Microsoft has updated its Office suite for iPad and iPad Pro in order to unlock new inking tools, be it with a finger or the fancy new Apple Pencil.
The inking tools, which have been available in Office for Windows since 2007, are now available on iOS tablets.
The new Draw tab makes it easy to switch between typing and drawing, while there’s also an Instant Inking feature which senses the approach of an active pen like the Apple Pencil.
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That allows iPad Pro users to start inking without needing to select the feature.
Meanwhile, users will be able to Ink to Shape, which means hand-drawn shapes will be recognised and coverted into neater designs. There’s also the ability to create diagrams and process flows.
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See also: 6 features that’ll make you want an iPad Pro
The new features work across Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for iPad and iPad Pro.
Bringing new inking abilities into play will particularly benefit iPad Pro users who’ve also adopted the Apple Pencil.
Could this newfound functionality push you towards Apple’s professionally-slanted slate? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.