4 Replies Latest reply: Nov 25, 2013 9:51 AM by Feepque RSS

    Pressure sensitivity not working properly!

    Feepque Community Member
    Feepque Nov 7, 2013 4:52 AM

      Hi, I have a problem that is pretty much destroying my animation career and it seems like I will never be able to continue with this interest of mine if I can't fix this issue. I'll try to keep it short: I started animating back in '08, but I started doing serious animation in '11 when I got my first tablet and it was a Wacom Bamboo Pen. It worked fine until this fall when I discovered that the pressure sensitivity didn't work properly in Flash and after doing pretty much everything I could to fix this I came to the conclusion that the tablet must be broken so I bought a new one and this time I bought a Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch Gen 3. Since I had spent about 15 hours planning and making the background and stuff for the animation I was really happy to finally after two weeks be able to finish the animation with my new tablet, but I soon discovered the devastating fact that the same exact issue was present, the pressure sensitivity was useless. Here's an example of what it looks like when I try to use the pen pressure: http://i.imgur.com/rvVyRB9.png?1, I have tried to do it as nicely as I can here, but it still just looks like complete crap! I have literally ruled out EVERYTHING! I have tried two tablets, three computers, two operating systems, I have tried Flash 8, CS3, MX, CS5 and I have installed every god damn tablet driver I can find, it just doesn't make ANY sense at all. Also, my tablet works fine for all other programs except Flash, it can be used for both Photoshop and Paint Tool Sai.

       

      Please, if you know any way to fix this issue just let me know because I do not feel happy at all to put one of my favorite interests on the shelf just because of this one error!

       

      Best regards.

        • 1. Re: Pressure sensitivity not working properly!
          cslynch Community Member
          cslynch Nov 15, 2013 6:34 PM (in response to Feepque)

          I've been fighting similar issues for years with Adobe/Wacom. Tonight I changed my pen nib and pressure sensitivity started working again. Will you try that and report back whether it worked or not? I found the suggestion in an obscure post and it worked...at least for now. If it works for you maybe this post will help a BUNCH of other wacom/photoshop users get their issues fixed.

          • 2. Re: Pressure sensitivity not working properly!
            Feepque Community Member
            Feepque Nov 24, 2013 2:50 AM (in response to cslynch)

            Sorry for not responding, I had given up hope on getting an answer so I haven't checked my email. Anyways, with "pen nib", do you mean that plastic removable tip on the pen that looks like a tiny stick? If so, it doesn't sound like it makes sense, isn't it just plastic? But if it works it works so I'm not trying to argue, but what pen nib did you buy and what did it cost?

             

            Also, when you say "Adobe/Wacom" are you saying that it has been issues with Wacom products in Adobe software?

             

            Please respond if you see this and I will get back to you when I try this because I am desperate right now so I will try anything.

             

            I REALLY appreciate the help, buddy! I am so freaking frustrated right now so I need every advice I can get!

             

            Over and out.

            • 3. Re: Pressure sensitivity not working properly!
              cslynch Community Member
              cslynch Nov 24, 2013 9:10 AM (in response to Feepque)

              No prob on the delay. I agree that it doesn't make any sense. It IS just a piece of plastic. As a matter of fact the idea is (admittedly) so absurd that people have suggested I should be banned from the forum. However, when I swapped my nib out pressure sensitivity immediately started working in Photoshop. With that said, it stopped working again a day later. Pulling and reinserting the nib a few times brought functionality back for me. The whole thing makes me think it's a pen issue...not pad. But I haven't done any troubleshooting beyond the typical uninstall/reinstall drivers, make Tablet folder writeable by all users, disable the tablet service within services.msc, disable pen flicks, etc. Those things worked to varying degrees as well. So maybe pen nib swap doesn't do ANYTHING and Photoshop/Wacom flakiness coincedentally reenables sensitivity.

               

              The nib is the small plastic tip in the pen. Your tablet shipped with additional nibs in the pen holder base. Just twist it apart and they are there. They also include a small metal ring that you use to remove the old nib. Grab the old nib with the ring and pull. Very simple. In some cases I have had to do it several times before photoshop responds. So, again, don't get your hopes up.

               

              There are definitely issues between Photoshop and Wacom on Windows. Both companies seem to be saying the problem is not their fault. It is interesting to note though that other pressure sensitive applications continue to work (in my case) when Photoshop breaks. I can still draw pressure sensitive lines in Sketchbook when Photoshop isn't working.

               

              I hope it works for you! But mostly I hope they get this worked out. It is very frustrating.

              • 4. Re: Pressure sensitivity not working properly!
                Feepque Community Member
                Feepque Nov 25, 2013 9:51 AM (in response to cslynch)

                I tried it today and unfortunetaly the problem still remains, I took out the old nib out and put in back in several times and twisted it around, but nothing seemed to change. I would try another nib, but I think someone has thrown them out with the packaging! Do you think it is worth purchasing new nibs and try? I don't have much money right now so every investment is big for me.

                 

                Thanks for your help, though, I can at least rule out something now, but I doubt there is anything more to rule out actually.

                 

                Over and out.