Artist Ultra 16 Drawing Display

Thank you for choosing the XPPen Artist Ultra 16 Drawing Display. The Artist Ultra 16 adopts a cutting-edge OLED display technology and a multi-finger touch solution to deliver unparalleled visual clarity and intuitive control. To ensure optimal performance and extended service life of your device, please read this Manual thoroughly before use, and adhere to the recommended maintenance and protection guidelines during use.

To support continuous product improvement, physical appearance, colors, and accessories may vary from descriptions, so please refer to the actual product. The Company reserves the right to make technical updates and revise this Manual without prior notice. Thank you for your understanding.

Note: All images in this Manual are for illustrative purposes only.

Indicator Light Status:

Power On: Press the power button once. Then the indicator light illuminates solid blue; Power Off: Press the power button again

Power On: Press the power button once. Then the indicator light illuminates solid blue; Power Off: Press the power button again

Sketch Tablet Mode: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. Then the indicator light alternates between blue and orange, which means the device has successfully entered Sketch Tablet Mode. Press the power button again to restore normal mode

1.Peel off the adhesive film on the back of the stand;

2.Align with the marked adhesive area on the back of the drawing display. Then press gently to fix it;

3.The stand features two adjustable angles, which can be switched easily and can be folded for compact storage after use.

The product is a non-standalone device that must be connected to a computer, Android phone or Android tablet to work.

You can choose one of the following two connection modes depending on the configuration of your computer:

1.Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect your computer to the drawing display;

2.If the display remains unlit, please use a second USB-C cable to connect the drawing display to the power adapter for power supply.

Note: Due to computer power output limitations, when connected via a single USB-C to USB-C cable, the product may not reach maximum brightness and may experience display flickering or blackouts. At this time, please use a second USB-C cable to connect the drawing display to the power adapter for power supply.

Mode 2: Connect to a computer with USB-A and HDMI ports

1.Plug the HDMI and USB-A connectors of the 3-in-1 cable into your computer;

2.Plug the USB-C connector of the 3-in-1 cable into the drawing display;

3.Connect one end of the second USB-C to USB-C cable to the USB-C power supply port of the 3-in-1 cable. Or connect one end directly to another USB-C port of the drawing display, and the other end to the PD power adapter for power supply.

* It is recommended to prioritize using the dedicated HDMI port on your computer's discrete graphics card (if available).

1.Use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect your phone/tablet to the drawing display;

2.Use another USB-C cable to connect the drawing display and power adapter.

* It is recommended to use a mobile phone that supports Desktop Mode for connection. For compatible mobile phone models, please refer to the official website.

3.1.Wired Connection

Connect a USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C cable to your computer and device.

3.2.Bluetooth Receiver Connection

Insert the Bluetooth receiver into your computer. Toggle the power switch of the wireless shortcut remote. Then the indicator light illuminates solid blue for 30 seconds before turning off.

3.3.Bluetooth Wireless Connection

1.Toggle the power switch of the wireless shortcut remote. The indicator light of the wireless shortcut remote blinks blue slowly. Then press and hold the K11 key for 6 seconds to enter pairing mode, during which the indicator light blinks blue rapidly

2.Enable Bluetooth on your computer. Add a new Bluetooth device. Search for the device named Shortcut Remote. Click it to complete Bluetooth pairing. Then the indicator light illuminates solid blue for 30 seconds before turning off

Windows 7 or later (Touch function supports only on Windows 10 or later)

macOS 12 or later

Android 10.0 or later (USB3.1 DP1.2 required)

ChromeOS 88 or later

Windows ARM

Linux (Touch function supports only on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later)

1.Make sure your drawing display is properly connected to the computer;

2.Visit the official website: www.xp-pen.com;

3.Navigate to the Driver page. Search for Artist Ultra 16. Then download and install the driver compatible with your system;

4.Launch the driver. Configure parameters and test product features.

Important Pre-Installation Notes:

Close all anti-virus software and drawing software

Uninstall drivers for other brands of sketch tablets/displays

Restart your computer after installation

* It is recommended to use the latest version of the driver for optimal performance.

