These days, learning how to type faster is really about learning how to type smarter. Whether you’re using the on-screen keyboard or an external keyboard connected via Bluetooth, I’ll show you how to make use of simple settings and shortcuts to write text with fewer taps on your keyboard. Let's get started!
Typing Tricks
Using the iPad’s on-screen keyboard can be a challenge at first. And in fact, if you plan to use your iPad for any heavy word processing, I recommend buying a Bluetooth keyboard case instead. Nothing beats the tactile experience of a keyboard (even if it’s a tad smaller than a standard keyboard), which many of us have also had years of practice at. However, the on-screen keyboard works well for basic typing tasks like writing emails and texts, especially if you employ some simple typing tricks. Here are some of my favorite on-screen keyboard shortcuts.
Tip No. 1: Enable Spell Check and Auto-Corrections
My biggest piece of advice is to type fast, and edit later. If you have autocorrect enabled, your device can often figure out what you were trying to type and make the corrections for you as you go. Go to Settings > General > Keyboards, and make sure Auto-Capitalization, Auto-Correction, and Check Spelling are enabled.
Tip No. 2: Insert a Period from Your Character Keyboard
You don’t even need to slow down to type periods. If you double tap the spacebar at the end of a sentence, it will insert a period and start a new sentence with a capital letter. If this tip isn’t working, go to Settings > General > Keyboard, and make sure the “.” Shortcut toggle is enabled.
Tip No. 3: Swipe Down to Access Special Keys
When you look at your keyboard, you will notice that each letter on the keyboard has a number or punctuation mark associated with it. So instead of having to tap the number icon next to the Space bar to access a whole new keyboard for these options, you can swipe down on a key and release it to enter the secondary option and then continue typing. For example, if I swipe down on the ‘d’ key and release, I can enter a dollar symbol without leaving my characters keyboard.
Tip No. 4: Set Caps Lock
When I want to celebrate with friends (or communicate an important point), setting the caps lock on my iPad reduces the number of taps on my keyboard. To set Caps Lock, simply double-tap the Shift button on your keyboard. Tap your capitalized characters, then tap the Shift button one more time to disable Caps Lock.
This shortcut is enabled by default; however, if it isn't working, open Settings, tap General, tap Keyboard, and tap the toggle next to Enable Caps Lock. The toggle will be green when enabled, and now the shortcut above will work.
Tip No. 5: Select Words with Predictive Text
With predictive text, you can see word and phrase suggestions at the top of the keyboard. These are words your iPad predicts you will type next, based on your past text conversations, writing style, and the websites you visit on your device. Using predictive text, you can select an entire word, rather than typing your message character by character.
To use Predictive Text, start typing your message and as you see a word suggested to want, tap to add it to your message. If you don't see the word you want, tap the first few characters of the word, and it will likely appear.
This shortcut is enabled by default; however, if word options are not displayed at the top of your keyboard, open Settings, tap General, tap Keyboard, and tap the toggle next to Predictive. The toggle will be green when enabled.
Tip No. 6: Set Up Text Replacement Shortcuts
With this fast typing tip, you will be setting up shortcuts for phrases you often use. For example, I have a text replacement shortcut set up on my phone so when I type "5min" and tap the spacebar, my iPad replaces this with "I'll be there in five minutes." Here's how to set up a text replacement shortcut.
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Open the Settings app, tap General, tap Keyboard, and select Text Replacement.
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Tap the plus icon to add a new shortcut. In the Phrase field, type the words you want to create a shortcut for. In the Shortcut field, type the characters that will represent your shortcut. Tap Save.
Now whenever you type your shortcut characters and hit the spacebar, the text will be replaced with your phrase. Add text replacement shortcuts for any commonly used phrases, and before you know it, you'll be sending texts more efficiently than you thought possible!
Accessing More Key Options
You’ll find a few useful keys on the iPad keyboard that aren’t present on iPhones. You’ll find them on either side of predictive suggestions (if you have predictive enabled). The extra keys will vary a bit depending on the app you’re using, but usually include things like cut, copy, paste, and undo. Using the on-screen keyboard commands can help you avoid slowing down your typing by tapping the screen for a menu of options.
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The options on the right side of the screen will vary depending on your recent actions. You can tap the arrows to undo and redo recent changes in your text. Tap the scissors icon to cut selected text. Tap the document icon to paste.
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For compatible apps (such as Notes), you can also tap the ‘Aa’ icon to set text headings or create a bullet-point list.
Enabling Trackpad Mode
One feature noticeably absent from the iPad is a trackpad or mouse. However, this trick lets you turn your keyboard into a trackpad so you can control the cursor and highlight words with precision.
Move Your Cursor
If you want to move your cursor to a tricky spot like the middle of a word, just touch two fingers to the keyboard until the keys turn gray. This means trackpad mode is now active. Now slide your fingers to the exact spot you want to move your cursor before lifting them.
Select Text
Start by pressing and holding a part of the text you’d like to select for 1-2 seconds. When you release, a menu of options will appear. Tap Select and then drag the cursor to expand or refine the area of highlighted text.
