Light table

A light table is a viewing device that is used to review photographic film or artwork placed on top of it. The horizontal form of a self-standing lightbox provides even illumination of the subject from below, or through a translucent cover placed in front of a fluorescent light, which emits a small amount of heat.

Some light tables may appear as large light boxes which stand horizontally against some type of support, allowing the user to lay sheets of paper— or film stock— on their work surface to easily view them while seated in a chair. Light tables can also be big and complicated affairs, with stereoscopes integrated as a self-supporting unit. This type of light table is used by Tomcat TARPS squadrons for interpreting aerial photographs.

Light tables are mainly used in the trade of graphics to trace designs, especially in the world of cartoon or comics. Another use case for light tables is to review film negatives, photoliths, or any kind of artwork which can be placed on top of it.

In general, light boxes can be used for professional tracing, animation, cartoons, and design. Outside of animation, a light box may be utilized for education, architecture, interior design, fashion, and in hospitals for viewing radiographs (X-rays, MRI, etc.).

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