The Apple Pencil is a great device to use with your iPad. Also, the Apple Pencil is the best digital tool, with a smooth flow of functions.
Since the release of the Apple Pencil, it continues to prove its usefulness as a great stylus, amongst others.
However, with the Apple pencil’s performance, it should have features other top stylus pencils possess. So features like an eraser, does Apple pencil have an eraser?
The Apple pencil doesn’t have an eraser. However, you can use an eraser by selecting the eraser tool from the App in use or setting your fingers as an eraser on supported apps. Also, the Apple Pencil 2nd gen has a double tap function near the nib to switch to an eraser or a recent tool.
There’s more to the Apple pencil relating to its functionality and features, which I will explain. And how the eraser works on both Apple pencils 1 and 2.
Continue reading this article to learn more about your Apple pencil and how you can turn on the eraser, and different ways to use it.
Do Apple Pencils Have Erasers?
The Apple pencils do not come with an eraser on them. Alternatively, you can access an eraser by selecting the eraser tool on the App in use or using the double tap feature on Apple pencil 2.
The Apple pencil has a charger connector on the other of the pencil where the eraser should be.
However, if any apple pencil should have an eraser, then it would be the next generation.
Since the iPad and the consequent release of the iPad pencils, graphics art has been much more accessible.
However, the iPad without an eraser is a significant caveat for the device.
Every artist or user will surely need an eraser on every artwork, and this questions the pencil’s capabilities.
However, the eraser’s absence doesn’t deny that you can get what you want in a stylus and more. Besides, the iPad and Apple pencil are only partially dedicated graphics tabs.
The stylus was a partially confirmed idea by the former CEO of Apple (Steve jobs) before the release of the Apple pencil in 2015.
So they’re different from most graphics tablet dedicated styluses.
The only red flag one can note from the Apple pencil is being only compatible with iPad and specific apps it supports.
Nevertheless, choosing the Apple pencil is indeed a great choice.
However, after the release of the first generation of Apple pencils, the second generation has more advanced features.
Since the Apple Pencil 1 and 2 have a bit of difference in features, let’s see how they differ.
Below is a table showing the difference between apple pencil 1 and apple pencil 2.
| Apple Pencil 1 | Apple Pencil 2 |
|---|---|
| They are cheaper. | They are more expensive. |
| They only work with a few iPad models. | They are compatible with more iPad models. |
| It charges by plugging in the iPad or using a USB connector. | It Charges by attaching to a magnetic connector on the iPad. |
| The height is 6.92 inches. | It has a height of 6.53 inches. |
| It has a circular body design. | Its design is flat in shape and fits well in the hands. |
| No double tap feature. | It has a double-tap feature. |
The Apple pencil has more properties that make it stand out from other stylus pencils, from its design to its functions.
So the eraser should be the slightest reason to downgrade the Apple pencil.
However, there are other alternative graphics tablets with an eraser on the end of their stylus.
For example, you can check out the Wacom graphics tablet ($412.44) for a better drawing experience.
How Do I Turn On Apple Pencil Eraser?
You can turn on your Apple pencil eraser by double tapping near the tip of the apple pencil.
Although, it only changes the previous tool in use. And to set/enable the double tap feature by;
- Going to the settings
- Select Apple pencil
- Select the ‘switch between the current tool and the eraser.’
- Also, select the switch between the current and last-used tools.
- Select show color palette and
- Off
The double tap function only works with Apple pencil 2.
So if your double-tap function on your apple pencil isn’t working because it’s either faulty, or not set, or it’s an Apple pencil 1.
However, the double-tap function only works with supported applications on your iPad.
In other words, the double tap to operate your iPad and apple pencil must meet requirements.
In summary, these criteria for the double tap to work are;
- Use an apple pencil 2nd generation.
- Use a Supported iPad for Apple Pencil 2.
- Use a Supported application.
You can check out this website to know what iPad is compatible with your first or second-generation Apple pencil.
If, after meeting the requirements, you still can’t turn on your eraser, try resetting the device.
For example, you can quickly reset your apple iPad setting by following these steps.
- Go to Bluetooth settings.
- Click on the ‘i’ icon close to it.
- Go to the Apple pencil device and click on ‘forget this device.
- Turn off your Bluetooth.
- Turn on the Bluetooth after some seconds.
- Reconnect the apple pencil.
After reconnecting the pencil to your iPad, you can try the earlier guide on how to set/enable the double-tap function.
So ensure you correctly pair your device. And your software is up to date.
Also, it would help if you always charged your apple pencil because a low battery will hinder its function.
Contact the apple support center if you still need help finding a solution.
How Do You Use the Eraser on an Apple Pencil?
You can manually choose the eraser tool in the specific application to use the eraser.
When you select an eraser tool, your pencil tip switches to an eraser tool for you to use.
Another way to use the eraser is by using your fingers; this feature supports certain Apps like Procreate.
Using your fingers eases the access of the eraser than selecting an eraser tool.
Also, the fingers method works with the models of iPad, as long as they support the applications.
Meanwhile, below is how you can set your fingers to work as erasers on software like procreate.
- Firstly, open the setting on your iPad.
- Go to the downloaded app list and select procreate, which displays the options of the App.
- Next, go to Apple pencil mode and tap on ‘Finger Mode.’
- A list of options will appear on the right side of the screen.
- Select the Erase only option, the last option on the list.
After following the steps above, your fingers will automatically become an eraser anytime you use the specific software (procreate).
Aside from the two ways to turn on/use erasers with your Apple Pencil, there is another stylus with erasers on them.
Yes, just like the regular pencil, the other end of the pencil is the eraser.
A significant breach between using an iPad with an apple pencil is the feel in texture when using.
Instead of the Hb pencil or wet brush on paper, it’s just hard plastic on a glass surface.
Another is the function of the opposite end of the pencil. Apple pencils’ opposite end is for charging the pencil.
Therefore, setting the eraser is as easy as using the opposite side of the eraser.
Notwithstanding, if Apple is to add an eraser to the apple pencils, then it’ll be an extension of the pencil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the apple pencil doesn’t have an eraser on the other end. And to use the eraser with the apple pencil, you can:
- Select the eraser tool from the tool pallets.
- Use the double-tap feature on your second-generation Apple pencil.
- Use your fingers as an eraser on specific software like procreate.
With all these alternative ways to use the eraser, you will worry less about the pencil not having an eraser. And also have a wonderful experience while using the device.