A desk pad or blotter is a table protector used when work such as painting or writing would otherwise damage the table or desk. Different desk pads have specific uses, for example Chinese calligraphy uses a black velour desk pad since Chinese calligraphy is written using an ink brush. Westerners use simpler writing pads with disposable paper surfaces that can be used for writing, note taking, and scribbling, often these pads are pre-printed with calendar pages, however desk pads made of material (often leather) which serve to be written on and act as mouse pads are also common.