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Mac Trackpad Handwriting lets you write Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Cantonese characters with a finger on your MacBook trackpad. You can also enter punctuation and emoji. First add a Handwriting input source in Keyboard settings; then open it from the Input menu or press Control-Shift-Space.
What Trackpad Handwriting does
Apple documents Trackpad Handwriting as an input method for Chinese and Cantonese—not as general-purpose handwriting recognition for English or any language you choose. It can also accept punctuation and emoji. The feature is built into macOS and does not require a separate app or accessory. Apple’s Trackpad Handwriting guide describes its supported input.
Add a Handwriting input source
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
- Under Text Input, click Edit.
- Click Add, then choose Chinese, Simplified; Chinese, Traditional; or Cantonese, Traditional.
- Select a Handwriting input source and click Add.
You can add a handwriting source even if English is your only other input source. See Apple’s setup instructions.
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Write characters and choose a candidate
- In the app where you want to type, click the insertion point.
- Open the menu bar’s Input menu and choose the Handwriting source you added, or press Control-Shift-Space. The Trackpad Handwriting window opens.
- Draw a character or punctuation symbol with one finger on the trackpad. Lift your finger between strokes, reposition it, and continue drawing.
- Tap the trackpad at the position of the character you want in the candidate bar. If you need to browse more candidates, swipe with two fingers, then tap your choice.
Stroke order does not matter, and cursive writing is supported. As you write Chinese or Cantonese, macOS learns word choices and offers candidates. With a Traditional Chinese input source, drawing a Simplified Chinese character can also show corresponding Traditional characters in the candidate bar. Apple documents these behaviors.
#1 Best Overall
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Apple Magic Trackpad - White Multi-Touch Surface
- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
Use punctuation, emoji, and editing controls
- Common punctuation: Tap the trackpad quickly to draw a dot and display commonly used punctuation. Apple marks half-width punctuation with 半.
- Emoji: Draw the expression surrounded by a circle.
- Correct a character: Click the Delete button or press Delete to remove input, then try again. You can delete multiple characters from right to left; holding the Delete button clears the window.
- Insert a space: Press Space.
- Start a new line in the handwriting window: Press Return.
- Close the window: Press Control-Shift-Space or press Esc twice.
When the pointer disappears
While the Trackpad Handwriting window is open, the pointer cannot be seen or moved. To use the pointer without closing the window, press Esc once to pause handwriting. Click inside the handwriting window when you want to resume. If multiple trackpads are connected, Apple says the window resizes according to the active trackpad. See Apple’s guide for the window controls.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Trackpad with 2.4G USB Receiver for Mac and Windows - Multi-Touch Surface High Precision Track Pad, Multi-Gesture Touchpad Mouse Compatible with Apple MacBook iMac and Windows 10/11 PC Desktop
- ✅ Seamless Compatibility with Mac & Windows – Works perfectly with macOS and Windows 10/11, including MacBook, iMac, Windows PC, laptops, and desktops. This wireless trackpad delivers smooth multi-gesture control: scroll, swipe, zoom, tap, and drag, making every movement natural, responsive, and effortless. Boost productivity for work, study, or browsing instantly! Perfect as a smart alternative to the Apple Magic Trackpad.
- ✅ Ergonomic & Large Touch Surface – Glide with precision on a 7.5-inch frosted glass touchpad. Designed for comfort, this wireless track pad reduces wrist fatigue during long sessions while giving you more space to navigate, edit, and create. Perfect for designers, students, and professionals who demand precision.
- ✅ Quiet & Comfortable Anywhere – Say goodbye to noisy clicks! Enjoy ultra-silent tap-to-click feedback while selecting text, dragging files, or switching apps without disturbing anyone. Physical click function is still available for those who prefer it, you can also tap to click for faster, more effortless interactions. Ideal for offices, classrooms, libraries, or late-night work.
- ✅ Plug & Play with Stable Connection – Includes a USB receiver for a stable, driver-free connection (Not Bluetooth Connection). No Bluetooth dropouts, no interruptions. The USB receiver is automatically recognized by your device. This trackpad for mac also supports USB-C wired connection, allowing you to charge and work at the same time. Reliable for MacBook, iMac, and Windows laptops.
- ✅ Premium Aluminum Design & Ultra-Portable – Sleek aluminum alloy with rounded edges looks as good as it feels. Anti-slip base keeps it steady, while the slim, lightweight design is perfect for travel, remote work, or coffee shop sessions. Carry your wireless touchpad anywhere in style.
Rank #3
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Polarmeta Wireless Trackpad for Mac & Windows with 2.4G USB, 7.5” Glass Surface Touchpad High Precision Multi-Gesture Control, Rechargeable & Portable Track Pad for Computer, MacBook, iMac, Laptop, PC
- ✅ 【Compatible with Mac & Windows – Full Multi-Gesture Support】: This wireless trackpad offers smooth multi-touch gesture control on both macOS and Windows 10/11. Enjoy natural MacBook-style gestures such as two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swipe, tapping, and dragging on both your MacBook, iMac, and Windows laptop or desktop. Ideal for office work, presentations, and users who want the same intuitive trackpad gestures they’re used to on a MacBook but need compatibility with any desk setup.
- ✅ 【Ergonomic Design to Reduce Wrist Strain】: Designed for long work sessions, this ergonomic trackpad for Mac promotes natural hand positioning to help reduce wrist fatigue compared to a traditional mouse. The large 7.5-inch frosted glass surface delivers smooth finger glide and precise cursor control, while the built-in physical click mechanism provides clear, responsive feedback for more controlled and confident actions, you can also tap to click for faster, more effortless interactions—making it a comfortable Apple trackpad alternative for all-day productivity.
- ✅【Plug & Play 2.4G Wireless – No Bluetooth, No Lag】: Features a dedicated 2.4G USB receiver (not Bluetooth) for a stable, low-latency connection with no drivers required. Simply plug in and start working instantly on both Mac and Windows—no system switching needed. The USB receiver is automatically recognized by your device. Includes a USB-C cable so you can charge and use the mac trackpad at the same time, with no downtime or interruptions.
- ✅ 【Premium Aluminum Body – Slim & Travel-Ready】: Crafted from durable aluminum alloy with an anti-slip rubber base, this trackpad for PC stays steady on any surface without a mouse pad. Slim and lightweight, it fits easily into laptop sleeves or backpacks. Perfect for remote work, travel, coffee shops, or small desk spaces.
- ✅ 【7-Day Battery for Work, Study & Creative Tasks】: The built-in 900mAh rechargeable battery supports up to 7 days of use per charge under typical daily use and recharges in about 2 hours via USB-C. Suitable for document editing, visual design, studying, and presentations, with smooth multi-touch gesture input for everyday computer navigation. Battery life and charging time may vary depending on usage.
Rank #2
Sale
Apple Magic Trackpad - Black Multi-Touch Surface
- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
If handwriting does not open or insert text
- The shortcut does nothing: Confirm that you added a Handwriting input source, then select it from the Input menu or try Control-Shift-Space.
- Nothing appears in the target app: Click the app’s text insertion point before opening the handwriting window.
- You cannot find the character: Browse the candidate bar with a two-finger swipe. If it is still missing, delete the input and draw it again.
- You need to move the pointer: Press Esc once to pause handwriting, then click the window to continue.
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