22. Using the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
In this chapter, you learn how to use two of the most popular iPad accessories: the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
If you want to use your iPad for productivity, you may want to supplement the traditional touchscreen operation with alternative input devices. Apple has two such accessories that have proven popular among iPad users—the Apple Pencil for drawing and making notes on the screen and the Smart Keyboard for typing text.
Using the Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is a neat little device. It looks kind of like a fat white pencil, although it’s really a stylus. You can use it to draw on the screen, highlight or underline onscreen items, and even navigate programs (by tapping with the stylus instead of your finger).
Apple offers two variations of the Apple Pencil, the first-generation model and the second-generation model. Each works similarly but with different iPad models, as detailed in Table 22.1.
Table 22.1 Apple Pencil Compatibility
Apple Pencil model |
Works with: |
|---|---|
Apple Pencil (first generation) |
iPad (sixth generation) |
Apple Pencil (second generation) |
iPad Pro (third generation) |
Note that older iPads, iPad Airs, and iPad minis do not work with either generation of Apple Pencil.
Charging and Pairing the First-Generation Apple Pencil
The first-generation Apple Pencil works on older iPad Pros and newer iPads, iPad Airs, and iPad minis.
To charge the first-generation Apple Pencil, remove the cap at the top end. This exposes a Lightning connector. Plug this connector into your iPad’s Lightning port (on the bottom) and charging will commence.
You also need to connect the Pencil’s Lightning connector to your iPad’s Lightning port to pair it with your iPad. Make sure your iPad is turned on when you plug it in, and you’ll see a Bluetooth pairing request onscreen. Tap Pair and your Apple Pencil will now be paired with your iPad.
Charging and Pairing the Second-Generation Apple Pencil
The second-generation Apple Pencil works on newer iPad Pros. It’s even easier to charge and pair thanks to the magnetic connector on the side of the iPad Pro. Just attach the Apple Pencil to the thin magnetic strip on the top (when held horizontally) or right side (held vertically) of the device. The second-generation Apple Pencil has one flat side that makes this easy.
The second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attached to an iPad Pro.
The first time you attach the Apple Pencil to the magnetic strip on the side of your iPad Pro you’ll see a Bluetooth pairing request onscreen. Tap Pair, and everything’s set up.
Working with the Apple Pencil
Both the first- and second-generation Apple Pencils work in pretty much the same fashion. For those apps that support the Pencil, you can write, draw, and mark things up onscreen. The Apple Pencil is both pressure-sensitive and tilt-sensitive.
With a word processor or notes app, such as Apple’s Pages, tap the screen to activate Apple Pencil. You’re asked whether you want to use the Pencil for smart annotation or drawing; whichever you select, you now see, if you confirm, a palette at the bottom of the screen. Tap to select a drawing tool; tap and hold a tool to select size and opacity. Tap the desired color on the right, and then start drawing or annotating. Tap Done at the top right to exit Smart Annotation or Drawing mode.
Smart Annotation mode in the Pages app.
With a drawing app, like Apple’s Keynote, tap the screen to enter Drawing mode. The palette appears at the bottom of the screen; tap to select a tool. Tap the color icon to choose a color, and then start drawing. Tap Done to exit Drawing mode.
Drawing mode in the Keynote app.
Some drawing apps offer built-in palettes that you access with the Apple Pencil. The drawing tools in these programs are often more sophisticated than the Pencil’s default tools. For example, Adobe Sketch places its palette on the left side of the screen and offers a selection of advanced drawing tools. Double-tap a tool to change its color; press a tool to select brush width and type.
The drawing tool palette in Adobe Sketch.
Navigating with the Apple Pencil
You can also use the Apple Pencil as a stylus to navigate your iPad. Instead of using your finger on the touchscreen, use the Apple Pencil to tap and press and swipe. It’s easy and often more precise than tapping the screen with a fat finger (like mine!).
Using the Smart Keyboard
Apple’s Smart Keyboard is a physical keyboard that replaces the virtual onscreen keyboard. It’s bigger than the onscreen keyboard (if a little smaller than a traditional computer keyboard) and offers a reassuring feel when you tap the keys. It lets you position your iPad on an angle above the keyboard so that it all looks and works a little like a notebook computer.
The Smart Keyboard is available in two sizes for the two iPad Pro models, as well as versions for the newest seventh-generation iPad and third-generation iPad Air. It is not compatible with other iPad models.
Other Keyboards
There are plenty of third-party keyboards you can use with any iPad. These third-party keyboards connect via Bluetooth and probably cost a little less than an official Smart Keyboard.
Connecting and Pairing the Smart Keyboard
The Smart Keyboard connects to your iPad magnetically. Compatible models have what Apple calls a Smart Connector on the back of the unit. When you attach the keyboard it “snaps” on magnetically and automatically pairs with your iPad. When the Smart Keyboard is attached, it just starts working in place of the onscreen keyboard. Remove the Smart Keyboard, and your iPad reverts to the normal onscreen keyboard.
A Smart Keyboard connected to an iPad Pro.
As far as charging the keyboard, don’t worry about it. The Smart Keyboard charges automatically whenever it is attached to your iPad. It’s all thanks to the Smart Connector, which transfers both data and power between your iPad and the keyboard.
Working with the Smart Keyboard
Working with the Smart Keyboard is as simple as tapping the right keys. It features all the same keys you find on a traditional Apple keyboard, including dedicated Control, Command (Cmd), and Option keys. It’s a little narrower than a Mac keyboard, but you’ll get used to it.
The keys on an Apple Keyboard.