The Apple Pencil is essentially a stylus made for the iPad. Ever since Apple introduced the Pencil, it has opened up new avenues for productivity on the iPad. All iPads support Apple Pencil, and apart from the iPad 9, all of Apple’s latest tablet devices can be paired with the second-generation Apple Pencil. Both the first and second-generation Apple Pencil models are leaps and bounds ahead of the competition when it comes to writing or drawing experience. That’s even more evident in the sheer number of things you can do with the Apple Pencil. So here are some Apple Pencil tips and tricks that every iPad user needs to know. Read on; some of these might be new to you!
Best Apple Pencil Hacks
Scribble Feature
The Scribble feature was introduced with the iOS 14 update. Since then, this feature has been one of our favourites. This feature lets you handwrite on the iPad screen in most apps, including Safari, and the iPad will automatically convert it into text. Notably, this feature is extremely useful when you take quick notes but want them saved in a text format. The Scribble feature is automatically enabled. However, if you wish to disable or enable it, head to Settings > Apple Pencil, and Enable or Disable Scribble.
Gestures to Edit Text
There are multiple gestures you can use with your Apple Pencil. For example, scratch out a word to delete it or circle around a particular word to select it. Similarly, there are some other gestures like touching and holding between two words to add another one or drawing a vertical line between words you want to join. The gesture feature works simultaneously with Scribble, and thus, if you want to edit text, you will need to enable Scribble.
Take a Screenshot
Essential Apple Pencil tips include the gesture to take screenshots. Taking a picture of your screen is rather simple using the Apple Pencil. All you need to do is place your Pencil in the bottom-left corner of the iPad and drag it to the centre of the screen. Also, after capturing the screenshot, a quick edit menu helps you edit the captured image quickly before sharing or saving it.
Take Quick Notes on Any Screen
Apple has introduced Quick Notes with iPadOS 15, which brings the ability to take Quick Notes from any screen without having to open a multitasking window or move away from the window you’re working on. All you need to do to bring up a Quick Notes screen is swipe from the bottom-right corner of the screen to the middle. Your notes will even be saved in the Notes app once you’re done.
Take Notes on a Locked Screen
You do not have to unlock the iPad to take notes. A tap with the Apple Pencil on the locked screen opens the Notes app and lets you write on the screen without unlocking the device. However, do check if you have this feature turned on in Settings first.
Trace Drawing
With a thin piece of paper on top of your iPad, you can directly trace the drawing on the iPad with your Apple Pencil. However, note that you will only be able to trace drawings on the iPad with a regular piece of paper. A slightly thicker one may deter your iPad from detecting the Pencil.
Another really cool thing is that you don’t even need to worry about touch inputs from your palm while using the Apple Pencil. The iPad will automatically reject palm inputs once you start typing with the stylus. Moreover, for pro users, you can simply place both fingers on the iPad to enable a ruler that can help you draw straight lines. Similarly, the shapes that you draw get automatically converted into perfect circles or squares.
The note-taking process on the iPad is a whole lot of fun due to the Apple Pencil. You can also check out some of our favourite note-taking apps for the iPad here. I hope you’ve enjoyed this Apple Pencil tips and tricks guide. And feel free to drop your own Apple Pencil tips and tricks in the comments below!
