How to Get Started with the Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil turns your iPad screen into a writing surface that feels remarkably close to writing on paper. It's particularly popular for note-taking, sketching, annotating documents, signing PDFs, and creative drawing. Many people who tried to type notes and found it awkward discover that the Apple Pencil changes how they use their iPad entirely.

Before purchasing, it's important to check which Apple Pencil model works with your iPad, because not all models are compatible with all iPads. Apple has a compatibility page at support.apple.com that lists which Pencil works with which iPad model.

There are currently three Apple Pencil models. The first generation Apple Pencil charges by plugging a Lightning adapter into the bottom of certain iPads or by using a USB-C adapter on newer models. It supports pressure sensitivity and tilt detection for natural drawing. The second generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the flat side of iPad Pro and iPad Air models, and charges wirelessly just by being clipped to the side. It pairs automatically on contact. The third generation Apple Pencil (USB-C) is designed for newer iPad models with USB-C ports and offers a more affordable entry point.

Once connected, the Apple Pencil works immediately in the built-in Notes app. Open Notes, create a new note, and start writing or drawing — the iPad distinguishes between your finger (which scrolls and taps) and the Pencil (which draws and writes). This palm rejection means you can rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing without leaving ink marks.

The Pencil detects pressure — press harder for a thicker, darker line, lighter for a fine line. It also detects angle, so tilting the Pencil to draw with the side creates broad shading strokes, like a real pencil.

For the second generation Pencil, double-tapping the flat side of the Pencil switches between tools in apps that support this feature (like Notes, Procreate, and GoodNotes). Configure what the double-tap does in Settings > Apple Pencil.

The Scribble feature is one of the most practical additions: handwrite in any text field on the iPad and the iPad converts your handwriting to typed text automatically, without needing to open a dedicated notes app.