As an Apple Pencil user, I’ve often wondered if it’s possible to use the Pencil as a mouse. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to investigate this further. After doing some research and testing, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about using the Apple Pencil as a mouse, as well as some other solutions that may be helpful to other users. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the potential of using the Apple Pencil as a mouse and the available alternatives.
The Apple Pencil is not meant to be used like a regular mouse. However, you can use it like you would with your fingers on the iPad and you can use it like a keyboard by writing words in text fields.
When used with the iPad, the Apple Pencil does provide a lot of extra functionality. However, there are some things that the Apple Pencil performs well at and others that it is just not designed for.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| The Apple Pencil is not a regular mouse |
| Use Apple Pencil to select and scroll on iPad |
| Apple Pencil can convert written words into typed words |
| Alternatives to Apple Pencil include wireless mouse and keyboard |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is a good alternative with trackpad |
Table of Contents
Can I use Apple Pencil as a mouse?
The Apple Pencil is not designed to be used as a mouse. However, you can use the Apple Pencil to select things, when using the iPad, like you would do with your fingers.
Also, you can use the Apple Pencil to scroll up and down in the same manner that you would using your finger. To do this you need to turn off “Only Draw With Apple Pencil” by going to settings -> Apple Pencil.
Read more: Can I use my Apple Pencil on a Windows Laptop?
Can I use Apple Pencil as a mouse on the Macbook?
The Apple Pencil is not designed to be used with the MacBook and you cannot use the Apple Pencil on the MacBook’s screen because it is not designed to work with the Apple Pencil.
However, you can connect an iPad to the MacBook using Sidecar and then draw on the iPad that is displaying the MacBook screen.
Read more: where should I store the Apple Pencil?
How do I use my Apple Pencil as a keyboard?
The Apple Pencil can function like a keyboard. If you draw words in text fields, the iPad will use machine learning to convert the words you drew into actual typed words.
An example of when you might use this would be to search something in Safari by drawing the words in the top search bar.
However, in my personal experience, it does not always work well and it will not be anywhere near as fast as if you were to just type the words using a keyboard.
If you want to do a lot of writing on the iPad, my suggestion would be to connect a wireless keyboard and to use that instead.
The Apple Pencil can also be used to select words and in my experience, it is best to combine the Apple Pencil with a keyboard by using the keyboard to type and the pencil to highlight words you want to delete.
Alternatives to Apple Pencil as a mouse for iPad
While Apple Pencil is not really designed to be used as a mouse for iPad, it is the case that you can connect actually wireless mouses to iPad.
So, it may be a better option for you to get a mouse instead depending on what your use case is.
Also, it is possible to connect wireless keyboards to the iPad. I personally use the magic keyboard for iPad pro which also features a trackpad, it does significantly improve the iPad experience in my opinion.
As an Apple Pencil user, I’ve often wondered if it’s possible to use the Pencil as a mouse. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to investigate this further. After doing some research and testing, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about using the Apple Pencil as a mouse, as well as some other solutions that may be helpful to other users. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the potential of using the Apple Pencil as a mouse and the available alternatives.
The Apple Pencil is not meant to be used like a regular mouse. However, you can use it like you would with your fingers on the iPad and you can use it like a keyboard by writing words in text fields.
When used with the iPad, the Apple Pencil does provide a lot of extra functionality. However, there are some things that the Apple Pencil performs well at and others that it is just not designed for.
Key takeaways:
- The Apple Pencil is not meant to be used like a regular mouse. However, you can use it to select and scroll on the iPad.
- You can use the Apple Pencil to write words in text fields and the iPad will convert it into typed words.
- Alternatives to the Apple Pencil for iPad use include connecting a wireless mouse and keyboard to the iPad.
- The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is a great alternative and features a trackpad.
Can I use Apple Pencil as a mouse?
The Apple Pencil is not designed to be used as a mouse. However, you can use the Apple Pencil to select things, when using the iPad, like you would do with your fingers.
Also, you can use the Apple Pencil to scroll up and down in the same manner that you would using your finger. To do this you need to turn off “Only Draw With Apple Pencil” by going to settings -> Apple Pencil.
Read more: Can I use my Apple Pencil on a Windows Laptop?
Can I use Apple Pencil as a mouse on the Macbook?
The Apple Pencil is not designed to be used with the MacBook and you cannot use the Apple Pencil on the MacBook’s screen because it is not designed to work with the Apple Pencil.
However, you can connect an iPad to the MacBook using Sidecar and then draw on the iPad that is displaying the MacBook screen.
Read more: where should I store the Apple Pencil?
How do I use my Apple Pencil as a keyboard?
The Apple Pencil can function like a keyboard. If you draw words in text fields, the iPad will use machine learning to convert the words you drew into actual typed words.
An example of when you might use this would be to search something in Safari by drawing the words in the top search bar.
However, in my personal experience, it does not always work well and it will not be anywhere near as fast as if you were to just type the words using a keyboard.
If you want to do a lot of writing on the iPad, my suggestion would be to connect a wireless keyboard and to use that instead.
The Apple Pencil can also be used to select words and in my experience, it is best to combine the Apple Pencil with a keyboard by using the keyboard to type and the pencil to highlight words you want to delete.
Alternatives to Apple Pencil as a mouse for iPad
While Apple Pencil is not really designed to be used as a mouse for iPad, it is the case that you can connect actually wireless mouses to iPad.
So, it may be a better option for you to get a mouse instead depending on what your use case is.
Also, it is possible to connect wireless keyboards to the iPad. I personally use the magic keyboard for iPad pro which also features a trackpad, it does significantly improve the iPad experience in my opinion.