Notes:

Before installation, please close all active anti-virus software and drawing software;

If your computer has drivers for other brands of sketch tablets/displays installed, please uninstall them first;

After installation, please restart your computer;

For optimal device performance, it is recommended to use the latest version of the driver.

2.1.Windows

Unzip and run the .exe file with administrator privileges. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

2.2.macOS

Unzip and run the .pkg file. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Add the required security settings (System Preferences -> Privacy & Security -> Accessibility). After authorization and unlocking, make sure the XPPenDriver, XPPenTablet and XTouchDriver option are checked. Otherwise, the device and driver may fail to function properly.

If there are no related options in the list, please navigate to the Library -> Application Support -> PenDriver to add manually.

2.3.Linux

DEB: In the command line, enter sudo dpkg –i. Drag the installation file into the window. Then execute the command;

RPM: In the command line, enter sudo rpm –i. Drag the installation file into the window. Then execute the command;

Tar.gz: Unzip the file first. In the command line, enter sudo. Drag install.sh into it. Then execute the command.

After driver installation completes, the software launches automatically. If automatic launch fails, please manually navigate to the driver installation directory and open the driver.

Windows access path: Start -> Pentablet

MacOS access path: Applications -> XPPen -> PenTablet

For no device detected or connection unsuccessful, the following prompt is displayed. Please try to reconnect the device and restart the computer or driver before trying again, or contact customer support for assistance.

If the device is successfully connected to your computer, the device name is displayed in the upper left corner of the driver.

The driver can support up to three devices at the same time. After switching one of them, you can customize settings for the currently selected device, and these settings only apply to the device.

The Artist Ultra 16 comes standard with the X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus and X3 Pro Slim Stylus. The X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus comes with a silicone grip sleeve to reduce fatigue from long periods of creation. The X3 Pro Slim Stylus offers enhanced ergonomics for a comfortable grip, while its removable keys help minimize accidental presses.

Stylus Holding:

Hold the stylus as you use a regular pen or pencil. Then rotate the stylus to adjust the shortcut key position until your thumb or finger can comfortably press the key.

Note: During use, avoid accidental presses of the shortcut key to prevent unintended operations.

Stylus Storage:

When not in use, please store your stylus properly. To prevent pressure or weight from being applied to either the nib or eraser ends to extend the service life of the nib and pressure sensor, it is recommended to store the stylus in its included case when not in use.

Note: Do not place the stylus on the device when not in use. Otherwise, it may affect mouse operation and may prevent the computer from entering Sleep Mode.

Nib Replacement:

Replace the nib promptly if it becomes severely worn or develops sharp edges.

1.Find the replacement nibs in the stylus case or product packaging.

Please note that the nibs for the X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus and X3 Pro Slim Stylus are not interchangeable, so ensure correct identification when replacing;

2.Insert the current nib into the nib extractor inside the stylus case.

Then tilt the stylus to remove the old nib;

3.Insert the new nib into the stylus's socket. Push it vertically until it stops.

The Artist Ultra 16 supports the multi-finger touch feature, which improves creative efficiency through gesture operation. You can use the top touch keys to enable or disable this feature.

With the touch feature enabled, you can use multi-finger touch gestures on Windows or macOS. The product supports system standard gestures. You can also customize the touch area and custom gestures through the product driver.

The product supports three touch area modes, including Default, Basic, and Custom.

Default: The entire display area is touch-enabled;

Basic: Touch input is enabled only for the floating menu on the display; no single- or multi-finger input is recognized elsewhere;

Custom: Touch input is enabled only outside the custom area; no single- or multi-finger input is recognized in the custom area (such as the canvas area).

The basic gestures include single- and two-finger touch interactions. Basic gestures enable system navigation, mouse clicks, scrolling, zooming, or rotation.

Advanced touch gestures include 3-, 4-, and 5-finger touch interactions. The product supports standard multi-finger gestures. You can also select new custom gestures through the gesture drop-down menu.

Note: Some system default gestures may not be supported depending on your operating system version.

