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20. iPad specifics

On iPad, mrkdwn offers additional features that make use of the larger display and the Apple Pencil.

Split view

On iPad the file list and the editor are shown side by side. Opening a file or the editor settings automatically collapses the list so the editor gets the space.

Apple Pencil — drawing in a document

With the Apple Pencil you can insert sketches directly into a document.

Opening the drawing layer

The pencil icon in the toolbar (top right, iPad only) opens the drawing layer. It slides in from the right edge and keeps the left part of the editor visible.

Inserting

After drawing, Insert places the sketch at the cursor position as an image in the document. Cancel discards the drawing.

The Apple Pencil is not available for remote files (SSH/SFTP) — drawings require local companion files that cannot be stored on the server.

Raster (PNG) or vector (SVG)

In the header of the drawing layer, the Vector switch determines the format the drawing is embedded in:

• The switch is set before inserting.
• When editing an existing drawing, the switch is automatically set to the format the drawing was previously saved in. Flipping it changes the format on the next insert.

Re-editing drawings

Regardless of the chosen image format, mrkdwn saves the original strokes in an invisible companion file (.drawing) next to the image. This keeps every drawing — including an SVG vector drawing — fully editable:

1. Tap the inserted drawing in the editor.
2. The drawing layer opens with the original strokes.
3. Add, erase, change — Insert overwrites both the image and the companion file.

The strokes are never lost; a “round-trip” between image and editing is possible at any time.

Scribble — handwriting becomes text

Scribble is an iPadOS feature: handwritten input with the Apple Pencil is automatically converted into typed text. In mrkdwn you can use it to write directly with the pencil in text fields and in the editor.

Enabling (iPadOS)

1. Open Settings (iPadOS).
2. Choose Apple Pencil.
3. Turn on Scribble.

Scribble is only available in supported languages and requires a paired Apple Pencil. The handwriting-to-text conversion happens locally on the device.

Using it in mrkdwn

• Write with the pencil in the editor or a text field (e.g. title, search) — the handwriting is converted to text.
• Gestures such as scratch out to delete or circle to select follow the iPadOS standard.

Keyboard shortcuts

With an external keyboard, system-wide shortcuts are available. Hold the ⌘ key to display the available shortcuts.

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