Apple’s [Magic Keyboard](List of 10 useful trackpad gestures for iPad Pro) for iPad Pro is a game-changer. It transforms your iPad into a fully-fledged productivity machine, thanks to its backlit keys, built-in trackpad, and sleek design. But do you know you can supercharge your experience with a series of hidden trackpad and gesture tricks? These shortcuts not only speed up your work but also bring the seamless, intuitive operation of macOS right to your iPad Pro. Let’s dive right into these tips and tricks!
List of 13 useful trackpad gestures for iPad Pro
Basic Navigation
Let’s start simple. To move the cursor around, simply glide your finger across the trackpad. The cursor will float around the screen, allowing you to select items and text.
- Click: A single tap on the trackpad equates to a click. You can use this to select apps, links, or text.
- Right-Click: To mimic a right-click (or long press on the touchscreen), press with two fingers on the trackpad. This action will open up contextual menus, just like on macOS.
Scrolling
Scrolling on the Magic Keyboard trackpad is as natural as on a touchscreen:
- Vertical Scrolling: Use two fingers and swipe up or down to scroll vertically.
- Horizontal Scrolling: Swipe your two fingers left or right to scroll horizontally. This is particularly useful in apps like Safari or when you’re looking through your Dock.
Zooming
Want to zoom in or out? The trackpad’s got you covered.
- Pinch to Zoom: Use two fingers and pinch in or out on the trackpad to zoom. This works just like it does on the iPad’s touchscreen.
App Switching and Multitasking
The Magic Keyboard trackpad takes multitasking on iPadOS to another level.
- Switch Between Apps: Swipe left or right with three fingers to quickly switch between open apps.
- App Expose: Swipe up and hold with three fingers to see all your open apps.
- Return to Home Screen: A swift three-finger swipe upwards will take you back to the home screen.
Text Manipulation
Text manipulation is where the trackpad truly shines. These gestures make writing and editing on your iPad a breeze.
- Select Text: Double-tap and hold on a word to select it. Then, drag your finger to select more text.
- Copy, Cut, and Paste: After selecting text, a three-finger pinch copies it, a three-finger spread pastes it, and a three-finger double pinch cuts it.
- Undo and Redo: A three-finger swipe to the left undoes an action, while a swipe to the right redoes it.
Slide Over and Split View
The Magic Keyboard trackpad also supports iPadOS’s advanced multitasking features: Slide Over and Split View.
- Slide Over: Drag an app from the Dock to the middle of the screen to open it in Slide Over.
- Split View: Drag an app from the Dock to the edge of the screen to open it in Split View.
Accessing the Dock and Control Center
With the Magic Keyboard trackpad, you can easily access the Dock and Control Center without lifting your hands off the keyboard.
- Access the Dock: Simply move the cursor to the bottom of the screen and keep pulling down; the Dock will appear.
- Access the Control Center: Move the cursor to the top-right corner of the screen and pull down to access the Control Center.
Secondary Click
You might be familiar with the right-click option from your desktop or laptop. The Magic Keyboard allows you to do the same on your iPad:
- Secondary Click: Go to Settings > General > Trackpad. Here, you’ll find the “Secondary Click” option. You can set it to click with two fingers, in the bottom right corner, or in the bottom left corner. Once set, you can use this to access additional menu options.
Access Notification Center
Similar to the Control Center, you can access your Notification Center without touching the screen:
- Access the Notification Center: Move the cursor to the top-left corner of the screen and pull down to access the Notification Center.
Using the Trackpad with AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is a powerful tool that lets you customize how you navigate your iPad. When used with the Magic Keyboard, it opens up even more possibilities:
- Custom Actions: In Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch, you can customize the trackpad’s click actions. For instance, you could set a three-finger double-tap to take a screenshot or open the App Switcher.
Fast App Switching
If you want to switch apps without going to the App Switcher, there’s a gesture for that:
- Fast App Switching: With four fingers, swipe left or right on the trackpad. This will quickly switch you between your open apps.
Dismiss Slide Over
When you’re done with a Slide Over app, you can quickly dismiss it:
- Dismiss Slide Over: Swipe left off the right edge of the trackpad. This sends the Slide Over app off the screen.
Spotlight Search
Need to find something quickly? Use Spotlight Search:
- Spotlight Search: Press Command Space to open Spotlight Search. Type in what you’re looking for, and press Enter.
Your favorite magic keyboard trackpad tips and tricks?
The Apple Magic Keyboard is more than just a typing tool. With these Magic Keyboard trackpad tips and tricks, you can navigate your iPad like a pro. Whether you’re drafting a document, browsing the web, or managing files, these shortcuts and gestures can make your experience more efficient and enjoyable.
In your mind, what are the top five Multi-Touch gestures on the Magic Keyboard (or any trackpad, for that matter) that really make sense when using your iPad Pro? And while we’re at it, which trackpad gestures are counterintuitive and need more work, do you think?
Chime in with your thoughts in the commenting section down below.
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