Any artist, animator, or photographer needs a tracing light pad. It is a necessity for both novice beginners and experts. Producing quality replica images is vital in all these fields whether in A2, A3, or A4 size.
With so many options to choose from, you may find yourself confused about which product works for you. We found it necessary to compile this list that entails the top 7 best tracing light pads.
We have researched these products and here is our honest review of each product.
Our Top 7 Picks
1. A4 Ultra-Thin Portable LED Light Box
There is so much you can do with this lightweight light pad. From a designer to a photographer, a tattoo or an animation artist, this pad will deliver clear tracing images.
When the LED light is switched on, the image is illuminated for easy tracing. You are no longer prone to sore eyes. This product has an inbuilt technology intended to protect your eyesight.
It comes with a 2-way ruler for multiple uses. It helps in 2D animation, tattoo transfers, stenciling, calligraphy, sketching, scrapbooking, quilting, and many more.
You can carry this piece with you anywhere at any time. It only needs a USB cable to charge it. Have a power bank with you just in case your tracing pad runs low on power.
It is, however, important to note that this item is not convenient in tracing negative images. If this is your domain, this lightbox will not work for you.
If this does not discourage you, feel enlightened to know that it has a one year guarantee. Besides, there is a 60 day period where you can get your money back if you are dissatisfied
2. SanerDirect Diamond Painting A4 LED Light Pad
This is a must-have light board for any diamond artist. Even the tiniest details are visible on this board. It has numerous light holes that play a huge role in identifying symbols easily.
With this light pad, eyesores are a thing of the past since you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. The product is also radiation-free and has an in-built mechanism aimed at protecting your eyes.
This SanerDirect light pad is equipped with quilting rulers for better drawing. It also has bonus clips and a stand for your comfort.
The USB connection port has been tested more than 5000 times by the manufacturer which means that it’s quite reliable. In addition, the power cord provided is 60 inches longer than other cords provided by other manufacturers. You can connect it to a power outlet easily.
You also get a one year warranty on this product. Any technical issues will be handled by the manufacturer at no added cost.
3. A4 LED Light Art Craft Light Box
What better way to protect your eyes than using an environmentally friendly light pad! It is super bright and leaves no rooms for shadows. You can adjust the light on three levels.
When testing this light pad, we noticed the light pad was flicker-free. Elimination of shadows and unsteady light delivered a clear platform to trace any calligraphy image and tattoos.
This product is compatible with animators, calligraphers, children, art enthusiasts, and designers. You can use it for X-ray viewing, quilting, tattoo transferring, embossing, and sewing projects. It is ultra-slim and portable.
You can charge it using the provided USB cable. It only requires DC 5Volts and a power of 2.5 Watts.
This product will be a great value for your money. You will not be disappointed. Alternatively, you can purchase it as a gift for that art enthusiast you know.
4. CO-Z A2 LED Drawing Light Box Board
Which tracing light pad do you know can last you 30,000 hours? If you have no idea, it will delight you to learn that this lightbox can. Equipped with a dual-LED display, this light pad emits little heat.
You can adjust the brightness with a simple touch. It has a larger working display that displays even the most intricate details. It comes with a 4,000 color temperature that helps it shine over a light-weight color paper.
Besides, the board is durable and scratch-resistant which means it can withstand the test of time while still maintaining its original quality.
Your eyes are also protected since light is evenly distributed across the board. The double fluorescent lighting minimizes eye-straining by providing with sufficient lighting.
Also, it can play multiple roles. It can be used by art students, photographers, and artists. You can also display A3 and A4 papers on this clip.
Furthermore, it is slim and lightweight and hence you can carry it anywhere you go. It is easy to use and has a manual guide for beginners and comes with a one year warranty. The manufacturer also gives a 100% refund if you are not satisfied with the product.
5. LITENERGY Portable A4 Tracing LED Copy Board Light Box
Fifth on the list is the LITENERGY lightbox. It is lightweight and portable to carry it to class, studio or wherever you need to go. The light pad is slim but that does not limit its capabilities.
It can be used for quilting, 2D animation, tattoo transferring, embossing, and stenciling. Tracing on the LED-lit screen becomes simple for any activity.
You can easily adjust the brightness level. Press the touch button until you get the desired brightness. So you need not worry about your eyes getting dark circles because it has a protective design for your eyes.
The buying price is pocket-friendly. The only downside with this product is that it can get quite hot and has no case. The USB charger is also not included in the package.
6. AGPtek A4 Ultra-Thin Portable LED Art craft Tracing Light Pad
This product guarantees you 100% happiness and satisfaction. But what does the AGPtek offer that makes it so special?
First, you can adjust the brightness level to 30%, 60%, or 100% or you can dim it depending on your visual needs. This means that you are protected from eye damage.
