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How to Stop OneNote Converting Handwriting to Text on iPad
Question details
The user wants to prevent handwritten notes entered with an Apple Pencil in OneNote for iPad from automatically converting into typed text.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Taking handwritten notes using an Apple Pencil in OneNote on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- Handwriting is automatically converted into typed text instead of remaining as digital ink.
Ensure your Apple Pencil is properly paired with your iPad and that both your iPadOS and the OneNote app are updated to their latest supported versions.
Disable the Apple Pencil Scribble Feature
Turn off the iPadOS Scribble feature, which is responsible for automatically converting handwriting to text across applications, including OneNote.
The automatic conversion of handwriting to text in OneNote is not a built-in OneNote setting, but rather a system-wide feature in iPadOS called Scribble. Disabling Scribble will allow your handwriting to remain as digital ink.
Navigate to your iPad's home screen and tap the 'Settings' app.
Scroll down the left sidebar in the Settings menu and tap on 'Apple Pencil'.
Locate the 'Scribble' toggle switch in the Apple Pencil menu and turn it off.
Open the OneNote app, select the 'Draw' tab, and use your Apple Pencil to write. Ensure the text remains as handwriting.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Note-Taking and Document Editing
If you are looking for a versatile and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Office offers powerful document editing, PDF annotation, and note-taking features. It provides a smooth writing experience across multiple devices without unexpected formatting issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open a New Document: Launch WPS Office and tap the '+' icon to create a new Document or PDF for your notes.
- 3. Use Digital Ink: Select the 'Pen' or 'Draw' tool to start handwriting your notes without forced text conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Apple Pencil automatically write in text instead of drawing?
This happens because the 'Scribble' feature is enabled in your iPadOS settings. Scribble is an Apple feature designed to automatically convert handwriting into typed text whenever you write in a text field.
Can I turn off Scribble just for OneNote?
No, Scribble is an iPadOS system-level feature. When you turn it off or on in the Apple Pencil settings, it universally affects all applications on your iPad.
How do I switch back to handwriting mode in OneNote?
After disabling Scribble in your iPad settings, open OneNote, tap the 'Draw' tab at the top of the screen, select your preferred pen tool, and begin writing with your Apple Pencil.
What should I do if OneNote still converts handwriting to text after disabling Scribble?
If the issue persists, try restarting your iPad to ensure the setting change is applied. Additionally, open the App Store and verify that both your iPadOS and the Microsoft OneNote app are updated to their latest versions.
