12 Best Light Tables For Drawing In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Why We Think It’s Great

• DECENT SIZE: Provides an ample working area, perfect for any drawing project.
• ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS: You can change the light to your desired settings with a single tap. 
• WORKS FOR MANY PROJECTS: Use this lightbox for various art projects, including stenciling, 2D Animation, embossing, scrapbooking, tattoo transferring, etc.
• THIN AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy to carry and transport from one place to another.

What We Don’t Like

• The power chord tends to loosen after a couple of use.
• It gets hot when working for long hours.

What Our Experts Say

“My favorite light table is the LitEnergy Portable A4 Tracing LED Copy Board Light Box. It is super thin and bright which gives me a lot of flexibility. This is also a wonderful light table for beginning artists since it is lightweight and affordable,” says designer and award-winning portrait artist Aunia Kahn.

Country of Origin: China | Product Dimensions: 14.2”x10.6” | Light Area: 9”x12” | Brightness: 3000-4000 Lux | Power Supply: Micro-USB

4. Best Features: Artograph LightPad 950 LED Light Table

Why We Think It’s Great

• DIMMABLE: You can alter its brightness to meet your needs and eye condition.
• UV-FREE: No more eye strain, even if you work long hours.
• VARIOUS APPLICATIONS: You can use it not just for drawing but also for stenciling, 2D animation, calligraphy, embossing, scrapbooking, and quilting.
• LONG-LASTING: You can use it for up to 50,000 hours.
• USES LESS ENERGY: This light table runs cooler, perfect for long-period usage.

What We Don’t Like

• Flimsy power connector.
• It’s more expensive than other similar products.

What Our Editors Say

“This light table provides a cool white UV-free color temperature, which we really like because it is safe for the eyes. It is also maintenance-free, eliminating the need to change the bulbs repeatedly. Most of all, we love that we can use it for long hours, making it an excellent investment.”

Country of Origin: USA | Product Dimensions: 26.5” x19.25” | Light Area: 24”x17” | Brightness: 1000-5000 Lux | Power Supply: AC Adapter

5. Best Budget Option: Picture/Perfect A4 Ultra Thin Light Pad

What We Think It’s Great

• EYE FILTER: You can use this light table for long hours without straining your eyes.
• GOOD WORK SURFACE: Compatible with 8.5”x11” tracing paper and other media that require a big area.
• THREE LIGHT LEVELS: Adjust it according to your desired brightness.
• PORTABLE: Put it inside a bag and bring it anywhere.
• UNIVERSAL POWER SOURCE: Plug it into a wall outlet or a computer.

What We Don’t Like

• It's very easy to turn off the power accidentally.
• The power cord is too short.

What Buyers Say

“I'm totally delighted with my purchase and highly recommend this lightbox! I spent a long time evaluating the different lightboxes on the market and even the option of making a DIY. 

I chose Picture Perfect for its features, being able to plug it on the wall and warranty. I like the fact that my eyes are protected when I use it and the diverse settings for the intensity of the light.”

Country of Origin: USA | Product Dimensions: 13”x9” Power Supply: USB

6. Best for Beginners: Sun Cling A3 LED Light Box Tracer

Why We Think It’s Great

• THREE LEVEL BRIGHTNESS: Change the illumination according to your needs with the touch sensor. 
• EVEN LIGHT: This allows you to view the drawing outlines much easier.
• MULTI-PURPOSE: You can use it for stenciling, 2D animation, calligraphy, drawing, embossing, and many more.
• LIGHTWEIGHT: Carry this light table to school, work, or anywhere you like. 

What We Don’t Like

• The light tends to flicker.
• The USB port poorly fits into the USB plug.

What Our Editors Say

“We like the Sun Cling A3 LED Light Box Tracer because it works for various projects. We dont just use it for drawing but also for calligraphy and more. And just like any other high-quality light table, this also has adjustable brightness that we can set according to our needs.”

Country of Origin: Vietnam | Product Dimensions: 18.5”x13.5” | Light Area: 16.7”x12” | Power Supply: USB

 7. Best for Calligraphers: Tikteklab A4 Ultra Thin LED Light Table

Why We Think It’s Great

• FLICKER-FREE: Perfect lighting in any situation to prevent eye fatigue.
• VERSATILE ILLUMINATION: This allows you to get the desired luminance level for different applications.
• MULTIPLE USES: The light box is perfect for drawing, sketching, and animation.
• HANDY AND CONVENIENT: Easily bring this light table with you. 

What We Don’t Like

• Same button for power and brightness control.
• It gets scratched easily.

What Buyers Say

“I have been using this light box for about a month and found it very useful when you need a little extra help sketching. The brightness control is very easy to use and gets bright enough for many types of pictures, even darker ones. I’m new at sketching, which has helped improve my pictures.”