What’s more, it comes with a USB cable and adapter. You can use a wall outlet or a power bank to charge this device. The charging equipment is made from a reliable company. It also features a manual to assist you to get accustomed to the light pad.
The product can be used for multiple purposes. For example, you can create 2D animations, scrapbooking, quilting, sketching, and sewing projects. You can also perform more than one task on this board.
Because of its lightweight and compact nature, you can carry this AGPtek pad with you anywhere whether by hand or in your bag.
There is also a service guarantee of one year from the manufacturer. So in case of any malfunction you can have it returned for diagnosis.
7. Picture Perfect Best Light Box for Diamond Tracing and Painting
This lightbox is comfortable to use for endless training and painting hours.
Talk of quality, this tracing light pad delivers quality anywhere. Of all the light boards in the market, this surpasses them by displaying the highest level of brightness. It delivers high-quality images that are easy to trace.
You might think the super bright display may inflict harm on your eyes. This is not the case. It is super soft on your eyes. Since there are no grid lines to interfere with light emission, you will be comfortable while working with this light pad.
This unit is ideal for experts and art professionals. It can be used for multiple purposes from tattooing, calligraphy and sewing designs. It can also be used for animation, drawing cartoons and x-rays.
Images displayed from this lit light pad are of high quality. It can deliver up to 50,000 service hours. How amazing is that? To add icing on the cake, it has a 5-year warranty. This product is worth every penny.
The package includes an A3 tracing paper and an adapter. There is little to lose when you get this amazing offer.
How to choose the best tracing light pad
Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a tracing Light pad.
Safety
Sometimes it takes hours to work on a single sketch. As such, it is only vital to watch out for a product that will not harm your eyes. It would be a terrible choice buying a product that will only inflict harm on you. Take time to find one that has guaranteed eye protection.
Alternatively, you can find light pads that are made of environmentally friendly materials. This way, you will be safe from radiation and toxic materials.
Portability
A light pad should not be extra baggage that is difficult to carry around. Find a product that is slim and easy to carry so you can work from anywhere with ease.
Brightness control
While working, you may need to adjust the brightness. Browse through light pads that can be adjusted easily. Some have three levels of brightness while others have one. Some have dual fluorescent tubes for more brightness. Your needs will determine what you require.
Multipurpose
You are investing in an asset that will last. Why not find a multipurpose light pad? There are light pads that can be used for calligraphy, sketching, drawing, sewing designs, quilting, and tattoo transferring. Who knows, you may diversify in your art expeditions. When that happens, your drawing board will come in handy.
Durability
Purchase a light pad that can withstand the test of time. Consider one that’s water and scratch-resistant. Scratch-resistant pads maintain their original look even after years of use.
Budget
There is so much to choose from in the growing market. Depending on your budget, find a quality light pad that will deliver great value for your money. If you do not have the right amount to purchase the product you need, why not save up rather than buy a substandard item.
Quality counts. Do not rush into buying only to purchase a worthless light pad. Read through reviews before making a concrete decision.
Warranty
Man-made products often tend to have technical malfunctions. It may not be your fault and this is where the warranty kicks in. Find a manufacturer who gives a warranty period of at least one year or more. Also, consider the customer service.
Will the company assist if the warranty expires? If the answer is yes, their product is worth purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to plug the light pad the whole time?
Not necessarily. Some need to be plugged in the whole time while others can serve you for 30,000hours. It all depends on the manufacturer. For those that have to be plugged throughout, you can have a power bank as back up.
What kind of glass do the tracing pads have?
Some are plastic while others are Plexiglas. Regardless, they are all clear and visible for sketching and tracing. Also, the light pads are sturdy and will be convenient for you while working on them.
What sizes are available?
All sizes are available including A2, A3, and A4. Whether you need a small pad or a big one, there is a light pad to suit your needs. Alternatively, you can choose a large board that can also be used to trace small images.
What is included in the tracing light pad package?
It all depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers include a USB charger, a light pad and a manual. Others exclude the charger. If you are lucky, some manufacturers may give you a bonus stand and clips.
Can I use the tracing light pad to watch videos?
No way! The light pad is only meant for tracing. You can connect it to your computer to charge it but not to transfer files.
Wrapping up
The market has limitless tracing light pads. That does not mean everything is ideal for you. This list has summarized the top seven best tracing pads we found suitable to match universal needs.
Our experts took time with each of the above products to help ease your struggle to find a suitable product. Take your time reviewing each product. Our buyer’s guide will help you choose what you truly need.
Even on a tight budget, you can find a suitable, high-quality product that will serve you for years.
You may also like
- Best Smart Glasses
- Best Blu-ray Players
- Best USB LED Lights
- Best Photo Light Boxes
- Best Tracing Light Boxes
- Best LED Reading Lights
- Best Business Card Scanners