Draw with Apple Pencil on iPad

On supported models, you can use Apple Pencil (sold separately) to draw or sketch, mark up a photo, sign a document, and more.

Compared to using your finger, Apple Pencil gives you extra control as you draw.

Apply shading and darker lines

While you draw or sketch, tilt your Apple Pencil to apply shading or to vary the line thickness (depending on the drawing tool).

With Apple Pencil (1st and 2nd generations) and Apple Pencil Pro, you can also press more firmly to darken the line.

Double-tap to switch tools

With Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil Pro, you can double-tap the barrel of the pencil to quickly switch back to the tool you used last. For example, you can switch from the marker back to the eraser. (The double-tap option is available in supported apps, such as Notes.)

To choose another action for the double-tap setting, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Double Tap.

The screen for choosing the action for the double-tap setting.

Squeeze Apple Pencil Pro to perform an action

With Apple Pencil Pro, you can squeeze the barrel of the pencil to quickly perform an action such as undo or show the tool palette.

To choose an action for the squeeze setting, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Squeeze.

The screen for choosing the action for the squeeze setting.

Turn haptic feedback for Apple Pencil Pro off or on

When you squeeze or double-tap Apple Pencil Pro, you feel a light pulse (haptics).

Pair Apple Pencil Pro with your compatible iPad.
Go to Settings > Apple Pencil, then turn Haptics on or off.

Hover to preview tools and controls

With Apple Pencil hover, you can quickly preview and switch between different tools and controls in supported apps. You can preview a drawing tool before it makes a mark on the canvas. You can also sketch, write, and make adjustments with greater precision.

Apple Pencil hover is available on the following models:

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) with Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
iPad Air 11-inch (M2), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), and iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) with Apple Pencil Pro

Hold Apple Pencil up to 12 mm above the iPad display. Here are some examples of what you can do:

Explore the tool palette: Hold Apple Pencil over the tool palette, then move over the tools such as the pencil, brush, eraser, and colors. Touch the tool, color, and options you want to use.
Preview before you make a mark: Hold Apple Pencil over the drawing area. With some drawing tools, you can even tilt Apple Pencil and change the azimuth (lateral angle) for different effects. For example, in the Notes app , you can preview the color, line thickness, and opacity of the highlighter.
With Apple Pencil Pro, you can rotate the barrel and preview the angle of drawing tools such as the highlighter and fountain pen.
Erase with precision: Select the eraser tool, then select options such as the pixel eraser size or the object eraser. Hold Apple Pencil over the drawing area to preview the effects of the eraser.

To turn off Apple Pencil hover, go to Settings > Apple Pencil, then turn off Hover.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide