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Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025 · 3 revisions

OpenTabletDriver Setup Guide for Linux

This comprehensive guide will help you set up OpenTabletDriver (OTD) on Linux, configure it properly, and troubleshoot brand-specific issues. OpenTabletDriver is a cross-platform tablet driver that supports a wide range of drawing tablets from many manufacturers.

Table of Contents

  1. General Setup (All Tablets)
  2. Wacom Tablets
  3. XP-Pen Tablets
  4. Huion Tablets
  5. Gaomon Tablets
  6. VEIKK Tablets
  7. Parblo Tablets
  8. UGEE Tablets
  9. Other Tablet Brands
  10. General Troubleshooting
  11. Wayland vs X11 Considerations

General Setup (All Tablets)

Installing OpenTabletDriver

OpenTabletDriver consists of two main components:

  • GUI: The graphical interface for configuring your tablet
  • Daemon: The background service that communicates with your tablet hardware

Installation methods:

  1. Using your distribution's package manager (recommended for stability)

    # Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S opentabletdriver

# Fedora
sudo dnf install opentabletdriver

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install opentabletdriver

  2. Using the latest development build (if you need the newest device configurations)

Enabling the Systemd User Service

After installation, enable the OpenTabletDriver daemon to start automatically:

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

What this command does:

  • --user: Manages a user service (not a system service)
  • enable: Starts automatically when you log in
  • --now: Starts immediately without needing to log out

For non-systemd systems (OpenRC, Artix, etc.):

otd

This runs the daemon in the foreground. You'll need to background it yourself or use a process manager.

Understanding Kernel Module Conflicts

Linux has built-in kernel drivers for tablets that can conflict with OpenTabletDriver. This causes:

  • Ghost cursor movements
  • Jittery or erratic behavior
  • OTD failing to open the device
  • Multiple drivers trying to control the same tablet

Solution: Blacklist the conflicting kernel module. Each brand section below will specify which module to blacklist.

Understanding Udev Permissions

Udev is Linux's device manager that handles:

  • Detecting when devices are plugged in
  • Setting permissions on device files
  • Loading appropriate drivers

Common permission errors:

  • DeviceIOException
  • Permission denied errors
  • Device not visible in the GUI
  • HIDSharp parse errors after reboot

Fix udev permissions:

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger

Then unplug and replug your tablet.

Wacom Tablets

Overview

Wacom tablets use their own proprietary protocol, different from most other tablets. They require blacklisting the wacom kernel module.

Supported models include:

  • Cintiq Pro 22 (DTH-227), Cintiq 16 (DTK-1660), Cintiq 21UX (DTK-2100)
  • Intuos series (CTL-4100WL, CTL-6100WL, CTL-672, CTL-680, CTL-690)
  • Bamboo series
  • Various other professional models

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall Wacom's official drivers (if installed)

# Check if Wacom drivers are installed
rpm -qa | grep -i wacom  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i wacom  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i wacom  # Arch

# Remove if found (example for Arch)
sudo pacman -Rns xf86-input-wacom

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager (see General Setup above)
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the wacom kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist wacom" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod wacom

If module removal fails: If you see "Module is in use" or dependency errors, reboot your system. The blacklist will prevent it from loading after reboot.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep wacom

This should return nothing if the blacklist is working.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Tablet Not Detected After Installation

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if the wacom module is still loaded: 
    lsmod | grep wacom

If it shows output, the blacklist didn't work. Check the blacklist file:

cat /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf | grep wacom
  1. Check if OTD service is running: 
    systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service

If it's not running, start it:

systemctl --user start opentabletdriver.service

  1. Check if the tablet is detected by the system:

    lsusb | grep -i wacom
dmesg | grep -i wacom | tail -20

  2. Check OTD logs:

    journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -n 50

Solutions:

  • If wacom module is still loaded: Reboot your system
  • If service isn't running: Enable and start it (see Step 5 above)
  • If tablet not detected: Check USB connection, try different USB port
  • If permission errors: Reload udev rules and replug (see Step 6 above)

Issue: Ghost Cursor or Jitter

Cause: The wacom kernel module is still loaded and conflicting with OTD.

