Fill out a form on a Tablet PC

When you open Microsoft Office InfoPath on a Tablet PC, InfoPath automatically starts in ink entry mode. This mode allows you to write directly on the form by using a tablet pen. You can use the options on the Ink toolbar to change ink options, insert ink drawing and writing sections, and switch between using a pen and using a keyboard.

Depending on the design of your form, you may also be able to write or draw inside certain controls, and then save the ink along with your form.

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Use a tablet pen to fill out a form

Prevent InfoPath from automatically starting in ink entry mode

Use a tablet pen to fill out a form

When you fill out a form by using a tablet pen, your handwriting doesn't have to fit within the confines of text boxes or other fields on the form.

1. Use the tablet pen to write in any field on the form.

   As you start writing in a field, a transparent ink guide appears on top of that field. This guide reminds you that your writing can be both taller and wider than the field itself.

2. To quickly correct a mistake, use the scratch-out gesture .

   Note: You can also use the on-screen keyboard in the Tablet PC Input Panel to make corrections. However, the scratch-out gesture is generally faster. You cannot use the scratch-out gesture to erase ink that is inside of ink drawing and writing sections, or ink picture controls.

3. To convert ink to text, click the check mark icon in the lower-right corner of the ink guide.

   Tip: To fill out the form by typing on a keyboard instead of writing in ink, tap Stop Ink Entry on the Ink toolbar.

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Add handwritten or hand-drawn content to a field in a form

If your form contains certain types of fields, called rich text fields, you can use the Insert Ink Drawing and Writing command on the Ink toolbar to insert an ink drawing and writing section inside those fields. An ink drawing and writing section is a dedicated area in which you can add handwritten or hand-drawn content. For example, you can use this feature to quickly sketch an idea or jot down a thought. Unless you specify otherwise, InfoPath saves your drawing or handwriting as ink when you save your form.

1. Tap in the field where you want to write or draw with your tablet pen.

   Tip: If the Insert Ink Drawing and Writing button is dimmed, the field does not allow ink drawing and writing sections.

2. On the Ink toolbar, tap Insert Ink Drawing and Writing .

3. Use the tablet pen to write or draw in the Ink Drawing and Writing section.

4. Do one of the following:

   • To replace the ink drawing and writing section with typed text, tap Convert Ink to Text on the Tools menu.

   • To copy the ink to the clipboard as typed text, tap Copy Ink as Text on the Edit menu.

   • To erase the ink, tap Stop Ink Entry on the Ink toolbar. Tap Erase , and then drag the eraser across the ink.

Note: Depending on the design of your form, you may be able to write or draw directly on top of pictures on your form. For example, if this feature is enabled and you are an insurance adjuster, you might circle areas of damage on a picture of a car in an insurance claim form.

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Prevent InfoPath from automatically starting in ink entry mode

If you are using a Tablet PC, InfoPath automatically starts in ink entry mode each time that you open a form. If you want, you can prevent this from happening, so that you can instead type in forms by default.

1. On the Tools menu, tap Options.

2. Tap the Ink tab.

3. Clear the Always start InfoPath in ink entry mode check box.

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