How to use handwriting in text boxes with iPad and Apple Pencil

Learn how to use your Apple Pencil with Scribble to add handwriting to text boxes that will convert to typed text.

Handwrite Text Boxes using Scribble on iPad with Apple Pencil

You might use an Apple Pencil on your iPad for jotting down notes, sketching your own drawings, or coloring in one of many relaxing adult coloring books. Yes, as an Apple Pencil user, you know you can do much more than just take notes on your iPad.

With the Scribble feature, you have even more features to help you do things with Apple Pencil. Here we’ll show you how to use handwriting in text boxes. This lets you continue using your Apple Pencil even if you want to veer away from your current activity for a quick Safari lookup or Maps search.

Where can you use Scribble in text boxes?

You’re probably wondering which apps and spots on iPad you can use Scribble with Apple Pencil in text boxes. The answer is almost anywhere! Obviously, it works in Apple apps with text fields like Maps, Mail, the App Store, and Files. And apps like Facebook, Twitter, Google, Slack, and even Shazam all have search fields, and jotting text into those apps works great!

However, there may be some limitations. When in doubt, give it a try! More likely than not, the app you have with a text box will allow some scribbling. So give it a try in searches, posts, forms, and similar spots.

How do you use Scribble in text boxes?

There really is no “how to” when it comes to this feature. You simply use your Apple Pencil to handwrite inside a text box, like a search field, and your writing will be converted to typed text.

Handwrite in Maps Search Box on iPad with Apple Pencil

And with an app or website like Google, you’ll see suggestions for your text just like if you type it in.

Another golden nugget of this feature is that you can keep writing into the same box, and your text will be recognized as you go. For instance, you may be entering a phrase or simply more than a single word.

As you can see in the screenshots below, I did a Google Search for Johnny Depp. I wrote “Johnny,” which was recognized, and then continued writing “Depp,” which was also recognized.

Handwrite in Google Search Box on iPad with Apple Pencil

Note that the accuracy of the typed text result does depend on your iPad being able to recognize it. So, if you have horrible handwriting, this is something to keep in mind.

Erase the word

If you write something that you want to delete or if iPadOS has recognized it incorrectly, just make a zig-zag line over the word, and it will get erased.

Erase word with zig zag Apple Pencil gesture during Scribble

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