{"id":820133,"date":"2025-06-18T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/?p=820133"},"modified":"2025-06-17T12:48:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T19:48:22","slug":"should-you-upgrade-to-new-intuos-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/should-you-upgrade-to-new-intuos-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the new Wacom Intuos Pro worth the upgrade for graphic designers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Graphic designer and Wacom user\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@4TheCreatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lauren Gonzalez, of 4TheCreatives<\/a>, has worked with us on graphic design projects in the past \u2013 like this <a href=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wacom-vs-mouse-challenge-graphic-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pen vs. Mouse challenge<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/how-to-make-a-custom-diy-mothers-day-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this tutorial<\/a>\u00a0on making a custom Valentine\u2019s Day card, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/how-to-create-social-posts-that-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this exploration<\/a>\u00a0of how to make quality social media posts. For all of her graphic design work, Gonzalez uses her trusty\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wacom-intuos-pro-pen-tablet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wacom Intuos Pro<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>But Wacom released the brand-new update to the <a href=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wacom-intuos-pro-drawing-tablet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wacom Intuos Pro line<\/a> earlier this year. It was a pretty dramatic redesign. So, as a graphic designer, is it worth upgrading to the new Intuos Pro from the old one? In the video below, she reviews the new Intuos Pro Large and compares it to the trusty Intuos Pro she's been using for years. Keep reading for a summary of her review.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Wacom Intuos Pro 2025 Tablet \u2013 Review &amp; Tutorial: Worth the Upgrade?\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5opfLfzeM_w?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Side-by-Side Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new tablet is much thinner, and the ExpressKeys and dial have been moved to the top. The thin design makes it more ergonomic \u2013 much easier on the wrist over long periods. \"I didn\u2019t realize how strained my wrist was until switching,\" she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"734\" src=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-Comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Lauren Gonzalez Intuos Pro Comparison\" class=\"wp-image-820137\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-Comparison.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-Comparison-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-Comparison-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1100px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wacom Pen Redesign<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It comes with the new Pro Pen 3, which is fully customizable. If you prefer the Pro Pen 2 from the 2017 version, it still works with the new tablet. The pen lets you swap out grips \u2013 curved, straight, blank \u2013 and adjust the height and feel. Inside the holder, you\u2019ll find different types of nibs, including standard, rubber, and felt, so you can fine-tune the texture of your drawing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Connectivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One major improvement, according to Gonzalez, is connectivity. On the 2017 model, \"the connection would sometimes drop, especially after sleep mode. That issue is gone in the 2025 version.\" It uses a new chip and digitizer, resulting in more reliable, seamless communication between tablet and computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can connect via USB or Bluetooth. It supports two Bluetooth profiles, so you can pair it with both a desktop and a laptop and toggle between them. Battery life is about 16 hours. When it sleeps to save power, you just tap a button to wake it, which takes only seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-In-Use-1080x607.jpg\" alt=\"Lauren Gonzalez Intuos Pro In-Use\" class=\"wp-image-820138\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-In-Use-1080x607.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-In-Use-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Intuos-Pro-In-Use-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wacom Center Features<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Wacom Center app, you can adjust tablet orientation\u00a0\u2013 portrait, flipped, or side-mounted \u2013 depending on your workspace. You can also configure your pen buttons (three on the Pro Pen 3), sensitivity levels (soft, medium, firm), and whether settings apply globally or per application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ExpressKeys and dials can also be reassigned to different functions. For example, you might set one dial for brush size, another for zoom. You can map the tablet to full display or customize it across multiple screens. On-screen shortcuts are available too, \"though some may find them intrusive,\" she says. If you need help setting up, the Wacom Center includes built-in tutorials. Bluetooth device management is also handled there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major improvement in connectivity and responsiveness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Larger drawing area with a smaller physical footprint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customizable Pro Pen 3 or compatibility with the older Pro Pen 2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to 16 hours of battery life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible Bluetooth and orientation options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The new ExpressKey layout takes some getting used to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher price point (though high-quality and long-lasting \u2013 no new model had been released since 2017)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Might require adjusting workflow or workspace to fit your preferences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"607\" src=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/02\/Intuos-Pro-Overhead-ExpressKeys-and-Dials-1080x607.jpg\" alt=\"Intuos Pro Overhead ExpressKeys and Dials\" class=\"wp-image-819040\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/02\/Intuos-Pro-Overhead-ExpressKeys-and-Dials-1080x607.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/02\/Intuos-Pro-Overhead-ExpressKeys-and-Dials-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/02\/Intuos-Pro-Overhead-ExpressKeys-and-Dials-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a strong upgrade in terms of performance and build quality. Wacom continues to offer durable, professional-grade tools that improve creative workflows. Whether you choose the large, medium, or small version, the 2025 model brings meaningful improvements for serious designers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:20%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Headshot.jpg\" alt=\"Lauren Gonzalez Headshot\" class=\"wp-image-820136\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Headshot.jpg 500w, https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Gonzalez-Headshot-480x663.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 500px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the Designer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After working in-house as a designer and then creative director for six years, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/laurenelysegonzalez\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lauren Gonzalez<\/a> set out on her own, building a design business from scratch. After realizing how many other freelance designers were struggling, she created <a href=\"https:\/\/4thecreatives.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 The Creatives<\/a> with the primary mission to stop creatives from being undervalued and provide a roadmap for them to build their own dream businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She publishes design-related tips and tricks on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/4thecreatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/4thecreatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, and teaches <a href=\"https:\/\/4thecreatives.com\/courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a variety of courses<\/a> on Brand Identity, Graphic Design fundamentals, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a graphic designer, is it worth upgrading to the new Intuos Pro from the old one? Lauren Gonzalez reviews the new Intuos Pro Large.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":820139,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2331,2329],"tags":[1082,1085],"class_list":["post-820133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design","category-intuos-and-intuos-pro","tag-4thecreatives","tag-lauren-gonzalez"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=820133"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/820133\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/820139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=820133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=820133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=820133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}