A stylus is a hand-held tool used on a graphic input tablet or touchscreen device to interact with a computer, serving as a drawing instrument or pointing device. Unlike a traditional mouse, a stylus allows for precise control and pressure sensitivity, making it particularly useful for digital illustration, photo retouching, and detailed design work. Many styluses are equipped with buttons that can replicate mouse functions, such as right-clicking or erasing, providing added convenience for creative professionals.
In addition to tablets, styluses are also used on touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, offering more accuracy than a finger for writing, sketching, or navigating software interfaces. In digital photography and image editing, using a stylus enhances the ability to make fine adjustments, apply brush strokes, or perform selective edits with a level of control that is difficult to achieve with other input devices. Styluses continue to be an essential tool for artists, designers, and photographers seeking precision and versatility in their digital workflow.