Google’s Gboard keyboard can now be used for handwriting input in text fields on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Previously, the Galaxy tablets could do this as well, but you had to use the Samsung keyboard. Now you can use Gboard instead.
The Write in text fields help screen
The new feature, which was spotted by 9to5google, comes with a small help screen dubbed “Write in text fields”. Besides input, there are several editing actions that you can perform with the stylus:
- Delete: Use your stylus to scratch out a letter, word, or phrase to delete.
- Select: Draw a circle around a letter, world, or phrase to select it.
- Insert: Use your stylus to draw a caret or arrow where you’d like to add a new text.
- Join: Draw a “|” [vertical line] between text to insert a space or merge the text before and after the space
- New line: Draw down, then left with your stylus to move text to a new line
Additionally, some of these actions (and more) will appear on a small floating toolbar. In its basic form it handles backspace and new line, plus the addition of emojis and switching between languages. It also has an option to show you the clipboard as well as trigger a translation on the text.
The floating panel in action
Check your Gboard installation – if it’s version 13.7, you should have access to the new handwriting mode. If not, check for updates.
