LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Hi friends. I've purchased a small Pen Wacom tablet and watched numerous You Tube videos, etc. I have installed the appropriate drivers, etc. and am using it with a Mac Air laptop and a larger LG monitor. I am going to use it primarily for photo editing and I use Lightroom 5 and Elements 13. I don't know where to begin though, for example, I know I can program each of the four express keys to do individual things in LR and different things in Elements. One of my questions is how do other folks who use a Wacom program decide which way to best use the express keys...Another question would be how to actually get started. I'm used to using the trackpad on my computer. I've studied the manual, but if anyone has any suggestions for me, I'd love to hear them. Thanks so much.

SueMac Loc: Box Elder, SD

I didn't re-program the express keys. They work fine for me as they are. One tip for getting used to it-don't look at the pad when using it. Keep your eyes on the monitor and pretty soon it should get easier. I had no problem getting used to a pad and I've had one since 2003.

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

I don't use the express keys on my Wacom, but I use the tablet all the time in Lightroom and Photoshop.

This may sound ridiculous, but I got started by playing card games on my (Windows) computer using the pen instead of the mouse. It took ten minutes to become accustomed to the pen, and in Photoshop using a blank sheet and a brush, just a short while to get used to the pressure sensitivity of the pen.

I no longer have a great use for a mouse.

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

Hand, eye cordination. Takes a bit of getting used to. Try putting your mouse up, and only use the stylus/pen, force yourself to embrace the pen.

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thanks to all. That's sort of the message I'm understanding...that I just need to use it to get used to it. But, for example, if I need to vary the size of my brush...do I still use my finger to hit the bracket keys or do I somehow program that into my tablet? Thanks.

mtbear

The answer to both questions is pick it up and use it,

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thanks...just need to train my brain! Appreciate the help.

blackest Loc: Ireland

you have had the best advice, try it it will be frustrating at first like learning to walk or ride a bike or swim or write with your wrong hand. its a whole new way of doing things. very tough to begin with but you will progress and find its better than a track pad then better than a mouse.

I think the hardest thing is finding space next to the keyboard, you always need a keyboard too.