5 things you can do with a pen on Windows 11: You can discover some entertaining, fresh uses for your Windows 11 convertible or tablet by purchasing a pen.
5 things you can do with a pen on Windows 11
Owning a wonderful Windows 11 tablet or Windows convertible has several benefits. Some of these gadgets, like the Lenovo Yoga and HP Spectre, might allow pen input. It's always the Surface Pen for Surface devices, and a Wacom EMR pen or an AES pen for other devices. Even though it isn't advised, you can use a typical capacitive stylus to simulate using your fingers.
Pens and styluses are unquestionably useful for taking notes and creating drawings, but did you know that Windows 11, the operating system, also has some inking-related tricks up its sleeve? I virtually always find myself adoring five qualities in particular.
Microsoft Whiteboard
The inking program in Windows 11 is excellent, and no, I'm not referring about Microsoft OneNote. Like a traditional whiteboard, Microsoft Whiteboard works. It comes pre-installed with Windows and provides you with a collaborative virtual inking space. All types of pens, capacitive styli, and even your finger work with it.
Similar to how you would in real life, you can invite someone to your Whiteboard so they can work with you on a project. A ruler, sticky notes, and other practical tools are available in the app along with a variety of pen styles. Even fancy text, documents, photos, and shapes can be inserted. When I'm in a meeting or at a press conference, I utilize Whiteboard as my notebook. It is a lot of fun to use and offers a huge wide canvas.
Using your pen's buttons for shortcuts
The third option allows you to assign shortcuts to the pen's buttons, however it only works with Bluetooth-enabled pens. On my Surface Laptop Studio with my Surface Pen, I find myself using it frequently. You may customize what the shortcut buttons do by going to Bluetooth & devices and selecting Pen & Windows Ink. Your productivity and workflow can be substantially improved and streamlined by using the buttons on your pen as shortcuts. You can easily switch between various tools and functionalities with just a click, saving you a lot of time and work.
These shortcuts offer an easy method to move through your creative process, whether you need to swiftly transition from drawing to erasing, change brush sizes on the fly, or access frequently used functions. Additionally, customizing your pen's functionality through the assignment of shortcuts to particular buttons gives you the freedom to operate whichever best meets your needs. You can increase your productivity and concentrate more on the creative aspects of your work by using these shortcuts as opposed to being bogged down in tedious duties. So, use the buttons on your pen to their full potential to open up a world of opportunities.
Double-clicking a button, for instance, can launch Sticky Notes or screen snipping, two apps you might want to launch quickly. Additionally, you may alter what a single click and pressing and holding the button do. You can even utilize Microsoft PowerPoint's top pen button to progress slides when in a slideshow if you decide to Allow programs to override the shortcut button behavior. Amazing, isn't that?
Adding favorite drawing apps to the pen menu
Your artistic experience can be substantially improved by using a tablet or computer. You can explore numerous styles and techniques to bring your imagination to life by using one of the many drawing applications that are available. Procreate, which is well-liked for its potent features and simple user interface, is one option. With its broad brush library and adaptable tools, you can easily produce beautiful digital artwork. Adobe Illustrator is an outstanding alternative that provides accurate vector-based drawing tools ideal for producing detailed designs and drawings.
Autodesk Sketchbook offers a realistic drawing experience that imitates the texture of paper and the responsiveness of various pencils and brushes for those seeking a more conventional feel. Try out Concepts, an app that enables you to exchange ideas and interact with other artists globally, if you're interested in collaborative art projects or looking for inspiration from a vibrant community. By mimicking conventional art supplies like oil paints, watercolors, and pastels on a digital canvas, Art Rage moreover offers a distinctive method. It's ideal for creatives who like to experiment.
Once you've attached a pen to your Windows 11 device, you'll notice that whenever you first touch the screen with it, a pen menu will appear. One of these incredible characteristics is that you are not limited to the apps you see there. Your preferred drawing app can be added to the list by tapping the pen menu, selecting settings, and then selecting edit pen menu. From that point on, getting started with the inking is even simpler.
The last one might seem obvious, but you can draw or take notes without using a mouse if you're already holding your pen in your hand. Your pen itself is a mouse!
It only takes a few clicks to select Pen & Windows Ink under Bluetooth & devices. Go to the Additional pen settings section of this settings menu and select When it's available, let me use my pen as a mouse. When I'm taking notes and don't want to move down to my trackpad, this is a tremendous time saver.
The biggest pen feature yet is on the way soon
Although I've only covered five pen-related features in Windows 11, Microsoft is already developing more. Although we don't yet know when it will be included in a future Windows release, Windows Insiders on the Dev channel recently gained the ability to immediately write in text fields with a pen. You no longer need to utilize the handwriting panel every time you want to type words in a text box and have your computer convert them into text, which makes utilizing your natural handwriting on your PC much simpler promising to completely change how we write and use our devices.
With this ground-breaking invention, users may seamlessly digitize their handwritten notes and doodles in real-time while still enjoying the ease of a conventional pen. This pen allows a seamless bridge between the analog and digital worlds thanks to its stylish form and simple functionality. Handwritten documents no longer need to be scanned or typed; instead, this pen effortlessly catches each stroke, guaranteeing that no information is lost.
Furthermore, its built-in cloud storage system makes it simple to view and share your digital creations across a variety of devices. This pen will surely increase your productivity and creativity, whether you're a student taking notes in class or a businessperson coming up with ideas during a meeting. With this amazing pen that is poised to revolutionize writing, you can wave goodbye to antiquated note-taking techniques and welcome the future. That feature is one I'm really looking forward to, and it shows how Microsoft is constantly thinking of fresh and enjoyable ways for you to use your pen on Windows a mouse as a pen!
