Know! Convenient technique when using an external keyboard on iPad - iPad computerization course

In the last article and the article before last, I explained Apple's genuine keyboards and third-party keyboards for iPad. Found a product you like?

If you connect an external keyboard, you can enter text much more easily than with a software keyboard, so you can use the iPad more like a computer. But don't just hit a key. To make your iPad more personal, let's review the iPadOS settings and learn input techniques unique to the iPad to make text input and iPad operations even more comfortable.

Basic keyboard settings

The first thing you should do is set up your keyboard. You can change various settings to your liking by going to the "Settings" app and going to "General" → "Keyboard". It looks like the same items as when using the software keyboard are lined up, but check the [Hardware keyboard] item that appears only when an external keyboard is connected. You can configure settings for entering Japanese or English using an external keyboard. The three settings of [Auto Capitalization], [Auto Correction], and [Simple Period Input] are mainly related to entering alphabetic characters, so in most cases there is no problem even if you turn them off. In addition, you can set live conversion, display method of emoji, switch input mode using Caps Lock, etc.

Shortcut operations on iPad

Once you've customized the basic settings for your external keyboard, it's time to master keyboard shortcuts. In addition to switching the input mode with the [Control] + [Space] keys on the iPad, various operations can be performed by pressing another key together with the [Command] (⌘) key. For example, [Command] + [C] key to copy, [Command] + [Shift] + [3] key to take a screenshot, etc. There are many common shortcuts with Mac. However, the shortcut operation differs depending on the application, and it may take some time to learn the iPad-specific shortcuts. In such a case, all you have to do is remember to press and hold the [Command] key. If you press and hold the [Command] key while a specific app is running, a list of shortcuts will be displayed, so you can immediately check it on the screen.

I've listed below the basic keyboard cut shortcuts available on the iPad. In particular, just remembering the [Command] + [H] key (return to home) and [Command] + [Tab] key (switching between apps) should greatly improve your work efficiency.

There are settings even in places that are hard to notice

Finally, let's look at more detailed settings. In fact, the keyboard-related settings are also in [Accessibility] in the "Settings" app. This [Accessibility] is for people with hearing, vision, and operation disabilities, but it is based on the idea of ​​universal access and is useful for everyone.

Among them, it is convenient to set [Keyboard] → [Repeat Key]. If you are using the keyboard and feel that the keys are not responding well, try changing the key response time here. By minimizing the two values ​​of [Key Repeat Sense] and [Time to Recognize Repeated Input], the speed of continuous input increases when you hold down the key. It depends on your preference, but it is recommended because it will be faster when moving the cursor with the arrow keys.

You can also use [Full Keyboard Access] in [Accessibility] to further improve the operability. This setting is off by default, but when enabled, you can select icons, menus, links, etc. on the screen with the arrow keys and [Tab] key on the keyboard, and select by pressing the [Space] key. You can tap the selected item.

Additionally, more keyboard shortcuts are available, such as Tab+H for help or Tab+N for Notification Center. In other words, almost all operations can be performed "only with an external keyboard" without having to tap the iPad screen with a finger or connect a separate mouse. You need to learn more complicated keyboard operations, and you need to get used to the operation at first, so you won't force yourself to use it, but it's worth a try.