A laptop displays a colorful digital illustration of a house surrounded by trees in Adobe Illustrator. In front, a digital drawing tablet with a stylus rests on a table, red-lit background.

astropad slate

Control your Mac using your iPad and Apple Pencil

Get Slate →
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use your ipad as an input device for mac

A stylized red swoosh moves upward across overlapping computer and tablet screens, set against a clean, minimalistic white background.
mouse & trackpad
Control your mouse with your Apple Pencil; your Pencil mirrors your Mac cursor. It’s like using your iPad as a giant trackpad!
A stylized red signature appears across a computer screen and tablet. The tablet shows a pen drawing the signature. Both devices are outlined in white against a black background.
drawing pen tablet
Replace your pen tablet with your iPad. Draw into your favorite desktop creative programs using your Apple Pencil.
A monitor displays the word "hello" in red. A stylus writes "hello" on a connected tablet, both set against a plain background.
handwriting input
Your handwriting on your iPad transforms into text on your Mac. Write into Slate’s handwriting input box on iPad, and typed text will appear on your Mac.
white outlines of a computer and a tablet with a magnifying glass with a + symbol on it on the computer and a two red circles on the tablet. this conveys a two-finger zoom gesture
touch gestures
Use one and two-finger touch gestures on iPad to scroll and zoom on your Mac, just like a trackpad.

get astropad slate

$19.99 one time purchase

A stylus interacts with a black touchpad featuring a red outline and doodle. In the background, a blurred laptop screen displays a colorful, whimsical landscape illustration.
work seamlessly between Mac and iPad

Designed for creatives: Inspired by traditional no-screen pen tablets for digital artists.

Untethered connection: Connect over WiFi, USB cable, or Peer-to-Peer networking.

Customizable workspace: Adjust your pressure and gesture settings to fit your workflow.

A stylus writes "Astropad" on a red electronic touchpad displaying the same text at the top. The date reads "10 January 2024 at 13:58" in a digital interface.
turn your handwriting into text

In place of using your keyboard, write into Slate’s handwriting input box with your Apple Pencil and iPad.

Your handwriting will transform into typed text on your Mac.

A white stylus interacts with a digital tablet screen displaying a large red dot and smaller blue dot pattern, surrounded by a fine grid of dots within a pink-lined border.
control your cursor with apple pencil hover

Hover (New iPads)

  • Move cursor: Move your Apple Pencil over the surface of the iPad.
  • Click: Tap your Apple Pencil to the screen to click.

Simulated Hover (Older iPads)

  • Move cursor: Lightly drag your Apple Pencil across your iPad screen to move the mouse cursor. The pressure level is adjustable.
  • Click: Tap your Apple Pencil to the screen to click.

 

getting started with astropad slate

A downward arrow is positioned above a horizontal line, indicating a download action. The arrow is bold and centered against a plain background, conveying a clear message.
1. Download on the App Store

Visit the iOS App Store to download Astropad Slate for your iPad.

A stylized pen tip points upwards with a cursor arrow beside it, set against a black and red, dotted background divided diagonally.
2. Launch the companion apps

Launch the iPad app, then follow the instructions to download the companion app for your Mac.

Two interlocking chain links are depicted, showcasing a connected design. The links are outlined with a gradient effect, emphasizing the connection in an abstract, minimalistic style.
3. Connect devices

Connect your Mac and iPad over WiFi, USB cable, or Peer-to-Peer networking.

a black mouse cursor icon outline on a transparent background
4. Use your iPad to control your Mac

Use your Apple Pencil and hand gestures to move your Mac cursor.

frequently asked questions about slate

What’s the difference between Slate and Astropad Studio?

Slate is an app that turns the iPad into a no-screen pen tablet for Mac. Slate maps your iPad input to your Mac desktop, but displays only a blank screen on your iPad.

Astropad Studio is our flagship software that turns the iPad into a drawing tablet for Mac or PC. Studio mirrors your desktop display on your iPad. Learn more about Astropad Studio →

What are the software requirements for Slate?

  • iPad: Your iPad must be running iPad OS 15.0 or later
  • Desktop: Your Mac must be running macOS 11.0 or later

Does Slate support screen mapping like traditional tablets?

Yes! Slate allows you to choose how your cursor moves on your iPad:

  • Mouse-like (Relative positioning): Your iPad acts like a giant trackpad. Your cursor mirrors your Apple Pencil/finger movements regardless of location on the iPad.
  • Screen-mapping (Absolute positioning): The entire screen of your iPad scales to map your entire Mac display. The mapping is adjustable, similar to a traditional pen tablet.

Can I use Slate without an Apple Pencil?

Yes! You can change the Touch Settings to use one finger for mouse control, just like a trackpad.

Move your finger across the iPad screen to move your Mac cursor; tap to click; double tap and hold to drag; use two fingers to scroll and zoom.

get astropad slate

$19.99 one time purchase

top ipad accessories for creatives

A digital drawing tablet displays colorful artwork beneath a transparent screen protector. Two white stylus tips are nearby. A red booklet titled “Astropad Rock Paper Pencil” features illustrated hands.

Rock Paper Pencil

Magnetic iPad Screen Protector + Apple Pencil Tips

Shop Rock Paper Pencil →
A box labeled "LUNA DISPLAY USB-C" sits between a tablet and a laptop displaying similar scenic backgrounds, suggesting dual-screen connectivity.

Luna Display

Turn your iPad into a second display

Shop Luna Display →