How to Use Digital Touch on iOS

In iOS 10, you have access to Digital Touch–a feature that lets you add handwriting to iMessages, photos, and videos–from within the Messages app. You'll also be able to send sketches or effects with Digital Touch. This feature allows you to add a personal touch to any text you send.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Activating Digital Touch

Digital Touch can be accessed from the iMessage menu; it functions similarly to Facebook Messenger's emoji panel by popping up below the iMessage text bar when you first open it.
The Messages app resembles a speech bubble on a green background.
You can start a new one by tapping the pencil and pad icon in the top right corner of iMessage and then typing in the name of a contact if you don't have a current conversation to choose.^{[1]XResearch source}
4
Tap the Digital Touch button. This button resembles a heart with two fingers on it. It's located to the left of the iMessage typing field.
- If you've already begun typing, tap the arrow to the left of the typing field to prompt a drop-down menu with Digital Touch in it.
This should be in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. Tapping this arrow will expand Digital Touch into fullscreen mode.
6
Experiment with Digital Touch. When you feel comfortable with the Digital Touch interface, proceed.
- Try tapping the screen, dragging your finger across the interface, and holding your fingers down.
This resembles a blue upward-facing arrow in the bottom right corner of your screen.
This is in the top right corner of your screen. Now you know how to activate and use Digital Touch!
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Sending a Sketch or Effect in iMessage

1
Open Digital Touch. To do this, open your "Messages" app, open any conversation, and tap the Digital Touch button (the heart with two fingers). It's to the left of the iMessage text field.
- If you've already begun typing, tap the arrow to the left of the typing field to prompt a drop-down menu with Digital Touch in it.
2
Hold and drag one finger around the Digital Touch canvas. This will create a sketch.
- Change the color by tapping any one of the colored balls on the left side of the screen. You can also hold your finger down on one color to display a gradient.^{[2]XResearch source}
After a brief pause, your sketch will send!
4
Add different effects to your message. Some of the actions you can perform with Digital Touch include the following:
- Create a kissing animation by holding two fingers down on the screen.
- Create a "Tap", which causes your recipient's phone to vibrate briefly, by quickly tapping the screen.
- Create a heartbeat by holding down two fingers for several seconds.
You've successfully used Digital Touch to send a sketch or effect!
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Adding Writing to a Photo or Video

1
Open Digital Touch. To do this, open your "Messages" app, open any conversation, and tap the Digital Touch button (the heart with two fingers). It's to the left of the iMessage text field.
- If you've already begun typing, tap the arrow to the left of the typing field to prompt a drop-down menu with Digital Touch in it.
This will expand the Digital Touch interface.
This is on the left-hand side of the screen. Tapping it opens the camera.
4
Tap the red button for video or the white button for a picture. This will record from your camera.
- You can record up to 10 seconds of video.
5
Hold and drag your finger across the video or picture. This will add a sketch over the top of your media. You can write words or draw pictures over the top of your picture or video in this way.
- Change the sketch color by tapping the colored ball on the left side of the screen and choosing a new color.
The send arrow is in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Handwriting a Message

You can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the device to open the quick access menu, then tapping the lock with a circle around it. Rotate your phone or tablet 90 degrees to the left or right to initiate landscape mode.
2
Open Digital Touch. To do this, open your "Messages" app, open any conversation, and tap the Digital Touch button (the heart with two fingers). It's to the left of the iMessage text field.
- If you've already begun typing, tap the arrow to the left of the typing field to prompt a drop-down menu with Digital Touch in it.
Landscape mode activates a handwriting canvas in Digital Touch.
This will save your creation in the message.
The send arrow is in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. You have successfully send handwriting with Digital Touch!
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Tips

With iOS 10, Digital Touch messages and functionality can be passed back and forth between iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Warnings

As with any new software version, iOS 10 is bound to have a couple of bugs--some of which have already been detailed in Digital Touch betas--so be sure to back up all of your iOS platform's information before updating.^{[4]XResearch source}
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