How to Write Neater on iPad | 9 Top Tips!
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Keep reading to learn about how to write neater on iPad!
Would rather watch a video? Watch my complete walk-through below.
One of the biggest questions I get from those beginning their journey in digital planning is how to write neater on an iPad. I get it, you want your planner to look neat and not like you just scribbled your plans and to-do’s down. Writing neatly on an iPad can be a challenge, especially if you’re used to pen and paper.
But fear not, because I will be sharing my top tips so you’ll be able to improve your handwriting and achieve beautiful handwriting on your iPad. No matter what stage you’re in with digital planning, these tips will make your iPad experience even better.
1. Using a Pencil
Using a pencil is a must. I am a big fan of Apple products so I use an Apple pencil with my iPad. I tried using different pencils when I first started out but they just didn’t work out and most would have a lag time which really bothered me.
I definitely think investing in an Apple pencil is a great idea and will make a world of a difference when it comes to your writing.
2. Pen Tips
Using a pencil is a must. I am a big fan of Apple products so I use an Apple pencil with my iPad. I tried using different pencils when I first started out but they just didn’t work out and most would have a lag time which really bothered me.
I definitely think investing in an Apple pencil is a great idea and will make a world of a difference when it comes to your writing.
3. Pencil Covers
To improve your grip and comfort while writing, try using pencil covers or grips designed for your pencil. These accessories can provide a better feel and will prevent your hand from getting tired which will result in neater handwriting.
I tried using the pencil without a cover on it when I first bought it and it was very uncomfortable. I do think this is based on personal preference though so if you do like the feel of the pencil on its own, more power to you!
4. Paper-feel Screen Protector
When I first got my iPad and started digital planning, I always said I didn’t want to get a “paper-feel” screen protector.
I liked the feeling of just writing on the glass and at first it was fine but then I got curious about what the difference would be if I used the paper-feel screen protector everyone was raving about. I ended up purchasing an inexpensive one on Amazon and haven’t taken it off since!
I noticed that my writing was definitely better and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I’ve always been used to writing on paper, so having a paper-feel screen protector definitely improved my writing.
5. Write Slower
This one may seem a bit obvious, but it’s an important tip so I didn’t want to leave it out. Take your time and write at a slower pace when using your iPad or tablet. Writing too quickly can lead to sloppy handwriting and less control. Slowing down allows you to focus on each stroke and improve the overall legibility of your writing.
I don’t mind my writing too much so sometimes it’s okay for me if it looks a bit messy, but I know that’s a big deal for lots of planners out there.
Start writing slower and let me know if that helps a bit!
6. Use the Zoom Feature
Zooming in gives you more precision, resulting in cleaner and neater handwriting. You can do this on any iPad or Tablet. If you use GoodNotes, you can also use the magnifying feature which will make it easier to write while still being able to view your planner at a glance.
I always zoom in when I am writing, especially in my monthly overview. If you’ve taken a look at any of my Plan with Me videos, you will notice that I always do this.
7. Change Pen Settings
Explore the pen settings in your preferred app. You may be able to adjust the thickness or type of pen, allowing you to find the perfect settings that suit your handwriting style. Experimenting with these settings can help you achieve neater and more personalized results.
For instance, my preferred app, GoodNotes, has 3 main pens to choose from and they all write differently. The fountain pen and brush pen are pressure sensitive. This means that the ink will change based on how much you press down and how quickly you write. For the fountain pen, you can also adjust how pointy you’d prefer the tip to be. These pens are great choices for calligraphy.
Then there’s the ball pen which will always give you a uniform line no matter how much pressure you’re using. The ink will look the same and give you better control.
8. Palm Rejection
Palm rejection is a game-changer when it comes to writing on an iPad. This is something not many people know about and it can definitely make a difference while writing on your iPad.
It allows you to rest your hand on the screen while writing without any marks you didn’t mean to add. Apps like Notability and GoodNotes have built-in palm rejection features, making them great for neater handwriting. Definitely check if this is a feature your current app has!
9. Use Text Instead
The last tip I have for you is to use text instead. Now I have an iPad so I’ll show you how to do this on an iPad. The first you want to do is make sure that “Scribble” is turned on in your settings. To do this, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Turn on Scribble.
This feature allows you to turn your handwriting into Typed writing. It’s a neat feature if you like your notes to look consistent.
Of course, you can also use the text feature that is built into the app. I like to use my keyboard when I use this feature but mainly use it for my journaling notebooks.
The great thing about digital planning is that you can erase as many times as you’d like and no one would ever know.
Which is your favorite tip? Or which tip has made the biggest difference in your writing? I’d love to know if you have any other tips I didn’t mention in my list. Let me know in the comments!