XPPen has announced the release of the Artist 12 3rd, a new-generation portable drawing display that brings several hardware and design upgrades for digital creators. The Tablet introduces the X-Dial shortcut keys and the new X4 smart chip stylus, marking a major step forward in precision, control, and workflow efficiency.
According to Amy Yuan, Brand Director at XPPen, the development of the Artist 12 3rd was guided by the company’s focus on improving creative interaction and overall usability. “We have reimagined the interface with our new X-Dial shortcut keys, designed to offer creators a smoother and more efficient experience,” she said. “The upgraded X4 smart chip provides faster processing and higher accuracy, ensuring responsive and natural pen input.”
The Artist 12 3rd features a redesigned layout with X-Dial shortcut keys that allow artists to perform frequent actions such as zooming, adjusting brush size, and scrolling through layers directly from the tablet surface. The dual dials and eight customizable keys reduce dependence on software menus, supporting uninterrupted focus during creative sessions.
Li Jiang, Senior Industrial Designer at XPPen, explained that the new interface was developed with careful attention to ergonomics. The tactile feedback and acoustic response of the dials were tuned to provide smooth and consistent operation, enhancing comfort for long hours of use. The slimmer bezel created by this new layout also results in a more immersive viewing area.
Included with the tablet, the new X4 smart chip stylus delivers improved responsiveness and accuracy. It offers 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and a response time of 30 milliseconds, allowing fine control for detailed illustration and design work. The stylus requires only 2 grams of activation force, ensuring that even light pen strokes are captured clearly.
The X4 stylus also features better tilt recognition for natural shading effects. Its body has been ergonomically refined for balance and comfort. For added convenience, XPPen has introduced a magnetic attachment system that securely holds the stylus to the tablet’s side, improving portability and storage safety.
Despite its compact size, the Artist 12 3rd offers a strong display specification. The 11.9-inch panel delivers Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution with a color range covering 99% sRGB, 97% Adobe RGB, and 97% Display P3. It achieves a Delta E of less than 1.2 for accurate color reproduction across projects.
The screen is protected by AG nano-etched glass and an AF coating that reduces glare, fingerprints, and scratches. The matte texture provides a paper-like drawing experience for better pen control. DC dimming automatically adjusts brightness to match ambient light conditions, reducing eye strain during extended use.
Weighing 719 grams, the Artist 12 3rd is designed for portability without sacrificing durability. It includes a foldable stand for flexible viewing angles and a full-feature USB-C cable supporting single-cable connectivity. This setup helps maintain a clean workspace while simplifying device setup.
The XPPen Artist 12 3rd will be available in Black and Silver Gray variants. It comes with the X4 smart chip stylus, foldable stand, and USB-C cable. The display will retail at $239.99 and will be available starting October 20, 2025, through the official XPPen online store. Regional pricing and stock availability may vary.