Diagnostic:

lsmod | grep wacom

Solution:

# Blacklist the module (if not already done)
echo "blacklist wacom" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Remove the module
sudo rmmod wacom

# If removal fails, reboot
sudo reboot

Issue: Pressure Sensitivity Not Working

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if the tablet is detected in OTD GUI:
  • Launch opentabletdriver
  • Check if your tablet appears in the device list
  1. Check pressure sensitivity settings:
  • In OTD GUI, go to your tablet's settings
  • Verify pressure sensitivity is enabled and configured
  1. Test in applications:
  • Some applications require specific APIs (Windows Ink, etc.)
  • Check application settings for tablet/pen input configuration

Solutions:

  • Ensure OTD is running: systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service
  • Check OTD GUI settings for pressure sensitivity configuration
  • Verify application supports pressure sensitivity (e.g., Krita, GIMP, Inkscape)
  • Some applications may need specific input API configuration

Issue: Tablet Works After Install But Not After Reboot

Root cause: The wacom module is loading at boot before the blacklist takes effect, or the OTD service isn't enabled.

Diagnostic:

# Check blacklist file
cat /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf | grep wacom

# Check if module is loaded
lsmod | grep wacom

# Check if service is enabled
systemctl --user is-enabled opentabletdriver.service

Solution:

# Ensure blacklist is correct
echo "blacklist wacom" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Ensure service is enabled
systemctl --user enable opentabletdriver.service

# Reboot
sudo reboot

Model-Specific Notes

  • Cintiq Pro series: May require specific USB-C to USB-A adapters for proper detection
  • Intuos Pro: Some models may need firmware updates from Wacom
  • Older models: May have limited feature support in OTD

XP-Pen Tablets

Overview

XP-Pen tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module. They're one of the most commonly used brands with OTD.

Supported models include:

  • Artist Pro 14 (Gen2), Artist Pro 19 (Gen2), Artist Pro 24 (Gen2)
  • Artist 15.6 Pro V2, Artist 24, Artist 10S
  • Deco 01 V3, Deco 640 (IT640), Deco mini 7 (Original)
  • Star 02
  • Deco mini 7 V2 (experimental support in dev builds)

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall XP-Pen's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for XP-Pen drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i xppen  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i xppen  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i xppen  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system. The blacklist will prevent it from loading after reboot.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Tablet Not Detected

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if hid_uclogic module is still loaded:

    lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

  2. Check USB connection:

    lsusb | grep -i "XP-Pen\|UC-Logic\|298F"
dmesg | grep -i "uclogic\|xppen" | tail -20

  3. Check OTD service status:

    systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service
journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -n 50

Solutions:

  • Ensure hid_uclogic is blacklisted and removed
  • Try different USB ports (prefer USB 3.0 ports)
  • Check USB cable for damage
  • Verify tablet is powered on (if it has a power button)

Issue: Ghost Cursor or Jitter

Cause: The hid_uclogic kernel module is conflicting with OTD.

Diagnostic:

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Solution:

# Ensure blacklist is in place
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Remove the module
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

# If removal fails, reboot
sudo reboot

Issue: Auxiliary Buttons Not Working (Deco mini 7)

Cause: Older OTD releases had incomplete auxiliary button parsing for certain models.

Diagnostic:

# Check OTD version
opentabletdriver --version

# Check if buttons are detected in OTD GUI
opentabletdriver
# Look for button configuration options

Solutions:

  • Install latest dev build: Development builds have improved auxiliary button support
  • Check OTD GUI: Some models require manual button configuration
  • Verify model: Deco mini 7 V2 may have different support status than original

Issue: Deco mini 7 V2 Not Supported

Status: Deco mini 7 V2 is not yet in stable supported devices.

Solutions:

  • Use latest development builds (may have experimental support)
  • Check OpenTabletDriver GitHub Issues for V2 support status
  • Request support by creating an issue on GitHub
  • Use vendor driver as temporary workaround

Issue: Pressure Sensitivity Issues

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check OTD GUI pressure settings:
  • Launch opentabletdriver
  • Navigate to your tablet's settings
  • Check pressure sensitivity configuration
  1. Test in drawing applications:
  • Try Krita, GIMP, or Inkscape
  • Check if pressure works in these applications

Solutions:

  • Verify pressure sensitivity is enabled in OTD GUI
  • Check application settings for pressure input
  • Some applications may need specific input API configuration
  • Try adjusting pressure curve in OTD GUI

Issue: Tablet Works But Cursor Offset

Cause: Screen mapping or tablet area configuration is incorrect.

