The iPhone's Messages app has a way to add handwritten text and drawings to share with other Apple device owners. A personal touch can make a big difference in communication, showing a little style with nice penmanship, artistic skill, or perhaps humor with a sketch. While drawings can be made in other apps and shared as attachments, being able to do it all from one app is much more convenient.

Apple Messages works on any Apple device with a screen, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and even a Mac desktop or laptop computer. With Siri, messages can be read aloud on AirPods earbuds and HomePod speakers, while replies can be spoken. Of course, text messages can be sent to Android phones and tablets as well, but as not everything comes across in the same way, it is more beneficial when everyone has an Apple device. Google has made an effort to translate iMessages to Android devices more accurately recently, so that helps.

Apple's Messages app for the iPhone includes the ability to sketch a drawing, making it possible to use cursive or other handwriting instead of plain text. The feature is somewhat hidden, requiring the iPhone to be rotated into landscape mode. Once in landscape, a drawing button appears on the keyboard at the bottom-right, and tapping it opens a canvas. Then an image or a handwritten message can be drawn on the screen with a finger. Rotating back to portrait when finished allows the option to send the drawing as usual.

iMessage Drawing Options

When the iPhone's Messages app is switched to drawing mode, a strip at the bottom of the screen shows several preset cursive text snippets, including 'hello,' 'thank you,' happy birthday,' and more. In total, seven perfectly penned scripts are ready for instant use or as a way to get started. Tapping any of these will load them into the canvas where more drawings can be added to further personalize the message. The bottom panel also shows previous drawings that have been sent. If the list gets too long, some can be deleted by pressing and holding until the drawings shake. Tapping the 'X' that appears on a drawing will delete it from the list.

Editing options are limited to just being able to tap undo and there's no option to erase, so it's best to keep drawings simple unless looking for a challenge. If a more full-featured artistic option is needed, another app should be used instead and then the drawing shared with the Messages app. The iPhone's Notes app has a pretty nice set of drawing tools but there are plenty of creative paint and drawing apps on the App Store that offer more. With the ability to add custom or preset drawings and hand-written text, it's easy to make a special message or convey an idea that's best shown as an image when sending an iMessage on an iPhone.

Next: How To Sign Out Of iMessage On iPhone & iPad

Source: Apple

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Alan Truly (1253 Articles Published)

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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