Wacom Intuos Pro: A Redesigned Digital Drawing Tablet for Creative Professionals
Overview
Wacom has overhauled its Intuos Pro line of digital drawing tablets, introducing a new design that is more compact, convenient, and customizable for creative professionals. The redesign features a new layout that relocates user controls from the side to the top of the tablet and replaces the previous touch ring with mechanical dials.
New Design and Features
The Intuos Pro is designed for industry creatives like 3D artists, illustrators, and photo editors who prefer to work on their own displays. Unlike Wacom’s Cintiq or One range, the Intuos Pro does not have a built-in screen, making it easier to carry and connect to computing devices. The tablet is available in three sizes: Small (€269.99), Medium (€399.99), and Large (€549.99).
Smaller and More Compact
Each model is actually smaller than its predecessor, yet features a larger active area that makes better use of the space. For example, the 2025 Medium measures 11.5 x 8.1 inches, with a drawing area of 10.4 x 5.8 inches, compared to 8.7 x 5.8 inches for the previous model.
Redesigned User Controls
The most noticeable change is the new layout, where user controls like customizable buttons and touch-sensitive wheels have been shifted to the top of the tablet. This reduces the space on either side of the active pen area and makes it easier for left-handed or ambidextrous users to configure for their workflows.
Mechanical Dials and Customizable Express Keys
The touch wheel has been replaced by tactile mechanical dials, providing more precision when scrolling through tools and actions. The customizable express keys have also been updated to a round space-saving design, with five buttons on the Small and ten on the two larger models.
Wireless Connectivity and Compatibility
The Intuos Pro works with devices running Windows 10 or macOS 13 or later, supporting both wired USB-C to USB-A connection and wireless via Bluetooth 5.3. The latter provides up to 16 hours of battery life when fully charged, and users can switch between USB and Bluetooth via a switch on the side of the tablet, allowing it to pair with two devices simultaneously.
Wacom Pro Pen 3 and Compatibility
The Intuos Pro comes with the same customizable Wacom Pro Pen 3 stylus, which features adjustable thickness and buttons. The Pro Pen 3 can switch between devices, making it useful for working across multiple tablets. The new Intuos Pro is also compatible with previous-gen Wacom Pro Pens and EMR styluses from Pilot, Dr. Grip, LAMY, and Staedtler.
Initial Impressions
I was able to handle a pre-production sample for a short time, and while a full review will follow, the slimmer design felt well-constructed and wasn’t flimsy. The new layout is a welcome improvement, and I didn’t take long to adjust to the tactile mechanical dial.
Conclusion
The Wacom Intuos Pro is a significant upgrade for creative professionals, offering a more compact, convenient, and customizable digital drawing experience. With its new design and features, it’s an excellent option for those looking to upgrade their digital art workflow.
FAQs
Q: What devices is the Wacom Intuos Pro compatible with?
A: The Intuos Pro works with devices running Windows 10 or macOS 13 or later.
Q: What are the different sizes of the Wacom Intuos Pro available?
A: The Intuos Pro is available in three sizes: Small (€269.99), Medium (€399.99), and Large (€549.99).
Q: What is the battery life of the Intuos Pro?
A: The Intuos Pro has a battery life of up to 16 hours when fully charged, using wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3.
Q: Is the Wacom Pro Pen 3 compatible with other Wacom devices?
A: Yes, the Wacom Pro Pen 3 can switch between devices, making it useful for working across multiple tablets.
