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August 2, 2017
Question

Drawing with Mac trackpad

  • August 2, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 21841 views

I recently reinstalled Illustrator on my standard MacBook (not force touch) after only using Illustrator on a desktop for 6 months

Previously I had selected "Tap to click" in trackpad settings and enjoyed drawing with my finger with Illustrator without having to press the touchpad hard, whilst using the paintbrush tool.

However the drag and draw feature was not not working since reinstalling it on the MacBook again.

I have found my own solution:

In the MacBook accessibility setting I selected "Mouse and Trackpad- Trackpad Options - Enable Dragging" and now I can draw freehand again.

    2 replies

    Z
    Zaahid5FC9
    Participant
    November 10, 2020

    Hey, Thanks for this- so I changed my pointer settings to "enable dragging" BUT when I go to illustrator I don't see a change. Is there a shortcut to use to initiate the brush tool? Because I see no difference when trying to draw without pressing down on my trackpad. 
    I kind of figured that I can just press a keyboard control to start brush stroke and end stroke so I may draw freely?

    Help on this would be Great, Thanks !

    J
    Jay5FDD
    Participant
    December 13, 2020

    I think you have to enable drag lock. Then it should be easier to drag. If that doesn't work, try 3 finger drag. You'll have to use 3 fingers but it is free hand

    E
    Ethan124
    Participant
    February 13, 2020

    This really helped :). For the new macOS 10.15 instead of finding it in Mouse and Trackpad it is now called Pointer Control.

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