Wooden Apple Pencil 1st Gen may look extremely simple but it can do much more than painting. Be whether you’re note-taking, doodling, these tiny tips come on big. I’ve had it for a while now and horrifying as it is, some Apple Pencil 1st Gen tips actually helped me.
Always Keep the Charging Adapter Close
The Apple Pencil 1st Gen charges via a little adapter which is very easy to misplace. Always carry it with you in your bag or pouch much to my chagrin. I ended up digging through drawers at one point to locate my own. Lack of that adapter makes it a big fuss to charge.
Don not Charge at iPad in Street
Sure, you can insert the Pencil in the lightning port of your iPad, but it feels funny and strange and you can always break it so it just does not feel right. Especially when you are in a cafe or a course people will stare. It is better just to bring about a cable or that adapter and charge safely.
A Matte Screen Protector
This is an all around game changer. The Pencil is so much smoother and you feel like you are drawing on paper. There is a paperlike screen protector that I purchased on Amazon and immediately my sketching and note-taking became perfect. Nothing slick glass feels anymore.
Test Double-Tap Gestures (Not Available)
Okay, so, as opposed to the 2nd Gen, there is no double-tap on the 1st Gen. At first I did not know it, and I kept tapping that pencil idlingly. When you require shortcuts–you must place them yourself on the iPad screen and it continues to work.
Label Your Pencil If You’re in School or Office
Things are exactly like this. I also recall another time when I accidentally touched someone in a meeting. Buy a sticker or cover anything discreet and stick it to yours. It will pay to have your Pencil on the table later when everybody does not.
Only with Specific iPad Models Use It
Apple Pencil 1st Gen is compatible with not all iPad. Once successfully connected it to my friend with a newer iPad Air but it did not work. It only fits the older models i.e. 6 th/ 7 th / 8 th gens iPads, iPad Pro 10.5 inch etc. Be sure, before purchase.
Better comfort with Grip Sleeve Get a Grip Sleeve
The Pencil is very greasy, more so when you engage it over long durations. Soft silicone grip sleeves were purchased and made writing so very much better. And it prevents the Pencil rolling off the desk and it happened to me twice earlier.
Scribble in iPadOS
Scribble allows you to write anywhere you can use the Pencil including search bars or in chat apps. I have sometimes used it to write Instagram captions. The easiest way is to open Settings > Apple Pencil and switch on Scribble. Very convenient to use as a short message.
Switch off Only Draw with Apple Pencil in Notes
Turn off your finger drawing option in: Settings > Notes, if you ever occasionally sketch with your finger too such as in shading or gestures. Otherwise, the Pencil will be all that is recognized. This was on by default and I did not understand why my fingers were malfunctioning.
Prevent Destruction to the Tip
When the tip becomes exhausted, it does not write well. This would scratch my screen which I learned after scratching my screen by using it. The replacement of the parts is inexpensive, but nevertheless, Apple makes them available in packs. Whenever the writing mode seems weird or laggy, always look at the tip.
Turn Off Bluetooth to Save Battery When Not in Use
Apple Pencil is a Bluetooth device. Unless you are going to use it hours at a time or overnight, Bluetooth on iPad and Pencil should be turned off to save battery. I typically do it at night, or when I am travelling.
Do Not Use When Charging
Yeah, in theory you can use it when it is charging (on a lighting plug + adapter), but it feels super weird. The cable is inconvenient. It works in 15 minutes just give it a chance. I tend to have a snack and it juices up.
In Zoom Conferences and Chats Incorporate It to Draw or Clarify
I had drawn using the Apple Pencil 1st Gen in classes done over Zoom. Drawing / Underling / Explaining stuff If you share the screen and use Notes or any whiteboard program it will be simple to draw SPADES even underline explaining stuff. Super handy when you are a teacher or tutor.
It is so simple to pair It Just plug it in
It has no buttons or menu as you simply just have to plug the pencil in the lightning port to your iPad and it automatically pairs up. The first time I did it it felt like magic. All you need is to have Bluetooth enabled.
Wipe the Pencil at least Once a Week
The white exterior is quickly soiled and around the tip. You need only to clean it on a soft cloth or even take a bit of moist tissue. I wash mine on a Sunday, as it gets lodged around in my pencil pouch during the week.
Install GoodNotes/ Notability
The Notes app pre-installed is okay, but ones such as GoodNotes or Notability will completely utilize the Apple Pencil. I began with GoodNotes in college and it quite literally became my only one, replacing all the notebooks.
Try Drawing Apps Like Procreate
Procreate is the best app to have when in love with drawing. It is similar to a sketchbook full-on. It has really worked great with the Apple Pencil 1st Gen, which has pressure sensitivity as well as tilt. I use it to sketch just to have fun.
Dont Let the Battery Get to 0%
In case the Apple Pencil has died completely, at times it will not recharge immediately. When storing it, maintain its concentration at least at 10 per cent or higher. I have actually had to wait hours just to get it on again once.
How to use Split Screen in taking notes?
This is a godsend. I have Safari, or PDF, on one page and GoodNotes on the other. With the Apple Pencil 1st Gen to copy diagrams or notes or to make notes it is exactly the same feeling as in a school room.
It is Not Just a Figurative Artist It is All People
Humans believe that the Apple Pencil is an artist’s tool. Not true. I find mine handy to write grocery lists (or annotate PDFs or…just doodle.). When you are accustomed to it, it is more comfortable than typing.
Table: Apple Pencil 1st Gen Quick Specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Charging Method | Lightning Port / Adapter |
| Pressure Sensitivity | Yes |
| Tilt Sensitivity | Yes |
| Compatible iPads | iPad 6th-9th Gen, iPad Pro 10.5″, etc |
| Battery Life | Around 12 hours |
| Charging Time | 15-20 minutes for 80% |
Conclusion
IPP Apple Pencil 1 st Gen does not disappoint in 2025 particularly when you adopt the right tips and tricks. It is a good tool whether you are a student, employee, or an art vandal. All you need to do is use it intelligently and you will experience the upgrade in regards to your daily use of iPad.
FAQs
Nope, It is compatible only with older iPad such as iPad 6 th, 7 th, 8 th gen and a few iPad Pro models. Before purchasing, find out whether it is compatible.
Utilize lightning or a cable. Any charge through the iPad should be avoided. It can break by navigation, and it is dangerous.
Yeah, provided you are using an iPad compatible with it. It is excellent when it comes to taking notes, drawing, and even signing PDFs, very useful to this day.
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