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

For artists interested in tracing and drawing, we have rounded up the best lightboxes to the budget ones. Dive into the category that best suits your needs. 

Our paintings and drawings from childhood will always hold a special place in our hearts. If so, we would have used tracing paper at least once to copy our pictures, right? Many of us may not find tracing paper attractive now that we are grown up.

What should we do now? Quit tracing? Nope, we will find an alternative for tracing paper, and this article will help you with that.

Have you heard about lightboxes? If you are a designer or illustrator, you must know what a lightbox is. But for those unfamiliar with lightboxes, you are at the right place.

This article covers everything you need to know about light boxes, starting from what it is and how to choose one.

We have also covered the list of the best light boxes for tracing, graphic design, and illustration, which undoubtedly saves you a lot of time.

Holding the thinnest paper to the window will also work as tracing paper. In simple terms, lightboxes are a more sophisticated, modern form of this method.

While selecting a lightbox, you must pay attention to its size, brightness, and portability. Learn more about choosing the right light boxes for tracing and drawing.

Explore our blogs on the best sewing machine and the best Cricut machines.

Just For You To Know: Do you remember those old Disney videos where they took you on a tour of the animation department? You could watch animators drawing Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck, and they had stacks of paper on the lit-up contraptions that helped them see what they had previously drawn. They were using lightboxes, and while most animation is done on a computer these days, some design professionals still use lightboxes to transfer their drawings and sketches to a physical medium for presentations and later digitize the drawings.

 

The Best Light Boxes for Graphic Designers, Photographers, Creatives & Illustrators Compared

What is the best light box for tracing? See our comparison table to see what’s best for your needs.

 

The Best Lightboxes for Tracing, Graphic Design & Illustration

1. Voilamart A2 LED Light Box Tracer (Editor’s Choice)

The best light box overall  (A2)

Dimensions: 25.4 x 18.7 inches | Working area: 23.8 x 17 inches | Weight: 8lbs | Thickness: 0.3 inch | Brightness: up to 3100 lux

If you are a designer or an architect, you will need a larger sheet like A2 for your posters, architectural drawings, and diagrams. A lightbox with a larger workspace is important to help you make the most of these sheets.

In search of this, we found an LED Light Box Tracer – a perfect match that fits your A2 sheets. The lightbox features a surface area of 23.8 x 17 inches, which is large among its competitors.

We are pretty impressed with its brightness which can reach up to 3100 cd/m2, much higher than any USB-powered lightbox. Because brightness is essential to tracing, this lightbox is a boon for designers and Illustrators.

While the weight of the lightbox may take some getting used to, its energy-efficient LED bulbs will last up to 50,000 hours so you have plenty of time to do so.

If we choose the wrong lightbox, it may lead to eye strain. Considering this, we have chosen this Voilamart lightbox with comfort and bright white with 10000K – 12000K color temperature, which prevents fatigue.

Don’t stop your creativity by tracing and drawing; with Voilamart you can do much more, like 2D animation, 5D diamond painting, calligraphy, sketching, embossing, scrapbooking, and X-ray viewing

Packaged with a carrying case, the LED Light Box Tracer from Voilamart has everything you need to take with you wherever you need to go.

If the price is not a concern, LED Light Box Tracer from Voilamart is our pick.

Pros	Cons
➕It has a large surface area	➖ Expensive
➕It comes with a carrying case
➕LED bulbs will last up to 50,000 hours

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. LitEnergy A4 Tracing Light Box

The best budget-friendly light pad

Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.6 inches | Working area: 12 x 9 inches | Weight: 680g | Thickness: 0.2in | Brightness: 4000 lux

Not everyone is looking for a top-of-the-line lightbox to get their work done. Some are looking for an affordable option that doesn’t take up a ton of space and is easy to take with them. The A4 Tracing LightBox from LitEnergy fits that bill.

With a 12 x 9-inch working area and an adjustable brightness of up to 4000 lux, the value offered by this lightbox is excellent. Unlike many traditional lightboxes, LitEnergy is slim, making it easy to carry around.

Though almost all lightboxes have the same features, LitEnergy never fails to impress us as it features a stepless brightness control. You can control the brightness from 0 to 100% and adjust the lighting freely.

