Light Tables & Boxes

1. Whether you're an artist or a photographer, you can create your own professional work studio at home with a light table or light box. A light table or box makes it easy to review slides or transparencies and can be a timesaving investment for reviewing artwork by providing illumination from below.

2. A light table for drawing is an important tool for any artist working with frame-by-frame animation. Light tables and light boxes allow you to layer multiple sheets of paper on top of one another, making it easy to work on a sequence of frame-by-frame drawings and tweak new frames.

3. You don't have to break the bank to buy a light table that's right for you. Light tables and light boxes are available in a variety of price ranges. If you'll be doing professional work, a larger light table with special lighting and features may be a good investment.

4. Consider the features you'll need before purchasing a light table or light box. Some light tables can pivot and rotate to help with your project. Some light tables are also angled to help position materials easily when you work. This can be a useful feature when reviewing art and slides.

5. Scaled-down versions of light boxes and tables are also available. Have a budget in mind before purchasing your light table or light box and consider how you'll be using it. A light box is simply a box with a translucent surface and lights inside that gently shine through so any paper placed on top becomes transparent. A smaller, more compact light box may be a better bet for smaller projects.

6. A portable light table makes it easy to relocate your light table from place to place, or even room to room as needed. Most portable light tables are on wheels, so you don't even have to disturb your project to change location - just roll your light table to the right spot.

7. If you plan to keep your light table in one location, a stationary light table is a good fit. A sturdy stationary light table can be an impressive addition to your designated workspace or studio.

8. Light table surfaces can range from as small as 12 x 18 inches to as large as 30 x 36 inches. Determine what type of work you'll be doing, and choose a light table that makes sense in relation to the size of the projects you're planning.