Writepad for iPad -- Text Recognition

[Ed Hardy]

If you want handwriting recognition on the iPad, try out WritePad:
WritePad for iPad on the iTunes App Store

You can enter text into the app, then send it out in a variety of ways, like email and Twitter.

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[lelisa13p]

Ed, have you tried that app? If so, your impressions?

[Digitaldoc]

If you want handwriting recognition on the iPad, try out Writepad:
WritePad for iPad on the iTunes App Store

You can enter text into the app, then send it out in a variety of ways, like email and Twitter.

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I have Writepad. WP does not convert HW to text in other than special proprietary applications.

[Ed Hardy]

Chris, you are correct, WritePad isn't a general input system for the iPad to replace the standard one. That's because there's no way to globally replace the standard input system under the iOS. (It might be possible on a jailbroken device, but I haven't researched that.)

As it stands, if you want to enter handwritten text into your iPad, WritePad is one of the better solutions I know of.

It gives you a couple of different modes to choose from: you can write anywhere on the screen, or enter text into a dedicated box at the bottom of the screen. I generally use the box because it keeps my scrawling handwriting under control, which in turn makes it easier for the app to recognize.

I find it to be a bit nitpicky. For example, if you don't include the downstroke at thew beginning of the m, it shows up as an n.

You can write with your finger, but if you're serious about handwriting recognition I recommend getting yourself a capacitive stylus.

As I mentioned before, you can send WritePad text directly to email and Twitter. You can also cut-and-paste it to most other apps. Kludgey I know, but until Apple lets developers create global alternate input systems, it's one of the better options to the standard keyboard.


p.s. Just so you're aware, I'll point out that I haven't extensively tried out this app because it just isn't for me. I have terrible handwriting, and find keyboards much, much faster.