It also comes with a smart memory function that can maintain the same brightness the next time you turn it on. Touch Switch Design is another reason why you should not miss this lightbox. You only need to touch the pad to turn on / off your light board.

Designers look for tools with wide applications, and LitEnergy is one of them. It is ideal for diamond painting, tattoo tracing, stencils, craft projects, fabric design, professional copy in animation cartoons, photographs, film, slider transferring, professional tracing indoors, design, and drawing.

At the end of the day, we all look for a tool that gets our work done without tiring us, right? LitEnergy comes with advanced eyesight-protecting technology and 9000K-12000K Color temperature.

Though it protects our eyes after continuous use, the only downside is that it produces low light after long use.

Packaged with a USB cable but no adapter, the LightBox from LitEnergy is a very straightforward product without a lot of the features you might find on more expensive options but if you’re not looking for bells and whistles, it is a good item to choose.

Pros	Cons
➕It is affordable	➖ It might produce low light after continuous use
➕It gives a brightness of up to 4000 lux
➕Comes with one year warranty

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. HUION LA3 LED Tracing Light Box

The best A3 lightbox for tracing

Dimensions: 18.8 x 14.2 inches | Working area: 16 x 12 inches | Weight: 3.63 lbs | Thickness: 7.8 mm | Brightness: up to 770 cd/m2

Huion is the leading brand right now when it comes to lightboxes, and this A3-sized gem is no exception.

We know that A3 papers are double the A4 papers, and finding the right lightboxes for them is a challenge for beginners. We have found one of the best A3 LED Tracing Light Boxes from Huion that features a portable, USB-powered, controllable brightness.

If you are a professional artist, you must continuously trace pencil and ink drafts onto watercolor paper for final art. However, the Huion A3 lightbox can be a fantastic alternative if you don’t have an animation table.

A3 LED Tracing Light Boxes from Huion can give tough competition to the other lightboxes with their sturdy and light features. Because of its slim nature, large size, and brightness of up to 770 cd/m2, the lightbox will work great with thicker paper, allowing you to get more done daily.

The only inconvenience we felt was that the USB cord was short. However, it offers a way to solve this problem, as you can easily get power from any power bank, computer, or USB charger.

Gradual light control with touch sensitivity, Eye-Protected Technology, and 8000K – 10000K color temperature are other notable features that make this lightbox suitable for beginners and professionals to work on animation designs, calligraphy, drawing, and X-ray film viewing.

Pros	Cons
➕ Adjustable brightness	➖ The plugin cord is short
➕ Smart memory function
➕ Thin and portable

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. iVyne Rechargeable A4 Light Pad 

The best rechargeable light box.

iVyne Light Pads are engineered with an ultra-thin and lightweight design, making them the perfect companions for your vinyl weeding projects. Craft with ease and precision, just as if you were using your trusty sketch pads!

Enjoy a remarkable tracing experience with five adjustable brightness modes featuring soft, eye-protecting LED light. Simply hold the button to adjust the brightness, ensuring your comfort and catering to your project’s specific needs.

Say goodbye to limitations with our 9.25-watt-hour rechargeable lithium battery and included USB cable. Our light pad ensures uninterrupted creativity, allowing you to craft anywhere and anytime. No need to search for a power outlet!

While designed for circuit vinyl weeding, this tracing light pad excels in numerous other tasks. Whether you’re into tattoo transferring, calligraphy, sewing projects, 2D animation, or even X-ray viewing, our light pad’s versatility has got you covered.

Pros	Cons
➕ Adjustable brightness	➖ Standard A4 size is not fit for all designers.
➕ Smart memory function
➕ Long battery life.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Etcokei A4 Light Box

The best lightbox for smartphones

The Etcokei Light Pad features an A4 size (13.38 x 10.23 inches) that’s perfect for various creative tasks. Crafted from a high-strength panel, it’s highly scratch and cut-resistant, ensuring it won’t easily leave marks during diamond painting or weeding vinyl work. Keep your workspace smooth and enjoy a longer service life.

Elevate your precision work with the Etcokei Light Pad. Say goodbye to limitations and embrace the convenience and quality that this innovative tool brings to your creative endeavors. Your masterpiece awaits!

Pros	Cons
➕ Adjustable brightness	➖ Surface doesn’t grip paper surfaces as well as other options.
➕ Smart memory function
➕ Highly cut-resistant.

