The Apple Pencil is widely regarded as one of the best styluses for digital artists, but its capabilities extend far beyond drawing. If you prefer the tactile feel of taking notes by hand, but still need your writing to be searchable and easily shareable in digital formats, the iPad has a powerful built-in feature called Scribble.
Scribble uses on-device machine learning to instantly convert your messy handwriting into perfectly typed text. It allows you to use your Apple Pencil to write directly into any text field across iPadOS—from the Safari search bar to the Notes app.
How to Enable Scribble
Scribble was introduced in iPadOS 14, so ensure your iPad is updated. The feature is usually turned on by default, but it is always good to verify.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Scroll down the left sidebar and tap on Apple Pencil.
- Look for the section labeled Scribble.
- Ensure the toggle switch next to Scribble is turned On (green).
You can test the feature immediately by tapping “Try Scribble” just below the toggle, which will open a tutorial playground.
Basic Scribble Gestures You Need to Know
Once Scribble is enabled, you do not need to put down your Pencil to use the on-screen keyboard. You can simply write in any text box, and it will magically convert to text. However, to truly master Scribble, you need to learn these five intuitive editing gestures:
1. Delete Text (Scratch Out)
If you make a mistake, you don’t need a backspace button. Simply use your Apple Pencil to scribble or scratch out the word with a horizontal zig-zag motion, as if you were crossing it out on real paper. The word will instantly vanish.
2. Select Text (Circle or Strike)
To select a word or phrase so you can copy it or change its formatting, simply draw a circle around the word with your Pencil. Alternatively, you can draw a single line straight through it. The word will become highlighted.
3. Insert Text (Touch and Hold)
If you forgot a word in the middle of a sentence, tap and hold your Pencil point exactly where you want to insert the new text. A small space will automatically open up between the words, allowing you to write the missing word inside the gap.
4. Join Words
If you accidentally wrote “Apple Pencil” with too much space and the iPad registered it as two separate words, draw a single vertical line between the words. They will snap together into one.
5. Separate Words
Conversely, if you wrote “ApplePencil” without a space, draw a vertical line slicing right down the middle of the combined word. A space will be instantly inserted.
Using the Smart Selection Tool in Notes
If you prefer to keep your notes as handwritten text rather than converting them immediately, the Apple Notes app still treats your handwriting like typed text.
- Copy as Text: If you wrote a whole page of notes by hand, you can double-tap a handwritten word, drag the handles to select a whole paragraph, and tap Copy as Text. You can then paste it into an email, and the iPad will convert it to a typed font on the fly.
- Data Detectors: If you handwrite a phone number, address, or date, the iPad will recognize it. It will underline the handwritten text in yellow. Tapping it will allow you to call the number or create a calendar event without ever typing.
Conclusion
Scribble bridges the gap between the analog feel of a pen and the digital utility of a keyboard. By mastering these simple gestures, your Apple Pencil transforms from a simple drawing tool into a lightning-fast text entry device.