The floating menu can display floating shortcut keys on the drawing display or computer monitor. You can set common operations on the floating menu. Then tap the button with your stylus, mouse or gesture to perform the set operation. To customize the display and features of the floating menu, click the Floating Menu button on the driver's homepage.

Icons in the upper left corner: Lock position, access driver settings for the floating menu, or close the floating menu.

By clicking the icon on the left side of the driver, you can switch the driver features to set the relevant settings of the drawing display, including:

1.Device Settings

2.Stylus Settings

3.Driver Settings

1.1.Display Calibration

Make sure the stylus is properly mapped to your Artist Ultra 16. Otherwise, please refer to the Work Area section to adjust the mapping area. Then use the stylus nib to tap the red cross center that appears on the display in standard stylus holding style to calibrate the offset between the stylus and cursor.

1.2.Touch

You can customize your touch area and gestures through the touch feature

1.2.1.ouch Area

The touch area can only be set when the touch feature is enabled. If the touch feature is disabled, press the touch key on the top of the product to enable the touch feature.

The product supports three touch area modes, including Default, Basic, and Custom. You can switch between them and choose the mode that suits you best.

Default: The entire display area is touch-enabled;

Basic: Touch input is enabled only for the floating menu on the display; no single- or multi-finger input is recognized elsewhere;

Custom: Touch input is enabled only outside the custom area; no single- or multi-finger input is recognized in the custom area (such as the canvas area).

Set Custom Touch Area

Select Custom. Then, on the right side, click the Custom option. On the pop-up window, click the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the area to be set to complete the setup.

1.2.2.Basic Gestures

The basic gestures include single- and two-finger touch interactions. Basic gestures enable system navigation, mouse clicks, scrolling, zooming, or rotation.

1.2.3.Advanced Gestures

Advanced touch gestures include 3-, 4-, and 5-finger touch interactions. The product supports standard multi-finger gestures. You can also select new custom gestures through the gesture drop-down menu. For specific supported gestures, please refer to the List of Supported Gestures.

1.3.Floating Menu

The floating menu can display floating shortcut keys on the drawing display or computer monitor. You can set common operations on the floating menu. Then tap the button with your stylus, mouse or gesture to perform the set operation.

The floating menu supports horizontal and vertical layouts. Click the upper left corner area to switch between layouts. On the upper right corner, click the Show button. Then the floating menu is displayed on the desktop.

On the floating menu, click any shortcut key to configure its function. You can set it as a Shortcut Key, Others, or Execute Application.

Shortcut Key:

Configure shortcut keys. For example, in 3D MAX software, set to Alt + A to activate the Align tool.

Shortcut keys can be configured in multiple groups. For example, type Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V. When you press the corresponding shortcut keys, all assigned functions within the group execute sequentially.

Windows (Command): Add system key combinations. For example, to type Win (Cmd) + Shift + 3, press Shift + 3. Then the driver automatically includes the system key.

Custom Name: At the bottom of the driver interface, use the Custom Name to assign a display name for your current configuration.

Others:

Show Driver Panel: Used to quickly access the driver settings panel

Switch Monitors: Used to map the cursor to alternate monitors when multiple monitors are connected

Precision Mode: Used to limit the active display area to a certain range, enabling detailed drawing within the limited area

[B]/[E]: Used to switch repeatedly between B and E keys

Pen/Eraser: Used to switch repeatedly between Pen and Eraser modes

Switch to Touch Mode 1: Used to switch repeatedly between Default and Basic touch modes

Switch to Touch Mode 2: Used to switch repeatedly between Default and Custom touch modes

Show Desktop: Used to display the system desktop

On-Display Keyboard: Used to activate the system keyboard

No Action: Performs no function

Execute Application:

Use shortcut keys to quickly launch the corresponding applications

1.4.Work Area

Used to define the mapping relationship between the drawing display's work area and the screen's display area.

Screen

Used to define the mapping relationship between the current monitor's display area and the device.

If you are using multiple monitors in Duplicate Mode, the drawing display's work area is mapped to all monitors. The cursor moves simultaneously on every monitor as the stylus moves within the work area.

If you are using multiple monitors in Extended Mode, in the Screen tab, select which monitor the drawing display's work area is mapped to.

