As an Apple user frustrated by the lack of compatibility between the Apple Pencil and the MacBook trackpad, I decided to do some research and testing to find out if it was possible to use an Apple Pencil on a MacBook trackpad. Through my journey, I discovered several different solutions and am now here to share my experience and the solutions I found with others.
You cannot draw on the MacBook’s trackpad using the Apple Pencil, even as a dumb stylus.
However, there are dumb styluses you can buy that will work on the MacBook’s trackpad and you can draw on the MacBook, using the Apple Pencil, by connecting the iPad to the MacBook via Sidecar or an alternative and then drawing on the iPad.
While you cannot draw directly on the MacBook using the Apple Pencil, there are alternative options available to you if you want to draw on the MacBook with or without the Apple Pencil.
Key Takeaways:
- You cannot draw directly on the MacBook’s trackpad using the Apple Pencil.
- There are dumb styluses you can buy that will work on the MacBook’s trackpad.
- If you want to draw on the MacBook, the best option would be to connect to it with an iPad via Sidecar or an alternative or to use a drawing tablet.
- There are often alternative versions of websites and apps available on the iPad’s app store that you can use to draw natively on the iPad with the Apple Pencil.
Table of Contents
Can you use an Apple Pencil on MacBook Trackpad? (Macbook Pro and Macbook Air)
A way you can do basic drawings on the Macbook is by using a dumb stylus on the trackpad. Unfortunately, my own testing has found that you cannot use the Apple Pencil to do this.
However, you can get a dumb stylus relatively cheaply to use that will work on the MacBook’s trackpad. This option would work well for things such as when you need to write your signature but is not a good option if you are looking to actually draw things.
If you are looking to actually draw things, it would be better to use Sidecar or another option as mentioned below.
Read more: can you use Apple Pencil with Macbook?
Are there any ways to use Apple Pencil with Macbook?
It is not possible to draw on the Macbook’s screen using the Apple Pencil or anything else.
However, it is possible to connect an iPad or a drawing tablet to the MacBook which you can then use to draw on while using macOS on the Macbook.
To do this, you can use Sidecar which is a feature that comes with the MacBook. There are also alternative options you can use such as LunarDisplay.
Read more: can I use Apple Pencil on my iPhone?
If you want to draw things on the Macbook, using Sidecar or Lunar Display can work well. However, if you are looking to do it for professional reasons, you may find that a drawing tablet is the best option for you.
A problem with using Sidecar is that the Pencil does not work as well on it as it does when using it on iPadOS with native iPad apps. But, there are alternative options such as Lunar Display that do work well and you may find that Sidecar is perfectly fine for your needs.
If you do have an iPad and the Apple Pencil, another option would be to look for alternative versions of the websites and apps you use that are available on the iPad’s app store. By doing so, you will be able to draw natively on the iPad using native apps. A number of Adobe products do have iPad versions, but not all of them.
Does the Apple Pencil work on the magic trackpad?
Unfortunately, the Apple Pencil does not work on the magic trackpad. However, there are dumb styluses that you can buy that will work on the magic trackpad.
If you want to draw on the mac, you can also connect to it using Sidecar with the iPad or you can use a drawing tablet.
Can you use a stylus on a Macbook Trackpad?
It is possible to use a stylus on the Macbook’s trackpad. However, it must be a dumb stylus. The Apple Pencil will not work for this purpose.
Can you use MacBook trackpad to draw?
It is possible to draw on the MacBook’s trackpad by using a dumb stylus. However, it will be difficult to draw anything precise and would be best suited for things such as writing your signature.
If you want to draw on the Macbook, the best option would be to connect to it with an iPad via Sidecar or an alternative or to use a drawing tablet.
| Topic | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dumb Stylus | Write your signature on the trackpad | Not precise; best for signatures, not for drawing |
| Sidecar / Alternative | Connect iPad to MacBook and draw on iPad | Doesn’t match Apple Pencil performance on iPadOS |
| Drawing Tablet | Draw on MacBook | Expensive; not suitable for everyone |
| Alternative iPad Apps | Draw natively on iPad with Apple Pencil | N/A |
| Directly on Trackpad | N/A | Apple Pencil not compatible with MacBook trackpad |
