Input Devices

Keyboard:

 A panel of keys that operate the connected device by pressing individual or a combination of keys. Useful for zooming in or out of images.

Mouse:

A hand operated device that controls the position of the cursor through movement. Can be used to select and drag or alter images.

Microphone:

A device used to convert sound to data that can be processed by a computer.

Scanner:

A device that scans documents or images, converting them to digital format. Useful for creating a template image that can then be edited using photoshop or similar software.

Joystick:

A lever which controls movement of an image on a computer through movement. In image manipulation programmes this can be used to act as a brush, or a replacement for the mouse.

Digital Camera:

A handheld device that converts images to digital format. These files can then be transferred to a computer where they are able to be edited using the correct software.

Smartphone:

A handheld device capable of storing and transferring data. They can also play video and audio files. Most smart phones can now function simultaneously as a mouse and keyboard for a PC. Apps are widely available to assist in graphics manipulation.

Drawing Tablet:

A touch screen device that allows the user to draw images on it which are then converted to digital format and displayed on a screen. This is potentially the easiest method for artists to create digital images, as it uses free hand drawing.