Using Pen tools

Digital ink is freehand text or objects you create using an interactive display’s pen or the Pens tool in SMART Notebook software. Digital ink enables you to quickly write or draw within your SMART Notebook software files, either as you create the files or when you present them to students.

You can also create freehand objects using the Pens tool. The Pens tool enables you to write or draw with a variety of pen types:

Pen type

Purpose and example

Notes

Standard

Write or draw digital ink in a variety of colors and line styles.

The Standard pen can be used for most writing applications.

Calligraphic

Works much like the Standard pen type, but creates lines of varying thickness.

The Calligraphic pen type is useful for teaching students handwriting.

Crayon

Write or draw crayon-like digital ink.

The Crayon pen type works best with artistic work, such as painting and coloring pictures, rather than writing.

Highlighter

Highlight text and other objects.

Use the Highlighter pen to add emphasis to text.

Text

Write notes that automatically convert to editable text.

You can edit your text as you work without touching a keyboard (see Using the Text pen to write and edit text).

Creative

Add colorful elements to your presentations.

You can create custom Creative pen styles (see Creating custom Creative pen styles).

Paint Brush

Write or draw paint-like digital ink.

The Paint Brush pen type works best with artistic work, such as painting and coloring pictures, rather than writing.

Magic

Write or draw digital ink that fades after a few seconds.

You can also use the Magic Pen to draw a magnifier or spotlight to focus attention on specific content (see Use the Magic Pen to draw a magnifier or spotlight).

Shape Recognition

Draw a variety of shapes with digital ink.

You can draw circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, and arcs (see Adding shapes with the Shape Recognition Pen tool).