How Do I Connect My Apple Pencil to My iPad?
Since the Apple Pencil doesn’t come with the iPad, you’ll need to get it connected once you get everything unboxed. Fortunately, it’s easy to connect an Apple Pencil. But note that how you connect the Apple Pencil will depend on what model iPad you have. Once connected, the Apple Pencil and iPad will sync up, the firmware will update if necessary, and the pencil will charge. Assuming the Apple Pencil has enough battery charge, you can begin using your Apple Pencil.
How Do I Set up My Apple Pencil?
Once you’ve got your Apple Pencil connected, then you can change a few settings to get it to work exactly the way you want it to. Try these setting to set up your Apple Pencil to suit your needs.
Change What a Double Tap Does
One useful feature of your Apple Pencil is the ability to double-tap it to change the functionality of the stylus. It’s limited to a few options, but you can choose to either have it Switch Between Current Tool and Eraser or Switch Between Current Tool and Last Used. You also have the option to double-tap to Show Color Palette if you prefer, which is a handy feature if you’re using your iPad for lots of graphic works in programs like Photoshop or Procreate.
Change How You Use the Apple Pencil
If what you want to use your Apple Pencil for is to navigate your iPad, you’ll need to adjust that in the Settings options. You can toggle Only Draw with Apple Pencil On or Off, depending on what your preference is. When it’s On (the slider will be green) you can only use the Apple Pencil for drawing and writing on your iPad. That means you’ll need to use your fingers to scroll, swipe, and tap on your iPad. When it’s Off (the slider will be gray) you can draw, write, or navigate with the Apple Pencil.
Use Your Apple Pencil to Handwrite in Text Boxes
Scribble lets you handwrite in any text box. Once Scribble is enabled, all you need to do is tap in the text box with your Pencil to write in that field. It takes a little practice in some areas (like a web browser’s address bar), but once you get used to using it, it becomes a handy feature (since the pencil is already in your hand).
So Much More
There’s so much more you can do with your Apple Pencil, but this covers all the basics you need to get started. You can also find out more about the best apps for Apple Pencil on your iPad or the best apps for Apple Pencil on your iPad Pro.
