How to make Apple Pencil convert handwriting to text?

FAQ Handwriting to text
Published May 25, 2024

Apple Pencil and iPad are powerful tools that allow users to convert handwritten notes and sketches into digital text. This feature is particularly useful for students, professionals, and creatives who want to digitize their notes or written content for easy sharing and editing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can make your Apple Pencil convert handwriting to text using various methods and apps. You can also use HandwritingOCR to convert handwriting in PDFs or images to digital text at HandwritingOCR.

Convert handwritten notes to Word, Google Docs, Markdown and Excel. Better accuracy than any note-taking app. Try for free now →

Using Scribble in iPadOS

Apple introduced Scribble in iPadOS 14, which lets you use Apple Pencil to write in any text field, and it will automatically convert your handwriting to text.

  1. Enable Scribble: Go to Settings > Apple Pencil and make sure Scribble is turned on.
  2. Writing in Text Fields: When you tap on a text field, simply start writing with your Apple Pencil. Scribble will convert your handwriting into typed text.
  3. Editing Text: You can cross out a word or phrase to delete it, circle text to select it, or draw a line to join or separate words.

Using Notes App

The Notes app on iPad includes built-in features to convert handwriting to text.

  1. Create a New Note: Open the Notes app and create a new note.
  2. Write with Apple Pencil: Use your Apple Pencil to write your notes by hand.
  3. Select Handwritten Text: Tap on the Lasso Tool in the toolbar, then circle the handwritten text you want to convert. Tap on it again to bring up the options menu and select Copy as Text.
  4. Paste as Text: Paste the copied text into the same note or a different application.

Third-Party Apps and Services

Several third-party apps offer enhanced handwriting recognition capabilities:

  1. GoodNotes: This app allows you to write notes with your Apple Pencil and convert them to typed text. Simply write your notes, then use the Lasso Tool to select the handwriting and choose Convert.
  2. Notability: Similar to GoodNotes, Notability supports handwriting recognition. Use the Lasso Tool to select your handwriting and tap on Convert to Text.
  3. Microsoft OneNote: OneNote has built-in OCR capabilities. Write your notes, tap on the handwriting to bring up the menu, and select Ink to Text.

Using HandwritingOCR

For more specialized needs like converting handwriting in PDFs or images to digital text, you can use HandwritingOCR. Visit HandwritingOCR to upload your PDFs or images and get accurate text conversion.

By following these steps and exploring the mentioned apps and services, you can efficiently convert your handwritten notes into digital text, making them more searchable, editable, and shareable.

Convert handwritten notes to Word, Google Docs, Markdown and Excel. Better accuracy than any note-taking app. Try for free now →