How to Write in Word on a Tablet PC

One of the key advantages of Tablet PCs is that you can enter text by literally writing it instead of typing it. You can, however, do more than simply jot down notes. You can also use the handwriting function to write text in programs such as Word, to write emails and to enter the addresses of websites.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tablet PC
• Microsoft Word installed on your Tablet PC

Configure the Input Panel on Your Tablet PC

1. Click on the "Input Panel" icon on the taskbar. The Input Panel is the interface through which you can write text and enter it into programs on your Tablet PC. It allows you to enter text via a virtual keyboard, by writing one character at a time for increased accuracy or by writing entire words as you would while writing naturally.

2. Select "Tools and Options" in the Input Panel. On the "General" tab, ensure that the option is checked that allows the Input Panel to be displayed in the text entry area when possible.

3. This will minimize the amount of action that is needed to launch the Input Panel when you want to write text in Microsoft Word and other programs.

Enter Text in Microsoft Word on Your Tablet PC

4. Launch Microsoft Word on your Tablet PC. You can do this by using the pen from your Tablet PC to navigate to Microsoft Word from the "Start" menu or by clicking on the icon on your desktop or Quick Launch toolbar. This is assuming you're running a Windows operating system on your Tablet PC.

5. Open a document in Word. If you want to edit an existing document, select it from the folder in which it is located. If you are starting a new document, you can open a blank Word document by selecting "New" from the menu.

6. Bring the pen from your Tablet PC close to the screen where you want to start writing text. This will cause the "Input Panel" icon to be displayed, which you can use to write your text in Word.

7. Click the icon to launch the Input Panel and start writing in Word. Additional lines will appear in the Input Panel as they become necessary to accommodate additional text.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that your Tablet PC has SP2 installed on it. In addition to providing security enhancements, SP2 improves the way you can access the Input Panel to write text on your Tablet PC.
• From the "Tools and Options" menu within the Input Panel, you can specify options including the location of buttons in the Input Panel, thickness of your writing and the amount of space between lines.