Use Samsung Notes handwriting functions with your S Pen

Last Update date : Apr 08. 2021
Use Samsung Notes handwriting functions with your S Pen

Handwriting mode in the Samsung Notes app makes it easier than ever to copy down your ideas or draw a picture. All you need to do is pop out your S Pen and start writing a note in the app. Your handwriting can be altered, moved, and converted to text as well so you will be able to organize your notes and share them with your friends or associates via text or email.

Note: Information provided applies to devices sold in Canada. Available screens and settings may vary for smartphones sold in other countries. When Pen mode is selected, the S Pen may not be recognized in the Edge panel area.

Jotting down some notes with your S Pen is quick and simple. Just take out your S Pen and open the Samsung Notes app to write down a grocery list or a few important reminders. You can also use your S Pen to write when the screen is off.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app. Tap + Add to create a note. Begin writing a note using the S Pen. For different pen and colour options, tap the Pen mode icon at the bottom of the screen.

Use your fingers to pinch the screen if you need to zoom in and out.

Use handwriting mode

You can include an image in your note by tapping the Attach icon (it looks like a paperclip) and then selecting Image. Choose a source for your image, such as Gallery, and then select your desired image. Tap Done to add the image to your note and write on it.

If your handwriting is a little wobbly, you can straighten it by tapping the Straighten icon at the bottom. Your handwriting will automatically straighten horizontally.

You can change the style of your handwriting by converting it to text. If you are writing in an app that uses an on-screen keyboard, like Messages, you can convert your writing as well.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app. Tap + Add to create a note, and then begin writing with the S Pen. When you are finished writing, tap the Convert to text icon (it looks like an uppercase T) at the bottom of the screen. Drag the arrows up or down to select your writing.

Convert handwriting to text

Tap Convert to change your handwriting into text. You can also tap Copy to copy the text if you need to paste it elsewhere.

If you make a mistake while writing, you can erase it and start over. The eraser option can be used to remove a few words or entire sentences.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app. Tap + Add to create a note, and then begin writing with the S Pen. Tap the Eraser icon at the bottom of the screen. To change the eraser type, tap the Eraser icon again. Select the type of eraser to use:

  • Stroke eraser: This will erase the entire line you select with the S Pen.
  • Area eraser: Removes only the particular areas you select with the S Pen. You can change the size of the eraser by using the slider on the adjustment bar.
Erase handwriting

You can also erase handwriting by pressing and holding the S Pen button while tapping or dragging.

Note: Even when using a small area eraser, you may not be able to precisely erase the intended handwriting.

You may want to move some of your handwritten notes to another app, or perhaps include them in an email. With the selection tool, you can cut, copy, edit, and resize your handwriting.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app. Tap + Add to create a note, and then begin writing with the S Pen. Double tap the Select icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a lasso) to choose your selection mode. Tap Lasso to draw a circle or other shape around your writing, or tap Rectangle to create a box around your handwriting.

Cut, move, and resize handwriting 1

The following options will be available after selecting your handwriting:

  • Cut: This will cut out the selected text from the note and move it to your clipboard.
  • Copy: Makes a copy of the selected text so you can paste it in a message or another note.
  • Paste: Duplicates the selected text in another note.
  • Delete: Removes the selected text from the note.

You can move your handwriting to another location by dragging it with the S Pen. To resize the selection, tap a corner of the selection and drag it.

Cut, move, and resize handwriting 2

You can change the line thickness and colours of your handwriting after selecting it. Tap the More options icon (the three vertical dots) in the pop up window, and then tap Change style.

If you would like to handwrite in a language other than English, such as French or Italian, and then change it into digital text, you can do that in Samsung Notes, as long as the language is supported. This way, you will be able to write in your language of choice and easily convert it.

Note: You can translate languages from websites using the Air command menu with your S Pen.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app, and then tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines). Tap the Settings icon, and then swipe to and tap Handwriting language.

Change and convert the handwriting language 1

Select your desired language from the list. Tap Back twice, and then tap + Add to create a new note. Begin writing with your S Pen in your chosen language. Make sure your handwriting is legible so the app can recognize what you have written.

To convert your handwriting to text, tap the Convert to text icon (it has an uppercase T) at the bottom of the screen. Drag the arrows up or down to select your writing.

Change and convert the handwriting language 2

Note: If the handwriting is not legible, you will receive an error message that says "No text to recognize" when trying to convert handwritten text.

If the app incorrectly converts the writing, tap the small Settings icon in the popup menu. Then, choose your desired language, the same one you chose for Handwriting language. Tap Done after making your selection. When the app correctly identifies your handwriting, tap Convert to change it into digital text.

If your hand is getting tired from handwriting, you can use the keyboard instead. You can even switch between different languages when you are typing in Samsung Notes. All you need to do is add a new language to your keyboard.

Note: You can translate languages from websites using the Air command menu with your S Pen.

Navigate to and open the Samsung Notes app, and then tap + Add to create a new note. Tap the keyboard icon on the bottom left to open the on-screen keyboard, and then tap the Settings icon. Tap Languages and types, and then tap Manage input languages.

Change the keyboard language 1

Select your desired language(s) by tapping the switch next to it. You can also download additional languages by tapping the Download icon next to your desired one(s). Tap Back, and then tap Language switching method to choose how you would like to navigate your keyboards. You can choose Language key and space bar swipe, Language key, or Space bar swipe.

Next, navigate back to the Samsung Notes app. You can now type in your desired language using the new keyboard. You can switch between languages using the method you chose in the previous step.

Change the keyboard language 2

Keep in mind that adding a new language keyboard in Samsung Notes will also change the keyboard in your phone’s Settings. To check this or change this at any time, navigate to Settings, and tap General management. Next, tap Samsung Keyboard settings to adjust your desired settings.

If the "Samsung Keyboard settings" option is not available, tap Language and input, tap On-screen keyboard, and then tap Samsung Keyboard. From here, you can adjust the keyboard's language settings.

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