Light Table is nearly the most efficient way for children to form the ability to recognize symbols or signs. Moreover, it may be used effectively to teach counting, letter recognition, spelling, and creative play.
Because lights can be particularly eye–catching and appealing to children, most manufacturers add additional features to create interactive learning activities for children.
We love the Let's Play Tote that features 10 play activities. The sturdy vinyl handle makes it easy to carry from room to room or outside. Made of easy to clean vinyl, this tote will last for years of use. The translucent lid lets the child see the lights at play while the sturdy base holds the light table steady no matter where you play. It even comes with a convenient mesh storage bag.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Picture/Perfect Best Light Box | Best Overall |  |
| tiktecklab A4 Size Ultra-Thin Portable Tracer White LED Artcraft Tracing Pad Light Box w dimmable Brightness | Budget Pick |  |
| Artograph LightPad A950 LED Lightbox | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Picture/Perfect Best Light Box
Pros:
- 5-star customer reviews
- Thin and light for easy portability and storage
- Diminishes glare from outside lighting sources
- Tracing paper and clamp included
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Paper might slip out of slot beneath the glass
- Tracing paper is transparent, so you can’t see through it
- Difficult to position without the clamp
One of the best ways to get kids to write neatly is to have them practice over and over using tracing paper. The biggest issue with using tracing paper, however, is that kids tend to get frustrated with it, and you’ll find pieces of it all over the house.
A light box is one of the best options for kids, offering them a very portable, easy to use paper guide. This light box features a set of thin LED lights for easier tracing. The transparent tracing paper is removable, so it’s easy to replace with new sheets when you run out. There’s also a slot for the paper to go, so it can be positioned anywhere.
The tracing paper itself is non-runny and non-toxic. It’s transparent so that kids can see through it and double check the lines they’ve drawn.
2. GAOMON B4 Size LED Light Box 5 Millimeters Ultrathin Light Pad USB Art Tracing Board
The GAOMON B4 Size LED Light Box shines above the competition as it provides the sketch artist with a medium to work on that provides excellent even lighting with color that is more true to life.
This design of light box has a glass panel that acts as a protective barrier to the LED strips it contains. The glass in the light box is slightly thicker than most but does not compromise the quality of the light projected. The LED strips on display in the light box provide a high-quality even light with a power draw of 33W that comes from a USB cord that is both long and durable.
There is some assembly required by artists but the instructions are easy to follow and the light box is up and running in no time. Once the light box is assembled, users have the option of adjusting the height of the light box on the table so the output can be adjusted to the task. Users can also adjust the brightness of the light on top of the table by using the included dimmer switch.
3. tiktecklab A4 Size Ultra-Thin Portable Tracer White LED Artcraft Tracing Pad Light Box w dimmable Brightness
Pros:
- Comes with a dimmer switch
- Multiple levels of brightness
- Ultra-thin design
- Eco-friendly LED lights
- Adjustable magnifier
- Multiple colors available
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Magnifier can be difficult to adjust
- Magnifier makes the light source appear smaller
What makes making paper snowflakes so much fun is that you can make them any size that you want, so you can go all out and craft a large snowflake that’s sure to impress. The better your paper snowflake cutter is, the better your snowflake will turn out.
This set from the Tikteck features exceptionally sharp blades that are sure to cut through even the thickest paper. One of the biggest advantages to using is the ultra-thin design that makes it great for using in tight spaces. If you’re going to make paper snowflakes in your home, this unit will fit in just about anywhere.
You also will find a dimmer switch on the side of the unit, allowing you to increase or decrease the brightness to exactly where you’d like it. The great thing about the increased brightness is that it’s eco-friendly because it doesn’t use up as much energy.
