How to Fix a Tablet on GIMP

GIMP uses DirectInput, an application programming interface part of the DirectX library, to obtain input from from a tablet. If DirectX is disabled, GIMP won't recognize the tablet, even if the device works in the operating system or other programs without a problem. Outdated or faulty drivers -- software that enables the tablet to receive instructions from a program -- can also prevent GIMP from interfacing with the tablet.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Exit GIMP. Click "Start." Input "dxdiag" into the search box and then press "Enter" to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
   • 2
     Click "Next Page" to go to the Display tab. Confirm that all of the DirectX Features are marked as enabled.
   • 3
     Click "Start" if one or more DirectX features are disabled. Enter "display" into the Search box and click "Change Display Settings."
   • 4
     Click "Advanced Settings," go to the Troubleshoot tab, then click Change Settings. Drag the slider under Hardware Acceleration to Full. Click "OK" to close each window, then restart.
   • 5
     Return to DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Go to the Input tab. Confirm that the tablet device is listed under Direct Input Devices.
   • 6
     Click "Start" if the device does not appear in the list. Enter "device" into the search field. Click "Device Manager." Double-click "Human Interface Devices."
   • 7
     Right-click the tablet driver, then click "Uninstall," if applicable. Disconnect the tablet from the PC. Restart the computer.
   • 8
     Log back in to Windows as an administrator. Download the latest driver for the tablet from the tablet manufacturer's website. Double-click the EXE file to install the latest driver to the PC.
   • 9
     Open GIMP. Open Preferences and go to Input Devices. Click "Input Controllers." Move DirectX and DirectInput to Active Controllers.
   • 10
     Reconnect the tablet to the computer. Open GIMP with the tablet and pen. Return to Input Devices from the Preferences menu, then click "Configure Extended Input Devices."
   • 11
     Confirm that "stylus," "eraser," "cursor," "puck" and "pad" are all listed. If none of the tablet devices are displayed, remove the current tablet driver and restart the computer to install the default tablet driver to the PC.