Wacom tablets are a popular accessory for Mac users who want to add a bit of extra functionality to their computers. Users who draw or use graphics software on a regular basis can find the stylus-like Wacom tablets helpful, as they make it easier to draw onscreen.

Wacom tablets are compatible with Mac operating systems, but they are designed to work best with Windows. If you want to use a Wacom tablet with a Mac, you might need to download drivers for the tablet if they are not natively compatible with Mac operating systems.

These Wacom devices are compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Mac. However, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to make sure your tablet works with your Mac. This article covers how to get your Wacom tablet to work with you Mac, whether you have an M1 Mac or an M2 Mac.

What is a Wacom Tablet?

A Wacom tablet is a drawing surface and pen that connect wirelessly to your computer. It’s a way to add a bit of extra functionality to your computer — in particular, the stylus makes it easier to draw onscreen. The most common types of Wacom tablets are the Cintiq line, which are connected to a monitor, and the Intuos line, which are wireless.

How to Setup a Wacom Tablet for Mac

Before you can use your Wacom tablet with your Mac, you’ll need to first install the drivers and software. Before installing software or drivers, you’ll first need to make sure your computer supports Wacom tablets.

You can open the “System Preferences” on your Mac and click on “Appearance” to see if there’s a checkbox for “Pen and Print.” If there is, your Mac supports Wacom tablets. Once you know your Mac supports Wacom tablets, you can use the provided installation guide to get everything set up.

A straightforward installation will typically take around 15 minutes — not including the time it takes you to launch the guide and follow its instructions.

Where to find Wacom drivers?

If you’re using a Mac, you may need to install Wacom drivers in order to use your tablet. You can find these drivers on the Wacom Drivers and Downloads page. When you’re setting up your tablet for the first time, you may need to pair it with your computer.

To do this, hold down the button on the tablet until the LED starts blinking. Then, open the Wacom Preferences program on your computer, and click the “Add Device” button. Select the tablet from the list of devices that pops up, and click “Next”.

Once the computer has recognised the tablet, click “Next” again. Now you’ll see a code on the tablet’s display. Type this code into the box in Wacom Preferences, and click “Next”. Now you’ll need to configure your tablet for use with the program you want to use it with.

For example, if you’re using Photoshop, click “Photoshop”. Select the type of program you’re using, and click “Next”. Once you’ve clicked “Next”, the tablet will be paired with your computer.

How to Set Up a Wacom Tablet for M1 Macs

If you have an M1 Mac, you’ll need to make a few changes to make sure your Wacom tablet works with that computer. The most important thing to know is that you’ll need to install drivers on your Mac. 

You can either do this yourself or you can have it done at the Apple Store — just tell them you’re getting your tablet drivers from Apple. If you haven’t turned on FileVault on your Mac yet, you’ll need to do so before you can install the drivers. You can do this in the same “System Preferences” window you’d open to turn on FileVault — look under the “Security & Privacy” section. 

After you’ve turned on FileVault and installed the tablet drivers, you’re ready to go. Your Wacom tablet should work with your M1 Mac.

How to Set Up a Wacom Tablet for M2 Macs

If you own an M2 Mac, you don’t need to do much to get your Wacom tablet working. The only thing you’ll need to do is make sure you installed the correct driver, and you can use your tablet as soon as it arrives. When you get your M2 Mac, go to the Apple Store and get your tablet driver.

You’ll also want to make sure you’ve installed the required software on your computer. Make sure to launch any software that has a built-in tablet support, like your email software. You can also set up your tablet to work automatically when your computer starts up.

How to Use Wacom Tablet With M1 Macs

If you have an M1 Mac, your tablet should work with almost all of the software you use. If you want to double check, you can visit the “Input” section of your software’s help menu and look for “stylus.”

That’s usually where your stylus will be listed. You can also use almost all of the software that comes pre-installed on your Mac. For example, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and OmniGraffle all have built-in tablet support.

Set Up Wacom Tablet With an M2 Mac

When you get your M2 Mac, you’ll want to make sure your tablet is set up and ready to go. You can check that it’s connected to your computer and that it’s charged by going to the “System Preferences” window, clicking on:

• Windows
• Devices
• Wacom

You should see “Penabled” next to your tablet’s name. You’ll also want to make sure your tablet is charged. If it’s not, you may need to charge it before using it for the first time.

Conclusion

While many graphic design applications, like Placeit, are universal for any type of OS, you may worry that your exterior tools may not be. The good news is that a Wacom tablet is compatible with almost all Macs. The bad news is that you’ll need to make sure your Mac supports Wacom tablets, install the correct driver, and charge your tablet before you can use it — so it’s not for everyone. If you’re interested in getting one, you can check out reviews of the best Wacom tablets in this article.