4. US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster 32.5" Extra Large(A2) 17"x24" LED Lightbox Board Ultra-Thin 3/8" Light Box Pad and 110V AC Power Adapter Dimmable LED
Pros:
- Full spectrum daylight-balanced LED lighting is designed to match natural sunlight
- Ultra-Thin Design Only 3/8 inch Thick
- Silent fan keeps the surface cool
- 16.4 ft x 4.3 ft working area
- Folds Flat for Storage
- Comes with Frame Kit
- Lifetime Warranty
- Includes 110VAC Power Adapter
5. For Huion L4S LED Light Box Cover Case
Pros:
- High-quality material
- Durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear
- Price is great when compared to other covers
- Light weight for easy carrying
Cons:
- The colors are not exact and end up looking different on the actual cover
- There are certain characters/glyphs that don't print out
- The seller has shipped a dented and scratched cover
Drawing Table, Computer Graphics Drawing Frame Drawing Table for Kids, Students Professionals (8"x12").
With or without a cover, light tables are essential for graphic designers. However, there are different covers that you can use depending on your specific preference. We have picked a quality wooden cover that will protect the surface of your light table.
This is a light grey wool fabric cover with a soft lining to protect the light table surface from scratches and dents. It is a universal cover that will fit all 5mm thick light tables and can fit most hobby drawing frames (8 “ 12 inches) and small tables (up to 8 inches).
6. Artograph LightPad A950 LED Lightbox
Pros:
- Highly portable
- Perfect for drawing and illustrating
- Nondestructive to artwork
- Strong user base
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a separate power source
Another item on our list is the Artograph LightPad, which is ideal for artists and art students. It features a large, letter-size drawing surface at 17" x 24" and it’s pretty satisfying to use.
The interesting thing about this lightpad is that you won’t have to worry about a separate power source. It comes with an integrated daylight lamp that produces a non-artificial light that can be adjusted depending on your needs. This light pad, however, can’t be used with LED bulbs and also requires a flat drawing surface to ensure proper functionality.
It’s powered by a 220-watt halogen lamp and features a low- heat design in order to prevent unwanted burns or smudging. The size and brightness of the light included in this lightpad make it easier to draw in darker rooms, but still, it cannot be used outside without additional light sources.
7. HUION L4S Slim Light Pad
Pros:
- Amazon's Choice for Light Boxes
- Highly portable for drawing on the go
- Can be charged with any USB port
- Ergonomic design
- Includes a pen holder
Cons:
- The knobs on the switches are a bit flimsy
- Can only hold around 20 sheets of paper without falling apart
- Buttons to adjust the brightness are a bit confusing
If you need a highly portable drawing board for drawing on the go, then you should consider this highly attractive model from HUION. It’s slim, measures less than a centimeter in thickness, allows you to sketch anywhere, and can be used with any type of paper. The LED light has a very pleasant color temperature and brightness, making it easy to draw on in almost any environment.
The dial on the top features three brightness levels, while the bottom features a power switch and two dials. The first is used to turn the light board on and off, while the second option adjusts the brightness level. The pen holder is a great addition, and the cable has a flashlight with three modes.
The downside is that holding around 20 sheets of paper without any support gets difficult, and the knobs of the switches are a bit flimsy. Overall, it’s a pretty good option for anyone on the market for a portable drawing board.
8. A3 Light Box
Pros:
- Long lasting light
- Easy to transport
- USB powered
- Portable and well-packed box
- Intriguing lights with different effects
- Light-weight and easy to use
Cons:
- Not for those, who are looking for bright lights
- The light is not homogeneously spread
Light is more than just a source of illumination. It also has the ability to inspire and be the catalyst of inspiration. For such reasons, we edited this list of ten best light tables. These light tables are not just good for home decoration, but they can also help you with your drawing, designing, and even your therapy sessions.
You can use them to illuminate small areas, draw long shadows, and even ward off negative thoughts with their dazzling effects.
9. LitEnergy A4 Ultra-Thin Portable LED Light Box Trace USB Power LED Artcraft Tracing Light Table
Pros:
- This product has great features for a low price
- Has brightness adjustments, has a battery and USB port, and has a movable arm
- Allows you to work on drafts or details of artwork
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It is not a large light box
- It is best for people who only need extra lighting for detail work.
