10 Best Light Boxes for Tracing, Graphic Design & Illustration in 2024

List of 10 Best Light Boxes for Tracing, Graphic Design & Illustration in 2024

For artists, designers, and illustrators, the importance of achieving precision and clarity in the final piece cannot be overemphasized. Introducing the lowly but incredibly valuable light box, a device that has been refined over the years and has become an essential part of the designer’s toolkit. Whether you are drawing on tracing paper, adding details to your art, or starting on complex designs, having a good quality light box is likely to greatly enhance your work and its precision.

Currently, the market presents a wide choice of light boxes for different users and their requirements, ranging from lightweight portable devices for street artists to professional models that can be adjusted for brightness and size. This guide presents the ten top light boxes currently on the market, carefully selected for sturdiness, likability, and versatility in tracing, graphic design, and illustration.

Read on as we lead you through the best light boxes for 2024 so that you can select the best tool to bring your artistic dreams to life.

Huion A3 LED Light Pad

The Huion A3 LED Light Pad is known for its sleek and slim design, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. This is particularly beneficial for artists and designers who may need to work in various locations or transport their equipment frequently. It boasts a generous drawing area, specifically the A3 size, which measures approximately 16.9 x 12.2 inches (43 x 31 cm). This size provides ample space for working on larger projects or multiple smaller pieces simultaneously, accommodating various creative needs.

One of the standout features of the Huion A3 LED Light Pad is its impressive maximum brightness of 4,050 lux. This high brightness level ensures even illumination across the entire drawing surface, which is crucial for accurate tracing, sketching, and detailing work. It includes a smart memory feature, which is quite convenient for users. This feature allows the light pad to remember the brightness setting from the last use, eliminating the need to readjust the brightness every time it’s powered on.

The light pad is powered via USB, making it compatible with various power sources such as laptops, power banks, or USB wall adapters. However, it’s worth noting that some users have mentioned the AC cable length is short, which can be a consideration depending on your setup and workspace configuration.

Despite the potential limitation of the AC cable length, many users find the Huion A3 LED Light Pad suitable for prolonged use on projects that require extended periods of focus and detailed work, thanks to its comfortable brightness levels and large drawing area.

Price:

$74.99

Specifications:

Color: A3-AC Powered

Material: Acrylic

Brand: HUION

Power Source: DC12V

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Daylight Company Wafer 3 (A2)

The Daylight Company Wafer 3 is an exceptional choice for artists and designers who need a lightbox for working on larger projects. With its rare A2 size, it provides ample space for large-scale sketches, stenciling, and embossing, making it a versatile tool for a variety of creative tasks. The generous workspace is particularly beneficial for projects that require more room than the typical A3 or A4 lightboxes offer.

One of the standout features of the Wafer 3 is its 6,000 kelvin LED light, which emits a cool white color ideal for true color matching. This is crucial for artists who need to accurately represent colors in their work, ensuring that what they see on the lightbox is a faithful representation of the final piece. The dimmer switch with a memory function allows users to customize the brightness to suit their specific needs, whether they require strong illumination for detailed work or softer light for delicate tracing.

Despite its large size, the Wafer 3 maintains a sleek profile, measuring just .31 inches thick. This slim design, combined with the large A2 work area, makes it a practical choice for artists who need both space and portability. The lightbox’s larger footprint does mean it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you primarily work on smaller projects or have limited workspace. However, for those working on large-scale pieces, it offers a spacious and adaptable surface.

The Wafer 3’s flexibility extends beyond just sketching. Its size and adjustable brightness make it suitable for a variety of creative applications, including stenciling and embossing, which require precise control over lighting. The versatility of the Wafer 3 is further highlighted by the availability of smaller models like the Wafer 2 (A3) and Wafer 1 (A4), which retain the same high-quality 6,000K LED lighting and dimmer control but cater to different workspace needs.

Price:

$279

Specifications:

Colour: Black

Material: Wafer

Brand: daylight

Item weight: 9 Pounds

Power source: Corded Electric

HSK A2 Artist Tracing Light Box

The HSK A2 Artist Tracing Light Box is a highly regarded choice for artists, offering a strong and practical solution for those in need of a reliable workspace. Unlike some lightboxes that claim an A2 size but include the entire product’s dimensions in their measurements, the HSK A2 provides a genuinely accurate A2-sized working area. This ensures that artists have ample space to work on larger projects without the constraints of a smaller surface.

