iPad Pro Using Apple Pencil to Annotate PDFs

[NightFox]

OK, so my workflow used to be I'd open the PDF in Files on my iPad Pro and then could just start making notes all over it within Files using the pencil. I didn't have to click the Markup button, so whilst the pencil would write, I could still use my fingers to scroll up and down the document.

However, with recent iterations of iOS, the behaviour has changed so as soon as I start using the pencil on the document, it automatically enters markup mode meaning that if I try to use a finger to scroll, I just end up with a black line down the screen. It's really annoying now that I have to keep exiting markup mode every time I want to move forward or backward through a document.

Anyone know if there's a way around this?

Thanks,

Neil

 

[chabig]

Use two fingers to scroll, pan, and zoom.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I think this video might come in handy.

 

[NightFox]

Use two fingers to scroll, pan, and zoom.

Ah, didn't know that, thanks - still not quite as convenient, but at least it's something I can try to re-learn.

I think this video might come in handy.

I appreciate the effort, but actually that video doesn't really have anything to do with my issue.

 

[ericwn]

I think this video might come in handy.

I’d like to understand how that helps the OP with annotating PDFs in Files.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I’d like to understand how that helps the OP with annotating PDFs in Files.

It was a simple misunderstanding.

 

[ericwn]

It was a simple misunderstanding.

Sure. I often hear Notes when somebody says Files because they sound so similar.

 

[Abazigal]

OK, so my workflow used to be I'd open the PDF in Files on my iPad Pro and then could just start making notes all over it within Files using the pencil. I didn't have to click the Markup button, so whilst the pencil would write, I could still use my fingers to scroll up and down the document.

However, with recent iterations of iOS, the behaviour has changed so as soon as I start using the pencil on the document, it automatically enters markup mode meaning that if I try to use a finger to scroll, I just end up with a black line down the screen. It's really annoying now that I have to keep exiting markup mode every time I want to move forward or backward through a document.

Anyone know if there's a way around this?

Thanks,

Neil

You may also want to consider using another app other than the default files app.

Are your files stored in the cloud? One idea is to sync it to a document manager app such as pdf expert, which you can then open and annotate on directly.

 

[RevTEG]

My job involves tons of annotating PDF's... PDF Expert is my favorite app for the job. Works great with my Apple Pencil too.

 

[pdaholic]

I second the recommendation on PDF expert! I spend a lot of time working in that app. Readdle is my favorite software company.