You can write in Notability without Apple Pencil by using your finger, a third-party stylus, or a Bluetooth keyboard. Here is exactly how to write in Notability without Apple Pencil using each method.
Before you start: Disconnect your Apple Pencil
The critical prerequisite for using a finger or non-Apple stylus is disconnecting any previously paired Apple Pencil or Logi Crayon. Notability will only accept writing input from these devices until they are disconnected. To disconnect an Apple Pencil, tap and hold on either the highlighter or pencil tool in Notability's toolbar, then select "Disconnect Apple Pencil" below the settings for line thickness and color. This step is also necessary if you need to calibrate Apple Pencil for a different device, as the disconnection resets the input channel. If you are unsure which model you own, you can identify your Apple Pencil model by checking the model number printed on the pencil's body or in your iPad's Bluetooth settings.
Write in Notability with your finger
Writing with your finger is the simplest method when you do not have a stylus. To begin, select the pen tool from the primary toolbar and write directly on the screen using your finger. For handwriting that converts to typed text, enable Scribble in your iPad settings: go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Scribble and toggle it on. Then, in Notability, select the text box icon, tap the settings icon in the text toolbar, enable "Quick Text Boxes," and choose "Scribble." Once set, you can handwrite into any text box using your finger, and Notability will convert your handwriting to typed characters. If you do have a stylus, you can also write with Apple pencil on Google docs for a similar handwriting-to-text experience in your browser.
Use a third-party stylus to write
Any compatible capacitive stylus works as a precise finger replacement. These styluses do not require pairing and function by mimicking the electrical charge of your finger. Simply select the pen or highlighter tool in Notability and write as you would with your finger, but with greater accuracy. Remember that you must disconnect any connected Apple Pencil or Logi Crayon first, as Notability will otherwise ignore input from a third-party stylus.
Type notes with a Bluetooth keyboard
Typing is a fast alternative to handwriting. To use a Bluetooth keyboard, pair it with your iPad via Settings > Bluetooth. Once connected, open Notability and select the text tool (represented by a "T" icon) in the primary toolbar. Tap anywhere on the note to begin typing. For more control, you can create a text box: with the text tool selected, press and hold anywhere in a note and choose "+Text Box" from the menu that appears. Alternatively, select the text tool icon twice, tap the gear icon, enable "Quick Text Boxes," choose "Draw Text Boxes," and then tap and drag on the note to create the desired size. Notability offers a customizable keyboard toolbar for quick access to font presets, bold, italic, underline, cursor controls, and outline styles, making formatting efficient.