The lightbox features a powerful LED light that delivers 5500 lux and 1200 lumens, providing bright and clear illumination that is ideal for detailed drawing and tracing. The inclusion of a dimmer switch allows users to adjust the brightness to their liking, catering to different project requirements and personal preferences. Additionally, the light lock feature is particularly convenient, allowing users to set and retain their preferred brightness level by holding down the dimmer switch for three seconds. This feature ensures consistency in lighting, which can be a significant advantage for ongoing projects.

The HSK A2’s latest iteration is built with a redesigned aluminum frame, which enhances its durability and provides a strong, secure work surface. While this heavier frame adds to the overall weight of the lightbox, making it less portable, it also contributes to its stability, preventing movement during use. This added weight can be a benefit for artists who prefer a more stationary lightbox that feels secure and reliable during use.

Despite its larger size and weight, the HSK A2 remains a versatile and practical choice for artists who need a dependable and well-illuminated workspace. For those who prioritize portability or require a lighter lightbox for frequent travel, the brand also offers smaller models with even brighter LEDs, such as the HSK A3 with 7000 lux, HSK A2 with 7000 lux, and HSK B4 with 6000 lux. These options provide the same high-quality illumination and adjustable brightness in more compact and lightweight designs, catering to different needs and preferences.

Price:

$59.99

Specifications:

Color: Black

Material: Aluminium

Brand: HSK

Item Weight: 2.3 Kilograms

Power Source: DC

Dear Carbon A3 Light Board

The Dear Carbon A3 Light Board stands out among lightboxes primarily due to its built-in adjustable stand, a feature that sets it apart from the competition and enhances its usability for both artists and casual users alike. This integrated stand offers six different angle settings, allowing users to customize the lightbox’s position to suit their specific needs. This adjustability is particularly beneficial for artists who require a variety of perspectives and angles while working on detailed projects. It also makes the lightbox a versatile tool for a wide range of users, from professional artists to children just starting to explore their creative potential.

One significant advantage of the Dear Carbon A3 Light Board’s built-in stand is its ability to alleviate back and neck strain. Traditional lightboxes, which lie flat, can often cause discomfort during prolonged use as artists need to lean over their work. The adjustable stand provides a more ergonomic working position, which can help reduce the physical strain associated with extended periods of tracing or sketching. This is especially useful for those who spend long hours on intricate projects and require a comfortable setup to maintain productivity and well-being.

Despite its innovative design and ergonomic benefits, the Dear Carbon A3 Light Board does have some limitations. Its compact size and maximum brightness of 4500 Lux may not meet the needs of every artist, particularly those working on more complex or light-intensive projects. However, for many standard art tracing, weeding, and design tasks, the light intensity is sufficient and provides clear, consistent illumination. The lightbox’s smaller footprint also makes it a convenient and portable option for users who may need to transport it or have limited workspace.

For those who require even greater brightness or a larger work area, Dear Carbon offers additional models that cater to these needs. The upgraded A3 lightbox includes 10 dimmer modes, allowing for greater control over light intensity and making it suitable for more varied and intricate work. Additionally, Dear Carbon’s larger A2 lightboard model offers an impressive brightness level of over 6000 Lux, providing ample illumination for more demanding projects. However, it is worth noting that neither of these upgraded models includes a built-in stand, which may be a drawback for users who have come to appreciate the ergonomic benefits of the original A3 Light Board.

Price:

$19.99

Specifications:

Color: Black

Material: Stained Glass,Vinyl

Brand: DEAR CARBON

Power Source: Corded Electric

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Gaomon GB4 Size LED Light Box

The Gaomon GB4 Size LED Light Box is a notable entry in the market of lightboxes, bringing with it the same quality and budget-friendly appeal that the brand is known for with their pen displays. Gaomon has successfully integrated several advanced technology and design features into this model, making it a reliable tool for artists and designers.

One of the standout aspects of the Gaomon GB4 is its innovative touch switch for adjusting brightness levels. Unlike some lightboxes that require multiple button presses or have awkwardly placed controls, the Gaomon GB4’s touch switch is conveniently positioned for easy access. This switch allows users to adjust the brightness gradually by simply holding their finger in place, offering a smooth transition from dim to bright light. This intuitive feature not only simplifies the process of finding the perfect lighting for your work but also enhances the overall user experience by remembering the last brightness level used. This memory function can be a significant time-saver, especially for artists working on long-term projects who need consistent lighting conditions.

The Gaomon GB4 also impresses with its technical specifications. It boasts a color temperature range of 8000K to 10000K and a brightness rating of 650 CD/M². This makes it well-suited for working on standard paper, providing a clear and comfortable illumination that reduces eye strain, a common issue with prolonged use of lightboxes. However, while its brightness is sufficient for most tasks, it may not be the brightest option available, particularly for those working with very thick or opaque materials. Despite this, for the vast majority of applications, the Gaomon GB4 performs admirably, delivering consistent and eye-friendly lighting.