 

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Huion L4S Light Pad

The best portable light box for creatives

Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.7 inches | Working area: 8.2 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 550g | Brightness: 1100 Lux

If you’re sick of sitting in an office all day but have work to do, having a lightbox that is easy to take with you is important. This is why the L4S Light Pad from Huion is a great choice.

With adjustable brightness levels plus a brightness memory function, it is a great pad on the go. While the working area of the light pad is small compared to other choices on our list, for A4-sized, it’s a fair tradeoff for its portability.

It is disappointing that Huion L4S is less bright (1100 Lux) than the Huion LB4 lightbox. The Huion L4S Lightbox’s smart memory feature, adjustable brightness, sleek and lightweight design, and eye-protective LED lamp are worth mentioning.

Pros	Cons
➕Adjustable brightness levels	➖ Brightness is only which is only 1100 Lux
➕Easily portable
➕Build quality is good

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Huion A2 Super Large and Slim LED Light Box

The best lightbox for large paper sizes

Dimensions: 23.6 X 15.75 inches | Working area: 20.5 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 2.7kg | Brightness: 2000 Lux

As the name implies, the LightBox from Huion offers a large working area of over 258 square inches and despite its size, it is also super thin at 0.28 inches thick.

Powering the device is easy with its 6.5-foot long cable and plug. It’s worth knowing that the brightness is adjusted gradually instead of in steps like other lightboxes, allowing you to have a more precise selection of how bright you need the pad.

Its huge work surface (12.6-by-20.5 inch) satisfies your large workspace needs for animation, sketching, designing, drawing, and 5D diamond painting. If improved, we think the brightness (2000 Lux) would be worth the price offered.

While it can be tricky to get used to holding down the power button to do this, it’s easy to learn, and best of all, there is a brightness memory function.

Pros	Cons
➕Large working area	➖ Brightness is only which is only 2000 Lux
➕Super thin and lightweight
➕Build quality is good

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. TikTeck A4 Ultra-thin Portable LED Light Box

The brightest budget-friendly lightbox

Dimensions: 13.18in x 9.17in | Working area: 12.24in x 9.17in | Weight: 1.65lbs | Thickness: 0.2in | Brightness: 5,000 to 14,000 lux

While not as affordable as our other budget-friendly option, the LED Light Box from TikTeck may win favor with some for the level of adjustable brightness that it offers designers.

Adjustable from 5,000 to 14,000 lux, the brightness can rival some higher-priced lightboxes in our list. Equipped with TikTeck’s eyesight protection technology, you can use this board for extended periods without straining your eyes.

We particularly liked its ultra-thin design, which makes it easy to store when you have limited space around your desk and easy to take with you on the go as it only weighs 1.65 lbs.

Our research found that TikTeck LED Lightbox’s illumination is even, bright, and flicker-free. While it may not be the least expensive option, it could be the best option if you’re on a budget.

Pros	Cons
➕Adjustable brightness	➖ USB adapter is absent
➕Brightness varies from 5,000 to 14,000 lux
➕Lightweight which weighs only 1.65lbs

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Artograph LightPad Pro 1200

A light box built for longevity

Dimensions: 22 x 19 inches | Working area: 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 6.35lbs | Thickness: 6in | Brightness: 500 to 5000 lux – max of 11,000 lux at 4600K

Built with artists and creatives in mind, the Lightpad Pro 1200 from Artograph features a wide range of brightness as well as color temperatures that are adjustable for your work.

No matter what we buy, our first thought is safety. With this in mind, Artograph LightPad Pro 1200 comes with a scratch-resistant, tempered glass top that helps protect it from any cuts you might make as an artist or photographer.

The pad comes with pucks that you can place under the light pad to tilt it up without it slipping or needing a light pad stand. The light produced is UV-free making it easier on your eyes.

Artograph LightPad Pro 1200’s cool white 6500K color temperature and adjustable brightness from 1000 lux to super bright 5000 lux is a further advantage. However, it gets heated after long use, which you must give a second thought before making a purchase.

While it’s not the most affordable light pad out there, for professionals, having a surface like this one can make it worth the extra money.