Solutions:

  1. Configure tablet area in OTD GUI:
  • Launch opentabletdriver
  • Go to your tablet's settings
  • Adjust tablet area mapping
  • Configure screen mapping if using multiple monitors
  1. Calibrate tablet:
  • Use OTD's calibration tools
  • Match tablet area to screen area

Model-Specific Notes

  • Deco mini 7 (Original): Fully supported with auxiliary button support in modern builds
  • Deco mini 7 V2: Check latest dev builds for experimental support
  • Artist Pro series: May require specific initialization sequences
  • Deco 01 V3: Has variant 2 which may need specific configuration

Huion Tablets

Overview

Huion tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module. Huion offers a wide range of tablets from entry-level to professional models.

Supported models include:

  • Kamvas 13 (Gen 3), Kamvas 16 (Gen 3), Kamvas 22, Kamvas 24 (GS2401), Kamvas Pro 27
  • H-series: H1061P, H610 Pro V2, H640P, H320M, H610X, HC16, GC610
  • L-series: L310, L610
  • GT-191 V2

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall Huion's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for Huion drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i huion  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i huion  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i huion  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Tablet Not Detected

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if hid_uclogic module is loaded:

    lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

  2. Check USB connection:

    lsusb | grep -i huion
dmesg | grep -i "huion\|uclogic" | tail -20

  3. Check OTD service:

    systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service
journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -n 50

Solutions:

  • Ensure hid_uclogic is blacklisted
  • Try different USB ports
  • Check if tablet requires external power (some Kamvas models)
  • Verify USB cable is working

Issue: Kamvas Display Tablets Not Working

Special considerations for Kamvas series:

Kamvas tablets are display tablets that require:

  • USB connection for pen input
  • HDMI/DisplayPort for display output
  • Some models may need external power

Diagnostic:

  1. Check display connection:

    xrandr | grep -i connected

  2. Check USB input:

    lsusb | grep -i huion

Solutions:

  • Ensure both USB and display cables are connected
  • Some Kamvas models need external power adapter
  • Check display settings in your desktop environment
  • Verify USB connection is for input (not just power)

Issue: Pressure Sensitivity Not Working

Diagnostic:

  1. Check OTD GUI:
  • Launch opentabletdriver
  • Verify pressure sensitivity is configured
  1. Test in applications:
  • Try Krita, GIMP, or other drawing software
  • Check application pressure settings

Solutions:

  • Enable pressure sensitivity in OTD GUI
  • Adjust pressure curve if needed
  • Verify application supports pressure input
  • Some Kamvas models may need specific pressure configuration

Issue: Buttons Not Working

Diagnostic:

  1. Check OTD GUI button configuration:

    opentabletdriver
# Navigate to button settings

  2. Check if buttons are detected:

  • Look for button configuration options in OTD GUI
  • Some models may need manual button mapping

Solutions:

  • Configure buttons in OTD GUI
  • Some models may require latest dev builds for full button support
  • Check Supported Tablets for model-specific button support

Issue: Cursor Lag or Delay

Cause: USB connection issues or system performance.

Diagnostic:

  1. Check USB connection:

    lsusb -t | grep -i huion
# Check if connected to USB 3.0 port

  2. Check system load:

    top
# Or
htop

Solutions:

  • Use USB 3.0 port (if available)
  • Avoid USB hubs (connect directly to computer)
  • Check for system performance issues
  • Some models may benefit from USB 2.0 port (try both)

Model-Specific Notes

  • Kamvas Pro 27: Large display tablet, ensure adequate USB power
  • Kamvas 13/16 (Gen 3): Well-supported models with good OTD compatibility
  • H-series: Entry-level tablets, generally well-supported
  • HC16 16k variant: High pressure sensitivity model, may need specific configuration
  • L-series: Older models, check support status

Gaomon Tablets

Overview

Gaomon tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module. Gaomon offers affordable tablets with good Linux support.

Supported models include:

  • M-series: M5, M6, M8 (16k pressure variant)
  • S-series: S56K, S620
  • GM116HD
  • 1060 Pro

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall Gaomon's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for Gaomon drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i gaomon  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i gaomon  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i gaomon  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Tablet Not Detected

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if hid_uclogic module is loaded:

    lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

  2. Check USB connection:

    lsusb | grep -i gaomon
dmesg | grep -i "gaomon\|uclogic" | tail -20

  3. Check OTD service:

    systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service

Solutions:

  • Ensure hid_uclogic is blacklisted
  • Try different USB ports
  • Check USB cable

Issue: M8 16k Pressure Variant Issues

Special considerations:

The M8 16k pressure variant has higher pressure sensitivity and may need specific configuration.

