Can I use Ink in Word without a tablet PC (but with a USB tablet)?

[Guest]

Does anyone know how to use ink in Word if I do not have a tablet PC? I have
a USB graphics tablet but can not get the ink features to appear or work.
The online support says you need a tablet PC...but how does office know if I
have a tablet or not anyway?

 

[Pat Garard]

G"Day Mike,

This is a feature of Windows Xp that Office and a number
of other programs will use.

Please try the following:
Right-Click the Windows Task bar.
Click "Toolbars"
Click "Language bar"

If that is successful then:
Right Click the Language bar (it will be on the task bar)
Click "Restore the Language bar"
Position it somewhere convenient (near the top?) on the
Screen.

Start Word.

At the Right hand end of the Language bar:
Click the tiny Drop Arrow and ensure that "Handwriting"
is ticked
This will put "Handwriting" and "Writing Pad" buttons on
the Language bar.

(These buttons may not be available unless the active window
contains a program that supports recognition. That is why you
need to start Word.)

Click the "Writing Pad" button on the Language bar - and enjoy!

If any of these steps fails, search WINDOWS XP "Help and
Support" (Start>Help and Support) for "handwriting" - see
the article on "To add handwriting recognition".

 

[Guest]

pat-
thanks for your response, that does work. The interface is slightly
awkward. any idea why i still cannot use the "ink annotation" feature within
word itself?
thanks everyone,
mike

 

[Pat Garard]

G'Day Mike,

You can insert "Ink Objects" as inline 'drawings' - click on
the 'Ink' button to the right of the Writing Pad/Drawing Pad
or on the Write Anywhere pad.

If you want to put a note in the margin, put it in a Text Box.

Check your tablet settings (absolute, relative, screen, area)
to tailor the interface.