How to enter text with Scribble on iPad

Thursday October 15, 2026 2:55 pm EAT by Stacey Butler

On supported models, you can use Apple Pencil (sold separately) and Scribble to enter text. Without opening the onscreen keyboard, you can quickly reply to a message, write yourself a reminder, and more.

Scribble converts your handwriting to text directly on your iPad, so your writing stays private. Your handwriting can even go past the edges of the text field, and the actions you see depend on the app.

Here’s how to enter text with Scribble on iPad.

Note: Scribble is available in several languages.

Use Apple Pencil to enter text in any text field

Write with Apple Pencil in any text field, and Scribble automatically converts your handwriting into typed text.

Scribble even works when your handwriting extends beyond the edges of the text field.
To use an action shortcut, tap the Scribble toolbar.

Available actions depend on the app you’re using, and may include the Undo button, the Show Keyboard button, and more.

To automatically minimize the toolbar when you’re entering text, tap the Ellipsis button, then turn on Auto-minimize. To show the full toolbar, tap the minimized version.

Use Apple Pencil to enter text in Notes and Freeform

In Notes or Freeform, tap the Markup Switch button off to show the tool palette.
In the tool palette, tap the Handwriting tool (to the left of the pen).
Write with Apple Pencil, and Scribble automatically converts your handwriting into typed text.

Select and revise text with Apple Pencil

While you enter text with Apple Pencil and Scribble, you can do the following:

Delete a word: Scratch it out.
Insert text: Touch and hold in a text area, then write in the space that opens.
Join or separate characters: Draw a vertical line between them.
Select text: Draw a circle around the text or underline it to select it and see editing options. To change the selection, drag from the beginning or end of the selected text.
Select a word: Double-tap the word.
Select a paragraph: Triple-tap a word within the paragraph, or drag Apple Pencil over the paragraph.