Set the monitor's mapping area:

1.Full-Screen Area: The entire area of the monitor is selected;

2.Custom Screen Area: Supports three configuration modes.

Drag Mode: On the screen preview, drag the cursor from one point to another;

Coordinate Mode: In the corresponding input fields next to X, Y, W, and H, enter coordinates;

Coordinate Mode: In the corresponding input fields next to X, Y, W, and H, enter coordinates;

3.Screen Identification

Used to identify all connected monitors, with numeric identifiers shown in the lower left corner of each monitor screen.

Drawing Display

Used to set the work area of your current drawing display.

Set the drawing display's work area:

1.Full-Tablet Area: The entire work area of the drawing display;

2.Custom Tablet Area: Supports three configuration modes.

Drag Mode: On the drawing display preview, drag the cursor from one point to another;

Coordinate Mode: In the corresponding input fields next to X, Y, W, and H, enter coordinates;

Click Mode: Click the Click to Select Tablet Area button. Then, on the drawing display's work area, use your stylus to tap the upper-left and lower-right corner positions to be selected;

3.Screen Ratio: Match the drawing display's work area proportionally to the entire display area of the selected monitor.

1.5.Display Settings

Used to configure color-related parameters for your current drawing display.

Brightness and Contrast: Drag the corresponding slider to adjust the brightness or contrast of the device.

Color Space: This product includes three preset modes: sRGB, Adobe RGB, and P3. These modes have been gamut-limited and pre-calibrated, so no additional ICC clamping is required.

To manually configure ICC, in the Display Settings under the driver interface, select USER mode. Then configure the parameters in the native color mode.

In USER mode, you can adjust the color temperature (when USER mode is selected for color temperature, R/G/B values become editable) to customize the color space.

When the stylus is within the work area, the drawing display automatically identifies different stylus models and adds them to the driver. Please note that only compatible styluses are supported. On the right side, click the stylus name drop-down menu to select and configure the corresponding stylus. When you use the corresponding stylus, the driver automatically switches to the selected stylus's custom settings.

2.1.Stylus Keys

On the diagram, click the stylus key to customize its function.

Shortcut Key:

Shortcut keys can be configured in multiple groups. For example, type Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V. When you press the corresponding shortcut keys, all assigned functions within the group execute sequentially.

Windows (Command): Add system key combinations. For example, to type Win (Cmd) + Shift + 3, press Shift + 3. Then the driver automatically includes the system key.

Custom Name: At the bottom of the driver interface, use the Custom Name to assign a display name for your current configuration.

Mouse Control:

Set mouse and keyboard combinations. For example, selecting Shift + Click enables this shortcut in supported applications.

Others:

Show Driver Panel: Used to quickly access the driver settings panel

Switch Monitors: Used to map the cursor to alternate monitors when multiple monitors are connected

Precision Mode: Used to limit the active display area to a certain range, enabling detailed drawing within the limited area

[B]/[E]: Used to switch repeatedly between B and E keys

Pen/Eraser: Used to switch repeatedly between Pen and Eraser modes

Scroll: Press and hold the assigned key, and move the stylus to scroll.

Switch to Touch Mode 1: Used to switch repeatedly between Default and Basic touch modes

Switch to Touch Mode 2: Used to switch repeatedly between Default and Custom touch modes

Show Desktop: Used to display the system desktop

On-Display Keyboard: Used to activate the system keyboard

Floating Menu: Used to activate the floating menu

No Action: Performs no function

Execute Application:

Use shortcut keys to quickly launch the corresponding applications

2.2.Pressure Sensitivity

Used to adjust the Pressure Sensitivity curve or select preset pressure sensitivity options.

Pressure Sensitivity:

When disabled, the stylus does not respond to pressure sensitivity

Tilt:

When disabled, the stylus's tilt feature is not activated.

Windows Ink (for Windows only):

Windows supports stylus input. To use handwriting features in Microsoft Office/Whiteboard and other software, do not disable this option.

Mouse Mode:

When you lift the stylus, the cursor remains at its last position, behaving like a mouse. When the mode is enabled, you can adjust the cursor speed as you move on the device; when the mode is disabled, it defaults to stylus mode.

