6 iPad Tips and Apple Pencil Tricks for the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Generation

Updated on March 2024

So, you've been doodling with your finger on the iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation — kind of like finger painting but less messy and a bit more tech-savvy. But hey, and let's be real here, it's like trying to sign your name with a banana peel. 

Sure, it's doable, but it's not exactly efficient.

Enter the Apple Pencil. Now, it won’t turn you into Van Gogh overnight, nor will it grant you the power to summon a caffeine boost at will. But whether you're an art aficionado or just someone who wants to up their productivity game, this little tool packs a punch.

Now, before you start envisioning yourself as the next digital da Vinci, let's stay realistic. We're not diving into a full-blown art tutorial here — ain't nobody got time for that. Plus, let's face it, shading and coloring might not be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee, we don't judge).

But if you’re a regular user of your iPad Pro, here are six super handy Apple Pencil tricks for your iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation — iPad tricks and tips that are as useful as a pocketful of sunshine and a must-master before you explore the remaining 93 cool iPad tricks to do with a pencil. So grab your Apple Pencil, and let's dive in!

Related Reading: 4 Best Heavy-duty iPad Pro 12.9 Cases for Total Protection

 

1. Master the Art of Drag and Drop 2.0

So, you've got your trusty Apple Pencil paired with your sleek iPad Pro 12.9 — welcome to the big leagues of drag and drop! But we’re not talking about dropping your iPad (one of the most common causes of iPad damage).

Say goodbye to the days of tediously moving items one by one. With the power of your Apple Pencil, you're about to level up your drag-and-drop game to epic proportions.

Here's how.

Once you've tapped on an item with your Apple Pencil, you're not limited to just one. Nope, you can keep piling 'em up like a virtual Jenga tower by tapping with your finger. Once your tower of items is assembled, it's time to put your pencil to work. Use it to effortlessly move the selected items around like a maestro conducting a symphony.

Now, we won't lie—it might feel a tad awkward at first. But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is mastery of drag and drop with your Apple Pencil. So, keep practicing, and soon it'll be as natural as breathing.

Why bother, you ask? Well, drag and drop with your Apple Pencil is the secret sauce to unlocking a world of possibilities. With a split view, you can shuffle text, images, files, notes, and practically anything else you can think of — well, depending on the app.

So, embrace the drag, love the drop, and let your Apple Pencil be your guide to digital greatness!

2. Unleash Your Creativity with Patterns through Paper

Ever wanted to replicate that intricate diagram from your physics textbook? Or perhaps trace your team's logo for a DIY project? Well, guess what? With your trusty Apple Pencil by your side, it's as easy as, well, tracing! 

Fire up your favorite drawing app on your iPad, then lay your desired page over the screen. Now, let the magic unfold as you trace away with your Apple Pencil. Your tablet will work its wizardry and recognize the pencil strokes through the paper.  

And voila! When you remove the page, you'll be greeted with an exact replica of your tracing. Talk about old-school cool tricks to do with a pencil, even a high-tech Apple Pencil! 

This nifty Apple Pencil trick works with most paper types, including that glossy textbook page you've been eyeing. However, it's probably a no-go on cardstock. So, if you were planning to trace that postcard from your friend's trip to Iceland, you might be out of luck. 

Sure, you could always use your iPad's not-so-behind camera to capture what you want to copy. But hey, where's the fun in that? Learn to love the art of tracing — it's a timeless skill with endless possibilities. Whether you're crafting, studying, or simply unleashing your inner artist, your Apple Pencil and iPad Pro 12.9 are here to make magic happen. 

Related Reading: How to Use the Multi-Angle Stand on Your iPad Pro 12.9 Case 

 

3. Get Swyping with Your Apple Pencil

Alright, hold onto your hats because we're about to blow your mind with one of those iPad tricks that you simply won’t believe you weren’t aware of. 

Did you know you can actually type with your Apple Pencil?  

Yeah, you heard that right! Forget the traditional tap-tap-tapping — now it's all about the smooth swiping motion. 

Okay, okay, we know what you're thinking — the Swype keyboard isn’t exactly the latest craze anymore. But SwiftKey for iOS is here to save the day, and it's backed by none other than the tech titan Microsoft (cue applause). 

Now, brace yourself for the awesomeness. SwiftKey pretty much offers the same swiping functionality as Swype but with a lot more pizzazz. With support for a whopping 500 languages and so many keyboard layouts, it’s almost overwhelming; you're spoilt for choice. 

But wait, there's even more! Built-in autocorrect and predictive text take the swiping experience to a new level of spiffiness. It's like having your very own personal assistant, minus the coffee runs. 

And here's the kicker. While this lightning-fast keyboard was originally designed for fingers, it's even cooler when you give it a whirl with your Apple Pencil. Sure, it might take a bit of stick-to-it-ness to master, but trust us — it's worth it.  

You'll be swiping like a pro in no time, impressing your friends left and right. Plus, bonus points: No one watching from a distance will ever suspect you're typing away like a digital legend. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Apple Pencil, brush up on some iPad tricks,  and get Swyping! Who knew typing could be this much fun? 