Stencil Cuts, Gemstone, Beads and DIY.
As an author and illustrator, tracing is a very important part of my work. When I first started my career, I purchased a basic light table. I found out very quickly, it was a waste of money as most of my work was only black and white.
The LitEnergy is a light box you will love working with. It has a movable arm that can be adjusted by turning a wheel that can hold up pen or pencils. Once you purchase a light table, you will forever wonder how you ever lived without one.
10. Litup A4 Portable LED Light Box Tracer L15.63 x W11.81 Light Pad Tracing Light Box
Pros:
- LED life lasts 50,000+ hours
- Non-slip anti-scratch material
- USB-powered
- Portable and lightweight
- LCD display features on-off timer, brightness adjustment, auto sleep, and zero-light
- Large variety of styles and colors available
Cons:
- Some quality control issues
- Plate slips around
- Display is only 4-ft wide
- Shipping takes days
- Included tracing paper is of poor quality and easily tears
The Litup A4 portable light box is a must-have for art students, artists, designers, and hobbyists. It has a lightweight design weighing slightly over 14 ounces and can easily fit in a laptop bag or small drawer.
The light pad measures 15 3/4 x 21 3/4, which is large enough for tracing large letters and smaller sketches. Auto sleep mode comes in handy if you forget to turn it off. The base of the light pad is secured with rubber feet to prevent slipping when you use it.
If you want to use the light pad to draw, click on “Draw” and enjoy working in your own studio. If you want to trace over images or other drawings and photographs, click on “Trace,” and you’ll be able to do that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best light box?
You may have heard of many different "white light" boxes intended to help with SAD, seasonal affective disorder, however, blue light boxes are a much more effective therapy tool to combat SAD.
Unlike white light boxes, blue light boxes are an effective therapy for SAD and for similar disorders that benefit from blue wavelength light, such as circadian rhythm disorders.
The blue light from a blue light box works to reduce melatonin suppression caused by exposure to the short wavelengths of white light. By reducing the body's melatonin production, sleep is normalized so that individuals afflicted with circadian rhythm disorders can enjoy a more normal sleep/wake cycle.
What are light tables used for?
Light tables are a great addition to any home or office. It helps improve creativity, writing, and reading.Light tables are also beneficial for adults and children with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. These tables give a unique hands-on experience to help stimulate brain activity.
Some models are great for children with ADHD as it gives them a way to concentrate more and focus as well as improving their motor skills.
With young children, it allows them to use their imagination, create, and prove it to themselves. It lets them explore new ideas and be artistic.
As adults, light tables give you a new way of taking ideas and applying them to drawings and illustrations. It gives you an excellent and easy to use platform to communicate your ideas to others.
What do artists use light boxes for?
Artists use light tables to trace original creative artwork onto translucent paper with special tracing rules, so he/she can then paint a copy onto canvas, wood, clay, or other original arts.
Light boxes are also used in dark spaces like darkrooms, or less common contexts like astronomic uses for looking at stars, or scientific discovery contexts for looking at cell/molecular structures.
What is the difference between a3 and a4 light box?
Several people have asked what the difference is between a4 and a3 light tables. If you can see the small IMG above, you will see the the difference in size. If you are able to click on the image, it will show you a representation of how large they are. because I take photographs of these tables myself, I cannot tell you the exact difference. From the research I did (thank you Wikipedia), I found the A3 is used in Europe for printing while A4 is used for photocopying in North America.
Conclusion
“Why Do I Need A Light Table!!?”
For those of you who want to know more about why to buy a light table, this article goes over just that (and a ton more). Some of the things we cover are the benefits of using a light table, how to decide between a personal light table and a digital light table, and much more. Learn much more than you ever wanted to know about light tables here
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Picture/Perfect Best Light Box | Best Overall | |
| tiktecklab A4 Size Ultra-Thin Portable Tracer White LED Artcraft Tracing Pad Light Box w dimmable Brightness | Budget Pick | |
| Artograph LightPad A950 LED Lightbox | Upgrade Pick | |