
The iPad has handwritten text capabilities and can convert them to typed texts. If you are searching for tips on how to write neat on iPad, you have come to the right place. You should note that the following tips work for all generations of Apple Pencils.
Move Handwritten Text
While it might seem counterintuitive, moving your handwritten text can help you when learning how to write neat on iPad. To move any text, you need to select it. You can do this using the Lasso tool or simply double tapping the text.
To turn the Lasso tool on, you must expand the Markup toolbar in the Apple Notes app. Once you do this, tap the Lasso tool located in between the ruler and eraser. Once the Lasso tool is active, you can draw a circle over your text using your Apple Pencil. Once the circle is complete, drag the text to its new position. And you are done!
Convert Handwriting To Typed Text
The iPad Pro helps you convert handwritten notes into typed texts. To do this, you first need to select the word; you can do this by double-tapping a word. You can then use your Apple Pencil to draw a circle around the word.
Alternatively, you can convert an entire note into typed text. You can achieve this by simply double-tapping the handwritten text. This will cause a popup menu to appear. Select the Copy to text option. You can then use this menu to paste the copied text into a different note app, which converts it into transcribed or regular text.
Learn how to transfer your notes from iPad to a computer here.
Discover How To Edit Handwritten Text
One of the greatest things about the iPad’s handwriting recognition is that it enables you to edit your handwritten text. You can do so by using the following techniques:
- You can delete a typed word by scratching it out using your Apple Pencil
- You can create a vertical line between characters to separate or join characters or words
- You can insert additional text into a space by touching and holding an area. Doing this brings up a space where you can write your text
Use Apple Notes App To Write Handwritten Notes
Perhaps one of the best handwriting apps on the iPad has to be the Apple Notes app. You can use it to improve your handwriting skill using the following steps:
- Open the Apple Notes app and create a new note or open an existing one
- Tap the Markup toolbar icon located at the top of the screen using the Apple Pencil tip
- Expand the floating Pen button by tapping on it
- Choose the Handwriting Pen labeled as “A” to turn on Scribble mode.
At this point, you should be able to create handwritten text just about anywhere on the screen. Furthermore, your iPad can transform this text into typed text.
Use & Minimize Action Toolbar
When writing with the Apple Pencil, you will discover an action bar located at the bottom half of the screen. This toolbar comes with various tools pertinent to whatever app you are using.
For instance, the toolbar might have a large search button when using Safari or formatting icons in the Pages app. A few of the tools in the action toolbar remain consistent, with Apple Pencil, Show Keyboard, and Undo some of them. For instance, using the toolbar to quickly access the Undo feature can help you rewrite your quick note, making it more legible.
While the action toolbar can be helpful, it can get in the way if it remains on the screen when you don’t require it. The best way to avoid this is to automatically minimize the toolbar.
To do this, you must tap the three-dot icon on the action toolbar and select the Auto-minimize toggle. If you require the full toolbar, tap on the miniature version.

Write In Any Text Field
Most people think you can only create handwritten notes in the Apple Notes app. However, this isn’t the case. Apple ensures that you can write in just about any text field so long as it is in a supported Apple app such as Safari, Pages, Email, Reminder, and more.
To do this, you must tap the text field with your Apple Pencil and begin writing. Once you begin writing, you can even write beyond the edges of the textbox. One disadvantage of the handwriting capability on the iPad is that you cannot use it for apps such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or OneNote.
Find out the disadvantages of using an iPad here.
Enable Or Disable Scribble
One of the first things you can do to help you write neat on iPad is to convert your beautiful handwriting to text in real-time. To do this, you need to enable Scribble. The Scribble function is available on all iPads running on at least iPadOS 14.
To do this, you need to head to Settings on the iPad Pro and look for Apple Pencil. Tap the toggle next to the Scribble option to enable it. You can disable this option by tapping the same toggle.
If, for some reason, Scribble isn’t working correctly on your iPad, you might need to ensure your keyboard language is set to any of the supported languages.
How To Write Neat On iPad: Conclusion
The handwriting recognition feature on the iPad via the Apple Pencil is extremely helpful; the entire suite of handwriting features helps you get the most out of your iOS device. Nevertheless, you can improve this by using the best handwriting apps and note taking apps available for the iPad.