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How to Fix the Scratch-Out Gesture Not Working in OneNote on iPad
Question details
The user is attempting to delete handwritten notes in OneNote for iPad using the scratch-out gesture, but the action fails to erase the text when using a generic stylus.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Editing and removing handwritten text or drawings during a note-taking session on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- Scratching over the handwritten text does not trigger the deletion function on the iPad app, despite this gesture functioning correctly on the Windows version of the application.
Ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS and check the App Store to confirm your Microsoft OneNote application is fully updated to access the latest available drawing tools.
Use the Manual Eraser Tool to Remove Handwriting
Since the scratch-out gesture is not universally supported on the iPad version of OneNote, manually selecting the built-in eraser tool is the most reliable way to delete handwritten content.
The iPad version of OneNote handles stylus inputs differently than the Windows version. Features like the automatic scratch-out gesture often rely on Windows Ink capabilities or specific hardware integrations that are absent on iPadOS, especially when using a generic third-party stylus.
Open your notebook in the OneNote for iPad app and tap on the 'Draw' tab located in the top ribbon menu to reveal your pen and stylus tools.
Tap the 'Eraser' icon (usually positioned next to the pens). You can tap it a second time to choose between different eraser sizes (Stroke Eraser, Medium Eraser, etc.).
Rub the tip of your stylus over the handwritten text or drawings you wish to remove. The content will be immediately deleted.
Check for Specific Pen Tool Availability
Some advanced gesture functions are restricted to specific pen types within the app. Verifying if the 'Text Pen' is available can help determine if the gesture is supported on your setup.
Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft
If you rely heavily on the scratch-out gesture and find it missing for generic styluses on the iPad app, submitting official feedback helps Microsoft prioritize this feature in future updates.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Cross-Platform Note-taking and Document Management
If you are frustrated by inconsistent features across different devices in Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers a unified and completely free alternative. Enjoy lightweight, fully compatible document editing and powerful PDF annotation tools across all your mobile and desktop devices.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the App Store on your iPad and install the application.
- 2. Sign In to Sync: Launch the application and sign in to your WPS account to enable real-time cloud syncing across all your devices.
- 3. Start Annotating: Open any document or PDF and use the built-in drawing tools to write, highlight, and seamlessly erase with your stylus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the scratch-out gesture work on Windows but not on my iPad?
The Windows version of OneNote offers a different feature set and deeper integration with Windows Ink. The iPad application currently limits certain advanced stylus gestures, particularly when using generic third-party styluses rather than specialized hardware.
Will the scratch-out gesture work if I buy an official Apple Pencil?
While an Apple Pencil provides a significantly better drawing experience and supports exclusive features like 'double-tap to erase', the specific scratch-out deletion gesture is currently not natively supported for the standard pen tools in OneNote for iPadOS.
What is the fastest way to erase handwriting in OneNote for iPad without the gesture?
The fastest method is using the Apple Pencil's double-tap shortcut if you own a 2nd generation Apple Pencil or an Apple Pencil Pro. Otherwise, you must manually tap the Eraser tool located in the Draw tab before wiping over your handwritten notes.
