Old Wacom + Old and New Graphical Software + New (Old) PC

Datatalk + Windows

(Mostly notes for myself.)

I'm using an old Wacom with some old and new software. These are notes on how to set up and run things.

Drivers

Old Wacom -> Old Drivers!

The 21UX DTZ2100 is the older model (the DTZ is the newer one) and it has some quirks. It also uses the older Intuos 4 pens (though doesn't work with ALL Intuos 4 pens, duh).

But... the drivers still worked on my Windows 11 Laptop (a mid-range, second hand small EliteBook) even though they should not and are no longer supported.

But they work, double duh!

Multiple monitors

The order in which devices are connected may matter. I had best results switching external monitors on in this sequence:

1. Wacom -> HDMI + UDB -> laptop

2. External monitor -> HDMI -> docking station -> USB C -> laptop

Windows Ink versus Wintab

First try Windows Ink (default). If that doesn't work properly, then try Wintab.

• Windows Ink - newer. may lag a little upon first placement of the pen

• Wintab - older drivers, may sometimes provide better control with (older) Wacom tablets

How to assign Wintab / Windows Ink per application

The 'generic' setting will be applied to all apps, unless otherwise specified. To specify per app:

1. Start up Wacom Tablet Properties

2. Clink on the 'Calibrate' tab

3. When not listed yet, then:

1. Start your drawing application

2. In Wacom Tablet Properties, add the application to the list of Applications, using the '+' button

3. Exit your drawing application

4. Select the application

5. Set or clear the 'Use Windows Ink' tick box

6. Start your drawing application

Canva Affinity

Not all pens / brushes / tools support pressure detection.

Canva has a weird install and start-up sequence, all intended to bypass the admin account. I'm not sure I like that approach or not...

1. Start up Affinity

2. Edit / Settings / Tools

You can pick different options here. Pick the one that works best. This may take some trial and error. High precision did not work on my setup.

 3. Vector-mode

Should be possible, but couldn't get it to work. The problem is probably between the chair and the keyboard.

4. Pixel-mode

There's a little button next to the 'More' button that toggles pressure sensitivity

Kryta

Not all pens / brushes / tools support pressure detection.

1. Settings / Cofigure / Tablet Settings

2. Select either WinTab or Windows Ink

3. When using WinTab click 'Advanced', then 'Map to entire virtual screen'

PhotoImpact X3

Not all pens / brushes / tools support pressure detection.

A pity it was abandoned, because it can do some nifty things.

1. Photo Impact works best when placed on the 'Primary' screen. Only then do the horizontal sliders underneath the menu bar work properly. In other words: make the Wacom your primary screen

2. File / Preferences / General / PhotoImpact / Tools

Here you find two options related to pressure sensitivity. I left them at default ('fair')

3. Pressure mode - select none / transparency / size / both.