Stylus (computing)

A stylus, in the context of computing, refers to a pen-shaped instrument used to interact with a touchscreen or other electronic input device. It serves as a substitute for a finger, offering greater precision and control, particularly for tasks such as handwriting, drawing, and selecting small interface elements.

While early styluses were often passive devices, simply acting as conductive pointers, modern styluses can incorporate electronic components. These active styluses may feature pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and programmable buttons, enabling a more natural and nuanced user experience. Some styluses also communicate wirelessly with the device, allowing for features like palm rejection, which prevents unintended input from the user's hand resting on the screen.

The use of a stylus is particularly prevalent in devices like tablets, smartphones, and graphics tablets. Specific industries, such as graphic design, digital art, and education, have embraced styluses for their enhanced capabilities in these domains. The advantages of using a stylus include increased accuracy, reduced fingerprints on the screen, and the ability to simulate the feel of writing or drawing with a traditional pen or pencil.