How to Use Scribble to Write in Text Fields on iPad

To use Scribble on an iPad, tap an editable text field and write in it with a compatible, paired Apple Pencil. Scribble converts your handwriting into typed text as you write, so you can fill out forms, search the web, or reply to messages without opening the onscreen keyboard. You need a supported iPad running iPadOS 14 or later and a supported Scribble language selected in your keyboard settings.

What you need before Scribble can work

Check these requirements before you start:

• A supported iPad running iPadOS 14 or later. Scribble works on iPad Pro 11-inch models, iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from the third generation onward, iPad Air from the third generation onward, iPad from the sixth generation onward, and iPad mini from the fifth generation onward.
• A compatible Apple Pencil. Scribble supports Apple Pencil (1st generation), Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple Pencil Pro when used with a compatible iPad and supported iPadOS version.
• An Apple Pencil that is paired, connected, and charged. Pairing depends on the model: connect a first-generation Pencil through its Lightning connector, attach a second-generation Pencil magnetically to the iPad, or connect a USB-C Pencil with a USB-C cable. Apple Pencil Pro pairs magnetically with compatible iPad models.
• A supported handwriting language. Scribble supports languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. The exact language options can depend on your iPadOS version, region, and installed keyboards.

To check the installed iPadOS version, open Settings and go to General > Software Update. To check the Pencil battery, open Settings > Apple Pencil, or add the Batteries widget to the Home Screen or Today View. If the Pencil does not appear there, connect or attach it to the iPad and complete the pairing prompt.

How to turn on Scribble and write in any text field

Scribble is normally enabled by default on supported iPads. Confirm the setting before you try it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Open the Apple Pencil settings.

Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble

3. Turn on Scribble. If the option is missing, confirm that the iPad and Apple Pencil meet the requirements in the previous section.
4. Open an app with an editable text field, such as Safari, Messages, Notes, or a form in a browser.
5. Tap inside the text field with your finger or Apple Pencil. The insertion point should appear.
6. Write a word or sentence in the field with the Apple Pencil. For example, in Safari, tap the address or search field and handwrite weather tomorrow. Scribble converts the handwriting into typed text as you write.
7. Submit the text by tapping the search, return, send, or other button provided by the app. Keep writing if the field accepts more text.

To enter a space, draw a short horizontal line between words. In many text fields, you can also tap the space area with the Pencil after writing a word. Clear, separated letters convert more reliably than tightly compressed writing.

Scribble uses the active keyboard language. To write in another supported language, add and select that language under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards before testing it.

How to edit handwriting without reaching for the keyboard

Edit the converted text with Scribble gestures. Draw each gesture directly over the text you want to change.

• Delete text: scratch over a word or characters with the Pencil. A quick back-and-forth scribble removes the selected text.
• Select text: circle a word or group of characters. You can then replace it by writing the new text.
• Insert text: touch and hold the Pencil where you want the insertion point, then write in the space that appears.
• Join text: draw a vertical line between two parts of text to remove the gap.
• Separate text: draw a vertical line where a space should go.

For example, if Scribble converts your phrase as meet at nine but you meant meet at noon, scribble over nine to delete it, then write noon in the same area. If the correction is not recognized, select the word and write the replacement again. You can also use the standard iPad editing commands that appear after selecting text, including cut, copy, and paste.

Where Scribble works and where it will not

Scribble works in ordinary editable text fields. Common examples include Safari search and address fields, Messages, Mail, Notes, reminders, document editors, and many third-party apps and web forms. The app must expose a text field that accepts typed input; Scribble does not turn every area of an app into a writing surface.

Some fields deliberately restrict handwriting input. Password fields commonly hide or disable Scribble so that sensitive text is not displayed as handwriting or converted visibly on screen. Secure entry fields, one-time passcode controls, search fields built with custom controls, and apps that do not support the iPad text system may require the onscreen keyboard instead.

Scribble cannot convert handwriting in a noneditable label, an image, a PDF page that has no text field, or a drawing canvas unless that app provides its own handwriting feature. A text field may accept typing but still reject Scribble if the app implements the field in a nonstandard way.

Language also affects conversion. Scribble recognizes only the handwriting languages supported by your iPadOS version and configured keyboards. If the language is unsupported or the wrong keyboard language is active, the Pencil may draw in the field without producing the text you intended.

How to tell whether Scribble is working

Use Notes to separate an iPad or Pencil problem from an app-specific limitation.

1. Open Notes and create a new note.
2. Tap in the note so the insertion point appears.
3. Write a short English phrase with the Apple Pencil. The handwriting should change into typed text immediately.
4. Draw a short line between two words to test a space, then scribble over one word to test deletion.

If the test succeeds in Notes but not in another app, that app or its particular field likely does not support Scribble. If it fails everywhere, check these items in order:

• Open Settings > Apple Pencil and make sure Scribble is on.
• Confirm that the Pencil appears under Settings > Apple Pencil and shows a battery level. If it does not, attach or connect it, accept the pairing prompt, and charge it.
• Check the active keyboard language under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Select a supported language that matches what you are writing.
• Close and reopen the app, then test again in Notes.
• Restart the iPad if the Pencil is paired but Scribble still does not convert handwriting.
• Install any available iPadOS update under Settings > General > Software Update.

If the Scribble option is missing, the iPad may be an unsupported model, the iPadOS version may be too old, or the Apple Pencil may not be recognized. Verify the model and Pencil connection before looking for the setting again.

Conclusion

Scribble is working when handwriting in an editable field changes to typed text, a horizontal line creates a space, and a scribble deletes text. Test those actions in Notes first, then use Scribble in the search box, message, or form you need. Keep the Pencil charged and paired, select the matching keyboard language, and switch to typing when a particular app or field restricts handwriting input.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Scribble without an Apple Pencil?

No. Scribble requires a compatible Apple Pencil paired with a supported iPad. A finger cannot provide the handwriting input for Scribble.

Why does my Apple Pencil draw lines instead of typing?

First confirm that you tapped inside an editable text field. Then check Settings > Apple Pencil to make sure `Scribble` is on, confirm that the Pencil is paired and charged, and select a supported active keyboard language under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. If it works in Notes but not in the affected app, that app or field restricts Scribble.

Does Scribble work in password fields?

Usually not. Password and other secure fields commonly disable handwriting input and require the onscreen keyboard or another supported text-entry method.