How to use the Handwriting feature in Notes

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of using the Handwriting feature in the Notes app. This feature allows you to write or draw using your finger or stylus directly on your device's screen. The handwritten notes are then converted into digital text for easier readability and searchability. Let's get started!

Step 1: Accessing the Notes app

First, locate and open the Notes app on your device. Typically, it can be found on the home screen or in the app drawer.

Step 2: Creating a new note

To use the Handwriting feature, you need to create a new note or access an existing one. If you have an existing note you want to use, simply tap on it to open. Otherwise, follow these steps to create a new note:

On the main screen of the Notes app, you should see a "+" button. Tap on it to create a new note.
A blank note will open, ready for you to write or type in.

Step 3: Activating Handwriting mode

To activate Handwriting mode in the Notes app, follow these steps:

At the bottom of the screen, you will see a toolbar with various options. Tap on the Pen icon (which represents the Handwriting feature). This will activate Handwriting mode.
You should see a toolbar at the bottom with different tools and options for writing and drawing. Experiment with the different options to adjust the pen thickness, color, and opacity according to your preference.

Step 4: Writing or drawing

Now that you are in Handwriting mode, you can start writing or drawing directly on the note. Simply use your finger or stylus to make the desired markings on the screen.

You can write in cursive or print, and the app will try to convert your handwriting into digital text automatically as you go along. If you make a mistake, you can erase or edit specific parts of your writing using the eraser or selection tools provided in the toolbar.

You can also switch between writing and typing modes by tapping on the Keyboard icon which appears in the toolbar when you are in Handwriting mode. This allows you to mix handwritten and typed content in the same note.

Step 5: Formatting and organizing your handwriting

The Notes app provides various formatting and organizing options to enhance your handwritten notes:

Formatting text: You can change the style and formatting of the text by selecting it and tapping on the "Aa" icon in the toolbar. This allows you to change the font, size, color, and apply text formatting such as bold or italics to specific parts of your handwriting.
Adding images and sketches: You can enhance your handwritten notes by adding images or sketches. You can do this by tapping on the "+" icon in the toolbar and selecting either "Take Photo or Video" to capture a new image or "Photo Library" to choose an existing image from your device. Once added, you can resize or move the image or sketch around the note as needed.
Organizing and managing notes: The Notes app allows you to create folders to organize your notes. To create a new folder, tap on the "..." icon in the top-right corner and select "New Folder". Additionally, you can use the search functionality within the app to easily find handwritten notes by searching for specific keywords or phrases.

Step 6: Saving and syncing your notes

The Notes app automatically saves your notes as you work, but it's important to ensure that your notes are syncing with your device and other connected devices:

To check if your notes are syncing, go to your device's Settings and select "Notes".
Enable the "iCloud" sync option to ensure your notes are backed up and accessible across your devices. If you prefer, you can also choose to sync your notes with other cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive.
Ensure that you have a stable internet connection for syncing to work properly.

That's it! You now know how to use the Handwriting feature in the Notes app. Start exploring the possibilities of handwritten digital notes and enjoy the convenience and flexibility it offers. Happy note-taking!