How to Use the Handwriting Tool in Windows 11
The handwriting tool is part of the touch keyboard in Windows. You can use it to write on the screen with a stylus or similar, and it will convert that handwriting into text.
The handwriting panel is already easy to use, but these tips will make it even easier to insert text using a stylus on a touchscreen device.
How to Open the Handwriting Tool on Windows 11
it’s possible to open the handwriting tool through the touch keyboard. The touch keyboard can be opened by clicking the icon on the Windows 11 Taskbar. If you don’t see the keyboard icon in the taskbar, right-click the taskbar and selectShow touch keyboard button.
After opening the touch keyboard, click the settings icon (it looks like a rectangle with a cog on it) and select the Handwriting option (a rectangle with a pen). The keyboard will switch to the handwriting pane. If you have an app such as MS Word open, the handwriting panel will snap to that app. This lets you know that the text you write will be entered into the app.
Tips for Writing Faster With the Handwriting Tool
The handwriting tool can convert your writing to text almost as quickly as you can write. But there are a few tricks you can use to make writing even faster and easier.
The first one is the strike-through. When you want to delete a word, you don’t need to tap the delete button on the right of the writing area. Instead, draw a line through the incorrect word to delete it.
If you write a word that should actually be two words, or if the tool doesn’t add a space where it should have, don’t worry. To split a single word into two words, just draw a small V above the point where you want the words to be separated.
you’re able to use a similar technique to join two words that should have been a single word. Draw an arch or curved line from the last letter of the first word and the first letter of the second word. The space between the words will then be removed.
If you misspell a word, you don’t actually need to delete it and write it again. Instead, simply write the correct letter over the incorrect letter.
How to Improve Your Handwriting Recognition on Windows 11
The more you use the handwriting tool, the better it will be at recognizing your handwriting. However, you could help speed up the learning process by using the word suggestions when they appear.
The suggestions will only appear if the tool doesn’t know exactly the word or letter you are trying to write. If you use the suggestions to select the correct word, you help to teach it your writing style.
How to Change the Handwriting Tool Language
The handwriting tool can recognize words written in several languages if the correct language is selected. You can choose a different language by tapping the “more” button on the right of the handwriting tool. In the side panel that opens, tap the language button to choose a new language.
If the language button is grayed out and can’t be tapped, it means you don’t have any other language packs installed on your computer. You can add a new language pack in Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Select Add a language, and choose a language from the list. Check the Handwriting feature is available and selected before you install it.
If you don’t see the language you want to use in the list, it may need to be installed as an optional feature. Check our guide onhow to add or remove optional features to Windows 11for further details.
How to Write Special Characters and Numbers
You can write special characters and numbers in the handwriting tool, but it can sometimes be tricky to make it recognize them all. Luckily, the handwriting tool features a pop-out special character and number keyboard.
Tap the “more” button and then tap the special character button. The keyboard slides out, and you can tap the number or character you want to insert into the text. To close the keyboard, tap the handwriting button or anywhere in the visible handwriting area.
Adding special characters in Windows 11 can sometimes be confusing. If you want to learn more about them, check outhow to add special characters to documents in Windows 11.
How to Dock the Handwriting Tool
The handwriting tool will automatically snap to the text app or program that is currently selected. It will float over the app, usually close to the bottom of the window.
When positioned like this, it can sometimes obscure text and make it difficult to work effectively. To make the block less of the page, you can dock it at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the dock icon next to the X at the top-right of the handwriting tool. The tool will snap to the bottom of the screen and stretch to full width. The text app you are using should snap to a position above the handwriting tool, so there is no overlap between the two.
How to Change the Handwriting Tool Font
The default font the handwriting tool uses to display your writing is called Ink Free. This is a handwritten-style font. If you prefer, you could change it to a tidier font style.
If you’d like to learn more, check outhow to customize fonts in Windows 11.
How to Change the Size and Style of the Handwriting Panel
The default style of the handwriting tool will be matched to the overall Windows theme you are using. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change the style and the size of both the handwriting panel and the touch keyboard.
Using the Handwriting Tool Better in Windows 11
The handwriting tool in Windows 11 is much improved and now a great way to enter text on touchscreen devices. Learning these essential tips will not only make entering text faster but also make using a Microsoft Pen or other stylus much less frustrating.
Got a touchscreen and Windows 10? Then you must try Windows Ink! We show you how to take notes, draw sketches, or annotate screenshots. No stylus required.
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