Best Light Table Buyer’s Guide

As an architect, you will have to spend hours at your workstation, bent over a table to draw sketches and designs. But you cannot always be at your workstation. Sometimes you may have to take the work back home. Or, if you have a very long commute, you may like to make use of that time to work on your designs. A light table, preferably portable, can be hugely beneficial for you as an architect. You can whip it out anywhere and get a look at your designs. But before you go ahead and buy a light table or box, there are some factors you should be aware of. The following is a buying guide and product review for light tables for architects:

Light Tables for Architects Reviewed

US Art Supply

This ultra-thin, light tracing pad is a professional quality lightbox or table for artists and architects. Its lightweight, portable and ideal for stenciling, sketching, 2D animation, etc. The flicker-free LED lamps are maintenance-free and can last easily up to 50,000 hours. There is ample space on the working surface for you to work with comfort. The following are the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The ultra-thin light tracing pad has a dimmable touch button technology
  • The LED lamps are maintenance-free and are expected to last up to 50,000 hours
  • The product comes with one light pad, one measuring overlay grid and one circle template or protractor
  • The dimensions of the working surface are a free 17” x 24” and the ultra-thin 3/8”-profile is designed especially for easy mobility

Pros

  • There is ample working space so you will never be in a crunch
  • The LED lamps are bright that allows you to work in any lighting condition
  • The pad has a dimmable touch button technology so you can adjust the level of light you need

Cons

  • Some users complained that the light flickered at all brightness levels
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 with Measuring Overlay Grid & Circle Template/Protractor
600 Reviews
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 with Measuring Overlay Grid & Circle Template/Protractor
  • Lightmaster is a Professional Quality Ultra-Thin Light Tracing Pad with Dimmable Touch Button Technology
  • Jumbo 17”x24” Working Surface, Lightweight and Ultra Thin 3/8" profile designed for easy portability

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tikteck

This portable and ultra-slim, bright and flicker-free lightbox is ideal for stenciling, 2D animation, sketching, drawing, etc. The device comes with a USB cable and can be powered easily by a computer, power bank or USB plug. You can set the adjustable light to your preference. The following are the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The device is USB powered
  • The device employs a touch sensor switch design
  • It has a working voltage of DC 5V, Rate PowerL 3.2W
  • The ultra-slim light pad is only 5 mm in thickness, making it perfectly portable
  • There is a clear, protective film on the pad which needs to be removed before you start work
  • The STEPLESS adjustable light uses eyesight-protected technology which can be set to any level

Pros

  • Your eyesight remains well-protected thanks to the STEPLESS adjustable light used
  • The pad is ultra-slim and portable so you can work even on your commute or from anywhere else
  • Since the device is USB powered, you can attach it to any computer, power bank or USB wall outlet

Cons

  • Several users complained that the USB port was defected
  • Some users complained that light was not as bright as advertised
Recommended
A4 Ultra-Thin Portable LED tracing Light Box Dimmable Brightness LED Art Tracing Pad for Artist Drawing Sketching Animation Stencilling and 5d Diamond Painting (Black, A4)
21,501 Reviews
A4 Ultra-Thin Portable LED tracing Light Box Dimmable Brightness LED Art Tracing Pad for Artist Drawing Sketching Animation Stencilling and 5d Diamond Painting (Black, A4)
  • Portable and Slim- The thickness is only 5mm(less than 0.3 inch) which makes it easy to carry. Dimension: 14.1 inch x 9.4...
  • USB powered: Comes with a USB cable, easily power the light box from any computer, power bank or USB plug. Working voltage:...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Huion L4S Light Box

This A4-size lightbox is only 0.2” inches in thickness and is lightweight enough to carry around. It offers adjustable brightness and comes with a USB cable that can be connected to a computer, phone adapter, power bank, etc. The flicker-free LED lamp is ideal for designing, sketching, stenciling, etc. You can use this continuously for up to 50,000 hours. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The device comes with a 1-year warranty
  • There is no battery inside the box so it is not rechargeable
  • It is USB connected and comes with a 3.3 feet micro USB cable
  • The device has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours of continuous use
  • It comes with five pieces of A4 tracing paper and a recycling non-woven bag
  • The 14” x 10” Light Box is 1.32 lbs in weight and is extremely easy to carry around

Pros

  • The brightness is adjustable
  • It has a long life span of 50,000 hours
  • The USB cable can be attached to any PC, phone adapted, power bank, USB wall outlet, etc

Cons

  • Several users complained that the light flickers a fair bit
  • Some user complained that the only power source, the USB plug, became damaged easily
Huion L4S Light Box - 17.72 Inches USB ADJUSTABLE Illumination Light Panel only 5mm Thin Light Table with 5 A4 Tracing Papers and 1 Non-woven Bag L14.17' x W10.63' x H0.2'
1,288 Reviews
Huion L4S Light Box - 17.72 Inches USB ADJUSTABLE Illumination Light Panel only 5mm Thin Light Table with 5 A4 Tracing Papers and 1 Non-woven Bag L14.17" x W10.63" x H0.2"
  • Thin Light Box: A4 Size(14"x10")Light Box, 0.2" in thickness and 1.32lb in weight which is portable to carry around. There is...
  • Adjustable Brightness: Touch switch design to turn on/off the light box and keep pressing the switch for 1-3 seconds to...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

LitEnergy

The light pad has an attractive black frame which gives it a sleek, professional look. But apart from only looking professional, the device also offers several professional qualities. The adjustable brightness option allows you to choose the light setting you are comfortable with. It is ideal for stenciling, sketching and drawing plans for your designs. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The work area is 9” x 12”
  • The box comes along with a USB cable and a manual
  • Long pressing the touch screen allows you to adjust the light brightness
  • The light pad along with the black frame is 14.2” (L) x 10.6” (W) x 0.2” (H)

Pros

  • The sleek looking mode is portable so you can work from wherever you like
  • It is ideal for stenciling, sketching, drawing, etc. — all activities you will require for your architectural plans
  • Adjustable brightness allows you to work at the light setting you feel comfortable with, without straining your eyes

Cons

  • Some users complained that the light flickered too much
  • Some users complain that it is not always convenient to use as it needs to be hooked to the USB cable at all times
Recommended
LitEnergy A4 Portable LED Light Box Trace, Light Pad USB Power LED Artcraft Tracing Light Table for Diamond Painting, Drawing, Sketching, Animation
5,101 Reviews
LitEnergy A4 Portable LED Light Box Trace, Light Pad USB Power LED Artcraft Tracing Light Table for Diamond Painting, Drawing, Sketching, Animation
  • EASY CARRYING -- Light weight super slim light pad, thickness only 0.2’’, about 5mm. Overall dimension including black...
  • ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS -- Simply keep pressing the touch switch for several seconds until you get the desired brightness you...

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Artograph

This efficient 950 LX lightbox has a 17” x 24” lit surface. The screen offers adjustable brightness, ranging from 500 lux to 5000 lux, allowing the light to emanate even through thick surfaces. The maintenance-free lights do not require changing and can go on for up to 50,000 hours. The device is perfect for drawing, tracing and sketching all your plans. The following are some of the features the product offers:

Features

  • The light can be used continuously for 50,000 hours
  • The ‘Superbright’ LED technology is cool and uses less energy
  • The device includes a protective storage sleeve and power supply
  • The UV-free light, with a cool white 6500k color temperature, is perfectly safe for the eyes and to be exposed to for extended periods
  • The lit surface is 17” x 24” and offers adjustable brightness from 500 lux to 5,000 lux, allowing the light to shine through even thick sheets

Pros

  • The light is UV-free and efficient
  • The LED lights are maintenance-free and can last up to 50,000 hours
  • There is a wide range of brightness, so the light emanates even through multiple layers and thick surfaces

Cons

  • Some users complained that the power supply cord became damaged from very little use
  • Some users complained that the backlight was damaged upon arrival. You can, of course, exchange the product for a non-defective product in this case
Artograph LightPad 950 LX - 24' x 17' Thin, Dimmable LED Light Box for Tracing, Drawing
708 Reviews
Artograph LightPad 950 LX - 24" x 17" Thin, Dimmable LED Light Box for Tracing, Drawing
  • Overall Dimensions: 26.5" W x 19.25" D x 0.5" H
  • LED lit 24" x 17" area, Cool White 6500K color temperature, adjusts from 1000 lux to super bright 5000 lux

