4 Useful iPad Tricks You May Not Know
Further Simplifying Your iPad Experience
Feedback on my previous article concerning basic iPad tips was varied. While some readers considered the suggestions overly elementary, others found them genuinely helpful.
It’s accurate that a segment of users thoroughly explore every feature upon initial use, or possess prior familiarity through iPhone ownership. However, many, like myself, are new to the Apple ecosystem and appreciate the iPad without necessarily seeking out advanced functionalities.
Discovering Useful iPad Features
For those who prefer a straightforward approach, here are additional, easily implemented iPad tips and tricks that I’ve personally found beneficial.
- These suggestions are designed to enhance usability without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
- The focus remains on simple adjustments that can improve your daily iPad experience.
These techniques are particularly valuable for individuals who didn't previously own an iPhone and are discovering the iPad's capabilities organically.
The intention is to provide accessible guidance, allowing users to enjoy their device without feeling overwhelmed by complex procedures.
Ultimately, the goal is to make your iPad interaction more intuitive and enjoyable, regardless of your prior experience with Apple products.
Streamlining Input: Quickly Accessing Symbols and Domain Extensions
When composing text, how are numbers and symbols typically incorporated into your typing? Many users resort to tapping the '123' key, selecting the desired character, and then reverting to the alphabetical keyboard. However, a more efficient method exists.
While difficult to illustrate with a static image, the technique involves a sustained press on the '123' button. Maintaining contact with the screen, slide your finger directly to the chosen symbol. Releasing your finger will then insert the symbol and automatically return the keyboard to its standard alphabetical layout. This process offers a significant time-saving benefit during text entry.
As demonstrated in the accompanying screenshot, this method extends to nested symbols as well. By holding your finger on a symbol key, a wider range of choices becomes available.
For infrequent use of specialized characters – such as those found in a résumé – a dedicated keyboard isn't necessary. These characters can be accessed by simply long-pressing the relevant English letter key.
The keyboard’s “.com” button is another often-overlooked feature. But what if you require a different top-level domain? Is assistance unavailable? Not at all. A prolonged tap on the “.com” button reveals additional options.
These supplementary domain choices will align with the international keyboards currently installed on your device.
Mistyped? Quickly Revert Your Input
Have you ever experienced the frustration of typing an entire sentence or search term, only to discover it was incorrect? While repeatedly pressing the backspace key will eventually correct the error, a more efficient method exists.
This alternative involves a simple gesture: shaking your device. It may sound unconventional, but it's a fully functional feature!
Activating the Undo Typing Function
To initiate this function, simply give your iPad a gentle shake. Selecting Undo Typing will instantly clear your recent input.
The extent of the erasure varies depending on the application. In applications like Notes, where longer content is common, the feature won’t delete everything, but rather a portion of your text.
The specific amount erased with each Undo action isn't predetermined, however, the function remains a valuable time-saver.
Expanding the iPad Dock
Many users desire the ability to feature more than the standard four applications within the iPad's dock. It's a common misconception that the dock is limited to only four apps. In reality, the dock can accommodate up to six applications.
This customization allows for quicker access to frequently used tools. Previously, I operated under the assumption that the four-app limit was fixed.
Adding Apps to the Dock
To modify the dock, a long press on any application icon is required. This action initiates a visual cue, indicating the apps are ready to be rearranged.
Following this, simply drag the desired applications directly onto the dock area. The system will dynamically adjust to accommodate the new additions.
As demonstrated, it is now possible to have six applications readily available within the dock. This provides enhanced convenience and streamlines the user experience.
Key Benefit: Increased accessibility to your most-used apps.
This simple adjustment significantly improves workflow efficiency. Having these apps constantly visible eliminates the need to navigate through home screens.
Customizing iPad Background Color
A preference for a dark aesthetic is common, and many users, like myself, favor a black background. This is particularly noticeable when transitioning from a dark wallpaper to applications with bright interfaces, such as the Settings app. Fortunately, the iPad offers a built-in solution to mitigate this issue.
Within the iPad's settings, an accessibility feature allows for inverting colors. Navigate to the Settings application and select Accessibility. There, you will find the option to enable "White on Black," effectively reversing the color scheme.
Applying the White on Black Setting
Enabling this feature transforms the background of the Settings app to black, while displaying text in white. This provides a more visually comfortable experience. A screenshot demonstrating this change wasn't possible to capture, so direct experimentation is recommended.
The benefits extend beyond the Settings app. This setting can be utilized to create a darker background for applications like Notes, iBooks, or Kindle for iPad, enhancing readability and reducing eye strain.
However, it's important to note that activating this setting globally alters the home screen's appearance, which some users may find undesirable. Repeatedly accessing the Accessibility settings to toggle this feature can be cumbersome.
Using Triple-Click Home for Quick Access
Luckily, a convenient shortcut exists. The iPad allows you to assign a function to the triple-click Home button gesture. Access this setting by going to Settings, then Accessibility, and finally selecting "Triple-Click Home."
From this menu, you can choose "Toggle White on Black." This means that each time you quickly press the Home button three times, the color scheme will switch between standard and inverted. This is a highly efficient method for quickly adjusting the display.
This triple-click functionality isn't limited to color inversion. Zoom and VoiceOver can also be assigned to this gesture, offering quick access to other accessibility features. Alternatively, the setting can be configured to prompt you to choose an action each time the Home button is triple-clicked.
The ability to rapidly toggle the White on Black setting, or other accessibility options, via the triple-click Home gesture significantly improves the user experience and provides a personalized level of control.
Further Exploration
Previously, I lacked the drive to actively seek out these functionalities. However, since beginning this exploration, I find myself thoroughly engaged and eager to continue. What undiscovered capability will be revealed next?
Are there additional straightforward, beneficial techniques that you believe we should cover? Should we aim for more advanced discoveries and delve into complex features? Do you possess any iPad tips or tricks you would like to contribute? We welcome your feedback in the comments section!
Image Source: Shutterstock