Undocking the iPad Keyboard
Another tip is to try arranging the keyboard in a way that’s most comfortable for your typing style. I’m going to show you how to use the Floating Keyboard. This option will allow you to arrange your keyboard in a way that’s most comfortable for your typing style. To access the Floating Keyboard:
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Press and hold the Keyboard icon at the bottom right corner of the keyboard. If you simply tap on this icon, this will dismiss your keyboard and hide it from view. But if you press and hold the icon, it will reveal more options.
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Slide your finger up and select the Floating option. Now you can press and hold the bar on the bottom of the keyboard and drag it to a different position on your screen. To exit out of the Floating keyboard, simply drag it to the bottom of your screen.
External Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are great for completing common tasks in a second. On your iPad, you have universal keyboard shortcuts (commands that work in any app) and app-specific keyboard shortcuts. These keyboard commands are making it easier than ever to navigate and multitask. Here, I’ll share how to view universal and app-specific keyboard shortcuts. I’ve also created a list of the most useful keyboard shortcuts to help you get started.
View Global Keyboard Shortcuts
On your keyboard you’ll see a key labeled with the picture of a globe. While it was initially intended for supporting multiple languages, the Apple Globe key has become a symbol for global keyboard shortcuts. Pressing the Globe key will allow you to view universal keyboard shortcuts, which are split into four main categories: System, Multitasking, Split View, and Slide Over.
What If Your Keyboard Doesn’t Have a Globe Key?
If you have a non-Apple keyboard, you may not have a Globe key to make use of the latest universal shortcuts. In this case, you can assign a key in Settings to take the place of the Globe key. Here’s how:
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Open Settings, tap General, select Keyboard, and tap Hardware Keyboard. Tap the Modifier Keys option at the bottom of the screen.
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In this case, I’ll choose to select the Option key as my replacement key. Tap Globe.
Now when I want to execute a universal command, this key will take the place of the Globe key. For example, if I want to return to the Home screen (normally Globe + H) I will instead type Option + H.
View App-Specific Keyboard Shortcuts
Depending on what app you’re using, additional keyboard shortcuts may be available. Simply open an app you want to see keyboard shortcuts for, then press and hold the Command button. You’ll see a list of commands for the current app you’re using. In addition to viewing the command list, you can also select any of the shortcuts on the menu to execute them.
General Keyboard Shortcuts
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Command + Space: Open Spotlight Search.
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Space: Pressing the space bar allows you to scroll down a page.
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Command + H or Globe + H: Return to the Home screen.
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Command + F: Search for a specific word or phrase.
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Command + L: Jump to the input text/URL field in Safari.
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Globe + C: Open the Control Center.
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Globe + N: Open the Notification Center.
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Globe + S: Activate Siri.
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Command + Tab: Switch between apps.
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Globe + Left Arrow: Switch to the next app.
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Globe + Right Arrow: Switch to the previous app.
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Globe + Down Arrow: Show all windows.
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Globe + A: Show Dock.
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Shift + Globe + A: Show App Library.
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Globe + Q: Open a Quick Note.
Multitasking Keyboard Shortcuts
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Globe + Up Arrow: Open the App Switcher.
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Control + Globe + Left Arrow: Tile window left in Split View.
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Control + Globe + Right Arrow: Tile window right in Split View.
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Globe + F: Return to full screen mode.
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Globe + Backslash: Show hidden Slide Over window.
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Option + Globe + Left Arrow: Move to the left in Slide Over.
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Option + Globe + Right Arrow: Move to the right in Slide Over.
Using a Bluetooth Mouse or Trackpad with Your iPad
Apple’s iPads are becoming more laptop-like every year. A key contributor to their evolution is compatibility with Bluetooth trackpads, mice, and keyboards. If you have iPadOS 13.4 or later, you can pair and use a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with your iPad.
Which iPads Support a Bluetooth Mouse or Trackpad?
You need the correct iPad model to pair a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad. Here are the models that support Bluetooth mice and trackpads:
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iPad Pro (all models)
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iPad Air 2 & later
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iPad 5th generation & later
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iPad mini 4 & later
Pairing Your Bluetooth Mouse or Trackpad
Pair your Bluetooth mouse or trackpad as you would any other Bluetooth device. Start by opening Settings, tapping Bluetooth, then following the directions from the manufacturer. Now you'll be able to navigate your iPad with the mouse the same way you would on a desktop computer.
Bluetooth Mouse Shortcuts
These common shortcuts will work when using any mouse device with your iPad.
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Access the Dock: Position the pointer at the bottom edge of the screen.
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Open Control Center: Position the pointer to highlight the status icons found in the top-right corner, then click the left mouse button. You can also move the pointer past the top-right corner of the screen.
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Open Notification Center: Move the pointer to select the status icons near the top-left corner of the screen, then click the left mouse button. You can also move the pointer past the top-left corner of the screen or the middle of the screen.
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Return to Home screen: Position the pointer at the bottom of the screen. When the Dock appears, move the pointer past the screen bottom. For iPads with Face ID enabled, you can also highlight the Home indicator (the horizontal line) at the screen bottom, then click the left mouse button to land on the Home screen.
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Access App switcher: From your Home screen, simply move the pointer past the bottom of the screen. If an app is open, drag the horizontal line near the screen bottom toward the middle of the screen, then pause (this requires an iPad with Face ID).
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Open Slide Over: Move the pointer past the right edge of the screen. To hide the Slide Over overlay, simply move the pointer past the right edge again.