Interact with your Surface in new ways using Surface Pen. If you're not sure which pen you have, go to Identify your Surface Pen and features.
Here's an overview of what you can do with your pen.
Note: This video is only available in English.
Write and draw
Use your Surface Pen in any app that supports inking. To see which apps to start with, go to the section Try these apps with your Pen.
Start inking with your pen
Rest your hand on the screen, like you would on a piece of paper, then start writing. Your Surface is designed to ignore your hand and other inputs while you write. Use the pointer that appears under your pen tip to guide you while you ink.
To erase, turn your pen over and rub the end of your pen over your writing or drawing.
Enter text with your pen
If you want to write instead of typing on a keyboard, you can use the touch keyboard that appears on the screen. To learn how to use it, go to Get to know the touch keyboard.
Navigate and click using your pen
Your pen can be used throughout Windows, similar to how you would use a mouse or keyboard. Here are some actions you can start with.
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Click or select |
Tap on an item. |
|
Right-click |
Press and hold the side button, then tap on the item. |
|
Drag and drop |
Place your pen on an item, and hold it there until the circle around the pointer completes. Then move the item to where you want it to go. |
|
Select multiple items |
Press and hold the side button, then drag your pen over the items you want to select. |
Note: Some actions vary based on the app or feature of Windows you're using.
Use the top button of your pen
Pair Surface Pen
Your pen uses Bluetooth to pair with your Surface. Here's how:
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth.
-
Press and hold the top button of your pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes white to turn on Bluetooth pairing mode.
-
Select your pen to pair it to your Surface.
Use top button shortcuts
Once your pen is paired, you'll be able to use the top button. The top button does different things depending on how you interact with the button. To change these shortcuts, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink.
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Open Microsoft Whiteboard |
Click the top button once. |
|
Open Snip & Sketch |
Double-click the top button. |
|
Open Sticky Notes |
Press and hold the top button. |
Customize your pen
Change pen settings
If you want to change the top button shortcuts, change the hand you write with, or change other pen settings, go to Change pen settings for more info.
Change pen pressure
To check your pen pressure settings, open the Surface app and select the Pen tab to adjust it.
Note: You can download the Surface app from the Microsoft Store.
Check battery level
If you want to see how much battery you have left, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, then find your pen. The current battery level will appear under the battery icon.
Change pen tips
If you need to replace your pen tips, go to Replace Surface Pen Tips.
Try these apps with your pen
Ready to write your ideas, take notes, and be more productive with ink? Get started with these apps.
Microsoft Whiteboard
Microsoft Whiteboard is a freeform digital canvas where you can put your ideas, content, and notes in one place.
OneNote
OneNote is your digital notebook for capturing and organizing everything across your devices. Write down your to-do lists, keep track of your notes, and draw your ideas.
Office
Office lets you create your best work in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Use your pen to annotate documents, navigate through presentations, and draw diagrams.
Microsoft To Do
To Do helps you manage, prioritize, and complete the most important things you need to achieve every day, powered by Microsoft 365 Integration.
Related topics
Interact with your Surface in new ways using Surface Pen. If you're not sure which pen you have, go to Identify your Surface Pen and features.
Here's an overview of what you can do with your pen.
Note: This video is only available in English.
Write and draw
Use your Surface Pen in any app that supports inking. To see which apps to start with, go to the section Try these apps with your Pen.
Start inking with your pen
Rest your hand on the screen, like you would on a piece of paper, then start writing. Your Surface is designed to ignore your hand and other inputs while you write. Use the pointer that appears under your pen tip to guide you while you ink.
To erase, turn your pen over and rub the end of your pen over your writing or drawing.
Enter text with your pen
If you want to write instead of typing on a keyboard, you can use the touch keyboard that appears on the screen. To learn how to use it, go to Get to know the touch keyboard.
Navigate and click using your pen
Your pen can be used throughout Windows, similar to how you would use a mouse or keyboard. Here are some actions you can start with.
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Click or select |
Tap on an item. |
|
Right-click |
Press and hold the side button, then tap on the item. |
|
Drag and drop |
Place your pen on an item, and hold it there until the circle around the pointer completes. Then move the item to where you want it to go. |
|
Select multiple items |
Press and hold the side button, then drag your pen over the items you want to select. |
Note: Some actions vary based on the app or feature of Windows you're using.
Use the top button of your pen
Pair Surface Pen
Your pen uses Bluetooth to pair with your Surface. Here's how:
-
Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth .
-
Press and hold the top button of your pen for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes white to turn on Bluetooth pairing mode.
-
Select your pen to pair it to your Surface.
Use top button shortcuts
Once your pen is paired, you'll be able to use the top button. The top button does different things depending on how you interact with the button. To change these shortcuts, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink .
|
If you want to |
Do this with your pen |
|
Open Microsoft Whiteboard |
Click the top button once. |
|
Open Snip & Sketch |
Double-click the top button. |
|
Open Sticky Notes |
Press and hold the top button. |
Customize your pen
Change pen settings
If you want to change the top button shortcuts, change the hand you write with, or change other pen settings, go to Change pen settings for more info.
Change pen pressure
To check your pen pressure settings, open the Surface app and select the Pen tab to adjust it.
Note: You can download the Surface app from the Microsoft Store.
Check battery level
If you want to see how much battery you have left, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices , then find your pen. The current battery level will appear under the battery icon.
Change pen tips
If you need to replace your pen tips, go to Replace Surface Pen Tips.
Try these apps with your pen
Ready to write your ideas, take notes, and be more productive with ink? Get started with these apps.
Microsoft Whiteboard
Microsoft Whiteboard is a freeform digital canvas where you can put your ideas, content, and notes in one place.
OneNote
OneNote is your digital notebook for capturing and organizing everything across your devices. Write down your to-do lists, keep track of your notes, and draw your ideas.
Office
Office lets you create your best work in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Use your pen to annotate documents, navigate through presentations, and draw diagrams.
Microsoft To Do
To Do helps you manage, prioritize, and complete the most important things you need to achieve every day, powered by Microsoft 365 Integration.
