Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW Graphics Tablet User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW Graphics Tablet. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your device. The Wacom Intuos Draw is designed to provide a natural and intuitive experience for digital drawing, painting, and photo editing.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your product package:

• Wacom Intuos Draw Graphics Tablet (Model CTL490DW)
• Wacom Intuos Pen (battery-free)
• USB Cable
• Replacement Nibs (located in a compartment within the tablet)
• Quick Start Guide (printed or digital)
• Software Download Instructions (for ArtRage Lite and online tutorials)

Setup

1. Driver Installation

Before connecting your tablet, it is recommended to install the latest drivers. Drivers can be downloaded from the official Wacom website. Navigate to the support section and search for your model (CTL490DW). Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.

Note: If your computer has an optical drive, a driver disk may be included. However, for the most up-to-date features and compatibility, downloading the latest drivers online is preferred.

2. Connecting the Tablet

Connect the Wacom Intuos Draw tablet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Plug one end into the tablet's USB port and the other into an available USB port on your computer (Mac OS 10.8.5 and above, or Windows 7 and above).

The tablet is powered via the USB connection and does not require an external power adapter.

3. Software Registration and Download

Your Wacom Intuos Draw includes access to creative software like ArtRage Lite. To access this software and online tutorials, register your product on the Wacom website using the product key provided in your package. Follow the instructions on the Wacom registration page to download and activate your software.

Figure 1: Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW Graphics Tablet with its accompanying pen. The tablet features a white and black design with ExpressKeys and a pen loop.

Operating the Tablet

1. Using the Intuos Pen

The Intuos Pen is battery-free and uses electromagnetic resonance technology. It features 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control over line thickness and opacity in compatible software. Hold the pen like a regular pencil. The pen tip acts as your mouse click, and hovering the pen above the tablet surface moves the cursor.

Figure 2: The Intuos Pen tip interacting with the tablet's active drawing surface. The pen features two customizable side buttons for quick access to functions.

The pen includes two customizable side buttons. These buttons can be configured through the Wacom Tablet Properties software to perform various functions, such as right-click, scroll, or modifier keys.

2. Customizable ExpressKeys

The Intuos Draw tablet is equipped with four customizable ExpressKeys. These buttons are located on the tablet and can be programmed to execute frequently used commands, keyboard shortcuts, or application-specific functions. This feature enhances workflow efficiency by reducing the need to access menus or keyboard shortcuts.

Figure 3: Detail of the four customizable ExpressKeys located on the Wacom Intuos Draw tablet. These buttons provide quick access to user-defined functions.

To customize the ExpressKeys, open the Wacom Tablet Properties application (usually found in your system's control panel or system preferences). From there, you can assign different actions to each key for various applications.

3. Active Area

The active area of the tablet is the black surface where the pen interacts. The tablet's compact size (approximately 8.25 x 6.7 inches) makes it suitable for various desk setups while providing ample space for creative work. The entire active area maps to your computer screen, allowing for precise cursor control.

Figure 4: The active drawing surface of the Wacom Intuos Draw tablet, indicated by the black area with small dots. This is where the pen interacts with the tablet.

Maintenance

1. Nib Replacement

The pen nibs are consumable items and will wear down with use. When a nib becomes too short or sharp, it should be replaced. Spare nibs are stored in a compartment located under the tablet's back panel. Use the nib removal tool (often integrated into the pen stand or the tablet itself) to gently pull out the old nib and insert a new one until it clicks into place.

2. Cleaning

To clean your tablet and pen, use a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface of the tablet or pen.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Wacom Intuos Draw tablet, consider the following common solutions:

• Tablet Not Responding: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the tablet and the computer. Try a different USB port.
• Pen Not Working: Check if the pen nib is properly inserted. If the nib is worn, replace it. Ensure the tablet drivers are correctly installed and up to date.
• Driver Conflicts: If you have previously installed drivers for other graphics tablets, these might conflict with Wacom drivers. Uninstall all tablet drivers, restart your computer, and then reinstall only the Wacom drivers.
• Pressure Sensitivity Issues: Verify that pressure sensitivity is enabled in your creative software and in the Wacom Tablet Properties. Recalibrate the pen if necessary.
• ExpressKeys Not Functioning: Ensure the Wacom Tablet Properties application is running and that the ExpressKeys are configured correctly for the active application.

For further assistance, visit the official Wacom support website at wacom.com/support, where you can find FAQs, driver downloads, and contact information for technical support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Wacom products are manufactured to high-quality standards and come with a limited warranty. The specific terms and duration of your warranty may vary by region and product. Please refer to the warranty information included with your product or visit the Wacom website for detailed warranty policies.

For technical support, driver updates, product registration, and additional resources, please visit the official Wacom support portal:

Wacom Support Website