Setting Up - Astropad Slate
Getting Started with Slate
Slate lets you control your Mac’s cursor using an Apple Pencil — like a mouse alternative. Whether you’re browsing, designing, or annotating, Slate makes it easy.
Watch a Quick Overview
Make Sure Your Devices Are Compatible
Check Slate’s system requirements →
Download Slate
Get the Slate Mac app
Download and install Slate on your Mac from our Downloads Page. Open the .dmg file and move the app to Applications.
*Tip: Keep Slate in your dock for easy access. Right-click the icon → Options → Keep in Dock.
Get the Slate iPad app
Download Slate on your iPad from the App Store for $19.99 USD →
Set Up Slate
Open Slate on both Mac and iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to connect.
Connect Your Mac and iPad
Slate works over Wi-Fi, USB cable, or Peer-to-Peer connection. Learn more about connection methods →
*For best Wi-Fi performance, we recommend a modern router (802.11ac) on a 5GHz network.
Customize Cursor Settings
Mouse-like (Relative positioning): Your iPad works like a giant trackpad, and the cursor moves freely on your Mac. You can adjust tracking speed.
Screen-mapping (Absolute positioning): Your iPad mirrors the Mac display, scaled to fit. You can adjust the mapped area, like a pen tablet.
Start Using Slate
For iPads with Apple Pencil hover
- Move cursor: Hover Apple Pencil above the iPad screen.
- Click: Tap Apple Pencil on the screen.
For iPads without Apple Pencil hover
- Move cursor: Lightly drag Apple Pencil on the iPad screen. Pressure sensitivity is adjustable.
- Click: Tap Apple Pencil on the screen.