PDF Expert works with Apple Pencil as a part of the iPadOS ecosystem for an advanced writing experience.
How to start using Apple Pencil
Here are the simple steps to start working with Apple Pencil on your PDFs:
- Open any PDF file in PDF Expert.
- Select Annotate on the toolbar.
- Tap the Pen tool.
- Start drawing or writing on the PDF with your Apple Pencil.
You can choose the preferred color, thickness, and opacity if needed.
Prerequisites
- iPadOS 9.1, on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for Apple Pencil 1st generation
- iPad (2024 or later) and iPadOS 17.5 or later for Apple Pencil Pro support
- The latest version of PDF Expert
Supported features
Apart from writing and drawing, PDF Expert also supports these Apple Pencil actions:
- Hover: preview where your stroke will land before it touches the page
- Haptic feedback: a subtle tap confirms every squeeze and gesture, so you know an action registered without looking away from your document
- Double-tap: switch between the current tool and the Eraser, between the current tool and the last used, or show the color palette
- Squeeze (Apple Pencil Pro only): get quick access to a variety of tools with a simple gesture
You can adjust the behavior in your device's System Settings > Apple Pencil.
How to use Squeeze in PDF Expert
PDF Expert supports the Squeeze gesture on Apple Pencil Pro. Squeeze the pencil while annotating, and a quick tool menu pops up right on the page.
You can switch tools or adjust settings without reaching for the toolbar:
- Open a PDF file and select the toolset you want to use (Annotate, Draw, Fill & Sign, Measure, etc.).
- Squeeze your Apple Pencil Pro. A menu appears on the page, showing the tools tied to your current toolset.
- Tap a tool in the menu to open its submenu.
- Choose settings like color, thickness, or opacity.
- To reveal tools that aren't shown by default, drag the menu to expand it, or tap the divider symbol in the menu.
As you move the Pencil across the menu, each option zooms in slightly, making it easier to see what you're about to select.
What you can do with a Squeeze gesture
One squeeze covers most of what you'd normally reach for in the toolbar:
- Undo, redo, and erase
- Jump to your last used tool
- Highlight text and change colors
- Sketch with the Pen or Marker tool, and adjust color, thickness, and opacity
- Add shapes and edit their color and style
- Insert stamps and signatures
- Add arrows, callouts, and cloud shapes
- Switch between measurement tool settings, like color and arrow style
- Get quick access to your favorite tools
Squeeze is enabled by default with the Apple Pencil Pro. If you've assigned the squeeze gesture to something else on your iPad, go to Settings > Apple Pencil > Squeeze and choose Show Tool Palette to use it in PDF Expert.