Scrolling with an Apple Pencil is intuitive and can be done in two primary ways: the standard method, which mirrors finger gestures, and an advanced mode called "Select and Scroll" for enhanced precision on compatible models.
Standard Scrolling: Just Like Your Finger
For most applications and scenarios, you can scroll with your Apple Pencil just as you would with your finger. Simply touch the tip of your Apple Pencil to the screen and drag it in the direction you want to scroll.
- Up/Down Scrolling: Drag your Pencil up or down on the screen to scroll through documents, web pages, or app content vertically.
- Left/Right Scrolling: In apps or views that support horizontal scrolling (like photo albums or timelines), drag your Pencil left or right.
This method works across all Apple Pencil models and iPads, providing a seamless and familiar experience for navigation.
Advanced Scrolling: Utilizing Select and Scroll
For more precise control, especially when you need to scroll while also making selections, compatible Apple Pencil models offer a feature called "Select and Scroll." This mode allows you to scroll with greater accuracy and helps prevent accidental drawing or markup.
What is Select and Scroll?
"Select and Scroll" is a specialized mode designed to give you fine-tuned control over scrolling and selection. When activated, your Apple Pencil input is primarily interpreted for scrolling or for selecting text and objects as you move through content, rather than for drawing or marking up. This is particularly useful in document editing, web browsing, or any task requiring meticulous navigation.
How to Activate and Deactivate Select and Scroll
The ability to quickly toggle "Select and Scroll" on and off is a key feature for specific Apple Pencil models.
- Enable Double-Tap to Switch (if necessary):
- This feature is available for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
- Go to Settings on your iPad.
- Tap Apple Pencil.
- Ensure that Double-Tap to Switch is turned on. This setting allows you to assign an action to the double-tap gesture.
- Toggle Select and Scroll:
- Once "Double-Tap to Switch" is enabled, you can double-tap the lower part of your Apple Pencil to quickly turn the "Select and Scroll" mode on or off. This allows for rapid switching between drawing/markup tools and the precise scrolling/selection mode.
Scrolling When Select and Scroll is Active
With "Select and Scroll" turned on, you can then drag your Apple Pencil across the screen to scroll through content with enhanced precision. The system prioritizes scrolling and selection gestures, making it easier to navigate long documents or complex interfaces without unintended interactions.
Apple Pencil Compatibility for Advanced Features
Not all Apple Pencil models support the "Double-Tap to Switch" gesture, which is essential for quickly toggling "Select and Scroll."
| Apple Pencil Model | Supports Double-Tap to Switch (for Select and Scroll) |
|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | Yes |
| Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) | Yes |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | No |
| Apple Pencil (1st Gen) | No |
