📋 Two navigation modes: Slate offers Mouse-like and Screen Mapping modes to control your computer cursor, each optimized for different use cases and workflows.
🖱️ Mouse-like Mode (Relative Positioning)
Transforms your iPad into a trackpad-style interface.
How it works:
Cursor follows your Apple Pencil or finger movement
Position on iPad doesn't directly correspond to screen position
Similar to using a laptop trackpad or mouse
Best for:
General navigation and clicking
Working with menus and interface elements
Users familiar with trackpad gestures
Situations where you need to reach all screen areas easily
🎯 Screen Mapping Mode (Absolute Positioning)
Maps your iPad directly to your Mac display like a traditional pen tablet.
How it works:
Specific iPad areas correspond to exact screen locations
Direct 1:1 mapping between touch position and cursor position
Adjustable mapping area for precision control
Best for:
Precise drawing and illustration work
Digital art and design tasks
Users familiar with Wacom-style tablets
Applications requiring exact cursor placement
⚙️ How to change modes
Open the Slate sidebar on your iPad
Navigate to Cursor Movement settings
Select your preferred mode:
Mouse-like for trackpad-style control
Screen Mapping for direct tablet-style mapping
Additional Considerations
🎨 Creative Workflow Tips
Use Screen Mapping for drawing, painting, and detailed design work
Switch to Mouse-like for menu navigation and file management
Test both modes with your preferred apps to find optimal settings
⚡ Performance Differences
Mouse-like: Lower latency for general navigation
Screen Mapping: More precise for artistic applications
Both modes support pressure sensitivity with Apple Pencil
🔧 Customization Options
Screen Mapping allows adjustment of active drawing area
Mapping can be configured to match your workflow preferences
Settings persist between sessions for consistent experience
🎯 Recommendation: Try both modes with your most-used applications to determine which feels more natural for your specific workflow.