7 Viable Mouse Pad Alternatives You Can Use For Free

A good mouse pad can make both gaming and work easier and more enjoyable.

But what should you do if you don’t have a mousepad?

When traveling, have you ever realized you left your mouse pad at home?

Or maybe you just can’t bring yourself to shell out for that top-of-the-line extended mouse mat you have your eye on.

Whatever your reason, you can give these mouse pad alternatives a try.

1. A magazine

If you have a magazine handy, you can give it a try as a mouse pad replacement.

A magazine that is a bit thicker and sturdier will probably work better than a really thin and flimsy magazine. You also want to avoid magazines that are really glossy or reflective.

2. A hardcover book

Any hard-covered book will potentially work well as a mouse pad replacement.

Obviously, you don’t have a huge surface area to work with for most books, but it’s better than nothing. If you have any really big coffee table type books, they will give you a bit more room to work with.

3. A placemat

Not every kind of placemat will work.

Don’t try using a textured woven mat, for example.

If you have a vinyl mat or any other kind of placement with a nice, smooth surface, you might have a decent mouse pad.

4. Paper

You’ve almost certainly got some blank white printer paper.

This will work in a pinch. If you tend to get really sweaty palms, though, you’ll need to regularly replace it with a fresh diy mouse pad sheet.

5. Duct tape

Is there anything Duct tape can’t do?

It seems like there are millions of uses for this versatile tape.

Add DIY mousepad to the list of uses for the trusty silver roll.

Like all Duct tape projects, you can go all out and create a fancy design or you can keep it simple. Just cut several strips of duct tape of the same length. Layer a few pieces together, connecting them from side to side and front and back. One thing that’s really nice about making a DIY Duct tape mousepad is that you can make it whatever size you want.

6. Cardboard

You probably have a box from Amazon or somewhere else that you haven’t recycled yet.

Make use of it. Cut out a piece of the cardboard to your desired size, and use it as a mouse pad.

7. Wax paper

Wax paper isn’t used as often in cooking as it used to be, but check your pantry to see if you have any. Tear off a strip and you’ve got yourself a mouse pad alternative.

Some hard surfaces will also work, like a wood desk. Many hard surfaces, though, will not work well.

Surfaces to Avoid

• glass tables
• tables with a really glossy or reflective surface
• a mirror
• surfaces that are really uneven or bumpy
• surfaces that are soft, like the fabric arm of a couch

Have you tried any of these mouse pad alternatives? Are we missing any good options on this list? Let us know in the comments!