4. Scribble Like a Pro: Unleash Your Inner Note-Taker

You've got your trusty Apple Pencil in hand, ready to conquer the world — one note at a time. But hold your horses before you start jotting down your masterpiece. We're about to revolutionize how you take notes on your iPad Pro 12.9. 

First things first, forget about the native Notes app on your iPad. Sure, it's fine and dandy, but it's like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight—it just doesn't quite cut it.  

Instead, feast your eyes on the holy trinity of note-taking apps: GoodNotes, Penultimate, and Notability. Trust us, these bad boys have everything your Apple Pencil deserves and more. 

Now, brace yourself for the magic ‘cos there are some cool tricks to do with a pencil if you’re taking notes. With these apps, you'll have access to a smorgasbord of paper options—lined, graph, you name it.  

It's your own personal stationery store right at your fingertips. But it gets even better. 

Ever dreamt of having your handwritten notes magically transformed into searchable text? Well, pinch yourself because it's not a dream — it's reality! Thanks to integrated OCR software, your chicken scratch can now be deciphered into computer-searchable text. Talk about mind-blowing! 

There's more! Ever wanted to whisk your handwritten notes out of GoodNotes and drop them into another app? Well, buckle up because you're in for a treat. With the power of drag and drop, watch in awe as your handwritten gems seamlessly transform into typed text in the blink of an eye. It's a digital magic trick right before your eyes. 

So there you have it — say goodbye to mundane note-taking and hello to a world of endless possibilities. With your Apple Pencil and iPad Pro 12.9, the sky's the limit.  

So grab your pencil, unleash your creativity, and let the note-taking extravaganza begin! 

Related Reading: Should You Get an iPad Case to Use around the Home? 

 

5. Sign Your Documents with Apple Pencil Tricks

Ah, the joys of modern technology — gone are the days of awkwardly photographing your signature and wrestling with digital files. With your Apple Pencil in hand, you can sign documents like a pro without breaking a sweat.  

Say goodbye to fancy manipulation and fighting with PDFs, and say hello to streamlined efficiency! 

Say you receive a PDF attachment in your email, and it's begging for your John Hancock. No problemo! Simply open up the PDF on your iPad Pro 12.9 and prepare to work your Apple Pencil magic. 

First, tap on "Markup" and then "Signatures." You'll be greeted with the option to "Add or Remove Signature." Clickety-click, then hit "Add." A pop-up field will appear, eagerly awaiting your autograph. Grab your trusty Apple Pencil, channel your inner Picasso, and scribble away.  

Once you're satisfied with your signature masterpiece, it's time to position it exactly where you need it to be. 

And just like that, you've sealed the deal — no ink stains or smudges, just pure digital finesse. So go ahead, put your Apple Pencil to work, and sign those documents like the boss you are.  

With these Apple Pencil tricks and iPad tips up your sleeve, there's no document too daunting and no signature too tricky. It's time to take your digital paperwork game to the next level!

6. Power Up with Ease: The Scoop on Apple Pencil Charging Tricks

Alright, let's talk about charging — no, not the kind that drains your bank account, but the kind that powers up your trusty Apple Pencil. You already know the drill. Slap that pencil into your iPad Pro 12.9, and boom — charging magic in action. 

But here's the thing. Did you know that this isn't just any old charge? Oh no. 

It's lightning-fast. We're talking Usain Bolt-level quickness here. In just fifteen seconds, you'll have enough juice to keep those creative juices flowing for hours on end. Impressive, right? 

And what if I told you that you can charge your Apple Pencil without even taking off your iPad case? Yep, you heard me right. With a top-notch case like those from ZUGU Case, you can keep your pencil snug as a bug in a rug while it juices up. Convenience and functionality rolled into one sleek package. 

So why settle for anything less? Treat yourself to the ultimate charging experience with ZUGU Case's iPad Pro 12.9 fifth-generation case. With its built-in pencil holder, you'll never have to worry about your Apple Pencil running out of steam again. It's the best of both worlds if you ask us. 

So what are you waiting for? Give your Apple Pencil the love it deserves, and upgrade to a ZUGU Case today. Trust us, your inner tech geek will thank you for it. 

Related Reading: Which Is the Best iPad Pro 12.9 Case? 

 

Unleash Your iPad Pro 12.9 Potential with These Apple Pencil Tricks

Well, there you have it — your guide to mastering the art of Apple Pencil wizardry on your iPad Pro 12.9. From doodling like a pro to signing documents with finesse, these iPad tricks will surely take your digital experience to new heights. 

But before you rush off to put these iPad tips and tricks to the test, allow us to sprinkle a little extra magic your way. You've just unlocked a world of endless possibilities with your Apple Pencil, but one thing is missing — the perfect iPad case to complement your newfound skills. 

With sleek designs, a built-in pencil holder, and seamless charging capabilities, an iPad case is the perfect companion for your iPad Pro 12.9 and Apple Pencil. Plus, with a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, there's something for everyone. 

So what are you waiting for? Don't let your iPad Pro 12.9 languish in mediocrity — elevate your experience today. Shop now and unleash the full potential of your iPad Pro 12.9 with the perfect companion by your side. 

Remember, with ZUGU Case, the sky's the limit. So go ahead, shop iPad cases, and take a step toward digital greatness today!