Current Pressure Sensitivity:

Used to test the pressure sensitivity of your current stylus input.

2.3.Application

After adding an application to the application list and selecting it, you can customize the key function of your stylus for the selected application.

For example, if you select an application and modify its settings, the modification only applies when you use this application. The driver can automatically detect the switching between different applications. Up to 7 applications can be added.

To add an application, please follow the steps below:

1.In the upper right corner of the application bar, click the + icon to open the Application Selection page;

2.Select the application to be added from the open application list. Or click Browse to select from the installed applications;

3.Click OK to add the selected application to the application bar;

4.To remove an added application, select it and click the - icon behind the application bar;

5.For all other applications, these settings apply to non-customized applications by default.

Import & Export Profiles:

Import and export profiles to save or load your customized settings.

This feature is only supported on the same operating system.

Diagnostic Tool:

It can be used when problems occur during the use of the driver.

Feedback:

If you encounter any issues or have suggestions while using the driver, please provide feedback through this page.

Reset:

If you encounter any issues or have suggestions while using the driver, please provide feedback through this page.

Prompt Information:

When disabled, key press prompts do not appear at the bottom of the display.

Shortcut Key:

When disabled, all device key functions are not activated.

4.1.Application

After adding an application to the application list and selecting it, you can customize the key function of your stylus for the selected application.

For example, if you select an application and modify its settings, the modification only applies when you use this application. The driver can automatically detect the switching between different applications. Up to 7 applications can be added.

To add an application, please follow the steps below:

1.In the upper right corner of the application bar, click the + icon to open the Application Selection page;

2.Select the application to be added from the open application list. Or click Browse to select from the installed applications;

3.Click OK to add the selected application to the application bar;

4.To remove an added application, select it and click the - icon behind the application bar;

5.For all other applications, these settings apply to non-customized applications by default.

4.2.Scroller

Press the middle scroller key to switch between the scroller's functional groups. The driver supports Zoom (default), Scroll, Brush, and Rotate scroller modes.

Custom:

On the diagram, click the scroller. Select Custom from the preset function drop-down menu. Then enter your desired key/combination to assign clockwise and counterclockwise scroller functions.

4.3.Shortcut Keys

The driver provides four groups of shortcut keys. Group 1 is enabled by default (cannot be disabled). The initial functions of other inactive groups are the same as those of Group 1. Each key group can be customized with unique functions. Once the group is enabled, use Key Group Toggle (K1 key by default, customizable) to switch between active groups.

Custom:

On the device diagram, click the corresponding key to customize its function. For the setting method, please refer to the Stylus Keys.

Settings Preview

Used to display the functions of the active key group. If you select an inactive group in the driver, it defaults to Group I's key assignments. In the upper right corner, click the close icon to close the preview window.

4.4.Import/Save

Import:

Used to import the stored configuration in the wireless shortcut remote into the currently selected application in the driver.

Save:

Used to save the configuration of the currently selected application in the driver to the wireless shortcut remote.

Note: Please use the Import and Save features only with a wired connection. The configurations imported and saved do not include the Rotate function and apply only on the same operating system.

In the Start menu, open Settings -> Applications -> Applications and Features. Locate Pentablet. Click Uninstall. Then follow the prompts for uninstallation.

Navigate to Go -> Applications. Locate XPPen. Click UninstallPenTablet. Then follow the prompts for uninstallation.

DEB: In the command line, enter sudo dpkg -r XPPenLinux. Then execute the command;

RPM: In the command line, enter sudo rpm -e XPPenLinux. Then execute the command;

Tar.gz: Unzip the file first. In the command line, enter sudo. Drag uninstall.sh into it. Then execute the command.

1.How to fix a drawing display that is blank or flickering?

1) Please verify the power cable is securely connected. Due to computer power output limitations, when connected via a single USB-C to USB-C cable, the product may experience display flickering or blackouts. At this time, please use a second USB-C cable to connect the drawing display to the power adapter for power supply;

2) Please check whether the video signal outputs normally. If it is connected to your computer's USB-C port, ensure the port supports DisplayPort signal output;

3) Please refer to the Product Connection section to verify the correct connection method and cable;

4) Please check whether the power indicator light is blue. If not, check the cables and restart the device;

5) If the signal is unstable, check whether the cable connections are secure.