Pros	Cons
➕Super Bright LED technology	➖ Becomes hot after continuous use
➕Light brightness up to 11,000 lux	➖ Very Expensive
➕The design is sleek, durable, and lightweight

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. Artograph LightTracer Light Box

The best lightbox for amateurs and hobbyists

Dimensions: 10 x 12 inches | Working area: 15.6 inches | Weight: 2.7lbs | Thickness: N/A | Brightness: 5,000 to 14,000 lux

Looking at the list of options for a lightbox, we started to realize that if you’re not a professional artist or photographer, these lightboxes might be a little more than you need. Then we found the LightTracer LightBox from Artograph.

With a slanted work surface, you can comfortably use it without causing any neck or back strain. LEDs provide a bright clean light that won’t cause any eye strain no matter how long you use it and with the light having a long life, you won’t have to worry about replacing the bulb any time soon.

The nicest feature of this lightbox is the storage tray that’s built in so you can keep pens, pencils, or other supplies close by weighing 2.7 pounds, it’s light enough for you to take just about anywhere you want to work.

Pros	Cons
➕Durable and lightweight	➖ Built quality should be improved
➕Comfortable angle for easy use
➕Light won’t cause any eye strain

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

How to Choose the Right Light Box for Your Tracing Needs

Now we have a rough idea about what light boxes are. However, before choosing one, we must know how it works, right? Let’s get into it a little deep.

Lightboxes allow you to trace your drawings from one sheet to another by providing illumination from below. This will help you trace your images with ease.

A lightbox is simply a box with a light source inside and covered by a clear screen. When switched on, it is easy to see through any paper. The original image will be visible through the second sheet, and you are all set to trace your drawing.

When we started building our list, we kept coming across the same key points for each one. We wanted to share some of the information to help inform you.

Power

Lightboxes generally get their power from one of three sources:

• AC adapter
• USB
• Battery

USB-powered light boxes are the best choice if you’re looking for some flexibility as you can switch between using a power bank, a computer, or a USB/AC adapter which is usually included with most smartphones

Lightboxes fully powered only by an AC adapter have been known to produce light that is more consistent and doesn’t have flickering issues. This is a good choice for anyone who will likely be using a lightbox for 8 hours a day or more.

Lastly, there are battery-powered lightboxes. These can be a great option for a designer who doesn’t use a lightbox very often. The batteries are rechargeable and can last for a good amount of time before needing to be recharged making them perfect for use outside the office or at a local coffee shop.

Deciding how you plan to use a lightbox will go a long way in helping you choose which type of lightbox to buy

Surface size

The surface area of most lightboxes can run anywhere from 6” x 9” to 18” x 24” which will give you 432” of surface area to use. Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you want to make sure that you have enough room without space becoming an issue.

A good tip is to look at the current drawings you currently do and based on their size, estimate the amount of room you may need for a lightbox to accommodate your drawings.

Light Adjustment Range

Many of the lightboxes that are available today, as well as many of the options on our list, offer up to three different settings in terms of brightness. These different settings can help shine through different thicknesses of paper you may be using

If you’re using a thicker piece of paper, you want to ensure that the brightness is strong enough to shine through the paper completely. Conversely, if you’re using thinner paper, being able to turn the brightness down will help reduce the stress that could be placed on your eyes at such a high setting.

Weight

Overall, the weight of a lightbox is relative to its size. Even the largest ones that we have seen and covered on our list haven’t weighed more than 8 lbs. This may not seem like a lot but if you are traveling with your lightbox, it may be a better idea to find out that you can travel with it and not have it become a burden.

Budget

The cost for a lightbox can run the gamut from $50 to $500 for a high-end lightbox. As with the weight, the size of the lightbox will generally determine the price. If you’re a professional, while it may be tempting to spend less on a lightbox now, spending more on a lightbox will help ensure that you aren’t constrained to using one in the future.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Wrapping Up!

A light box can be a great tool if you’re sketching by hand or checking out negatives from your latest photoshoot. With our list of The Best Light Boxes for Tracing, Graphic Design & Illustration 2024, you can be sure that whatever one you choose, will be able to help you in any way you need.

We suggest Cricut BrightPad Go as our overall best choice for professionals. If you are a beginner artist looking for a lightbox that fits your budget, A4 Tracing LightBox from LitEnergy is an apt choice.

So light up your light box, get ready with your sketch paper, draw, and trace to your heart’s content.

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