● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
PDF Expert for iOS/iPadOS 27 adds searchable handwriting, Apple Pencil Pro support
Key points
- Handwriting recognition added for 29 languages.
- Handwritten notes are now searchable within PDFs and across the library.
- Apple Pencil Pro squeeze gesture opens tool palette.
- Liquid Glass interface expanded; undo/redo buttons added.
Handwriting Recognition and Search
PDF Expert for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 now includes a Handwriting Recognition feature. This functionality indexes handwritten notes, making them searchable within individual PDF documents and across a user's entire library. This includes annotations and notes created in other applications.
Language Support and API Integration
The handwriting recognition supports 29 languages, matching the language capabilities of Apple's PKStrokeRecognizer API. Readdle states that as Apple expands its API language support, PDF Expert will also benefit. This feature is available to PDF Expert Premium subscribers, while free users can still convert handwriting to typed text as they write using the Text tool.
Apple Pencil Pro Integration
The update also adds support for the Apple Pencil Pro's squeeze gesture. This gesture can be configured to open PDF Expert's tool palette, providing quick access to pens, markers, highlighters, shapes, stamps, signatures, measurement tools, and options to adjust color, thickness, and opacity. Users can also access recent or favorite tools, the eraser, and undo/redo actions directly from this palette. This feature requires an Apple Pencil Pro and a compatible iPad.
Interface Enhancements
Additionally, the update expands the Liquid Glass interface design throughout the application, including the sidebar, document viewer, its toolbar, and Presentation mode. Dedicated undo and redo buttons are now directly accessible from the document view, improving user workflow.
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Reporting from
Readdle updated PDF Expert for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, introducing searchable handwriting recognition in 29 languages and expanded support for the Apple Pencil Pro. This update allows users to find handwritten notes across their library and access tools via the Pencil Pro's squeeze gesture, enhancing the app's functionality for digital note-takers.