Taking Notes on iPad with Apple Pencil: 1st and 2nd Gen Apple Pencil

Last Updated: June 21, 2022

Are you trying to skip the paper and pencil and instead take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil? You'll need to make sure your iPad is compatible and pair your Apple Pencil first, then handwriting notes is as easy as pie. This wikiHow article shows you how to take notes on your iPad using an Apple Pencil.

Section 1 of 2:

Is my iPad compatible with Apple Pencil?

Certain models of iPad are compatible with certain Apple Pencils. For instance, the first-gen Apple Pencil is rounded and has a cap on the end with a Lightning connector under it. It's compatible with iPad Air (3rd Gen), iPad mini (5th Gen), iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1st/2nd Gen), iPad Pro 10.5 inch, iPad Pro 9.7 inch, iPad (6th Gen), and iPad 10.2 inch (7th Gen).
- The newer 2nd-gen Apple Pencil has flat edges, is magnetic, and charges wirelessly. It is compatible with the iPad Pro 11 inch (1st Gen and later), iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd Gen and later), iPad Air (4th Gen and later), and iPad mini (6th Gen).^{[1]
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- Don't know which iPad you have? You can usually find the model number by looking at the back of your iPad. You can search Google or any search engine to figure out what iPad you have with that information.

Section 2 of 2:

Using Your Apple Pencil to Take Notes

1
Make sure your Apple Pencil is paired with your iPad. In order to take handwritten notes with your iPad, you'll need to pair your Apple Pencil with it first. If you have a 1st-Gen Apple Pencil, you only need to connect the Lightning connector on your Apple Pencil to your iPad then tap Pair. If you have a 2nd-Gen Apple Pencil, attach it to the top of your iPad magnetically and tap Pair on your iPad when it appears.
2
Charge your Apple Pencil. After you've made sure that your iPad is compatible and you've paired the Apple Pencil, you also have to make sure it is charged before you can use it. If you have a 2nd-Gen Apple Pencil, you can just lay the pencil on the top of your iPad (it'll connect magnetically and charge wirelessly). If you have a 1st-Gen Apple Pencil, there are a few ways to charge it, including connecting it to the Lightning port on your iPad and using a USB cable.^{[2]
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3
Open the Notes app on your iPad. This app icon looks like a notepad with a yellow top.
- Create a new note. Tap the pencil-on-paper icon in the lower right corner to start a new note.
4
Tap the two arrows pointing away from each other. This is the "Full-screen" icon and will expand your note-taking space to cover the entire screen.
5
Tap the tip of your Apple Pencil on the screen. This will prompt your iPad that you'll be making handwritten notes.
- Drawing tools will slide up from the bottom of your screen to show that you're in handwriting mode.
6
Take notes. If you have a 2nd-Gen Apple Pencil, you can double-tap the Action button to change to the Eraser.
- When you're done, you can simply close the Notes app and your handwritten notes will be saved.
- Notes is a super useful app, and has been made even more so since you can collaborate with others on notes.