Country of Origin: USA | Product Dimensions: 14.1”x9.4” | Light Area: 12.6”x8.6” | Power Supply: USB

8. Best for Tattoo Artists: Huion A3 Light Table

Why We Think It’s Great

• EVEN BRIGHTNESS: See the outline of your drawings perfectly.
• PORTABLE: The tabletop lightbox is small enough to store and transport easily.
• EYE-PROTECTION: Suitable for sensitive eyes, unlike other products.
• DIMMABLE: It allows you to adjust the brightness of the light panel to suit your needs.
• NO OVERHEATING: This light table is suitable for long hours of use.

What We Don’t Like

• The connector tends to get loose.
• Lacks instructions on some product features.

What Our Editors Say

“What we love about the Huion A3 Light Table is its ability to provide even brightness, allowing us to use it without hot spots or glare. It also has extra eye protection, perfect for extended periods of use.”

Country of Origin: Vietnam | Product Dimensions: 18.8”x14.2” | Light Area: 16”x12” | Brightness: 730.80 cd/m2 | Power Supply: AC Adapter

9. Best for Crafters: Feir Store A4 Tracing Light Box

Why We Think It’s Great

• ARRAY OF APPLICATIONS: Use it for embossing, scrapbooking, sewing projects, stained glass, quilting, appliqué, and more.
• SLIM LIGHT PAD: Bring this lightbox with you during your travels.
• ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS: Allow you to customize the light output level to suit your needs.
• ECO-FRIENDLY LED LIGHT: Uses less energy, which is better for the environment.
• TOUCH SENSOR: Easy to turn on and off.

What We Don’t Like

• The light pad is not framed, so light leaks from the sides.
• Its touch button is too sensitive.

What Our Editors Say

“What we like about the A4 Tracing Lightbox is the ease of use. Unlike other products, it doesn’t require a power source to operate. You can make it work by connecting it to a laptop, power bank, or USB adaptor. 

In addition, this lightbox features a touch sensor making it easier to power on and off. We also love its efficient LED technology and the adjustable brightness to suit your eyes and project needs.”

Country of Origin: China | Product Dimensions: 13.7" x 9.4" | Light Area: 12"x 9" | Power Supply: USB, DC 5V

10. Best for Designers: CO-Z A2 LED Drawing Light Table

Why We Think It’s Great

• SCRATCH-RESISTANT: Made of a 6mm thick acrylic surface to withstand everyday use.
• ANTI-SKID RUBBERS: Provides stability while the light pad is in use. 
• TOUCH CONTROL: Dual LED illumination that emits minimal heat.
• LONG SERVICE LIFE: You can use this light table for up to 30,000 hours.
• SAFE FOR THE EYES: Ideal for those with eye conditions to prevent strain.

What We Don’t Like

• It’s not possible to plug into a USB power supply.
• The instructions are not in English.

What Our Editors Say

“We highly recommend this light table for its sturdiness, while the metric dial ensures precise measurements. It also provides the perfect light intensity for our needs. And best of all, it has a durable design that can stand up to over 30,000 hours of use!”

Country of Origin: China | Product Dimensions: 25.6”x18.9” | Light Area: 23.2”x16.5" | Power Supply: AC Adapter

11. Best for Animators: Litenergy A3 Tracing LED Light Pad 

Why We Think It’s Great

• EXCELLENT BRIGHTNESS: Bright LED light that offers an even brightness to help you see all the details while working on your projects.
• EYE FILTER: This greatly helps reduce strain on your eyes.
• TOUCH BUTTON: Tweak the light’s intensity with ease.
• LIGHTWEIGHT: Hand-carry or put it in your bag for easy transport.
• SUITABLE FOR ARTISTS OF ALL LEVELS: This light table is ideal for animators, designers, and art enthusiasts. 

What We Don’t Like

• The cord can get in the way of left-handed people.
• The light table feels a bit flimsy.

What Buyers Say

“This light pad is awesome! It is lightweight, bright, and easy to dim if needed. Great product for the price. I use it for weeding vinyl, and it’s amazing! Makes weeding so much easier because I can see the cut lines well. Highly recommend.” 

Country of Origin: China | Product Dimensions: 18.1”x13.2” | Light Area: 16.8”x11.2” | Power Supply: Type C USB

12. Best for Professionals: US Art Supply Lightmaster Extra Large Light Table

Why We Think It’s Great

• JUMBO WORK AREA: The A2 size light table provides a large, bright, and even lit surface.
• LONG-LASTING AND FLICKER-FREE: Energy-efficient LED lamps that can last up to 50,000 hours.
• DIMMABLE: Comes with a dimmer touch button to get the perfect brightness for your needs.
• MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Use this light table for calligraphy, drawing, drafting, tracing, drawing, or viewing slides.

What We Don’t Like

• The switch gets wonky at times.
• It would be nice if it came with a cover.

What Buyers Say

“The light board is huge! It comes with a decent long plug-in cord. You have the option to adjust the brightness of the led light. It is made well and I am confident it won't get damaged too easily.”

