With the Apple Pencil you get a handy accessory if you want to do more with your iPad. We give you five tips to get off to a good start.
Apple Pencil for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
1. These iPads support the Apple Pencil 1 or 2
Apple has two versions of the Apple Pencil, both of which work on specific iPad models. While the second generation is better than the first in every way, it simply doesn’t work on a ton of iPads. So first check in advance which iPad you have and which Apple Pencil you can use.
These iPads support the Apple Pencil 1
- iPad (6th, 7th and 8th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
These iPads support the Apple Pencil 2
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generation)
- 11 inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
Not sure which iPad you have? Then follow the steps below to find out quickly.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad;
- Tap on ‘General’;
- Tap on ‘Info’;
- Look behind ‘Model’ for the type of iPad you have.
2. Pair and charge the Apple Pencil
Depending on which Apple Pencil you have, pairing with an iPad works slightly differently. Fortunately, it is very simple in both cases.
To pair Apple Pencil 1: plug the Apple Pencil with the Lightning connector into the Lightning port of the iPad. If the Pencil’s battery is empty, it may take a while for it to connect. Make sure bluetooth is activated on your iPad. The Pencil is now paired.
To pair Apple Pencil 2: Click the Pencil in place with the magnet on the side of the iPad. A message will appear on the screen in which you can see the battery capacity. Make sure bluetooth is on and the Pencil is ready for use.
3. Apple Pencil 2: this is how you set the invisible button
The second generation Apple Pencil has a handy button on board, which you do not see, however. By tapping the flat side of the stylus twice, you can activate specific functions. For example, quickly switch between the eraser and your pen, or show the color palette. You set this as follows.
- Open the Settings app;
- Tap on ‘Apple Pencil’;
- Choose under ‘Double tap’ for a function you want.
In this setting you can also disable the invisible button. Handy if you accidentally activate it too often.
4. The best Apple Pencil apps
The Apple Pencil is only really good if you use the right apps with it. Obviously, it is mainly notitie and drawing apps that come out best with the Pencil.
The best note taking app: GoodNotes
GoodNotes has everything you want from a comprehensive note taking app. First of all, it’s a great app for making handwritten notes with an Apple Pencil, with all kinds of options to adjust the paper to fit the notes you take.
What really sets GoodNotes apart is everything the app does besides the notation itself. For example, the app is very clear due to the handy start screen, in which you can create separate notebooks for different tasks. Do you have a lot of loose writing? Then you can also make folders to store them neatly.
Want to check out more great note taking apps before making the move to GoodNotes? Check out our overview of the best iPad note apps.
The best drawing app: ProCreate
Procreate is the drawing app for serious artists. The paid app is overflowing with drawing tools that have been developed exclusively for the iPad and use the Apple Pencil in a useful way. You notice that the program was made exclusively for iPadOS, and was not transferred from the Mac. The completeness of Procreate is also a possible downside: all options and settings can seem rather intimidating.
Looking for more drawing apps? Check out our overview of the best iPad drawing apps.
5. Writing (Scribble) in iPadOS 14: this is how it works
iPadOS 14 has added a handy function with Scribble, which, however, does not work optimally in Dutch yet. To use Scribble, you must first add an English keyboard in the keyboard settings. Once you have done this, you can activate Scribble as follows.
- Open the Settings app;
- Tap on ‘Apple Pencil’;
- Set the switch behind ‘Write’ to green.
Scribble is now activated and can also be tested directly from this settings screen. You do this by tapping ‘Try writing’ under the setting. Your iPad immediately shows what is possible with this new function.