should also change in functionality depending on what mode you are in within Blender (ie. Sculpt, Modeling, etc.)

Navigation

3D navigational widgets/buttons. Blender used to incorporate pan and zoom buttons within the header. This allowed the user to click and drag to navigate the 3d view. To improve tablet functionality pan, rotate and zoom widgets/buttons need to be accessible. Personally, I'd suggest a floating window that contains buttons/widgets that provide pan, zoom, rotate, ortho/perspective switch and a simple ortho toggle (top, bottom, front, right, etc.) functionality.

Customizable toolbar

Matt [7] not long ago created a simple implementation of a floating customizable toolbar. [8] This functionality allowed the user to create buttons corresponding to whatever tools he/she desired. This is a necessity for tablet pc users and a benefit for tablet users, since much of Blender's functionality is locked away in keyboard shortcuts a toolbar where these commands could be activated by a simple button press would be advantageous.