Wacom has significantly redesigned its Intuos Pro drawing tablet, making it more compact, convenient, and customisable for creative professionals. This marks the most significant update to the Intuos Pro series since its debut in 2013, with a fresh layout that shifts user controls from the side to the top and swaps the previous touch ring for mechanical dials. It’s a bold change that makes the tablet more practical and intuitive to use.
A fresh design with improved functionality
The Intuos Pro is a pen tablet designed for creative professionals, including 3D artists, illustrators, and photo editors. Unlike Wacom’s Cintiq or One series, it does not have a built-in screen, making it easier to carry and connect to various devices.
The new lineup comes in three sizes: Small (€269.99), Medium (€399.99), and Large (€549.99). US pricing will be available later. Despite being smaller than previous models, each version offers a larger active drawing area. For example, the 2025 Medium model measures 11.5 x 8.1 inches compared to 13.2 x 8.5 inches for the 2017 version, yet its drawing space has increased to 10.4 x 5.8 inches from 8.7 x 5.8 inches. The new design is also slimmer, featuring a sloping profile of 0.16-0.28 inches (4-7mm) instead of the previous 0.3-inch (8mm) thickness.
The most striking change is the placement of user controls. Earlier Intuos Pro models had buttons and touch-sensitive wheels on the side, but these have now been moved to the top. This change makes the tablet more compact and improves usability for left-handed and ambidextrous users.
New mechanical dials for greater precision
Wacom has replaced the previous touch wheel with mechanical dials that provide a more tactile experience. The Small model features one dial, while the Medium and Large versions include two. These dials allow precise control when switching between tools and actions. The express keys have also been redesigned in a circular, space-saving format, with five buttons on the Small model and ten on the Medium and Large versions.
The Intuos Pro is compatible with devices running Windows 10 or macOS 13 and later. It supports both wired USB-C to USB-A connections and wireless Bluetooth 5.3. According to Wacom, the battery lasts up to 16 hours on a full charge when used wirelessly. A switch on the side of the tablet allows users to toggle between USB and Bluetooth, making it possible to pair with two devices simultaneously.
Enhanced stylus compatibility
Each Intuos Pro tablet includes the Wacom Pro Pen 3, the same stylus as Wacom’s Cintiq Pro and Movink display tablets. This pen features an adjustable grip and buttons, allowing users to customise it to their preferences. If you own a Pro Pen 3 from another Wacom device, you can seamlessly switch between tablets. The Intuos Pro is also compatible with previous-generation Wacom Pro Pens and third-party EMR styluses from brands like Pilot, Dr Grip, LAMY, and Staedtler.
A pre-production version of the new Intuos Pro was briefly tested, and initial impressions were positive. The slim design feels sturdy and well-constructed. Although the sloped profile wasn’t noticeably more comfortable during short-term use, it may benefit those working for extended periods. The repositioned buttons and new mechanical dials are an improvement over the previous side-mounted controls, reducing accidental activations. The dials also feel pleasantly tactile and easy to use.
With these updates, Wacom has refined the Intuos Pro to meet the needs of creative professionals better, offering a more compact, practical, and precise drawing experience.
