Using handwriting-to-text on your Digital Paper

Using handwriting-to-text on your Digital Paper

Convert your handwriting into digital text, seamlessly and naturally.

What is handwriting-to-text?

Handwriting-to-Text allows you to write with your Digital Pen in specific input fields and automatically convert your writing into clean, digital text. This makes it easier to search, rename, or share content without needing to type.

Where can you use it?

 You’ll see a pen icon wherever handwriting is supported. These fields support handwriting input:

  • Search bar (on the home screen and inside documents)
  • Notebook and folder names during creation
  • Search in PDFs and eBooks
  • PDF and eBook comments or notes
  • Send via email (recipient, subject, and body)



How to use handwriting-to-text

1. Write in the designated field

Use your Digital Pen to hand-write directly on the input line (look for the  icon).

2. Wait for conversion

Each word or character is automatically converted to text.

3. Continue writing

Keep writing on the same line.

Tip: For comments within PDFs or eBooks, your notes can be as long as you like. Though you are required to write on the line. Simply wait for your handwritten words to be converted, then continue writing at the beginning of the line. The system keeps converting as you go.

4. Make edits

Use the icons to the right of the line to:

  • Delete letters or words
  • Add spaces
  • Clear the entire line

You can also tap between characters using your finger to position the cursor precisely.


Best practices

  • Write legibly and avoid very small or crowded writing
  • Pause briefly between words for accurate recognition
  • If your input isn’t recognized correctly, try writing again or switch to the keyboard

Language support and limitations

Handwriting recognition works only in the language currently selected as your handwriting language in settings.

  • Only one language can be active at a time
  • You can change this at any point in the Settings > Language > Handwriting recognition language
  • Currently, 10 languages are supported: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (traditional), Chinese (simplified), Japanese, and Korean

You can still write in any language, but handwriting-to-text will only recognize best in the active handwriting language.


When to use the keyboard instead

While the device supports a wide range of handwriting styles and languages, some complex or highly stylized handwriting might not be recognized. This can be the case for names and email addresses, as Digital Paper automatically corrects spelling errors, or if your chosen handwriting recognition language is different from the language you are writing in.

In such cases:

  • Tap on the line where you would normally write to open the keyboard
  • Switch back to handwriting any time by writing with the Digital Pen on the line

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