The handwriting recognition for Apple Pencil is officially called Writing (Scribble) and ensures that you can enter text with your handwriting, in any text field, for any app. You can also cross out words to delete them, select words, add spaces, etc. with Pencil gestures. Written text is also recognized and can be selected, copied and converted into digital text.
Unfortunately according to Apple’s information it is Scribble only available when English or Chinese on-screen keyboard is installed on the iPad. However, you can also use the function (to a limited extent) in Dutch, but you must meet a number of conditions.
Prerequisites for iPad handwriting recognition
Officially, Scribble can only be used in English or Chinese, other languages are not yet supported. However, it is possible to use handwriting recognition in other languages. The prerequisites are that iPadOS 14 or newer is installed and the English keyboard is installed in the background. You can add this keyboard via Settings ▸ General ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboards ▸ Add keyboard ▸ English. Once you activate the keyboard, you can grab the Apple Pencil and start writing.
Activate Writing for Apple Pencil
- Open Settings on your iPad
- Navigate to ‘Apple Pencil’
- Enable the ‘Write’ option
Now tap on the ‘Try Writing’ option to try out the writing feature. You can test the function via a handy tutorial, completely in Dutch.
How scribble works on an iPad
Once the option is activated, you can enter and manage text in text fields using your handwriting and the Apple Pencil, an overview below:
- To write: Use the Pencil to write by hand in a text area.
- Remove: Remove editable text by scratching it out.
- Select: Circle or draw a line through text to select it.
- Insert: Hold the Pencil in an editable field to create space and add text.
- Merge: Merge characters or separate words by drawing a vertical line between the characters.
Use handwriting recognition on iPad
Once you have activated the option and know what to do, you can use handwriting recognition. As soon as you tap a text field with the Apple Pencil you can write. iPadOS will automatically enter the written text as digital input. Make sure you do have the Dutch keyboard active and not the English keyboard. If this is the case, iPadOS will automatically try to guess your written text and adapt it to similar words. If you have the NL keyboard active, the suggestions will not be present and iPadOS will transfer the writing ‘1-to-1’ to digital text.
When using the Pencil in text fields, a Scribble toolbar appears on the screen. This makes it possible to undo tasks, activate a mini keyboard and consult more options via the three dots. In some apps the toolbar is expanded with additional options, for example in Reminders or Notes you will see shortcuts for certain functions.
Unfortunately, the function does not work optimally in Dutch and iPadOS will still try to change the words. As a result, Writing is only available to a limited extent and we have to wait until Apple releases this function in Dutch.
Draw and recognize shapes on iPad
Drawing shapes perfectly can be difficult, but not on the iPad. The software can recognize all kinds of drawn shapes and convert them into a perfect copy. You do this in two ways: for example, draw a triangle and pause at the end, iPadOS then converts your drawing into a perfect triangle. Is this not working? Then place your finger on the shape and choose ‘Align to shape’ from the pop-up menu.
iPadOS can recognize these shapes: line, arc, circle, oval, square, rectangle, heart, triangle, hexagon, star, cloud, ‘thinking’ cloud, boxed arrow, line with arrow, arc with arrow and a line with 90º angles .
Recognition of data types
iPadOS can also search handwritten notes and recognize data such as dates, (email) addresses and telephone numbers. From the handwritten text, you can then immediately tap to view the address in Maps or send a message to an email address.
Select, copy and paste handwriting
The handwriting recognition even goes a step further, because the iPad can also easily select, copy and paste it. Activate the drawing, for example in notes, and place your finger on the handwritten text. Just like with digital text, you can then select letter by letter and character by character. You can then copy, paste and cut the text via the pop-up menu.
When the handwritten text is selected, you can also drag it to another location so that it moves without having to redraw it.
Smart Script for iPad (new)
Another feature that only works well in English is Smart Script. This option is specially designed for Apple Pencil and converts handwritten text from iPadOS 18 into smooth, flexible and easy-to-read text that still looks like your handwriting. With Smart Script, handwritten text is immediately made smoother and straighter, so that everything is easy to read – even if you have quickly written something down.
Moreover, you can edit handwritten text just as easily as a typed piece. With Apple Pencil you can easily add white space, delete a sentence, or even insert typed text into your own handwriting. And the paragraph automatically adapts to the new text.
Automatically refine handwriting
- Open a note
- Activate the drawing tools (pencil symbol)
- If necessary, open the full view of the drawing tools
- Tap the three dots
- Enable the ‘Automatically refine handwriting’ option
Do you have an Apple Pencil Pro? Then you can also squeeze the Pencil to open the shortcut menu. Tap the three dots and then the gear to activate the ‘Automatically refine handwriting’ option.