With Apple’s iPad, users can unlock a world of capabilities unique to this device. Knowing a few essential iPad tips can make all the difference, whether you’re a seasoned iOS veteran or a new tablet owner. These tricks allow users to make the most of iPadOS, highlighting features that elevate the device from a simple tablet to a productivity powerhouse.

11 Essential iPad Tips and Hacks

1. Utilize the Dock for Quick Access

Unlike the iPhone, the iPad offers a customizable dock, allowing users to access favorite apps from anywhere. This dock appears when swiping up from the screen’s bottom, even while using other apps. Users can place up to 13 favorite apps on the dock, with the last two spots reserved for recently used applications. Adding an app is simple: press and hold the app, drag it to the dock, and release.

SlashGear | MSN | iPad offers a customizable dock, allowing users to access favorite apps from anywhere.

2. Multitasking with Slide Over and Split View

One of the iPad’s standout features is multitasking. With iPadOS, users can operate multiple apps simultaneously through Slide Over and Split View. Slide Over keeps one app on top of another, while Split View divides the screen for side-by-side functionality. To enable these, access the dock by swiping up and drag an app icon to the side of the screen. Stage Manager also allows up to four apps open at once on newer models.

3. Use the Apple Pencil for Precision

The Apple Pencil transforms the iPad into a powerful drawing tool and note-taking device. The second-generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to compatible iPads, charging automatically. With Scribble, users can convert handwriting to text seamlessly. For drawing precision, double-tap the Pencil to switch between tools, which can be customized under Settings. Drawing shapes? Pause at the end of the line, and iPadOS will snap it into a perfect geometric form.

4. Drag and Drop Content Between Apps

The iPad enables easy data transfer through drag-and-drop functionality. Users can drag text, images, or links between apps when multitasking, streamlining tasks like research and content creation. For example, users can drag photos from the Photos app into an email or drop text snippets from Safari into Notes. Just press and hold the desired content, drag it to the target app, and release. This feature simplifies the process, eliminating the need for copy-pasting.

5. Master the Keyboard Shortcuts and Split Keyboard

Apple’s full-size keyboard makes typing comfortable, and it includes shortcuts like Command + H for the Home Screen. The iPad keyboard can also split, letting users type with their thumbs as on an iPhone. To activate, hold down the keyboard icon and select “Split.” Additionally, users can access symbols and numbers quickly by swiping down on keys, streamlining typing efficiency.

6. Customize Widgets and Live Activities

With iPadOS 17, widgets have gained functionality, allowing users to place them on the lock screen. Live Activities widgets can track real-time events, like deliveries or sports scores, without requiring users to open an app. Customize widgets by long-pressing the screen, tapping “+,” and selecting from a list of available widgets. The flexibility helps users keep important information accessible at a glance.

@bytereview | Instagram | With iPadOS 17, widgets have gained functionality, allowing users to place them on the lock screen.

7. Use Focus Mode for Enhanced Productivity

Focus Mode is perfect for uninterrupted work or relaxation. This feature limits notifications to ensure minimal distractions. Set up Focus by navigating to Settings > Focus, and select options like Sleep or Work. Users can allow specific contacts and apps to break through the Focus filter, perfect for staying connected without constant interruptions. Once set, it’s easy to switch between different Focus modes, helping users create a distraction-free environment tailored to each activity.

8. Enhance Navigation with Assistive Touch and Accessibility

iPadOS includes various accessibility tools, such as Assistive Touch, to facilitate navigation. Activate Assistive Touch in Settings > Accessibility, and a floating button will appear, offering quick access to common functions. Users can also adjust settings like VoiceOver, Magnifier, and Display Accommodations. These features provide a more personalized experience, catering to users’ unique needs and enhancing the device’s versatility.

9. Share Safari Tabs Across Devices

For those with multiple Apple devices, iCloud Tabs in Safari offers seamless access across platforms. By enabling Safari in iCloud settings, open tabs on one device automatically appear on another, like an iPad or Mac. To access, open Safari, tap the Tabs icon, and view tabs from other devices. This feature keeps users’ browsing experiences synchronized, which is ideal for multitasking or effortlessly transitioning from one device to another.

10. Screen Recording and Screenshot Capabilities

Taking screenshots or recording the iPad screen is simple. For screenshots, press the Home and Power buttons simultaneously (or Power and Volume Up on models without a Home button). To record, open Control Center and tap the Record button. For users with an Apple Pencil, swipe from the screen’s corner for quick capture. These options let users easily document and share content, useful for tutorials or troubleshooting.

11. Enhance Your Workflow with External Displays

For users with the latest iPad models, iPadOS now supports external displays. Connect via HDMI or USB-C, and use Stage Manager to manage apps on both screens. This setup allows users to expand their workspace, effectively transforming the iPad into a workstation. Customize display settings under Display & Brightness, ensuring an optimal viewing experience. It’s a game-changer for those looking to boost productivity by mirroring or extending their screens.