astropad slate

Control your Mac using your iPad and Apple Pencil

Get Slate →

use your ipad as an input device for mac

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!
drawing pen tablet
Replace your pen tablet with your iPad. Draw into your favorite desktop creative programs using your Apple Pencil.
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.
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

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.

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.

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

1. Download on the App Store

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

2. Launch the companion apps

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

3. Connect devices

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

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

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