Solutions:

  • Ensure you're using a recent OTD version
  • Check OTD GUI for pressure sensitivity settings
  • Some applications may need configuration for 16k pressure levels

Issue: Pressure Sensitivity Not Working

Diagnostic:

  1. Check OTD GUI pressure settings
  2. Test in drawing applications

Solutions:

  • Enable and configure pressure sensitivity in OTD GUI
  • Adjust pressure curve if needed
  • Verify application supports pressure input

Model-Specific Notes

  • M-series: Generally well-supported
  • M8 16k variant: High pressure sensitivity, may need specific configuration
  • S-series: Entry-level tablets, good compatibility
  • GM116HD: Display tablet, ensure both USB and display connections

VEIKK Tablets

Overview

VEIKK tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module. VEIKK offers affordable tablets with good value.

Supported models include:

  • VK1060PRO
  • A30 V2

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall VEIKK's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for VEIKK drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i veikk  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i veikk  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i veikk  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Tablet Not Detected

Diagnostic steps:

  1. Check if hid_uclogic module is loaded:

    lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

  2. Check USB connection:

    lsusb | grep -i veikk
dmesg | grep -i "veikk\|uclogic" | tail -20

Solutions:

  • Ensure hid_uclogic is blacklisted
  • Try different USB ports
  • Check USB cable

Issue: Buttons Not Customizable

Solutions:

  • Configure buttons in OTD GUI
  • Some models may need latest dev builds for full button support
  • Check button mapping settings

Model-Specific Notes

  • VK1060PRO: Well-supported model
  • A30 V2: Check support status for latest features

Parblo Tablets

Overview

Parblo tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module.

Supported models include:

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall Parblo's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for Parblo drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i parblo  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i parblo  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i parblo  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Follow the same troubleshooting steps as other UC-Logic tablets (XP-Pen, Huion, etc.). The main issues are:

  • Tablet not detected → Check hid_uclogic blacklist
  • Ghost cursor/jitter → Remove hid_uclogic module
  • Buttons not working → Configure in OTD GUI

UGEE Tablets

Overview

UGEE tablets use UC-Logic technology and require blacklisting the hid_uclogic kernel module.

Supported models include:

Installation Steps

Step 1: Uninstall UGEE's official drivers (if installed)

# Check for UGEE drivers
rpm -qa | grep -i ugee  # Fedora/RHEL
dpkg -l | grep -i ugee  # Debian/Ubuntu
pacman -Q | grep -i ugee  # Arch

Step 2: Install OpenTabletDriver

# Use your distro's package manager
# Or download from GitHub releases

Step 3: Blacklist the hid_uclogic kernel module

# Create or edit the blacklist file
echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# Unload the module if currently loaded
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

If module removal fails: Reboot your system.

Step 4: Verify blacklist (after reboot)

lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Should return nothing.

Step 5: Enable OTD service

systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

Step 6: Reload udev and replug

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug your tablet

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue: Cursor Jitter or Lag

Cause: USB connection issues or electromagnetic interference.

Diagnostic:

  1. Check USB connection:

    lsusb -t | grep -i ugee
# Check USB port type

  2. Check for interference:

  • Move tablet away from other USB devices
  • Try different USB port

Solutions:

  • Use USB 3.0 port (if available)
  • Avoid USB hubs (connect directly)
  • Move tablet away from sources of electromagnetic interference
  • Try USB 2.0 port if USB 3.0 has issues

Other Tablet Brands

XenceLabs, XENX, Waltop, 10moons, KENTING

These brands also use UC-Logic technology and follow the same setup process as other UC-Logic tablets.

