Draw a sketch in Notes on iPad

Use the Notes app to sketch an idea or jot a handwritten note with your finger or Apple Pencil (on supported models). You can choose from a variety of drawing tools and colors.

Create an inline sketch

In a note, tap .
Tip: To insert a drawing within existing text, touch and hold within the text until a magnifying glass appears, drag to position the insertion point where you want it, then tap Insert Drawing. Or touch and hold with Apple Pencil, then lift at the insertion point.
Choose a sketching tool and color, then write or draw with your finger or Apple Pencil (see Use Markup in apps on iPad).
Do any of the following:
- Erase a mistake: Tap to undo your last stroke. Tap the eraser to delete any element in the drawing.
- Add a title: The first line of handwritten text becomes the suggested title. To edit the title, scroll to the top of the note, then tap Edit.
- Show lines or grids: In the note, tap , tap Lines & Grids, then choose a line or grid style for the note.
When you’re finished, tap to dismiss the handwriting tools.

To resume work on an inline sketch, tap .

Add a sketch as an attachment

If you need a detailed sketch to capture an idea or plan, create a sketch attachment. You can enlarge the sketch for more precise control, and use the ruler to draw straight lines or mask part of your sketch.

In a note, tap , then tap Add Sketch.
Choose a sketching tool and color, then write or draw with your finger (see Use Markup in apps on iPad).
Do any of the following:
- View the color palette: Swipe the palette left or right to see more colors.
- Draw straight lines: Tap the ruler to make it appear, then draw a line along the edge of the ruler. To adjust the angle, touch and hold the ruler with two fingers, then rotate your fingers. To move the ruler without changing its angle, drag it with one finger. Tap the ruler again to make it disappear.
- Mask part of your sketch: Place the ruler over the area you want to protect, then start drawing or erasing.
- Zoom and pan: Pinch open to zoom in on the details. To pan, drag with two fingers. To zoom back out, pinch closed.
- Erase a mistake or start over: Tap to undo your last stroke, or tap the eraser to erase. To start over, tap Erase All.
- Hide the toolbar: Swipe the toolbar down to hide it and see just the tool you’re using. Tap the tool to see the toolbar again.
To add another sketch to your note, tap . To browse all your sketches, swipe a sketch left or right with two fingers.
When you’re finished, tap Done.

To resume work on a sketch, open the note, then tap the sketch.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Draw a sketch in Notes on iPad

Create an inline sketch

Add a sketch as an attachment