Using the Apple Pencil on your iPad Pro transforms it into a versatile tool for everything from precise drawing and note-taking to seamless navigation and creative work. As highlighted in resources like Apple Support videos, learning the various actions and gestures you can perform is key to maximizing its capabilities, especially with models like the Apple Pencil Pro.
Before you start, ensure your Apple Pencil is paired and charged. For Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro, this is typically done by magnetically attaching it to the side of your compatible iPad Pro.
Core Usage & Features
The primary ways to use your Apple Pencil include:
- Drawing and Painting: Use various brushes and tools in apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or Notes to create digital art. Pressure and tilt sensitivity allow for dynamic line weight and shading.
- Writing and Note-Taking: Write directly on the screen in apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or Apple Notes. Scribble allows you to handwrite text in any text field, which iOS converts to typed text.
- Navigation: Tap, scroll, and select items on the screen just like you would with your finger, but with greater precision.
Advanced Actions and Gestures
Modern Apple Pencils, particularly the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Apple Pencil Pro, include powerful gestures that speed up your workflow:
Key Gestures & Functions
| Gesture | Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) | Apple Pencil Pro | Typical Function(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Tap | Yes | Yes | Quickly switch between tools (e.g., pen and eraser) |
| Squeeze | No | Yes | Open a new tool palette or perform a custom action |
| Barrel Roll | No | Yes | Precisely control the orientation of brush strokes |
| Hover | Yes (iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd gen+, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th gen+) | Yes | Preview your mark before making it |
| Screen Shot | Yes | Yes | Swipe up from the bottom-left corner to capture/markup |
| Quick Note | Yes | Yes | Swipe down from the bottom-right corner (from Lock Screen or Home Screen) |
Note: Gesture availability may depend on the specific Apple Pencil model and iPad Pro generation.
In-App Functionality
Many apps integrate deeply with Apple Pencil, allowing for specific actions:
- Tool Switching: Double-tapping the side often switches between the current tool and the eraser or the last used tool.
- Pressure Sensitivity: Press harder to create thicker or darker lines.
- Tilt Sensitivity: Angle the pencil to shade or use chisel-tipped brushes.
- Specific App Controls: Apps may assign unique functions to gestures like Squeeze or Barrel Roll for controlling brushes, colors, or layers.
Customization
You can customize some Apple Pencil settings on your iPad Pro:
- Go to Settings > Apple Pencil.
- Here you can adjust the Double Tap gesture function.
- For Apple Pencil Pro, you can also customize the Squeeze gesture and see options related to Barrel Roll.
- Toggle features like Scribble on or off.
By mastering these actions, gestures, and settings, you can effectively leverage the full potential of your Apple Pencil on your iPad Pro for both productivity and creativity.
