What is the Apple Pencil Double-Click?
The second-generation Apple Pencil and the newer Apple Pencil Pro feature a touch-sensitive lower barrel. By firmly double-tapping your index finger against the flat edge of the pencil near the tip, you can trigger a quick action on your iPad. By default, Apple sets this action to switch between your current drawing tool (like a pen or marker) and the eraser. While this is incredibly intuitive for artists, it might not be the most efficient shortcut for students taking notes, architects doing markup, or users who find themselves constantly triggering the eraser by accident when adjusting their grip. You can easily change this behavior or disable it entirely in the iPad settings.
How to Change the Double-Click Setting
Customizing the Apple Pencil requires diving into the main iPadOS settings; you cannot change this behavior from within individual drawing apps.
- Ensure your Apple Pencil is magnetically attached to your iPad or actively connected via Bluetooth.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Scroll down the left-hand sidebar until you find Apple Pencil. Tap on it.
- Look for the section labeled Double Tap (or “Squeeze” and “Double Tap” if you are using an Apple Pencil Pro).
- You will see a list of available actions.
The Available Shortcut Options
Tap to select one of the following behaviors for your double-click:
- Switch Between Current Tool and Eraser: The default behavior.
- Switch Between Current Tool and Last Used: Highly recommended for note-takers. This allows you to rapidly swap between a black pen and a yellow highlighter without ever touching the screen toolbar.
- Show Color Palette: Instantly brings up the color wheel, perfect for artists doing complex shading or painting.
- Show Ink Attributes: Opens the menu to change brush size and opacity.
- Off: Select this if you constantly trigger the double-tap by accident due to your writing grip. This completely deactivates the touch sensor on the barrel of the pencil.
Your changes take effect immediately across all supported apps on your iPad.