2.How to fix a device that cannot be recognized by my computer?

1) Check whether the USB port you are using is functioning properly. If not, try another USB port.

3.How to fix a drawing display not displaying 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz?

1) Verify whether your computer's graphics card and video interface support 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz;

2) Is another external monitor connected to the same graphics port? If yes, disconnect all other monitors first, then verify whether the drawing display's resolution can be increased.

4.How to prevent my OLED drawing display from burning in?

1) If the same image is displayed continuously or repeatedly on any OLED drawing display, it may result in afterimage retention. Normally, the afterimage will disappear within a few minutes. This is a property of the OLED material, not a product failure;

5.Will the OLED drawing display exhibit flickering?

1) The Artist Ultra 16's OLED display utilizes DC-like dimming. At higher brightness levels, the drawing display employs DC dimming to avoid flickering; at lower brightness levels, the drawing display employs high-frequency PWM dimming at 1,920 Hz.

6.How to use the touch feature in Photoshop?

1) In the Preferences > Performance settings, please make sure that the Use Graphics Processor checkbox is checked.

7.How to prevent accidental touches in drawing software?

1) The product now supports Stylus Priority Mode, which automatically disables the touch feature when the stylus enters the work area to prevent accidental touches;

2) You can customize the Touch Area via the product driver to limit the active touch area and prevent accidental touches;

3) You can also wear the included anti-touch gloves to prevent accidental touches during drawing;

4) Or simply press the touch switch on the top of the product to globally disable the touch feature during drawing.

8.How to prevent accidental touches in Krita?

1) Krita supports drawing with fingers on the touch screen. When using a touch screen-enabled drawing display, this feature may interfere with the stylus pressure input. Please disable it at this time.

2) To disable this feature, navigate to Settings -> Configure Krita -> General -> Tools to uncheck Finger Painting: Enable drawing input on touch screen.

3) In addition, when this option is unchecked, canvas panning remains available via single-finger gestures. To prevent drawing interference, it is recommended to switch to 3-finger gestures for canvas panning.

4) Navigate to Settings -> Configure Krita -> Canvas Shortcut Keys -> Pan Canvas View -> Gestures to switch to 3-Finger Panning.

9.How to fix a non-responsive stylus?

1) Make sure you are using the original stylus of the device;

2) Make sure the driver is installed properly and check whether the driver's stylus settings are configured properly.

10.How to fix pressure sensitivity issues in drawing software (cursor moves but no pressure response)?

1) Check whether the drawing software supports pressure sensitivity;

2) Download the latest driver installation file from the XPPen website. Then check whether the pressure sensitivity is configured properly in the driver settings;

3) Before installing the driver, please close all anti-virus software and graphics software;

4) Before installation, please uninstall the drivers for other drawing displays;

5) After installation, restart your computer;

6) If the pressure sensitivity functions properly in the driver settings (for Windows: make sure Windows Ink is enabled in the driver's Stylus Settings), launch the drawing software and test again.

11.How to calibrate my stylus to align the cursor?

1) Make sure the stylus is properly mapped to your Artist Ultra 16;

2) On the device settings page of the driver, locate the Calibrate icon. Click it and follow the steps to calibrate the display.

3) Please hold the stylus in the standard grip position. To optimize the product for your usage habits, please use your stylus to tap the red cross center on the device display to calibrate the offset between the stylus and cursor.

12.How to fix drawing lag in drawing software?

1) Check whether the display output refresh rate of your computer is set to 60 Hz;

2) Check whether your computer's hardware configuration (CPU & GPU) meets the recommended configuration requirements of the installed drawing software. If yes, adjust settings as per the official software FAQ guidelines to optimize related performance.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI trade dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

Low Blue Light Ratio:

A lower blue light ratio prevents eye fatigue and ensures greater visual comfort.

By default, the product supports hardware-level low blue light, delivering low blue light effects immediately upon startup.