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Litup

This A3 lightbox is a great and wide enough workspace that is perfect for sketching, drawing, planning your models, etc. The device is thin and portable, with an adjustable brightness feature. The high-quality LED lamp supports 50,000 hours of continuous use. The light is flicker-free and is safe for the eyes to use over an extended period. The following are some of the features the product has to offer:

Features

  • The device is eyesight protected.
  • The working area is 18.86” x 14.21”
  • It has a long life span and supports the continuous use of 50,000 hours
  • Long press for adjusting brightness — the maximum brightness it offers is 705CD/㎡
  • The device is 0.31” in thickness and 1.65 kgs in weight, making it extremely lightweight and portable

Pros

  • The adjustable brightness option allows you to set your own level for the light
  • The flicker-free LED lamp has eyesight protected design and offers an even light
  • The device has a large working area but is still extremely portable and can be used anywhere

Cons

  • Some users complained that they found the touch screen to be too sensitive
  • Some users complained that the USB connection is too loose and unreliable
Litup® A3 Light Box L18.86×W14.21 Inch Light Pad Light Table Drawing Light Board for Artcraft Tracing Animation Stencil-LP3-USB(A3-USB)
155 Reviews
Litup® A3 Light Box L18.86×W14.21 Inch Light Pad Light Table Drawing Light Board for Artcraft Tracing Animation Stencil-LP3-USB(A3-USB)
  • Large Working Area: 18.86-by-14.21 inch. A3 light box is large enough for animation, tattoo transferring, sketching,...
  • Thin and Portable: 0.31 inch in thickness and 1.65 KG in weight which make it easy to carry around.

Last update on 2024-01-11 / As an Amazon Associate, Archareer earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before buying a lightbox or light table, there are certain things you should think of. The following are things you should consider when looking for the right product:

Size

The most important thing is the workspace. How much space will you get to work? What is the area that you can operate in? Since the point of using the lightbox is to get your sketches and designs done, this is an important factor. The working space should be large enough for you to work comfortably, but at the same time, the device should not be so big that it becomes cumbersome to carry.

You also want it to be lightweight and portable while providing you with ample space to work with.

Price

Budget is, naturally, the next thing you should consider. The price range of light tables can vary, but depending on your budget and your requirement, you must find something that suits your needs. There are several budget options available that work perfectly well and can last you a long time. Of course, certain features you may have to compromise on if you compromise on the budget. In the end, however, this is a judgment call that you have to make yourself.

Charging Options

If the device is lightweight and portable but also needs to be connected to a power supply at all times, there may be a limitation about where all you can use the device. This does not mean that you have to reject a portable device that requires a power supply. It simply means that you need to either consider other wireless options or find a power bank or a convenient source of portable power. This allows you to work even during your commute, while waiting for a cab, at a restaurant waiting for your companion to show up and any other empty space where you want to whip the lightbox out and work on your designs.

Eyesight Protection

If you are going to be working on the lightbox for a long time, there will be a natural strain on your eyes. This is why you should look for a product that is sensitive to that. The light table should have adjustable brightness, should be UV-free, flicker-free and have general eyesight protection designs so you can use it without spoiling your eyes. This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a light table. Of course, you want to work, but that does not mean you have to compromise on your health and your eyesight.

Warranty

This is an important factor before buying any electronic product. But if you end up buying a more expensive light table, it is all the more important that you check for the terms of the warranty. A minimum one-year warranty is ideal. While it may not always be available with every product, it is imperative that you carry out the check on your end and preferably buy a product that offers a warranty and has a flexible return policy.

Final Thoughts

The products listed above are some of the most highly-rated in the market. Most of the products mentioned tick off all the boxes and criteria described in the buying guide. The size is convenient to use, the prices for each product vary but there is a variety for you to pick from and almost all of them have taken consideration of the user’s eyesight. As an architect, or even as an artist, animator, graphic designer and more, you will find great use for these light tables. So buy yourself one today and elevate the quality of your work!

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