Country of Origin: China | Product Dimensions: 26.3”x19.5” | Light Area: 17”x24” | Power Supply: AC Adapter

Final Verdict

The Huion L4S LED Light Table is the best overall light table for us because of its affordable price and high-quality features that will satisfy any artist's next purchase. And unlike its competitors, it eliminates eye fatigue and is easy to carry anywhere with you because of its compact and lightweight design.

Best Light Table for Drawing Buying Guide

Outlining a drawing of a woman on a light table - Image by mikeymegamega

With so many market options, choosing a light table that fits your needs can be confusing. Here are some factors you should consider:

Size

When it comes to choosing the best light box, size does matter. You want a light table that is big enough to accommodate your projects but not so big that it takes up too much space in your work area. 

The size of the light table will determine the amount of space you have to work with, so get a small light table if you are working on smaller projects. On the other hand, purchase a larger light table if you are working on larger projects.

Portability

Portability is key if you're looking for a light table to take to art classes or business trips. Here are a few factors you need to consider:

• The weight of the light table and whether it's easy to carry.
• Whether the light table can be folded or dismantled for easy transport.
• Check if a carrying case or other storage solution is included with the light table.
  

Level of Brightness

It is important to balance brightness and comfort when buying a light table. It should be bright enough to see your project clearly, but not so bright that it causes eye strain or headaches. 

To find the right light table, consider how you will use it. If you work long hours, look for one with adjustable brightness so you can easily change the illumination to suit your needs. 

If you use the light table for tracing or stenciling, purchase one with a light diffuser. This will help evenly distribute the light, making it easier to see your work. 

Price

When it comes to light tables, the price is one of the most important factors. These devices are not cheap, so you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth. 

Cost also affects how long your light table will last. Cheaper models may only work a few years, while more expensive options can last up to a decade.

Experts Choice

“My advice for new artists looking for light table or light box, is to think about power first of all. Smaller models can be USB powered, making them much more portable and suitable for use in a wide variety of environments,” says Tim Daniels from Lapse of the Shutter.

“Larger models need an AC socket nearby. You also want smooth, step-free brightness adjustments, as this makes it much easier to match brightness to your room,” he added.

Customer Reviews

Reviews are valuable tools in the buying process, giving you an idea of how well the product performs and whether or not it's worth the investment. They also provide helpful insights into the quality of customer service and the level of support you can expect from the company.

However, it's important to remember that not all reviews are created equal. Some may be biased, while others may simply be uninformed. As such, it's important to take all reviews with a grain of salt.

Light Table FAQ

What is a light table?

A light table is a piece of equipment that artists use to help them see through their drawings. It's a clear surface that emits light, making it easier to see the lines and details of your drawing.

Many artists use light tables when working on detailed drawings or illustrations, as the light can help prevent shadows and reflections from obscuring the view. They might seem unnatural if you haven’t used one before, but light tables can be a real lifesaver for artists who need a little extra help seeing their work.

How much does a light table cost?

Basic light tables start at around $50, but prices can quickly climb to over $500 for more advanced models. Those in the market for a light table should determine their needs before beginning their search.

With a wide range of prices, it is important to find a light table that offers the perfect combination of features and quality without breaking the bank. By shopping around and researching, finding an affordable light table that meets all your needs is possible.

Where can I use the light table for?

A light table is an incredibly versatile tool with various purposes. The most obvious use for it is tracing images or drawings, making it beneficial when working with detailed designs or achieving precision in your artwork.

In addition to drawing and tracing, you can use a light table for stenciling, tattooing, and calligraphy. The evenly distributed light makes it easy to see your work area, allowing you to produce clean, sharp lines. 

Whether you are a professional artist, a beginner, or simply enjoy crafting as a hobby, a light table can be valuable to your arsenal of supplies. So don't be afraid to experiment and see what this versatile tool can do for you!

What is the best light table for artists?

Many types of light tables are available on the market, and choosing the best option depends on your specific needs and preferences.

A simple LED light box might suffice if you need a light table for general art projects or tracing. However, suppose you are looking for something more specialized, like a light table for photography or film editing. In that case, you might need to invest in a more expensive or professional-grade model.

What are the benefits of using a light table when drawing?

Some benefits of using a light table for drawing are:

• It makes it easier to see the paper, especially when tracing images.
• It provides a consistent light source, reducing eye strain.
• It is easier to find mistakes and make corrections.
• You can add details that you might otherwise miss.
• Your drawings will have a professional look and feel to them.
• It can help you see the negative space more clearly and help with perspective. Thus, allowing for more freedom when experimenting with different mediums and techniques.

Why Trust Glytterati?

Our team of editors is passionate about art and craft projects, so we only recommend products that we genuinely believe in. We provide honest, unbiased reviews of the best art supplies, and we often consult with industry experts to make our content professional and friendly, even for beginners. So if you're looking for new ways to improve your creativity, we can help!

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