In terms of design, the Gaomon GB4 is impressively slim and lightweight, even thinner than many modern smartphones. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry, whether you’re moving it around your workspace or taking it with you on the go. The lightbox also comes with a two-meter micro USB charging cable, though it does not include an adapter. This omission is becoming standard in the industry as more devices adopt universal charging solutions, but it’s something to be aware of if you need to source an adapter separately.

Another thoughtful design feature of the Gaomon GB4 is the lack of raised edges, which can often catch or snag the paper as you move it around the lightbox. The smooth, edge-free design allows for seamless adjustment and repositioning of your work, which is particularly beneficial for tasks that require frequent changes in position or alignment.

Price:

$54.99

Specifications:

Material: Acrylic

Brand: GAOMON

Item Weight: 0.74 Kilograms

Power Source: Corded Electric

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Artograph LightPad 950 LX

The Artograph LightPad 950 LX stands out as a notable choice for individuals needing a large and powerful lightbox for various artistic and professional applications. With a generous 24 x 17 inch (A2) drawing area, the LightPad 950 LX offers ample space for larger projects that smaller lightboxes cannot accommodate. This is especially useful for tasks such as tracing, large-scale sketches, or working with sizable pieces of fabric.

The size and weight of 4.2 lbs contribute to a stable working platform, minimizing any unwanted movement or slippage when handling delicate materials. This stability is essential for tasks requiring precision and meticulous attention to detail.

The lightbox provides a broad range of brightness, from 1000 lux to an exceptionally bright 5000 lux. This flexibility allows for adjusting the illumination based on the thickness of the material and the required level of detail, making it ideal for various artistic and craft applications.

The ‘Cool White’ 6500K color temperature ensures a bright, neutral light that helps reduce eye strain and offers true color representation. This feature is particularly important for activities such as drawing, painting, and intricate craft work where color accuracy is crucial.

While the size and weight limit its portability, the LightPad 950 LX is well-suited for a dedicated workspace where it can remain stationary. This characteristic is not necessarily a disadvantage, as the stability it provides is a beneficial trade-off for those who primarily work in one location.

The large size and high brightness make the LightPad 950 LX suitable for a variety of uses, including tracing patterns on fabric, working with thick art paper, and examining negatives or photographs. This versatility broadens its appeal to artists, designers, and professionals in fields such as quilting and embroidery.

Price:

$259.99

Specifications:

Color: Silver

Material: Aluminum, Plastic

Brand: Artograph

Item Weight: 4.2 Pounds

Power Source: Corded Electric

Voilamart A2 LED Light Box Tracer 

When it comes to finding the best overall lightbox for A2-sized projects, the Voilamart LED Light Box Tracer stands out with its impressive features and specifications. With dimensions of 25.4 x 18.7 inches and a working area of 23.8 x 17 inches, this lightbox provides a spacious surface that is essential for designers, architects, and artists working on larger sheets like A2. The weight of 8 lbs may require some adjustment, but it ensures a stable and sturdy platform for precision work.

The Voilamart lightbox excels in brightness, reaching up to 3100 lux, which is significantly higher than what is typically offered by USB-powered models. This high level of brightness is crucial for tasks that require detailed tracing, making it an excellent tool for designers and illustrators who need to see through thick materials. The LED bulbs, known for their energy efficiency, have a remarkable lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, providing long-term reliability and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

One of the critical factors in choosing a lightbox is its ability to reduce eye strain, which can be exacerbated by prolonged exposure to inadequate lighting. The Voilamart lightbox addresses this with a bright white color temperature ranging from 10000K to 12000K, offering a comfortable and glare-free working environment that helps prevent fatigue. This makes it not only suitable for tracing and drawing but also for a variety of other creative activities, including 2D animation, 5D diamond painting, calligraphy, sketching, embossing, scrapbooking, and even X-ray viewing.

The Voilamart lightbox also comes with a convenient carrying case, making it easy to transport and use in different locations. This portability is a significant advantage for professionals who need to take their work on the go. Despite its higher price point, the combination of a large surface area, exceptional brightness, and long-lasting LED bulbs makes the Voilamart LED Light Box Tracer a top pick for those who prioritize quality and functionality in their creative tools.

For anyone who needs a reliable and versatile lightbox for professional use, the Voilamart LED Light Box Tracer is a worthy investment that offers both functionality and durability.

