XP-Pen-Artist-15.6-Pro-V2-and-MacBook-Pro-Nov-2023-M3.md

XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro V2 on macOS (M3) — My Own Working Setup

This documents a stable, reproducible configuration for running an XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro V2 (MD160FH) with a closed-lid MacBook Pro M3, using a dual-USB-C docking station.
Everything below reflects a known-good, working state.

Perhaps this will help some unfortunate soul such as future me.

Host

• MacBook Pro 14-inch Nov 2023 (Apple M3 Max)
• Laptop closed (clamshell mode)
  • In the dock, the laptop is facing the user
  • Apple logo right-side up

Dock

• iVANKY 12-in-2 FusionDock 2 Vertical Docking Station
  • Integrated vertical stand
  • Dual USB-C male connector plugs into the two right-hand USB-C ports of the MacBook
  • Provides power, HDMI, USB, Ethernet, etc.
  • Product link: https://a.co/d/02LOqyOO

Primary Display

• Samsung LU28R55
• Connection:
  • HDMI → iVANKY dock → MacBook
• This is the main display

Pen Display

• XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro V2 (MD160FH)
• Positioned to the right of the Samsung display
• Connected directly to the MacBook using the single left-hand USB-C port
• Physically rotated 180° (logo upside down) to provide cable slack and reduce strain

The XP-Pen is not connected through the dock.

macOS Display Configuration

System Settings → Displays → XP-Pen Display

• Use as: Extended Display
• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (Default)
• Color Profile: MD160FH
• Rotation: 180°

macOS rotation is required so the on-screen image is upright after physically flipping the tablet.

XP-Pen Driver Configuration

• Driver Version: 4.0.12 (41c3323)
  (Settings → Diagnostic Tool; informational only)

Work Area

• Screen: Monitor2 (3360,810,1920,1080)
  (Monitor2 corresponds to the XP-Pen display in this setup)

• Pen Display → Rotation: 180°

Pen Settings

• Mouse Mode: OFF

Mouse Mode (relative input) must be disabled for correct absolute pen positioning.