Pen and ink in Windows

Pen and digital ink capabilities in Windows

Microsoft Windows provides extensive support for pen input. Pen features are supported in all versions of Windows except Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic, and Windows Vista Home Basic. They include:

  • Handwriting recognition. Quickly enter handwritten information anywhere the computer accepts typed input. Convert your handwritten content to typed text at any time.
  • Gestures. Use touch (gestures) on the tablet to trigger customizable actions. To customize gestures, select the Flicks tab in the Windows 8® or Windows 7® Pen and Touch or Windows Vista® Pen and Input Devices control panel.
  • Digital Ink (Microsoft Office 2007 or later). Utilize the enhanced digital mark-up and inking tools found on the Review tab in applicable applications.

The Windows Input Panel enables you to use handwriting or an on-screen keyboard to directly enter text with your Wacom pen.

Note: The Pen Flicks and press-and-hold-to-right-click features are disabled in some graphics applications.