Installation steps:

  1. Blacklist hid_uclogic:

    echo "blacklist hid_uclogic" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

  2. Install and enable OTD:

    systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

  3. Reload udev and replug:

    sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
# Unplug and replug tablet

Supported models:

  • XenceLabs: Pen Tablet Medium, Pen Tablet Small
  • XENX: P1-640, P3-1060, X1-640
  • Waltop: Slim Tablet 5.8"
  • 10moons: Various models (check Supported Tablets)
  • KENTING: Various models (check Supported Tablets)

Troubleshooting:

Follow the same troubleshooting steps as other UC-Logic tablets. Main issues are:

  • Tablet not detected → Check hid_uclogic blacklist
  • Ghost cursor/jitter → Remove hid_uclogic module
  • Buttons not working → Configure in OTD GUI

General Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Commands

Check if conflicting module is loaded:

# For Wacom
lsmod | grep wacom

# For UC-Logic tablets (XP-Pen, Huion, etc.)
lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

Check OTD service status:

systemctl --user status opentabletdriver.service

View OTD logs:

journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -n 50
journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -f  # Follow logs in real-time

Check USB device detection:

lsusb | grep -i "wacom\|xppen\|huion\|gaomon\|veikk"
dmesg | tail -50 | grep -i "tablet\|wacom\|uclogic"

Check udev rules:

ls -la /etc/udev/rules.d/ | grep -i tablet
cat /etc/udev/rules.d/*tablet* 2>/dev/null

Common Problems Across All Brands

Problem: Tablet Works After Install But Not After Reboot

Root cause: Competing HID driver loaded at boot, or udev rules not applied.

Fix:

  1. Confirm the blacklist file exists:

    cat /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

  2. Verify the conflicting module isn't loaded:

    # For UC-Logic tablets:
lsmod | grep hid_uclogic

# For Wacom:
lsmod | grep wacom

(Should return nothing if properly blacklisted)

  1. Enable and start the OTD service:

    systemctl --user enable --now opentabletdriver.service

  2. Reload udev rules:

    sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger

  3. Replug your tablet

Problem: Ghost Cursor or Jitter

Cause: Another driver is reading the tablet concurrently with OTD.

Fix:

  1. Blacklist the conflicting module (see brand-specific sections above)
  2. Remove the module: 
    # For UC-Logic tablets:
sudo rmmod hid_uclogic

# For Wacom:
sudo rmmod wacom
  3. Replug the tablet

Problem: DeviceIOException or Permission Errors

Cause: Udev permissions not properly configured.

Fix:

  1. Ensure OTD's udev rules are installed (usually automatic with package)
  2. Reload udev rules: 
    sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
  3. Unplug and replug your tablet
  4. Check logs for specific errors: 
    journalctl --user -u opentabletdriver.service -n 50

Problem: OTD Daemon Not Starting (Non-Systemd Distros)

For OpenRC, Artix, or other non-systemd systems:

  1. Run the daemon manually:

    otd

  2. Manage logs and backgrounding yourself (or use a process manager like runit or s6)

  3. Still apply blacklisting and replugging steps - these are independent of the init system

Wayland vs X11 Considerations

Wayland (GNOME, KDE, Sway, etc.)

On Wayland, OpenTabletDriver handles tablet mapping internally. This means:

  • Rotation works via OTD settings
  • Area mapping works via OTD settings
  • Button binds work via OTD settings

Important: Even on Wayland, you still need to blacklist conflicting kernel modules. Desktop portals or compositors shouldn't interfere if OTD properly owns the device.

X11

On X11, behavior is similar to Wayland. If you need libinput overrides, OTD configurations can set libinputoverride attributes for certain devices to avoid duplicate handling.

Note: The blacklisting step is still essential on X11 to prevent kernel driver conflicts.

Additional Resources

Getting Help

Information to Provide When Asking for Help

If you need assistance, provide the following information:

  • Your Linux distribution (e.g., Fedora, Arch, Debian, Ubuntu, openSUSE)
  • Your desktop environment (e.g., GNOME, KDE, Sway, XFCE)
  • Your display server (Wayland or X11)
  • Your tablet brand and model (e.g., XP-Pen Deco mini 7, Wacom Intuos Pro, Huion Kamvas 16)
  • Error messages (if any)
  • What you've already tried
  • Output of diagnostic commands (see General Troubleshooting section)

Where to Get Help

Connection Requirements

Important Notes:

  • USB Connection: OpenTabletDriver requires tablets to be connected via USB. Wireless dongles have partial support, but USB is recommended for full functionality.
  • Bluetooth Not Supported: OTD currently does not support tablets connected via Bluetooth. Use a USB connection instead.

This guide covers the essential setup steps and brand-specific troubleshooting for OpenTabletDriver on Linux. For device-specific configuration and advanced features, refer to the OpenTabletDriver GUI and official documentation.

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