HOW TO Use Scribble’s advanced features in Notes

1 Markup pen

In iPadOS’ Notes app, Scribble can be used in two ways. (We’ll have to wait and see if third–party apps will be able to do the same.) In a note, tap the Markup pen icon at the top–right and pick the new Handwriting (“A”) pen.

2 Tap to return

Using the Pencil, write anywhere in the note view and you’ll see recognized characters are typed at the current cursor position. Notice the Return button at the bottom–right, which you can tap to start a new line.

3 Draw with Finger

Alternatively, pick any other pen tool and write text, at any size, wherever you want it. This also works without a Pencil: tap the three dots icon in the Markup toolbar at the bottom and switch on Draw with Finger.

4 Select the text

Deselect the Markup pen at the top, then use your finger to long–press the text you’ve written until it highlights. Drag the yellow selection handles to select more (even on multiple lines) or less. Tap for editing options.

5 Edit and search

Your handwritten text is editable and searchable. (If this is the first line, it also sets the note’s title.) You can choose Copy as Text to add it to the iPadOS clipboard as ordinary text and paste it anywhere else.

6 Shape recognition

Shape recognition is also new (and, unlike Scribble, also in iOS 14). Roughly draw a square, circle, triangle or star, and keep your Pencil or finger held down. You’ll see it pop into shape, and it can be selected and moved.