How can we help?
Answers to common questions. If you’re still stuck, email support@scottdevore.net with your Mac model, macOS version and controller.
Buttons light up in PadMouse, but nothing happens on screen
PadMouse needs Accessibility permission to move the pointer and press keys. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility and switch PadMouse on. If it’s already on, switch it off and on again.
Also check that the button at the top right of the PadMouse window says Active, and that Preview Only is off in General.
I can’t hold buttons down for long. Can PadMouse help?
Yes. Select the button in Mapping and turn on Latch. One press holds the action (a click for dragging, ⌘ or ⇧, precision mode) and the next press lets go. You can also use tap/hold and layers so fewer buttons do more.
Does PadMouse work with the Xbox Adaptive Controller?
PadMouse works with any controller macOS recognises, and macOS supports the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Switches and buttons plugged into its ports appear as the matching controller buttons, so you can map them like any other button. If something doesn’t appear in the Live Monitor, email us.
PadMouse doesn’t see my controller
Make sure the controller is connected in System Settings › Bluetooth, or try a USB cable. The Devices screen lists every controller PadMouse can see. Most Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch Pro and MFi controllers work, plus most other Bluetooth and USB gamepads.
The pointer drifts on its own
Older sticks rest slightly off centre. Raise the dead zone in Sticks & Motion until the pointer stays still.
The pointer is too fast or too slow
Change Pointer speed in Sticks & Motion. Hold LT for precision; set a button to Speed Boost for long moves.
A game also reacts to my controller
Press the Xbox, PS or Home button to pause PadMouse while you play. Press it again to resume.
The wrong profile is active
In App Profiles, check which apps each profile lists, and make sure automatic switching is on in General.
My Apple Shortcut doesn’t run
Type the shortcut’s name exactly as it appears in the Shortcuts app. PadMouse asks the Shortcuts app to run it, so Shortcuts may open briefly.
How do I run my own AppleScript or shell script?
Put it in an Apple Shortcut: in the Shortcuts app, add a Run AppleScript or Run Shell Script action with your script. Then set the button’s action in PadMouse to Apple Shortcut and type the shortcut’s name.
My music app doesn’t see PadMouse
Choose PadMouse as a MIDI input in your music app’s MIDI settings. It appears as soon as PadMouse is running.
I can’t find the PadMouse window
PadMouse lives in the menu bar. Click the gamepad symbol and choose Open PadMouse, or open PadMouse again from Applications. If your menu bar is full, close another menu bar item to make room.
How do I start over?
General › Reset Everything restores the original controls and settings.
Refunds
PadMouse is sold through the Mac App Store, so Apple handles refunds. Request one at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Still need help? Email support@scottdevore.net. PadMouse itself never sends anything; your email is the only information we receive.