Photo Accessory Reviews

Have you ever thought about owning a graphics tablet? You're into imaging, so of course you have. The all-new Wacom Intuos Pro 2025 deserves your consideration. It can add precision and amazing control to your sketching, photo editing and graphic creations.

If your photo editing involves more than cropping, exposure correction and other minor tweaks, you can enhance the experience with a graphics tablet. A graphics tablet (or "drawing tablet" as Wacom calls them) is the input tool of choice for legions of famous artists, illustrators and other graphics pros, but they can be equally beneficial to photo editors.

There are two general types: those that display an image that you edit directly, and those that act as a remote connection to the image you are viewing on your computer monitor. The Wacom Intuos Pro is the second type. For information about on-screen editors, check out these two Shutterbug reviews: Revitalize Your Image Editing Now With a Wacom One On-Screen Interactive Graphics Tablet and Wacom One 13 Touch — A New World of Image Editing.

Overview & First Impressions
The Wacom Intuos Pro 2025 is a complete redesign of the 2017 model, and while it's unproductive to dwell on the differences, everything is better. The layout and construction are  substantially more ergonomic and include intuitive dials and ExpressKeys to facilitate workflow. It's also much thinner — just 4mm at its thinnest point — but the robust magnesium construction make it feel more sturdy.

The Wacom Intuos Pro connects to your Mac or Win PC via Bluetooth or USB (Type A cable and Type C adapter included).

The new Pro Pen 3 is Wacom's most sensitive and accurate pen and provides clever and simple ways for you to adjust the grip, weight balance and button configuration. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with aftermarket EMR styluses (Lamy, Pilot Dr. Grip and others).

The Wacom Intuos Pro is available in three sizes as follows:

Large (Model PTK 870)
Footprint: 14.8 x 9.9 inches (377 x 253 mm)
Active Area: 13.7 x 7.7 inches (349 x 195 mm)
MSRP: $499.95

Medium (Model PTK 670)
Footprint: 11.4 x 8.1 inches (291 x 206 mm)
Active Area: 10.4 x 5.8 inches (263 x 148 mm)
MSRP: $379.95

Small (Model PTK 470)
Footprint: 8.4 x 6.4 inches (215 x 163 mm)
Active Area: 7.4 x 4.1 inches (187 x 105 mm)
MSRP: $249.95

Key Features of the Wacom Intuos Pro
10 customizable ExpressKeys on L & M models
5 customizable ExpressKeys on S model
Mechanical control dials (2 on L & M, 1 on S)
16:9 aspect ratio
Only 4mm thick at the thinnest point
Easy left or righthand operation
Bluetooth compatibility
Magnesium construction
Optional USB-A or USB-C connectivity

Key Features of the Wacom Pro Pen 3
8192 pressure levels
Tilt support & lag-free tracking
Adjustable balance & button layout
3 programmable pen buttons
Multiple nib options
Battery free

Wacom Intuos Pro Connectivity
Connects via wireless Bluetooth or the included USB-A cable (also includes USB-C adapter). Power users can toggle between USB connection and up to two Bluetooth-paired computers by flipping a switch.

Setup & Operation
Setup is fast and easy. Make your connectivity choice and download the drivers. I went the Bluetooth route for total wireless mobility. I'm not an artist, so I don't normally use software designed for sketching or drawing. I dove right into Photoshop and had a ball.

I confess that it took me a minute to configure the dials and ExpressKeys. But this is a good thing because it's a consequence of the superb multiple levels of control options.

I'm also not the most coordinated pooch in the pack so, once again, it took me a minute or two get my sea legs back. After a few practice edits, I felt right at home. I found the Wacom Intuos Pro particularly helpful positioning and editing AI expansions, a key feature of Adobe photo editing products.

The Wacom Pro Pen 3 was comfortable right of the box; nonetheless, I experimented with balancing options before returning to the original configuration. The pen glided over the surface of the tablet smoothly and without skips. The 8000+ pressure levels is crazy — crazy good, that is.

Overall, editing in Photoshop using the Wacom Intuos Pro was an incredible pleasure.

Watch the official Wacom Intuos Pro introductory video on YouTube.

Conclusion
If you're a graphic artist, illustrator, product/packaging designer or other category of image creator, you likely already own a Wacom tablet, perhaps the older (2017) Intuos model or a high-end Cintiq. If you're a photographer and/or creator who primarily edits photos, a Wacom Intuos Pro can elevate the experience and help you work with greater precision and control.

Wacom Intuos Pro System Requirements
Windows 10 or later (latest service pack/build) or macOS 13 or later
USB-A or USB-C port
Bluetooth for wireless connection
Internet connection to download drivers and software

What's In The Box?
Wacom Intuos Pro tablet
Wacom Pro Pen 3 with 2 extra grips, 3 extra button plates and a balance weight
Pen stand with replacement nibs (5 standard, 3 felt, 2 rubber) & nib removal tool
USB C-to-A cable and USB A-to-C adapter
Quick start guide and regulation sheet
Bonus limited-time software included — see website for details and requirements.

Price & Availability
Wacom Intuos Pro tablets can be ordered directly from Wacom today.
Large 13.7 x 7.7 inch (349 x 195 mm) active area has an MSRP of $499.95.
Medium 10.4 x 5.8 inch (263 x 148 mm) active area has an MSRP of $379.95.
Small 7.4 x 4.1 inches (187 x 105 mm) active area has an MSRP of $249.95.

Wacom Intuos Pro tablets are covered by a 2-year Limited Warranty in the US. Exclusions apply; see website for details.

View and purchase other Wacom tablets at Wacom.com. From time to time, refurbished models are available at reduced prices. Wacom also offers certain Educational and Military discounts; naturally, verifiable qualifications must be met and restrictions apply.

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