Price:

Currently Unavailable

Specifications:

Material: Paper

Brand: Voilamart

Item Weight: 6 Pounds

Power Source: Corded Electric

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED

LitEnergy A4 Tracing Light Box

When searching for a budget-friendly light pad that doesn’t compromise on functionality, the A4 Tracing LightBox from LitEnergy emerges as a standout choice. With dimensions of 14.2 x 10.6 inches and a working area of 12 x 9 inches, it strikes a balance between compactness and usability, weighing just 680g and measuring 0.2 inches thick.

The LitEnergy lightbox offers excellent value with its affordable price point, making it accessible to users looking for a cost-effective option without sacrificing essential features. It provides adjustable brightness up to 4000 lux, which is impressive for a budget-friendly light pad. This level of brightness ensures clarity and visibility for various tasks, such as tracing, drawing, and crafting.

Unlike bulkier traditional lightboxes, LitEnergy features a slim profile that enhances portability. It’s easy to carry around, making it suitable for artists and hobbyists who work in different locations.

A notable feature is the stepless brightness control, which allows users to adjust the light output smoothly from 0 to 100%. This flexibility is beneficial for achieving the right illumination intensity for different materials and preferences. The lightbox includes a smart memory function that retains the last brightness setting used. This convenience saves time and ensures consistent lighting conditions when powering on the device.

Operated via a touch switch, the LightBox from LitEnergy offers simplicity of use—you only need to touch the pad to turn it on or off, eliminating the need for complex controls. It supports a wide range of applications, including diamond painting, tattoo tracing, stenciling, craft projects, fabric design, and professional copying for animation, photographs, and film. This versatility makes it suitable for various creative and professional endeavors.

Incorporating advanced eyesight-protecting technology with a color temperature ranging from 9000K to 12000K, the LitEnergy lightbox helps reduce eye strain during prolonged use, ensuring comfortable working conditions.

Price:

$15.98

Specifications:

Color: Black

Material: Acrylic

Brand: LitEnergy

Power Source: Corded Electric

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

iVyne Rechargeable A4 Light Pad

When it comes to the best rechargeable light box, the iVyne Light Pads stand out with their thoughtful design and versatile functionality, particularly suited for vinyl weeding projects and various other creative tasks.

Engineered for portability and ease of use, the iVyne Light Pads feature an ultra-thin profile that makes them ideal companions for vinyl weeding and other precision crafting projects. It has five adjustable brightness modes, and features a soft and eye-protecting LED light. The ability to adjust brightness levels ensures comfort and caters to specific project needs, enhancing versatility across different tasks.

It is equipped with a 9.25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium battery. The iVyne Light Pads offer uninterrupted creativity without the need for a constant power outlet. This feature is particularly advantageous for users who prefer to work in locations where access to power sockets may be limited.

While designed primarily for circuit vinyl weeding, the iVyne Light Pads excel in a variety of tasks, including tattoo transferring, calligraphy, sewing projects, 2D animation, and even X-ray viewing. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of creative and professional applications. The light pads include a smart memory function that retains the last brightness setting used, ensuring consistent lighting conditions from session to session.

Price:

$44.99

Specifications:

Color: Blue

Material: A4 – Rechargeable

Brand: iVyne

Power Source: Battery Powered

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Etcokei A4 Light Box

The Etcokei Light Pad is designed to enhance precision and creativity across various tasks with its A4 size and innovative features. 

With dimensions of 13.38 x 10.23 inches, the Etcokei Light Pad provides a spacious workspace suitable for a variety of creative tasks, including tracing, drawing, diamond painting, and vinyl weeding.

Crafted from a high-strength material, the light pad is highly scratch and cut-resistant. This durability ensures that the surface remains smooth and free from marks, maintaining its quality and longevity even with frequent use.

The light pad features adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to customize the lighting according to your preferences and the needs of your project. This flexibility is crucial for achieving optimal visibility and clarity, enhancing your precision work.

One of its standout features is the smart memory function, which remembers the last brightness setting used. This convenience saves time and effort, ensuring that you can quickly resume work without readjusting settings.

The light pad is known for its ability to adjust brightness, which enhances usability in various lighting conditions and for different types of projects. It saves time by retaining the preferred brightness setting for seamless workflow continuity. Its scratch and cut-resistant surface ensures durability and maintains a smooth workspace over time.

Price: 

Currently Unavailable

Specifications:

Color: White

Brand: Etcokei

Power Source: Battery Powered

Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Model Name: L-003B

Wrap Up

A light box is really beneficial if you are drawing with your hand or if you are viewing the negatives of a recent shoot. From this guide, we can guarantee you that the items on the list will be of help to you in any way you wish.

So, light up your light box, have your sketch paper in place, draw, and trace as is your desire.