Let me put it this way: if you write gently, as you would write on paper, the iPad stays in place. If you apply more pressure, the iPad will stay in place as long as you write at or below the level of the stand (hope you understand what I mean). If you write on top (i.e. above the holder) with a lot of pressure, the iPad will move a few millimetres, but will return to its original position. Personally, I find it most comfortable to write at the widest angle, where the iPad is only slightly off the surface. It holds pretty well there (except when too much pressure is applied).