By Beth Nicholls, Ian Dean

Most digital artists are familiar with using a stylus paired with one of the best drawing tablets to create a masterpiece, but now there's a new kind of tech in the form of VR stylus pens. But what are they? And who are they for? We're about to explain as we take a deep dive into VR stylus' and how they can be used to transform your workflow in both 2D and 3D spaces.

Working with 3D modelling software and apps can sometimes be tricky, and a great way to better visualise your projects is by viewing them through one of the best VR headsets. With that said, a lot of companies in the 3D art and design space are now attempting to blur the lines between working IRL as well as in virtual reality with new tools and applications to promote a full 360 experience. Both Wacom and Logitech have VR stylus coming soon.

For example, Shapelab recently updated its software to include support for both desktop and VR modes (previously VR-only) to provide artists and game developers the choice to switch between working via a headset, or opting for a more traditional desk setup with a keyboard and mouse.

The new VR stylus in development could be the key to helping digital artists, product designers, and illustrators perceive their projects in a whole other dimension than what they might be used to – with a stylus that can function in a 3D space using AR or VR, and work with you in any format. Forget the best Apple pencil alternatives, we think VR styluses will be the next big thing for digital artists, and here's why.

VR STYLUS EXPLAINED: HOW DO THEY WORK?

Logitech has MX INK in development, a VR stylus for Meta Quest headsets. (Image credit: Logitech)

Our very own Digital Arts and 3D editor, Ian Dean, was given a first-hand demo of how these VR stylus pens are expected to work. One example in particular he notes, demonstrated a VR stylus being used on a Wacom tablet at a desk. The person then puts on a VR headset while still drawing with a stylus, and can visualise the design in a 3D space. After removing the VR headset, the artist carries on as normal drawing at the desk with the same stylus.

You can still see what you're working on thanks to the video passthrough feature present in most VR headsets, offering a blend of VR with the ability to see the world around you. The idea of a VR stylus is that it can be used in the exact same way as a regular stylus for drawing and note-taking, but also has the benefit of functioning in VR and AR 3D spaces as well, as a tool for artists and designers who work using virtual reality to see their projects in a 360-degree angle.

Take a look at the video below from Wacom for a visual explainer of what a VR pen can look like.