Handwriting on the iPad: how to use Apple Scribble and Smart Script

An image of someone handwriting on an iPad using an Apple Pencil and the Apple Smart Script function to refine handwriting on iPad
(Image credit: Apple)

Want to do handwriting on the iPad? You can use Apple Scribble or Smart Script in Notes depending on whether you want to convert handwriting to typed text or keep it its natural form – but more legible.

You can enter text with Apple Scribble to transform scrawl into plain text, which makes it useful for filling in text fields, making reminders and more in a range of apps. It's particularly useful if you're using your tablet without a keyboard (and don't want to fiddle with the on-screen keyboard), but it has the downside of requiring you to use a text input box.

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Adam is a widely published tech writer and designer. He was previously editor-in-chief and creative director at MacUser.
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