Setting Up - Astropad Slate
Slate is designed to be used as a mouse alternative, allowing you to control your cursor with Apple Pencil. Whether you want to use your Apple Pencil to control your Mac's cursor for web browsing, graphic design, or annotation - Slate has you covered.
Slate Overview
Ensure Your Devices Meet Requirements
Check to see if your devices meet the requirements for Slate: System Requirements for Slate
Setup For Mac
Download the Slate Mac app:
Go to the Slate Downloads Page to download and install the free Mac companion app from our website. Open the .dmg file and save the Mac app in Applications or your preferred download location.
*For convenience, you can keep the Mac App in your dock. Click and hold on to the Slate icon, go up to “Options”, then select “Keep in Dock”.
Download the Slate iPad companion app:
The Slate iPad companion app can be downloaded on your iPad through the Apple App Store for $19.99 USD →
Open the Slate Mac app and the Slate iPad app
Open the companion apps on your Mac and iPad and follow the setup instructions.
Connect Mac and iPad via Slate
For your devices to communicate with each other, they need to be connected over WiFi, USB cable, or Peer-to-Peer Networking. Get help connecting Slate →
*For optimal WiFi performance, we recommend a modern router (802.11ac) in the 5Ghz band.
Configure your cursor settings:
Mouse-like (Relative positioning): Your iPad acts like a giant trackpad, and your cursor moves freely about your Mac display. You can adjust your mouse tracking speed between fast and slow.
Screen-mapping (Absolute positioning): The entire screen of your iPad scales to map your entire Mac display. The mapping area is adjustable, similar to a traditional pen tablet.
Start using Slate!
New iPads with Apple Pencil hover:
- Move cursor: Move your Apple Pencil over the surface of the iPad.
- Click: Tap your Apple Pencil on the screen to click.
New iPads without Apple Pencil hover:
- 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 on the screen to click.