Ink editor pen missing in Word on Microsoft 365

Question

My ink editor pen disappears randomly in Word on Microsoft 365. I've attached a screenshot of what my draw tab looks like. It used to reappear on its own in the past, but it has been missing for several days now.

Answer 1

Hi @Maya Johnston

If your device is touch-enabled, the Draw tab is turned on automatically. Otherwise, turn it on by selecting File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Draw.

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Answer 2

Hi again @Jiajing Hua-MFST
I seem to have found a possible pattern. When I click on the language input options, I have three: WhatsApp Image 2024-04-11 at 13.54.55_a024ff54.jpg. The action pen option isn't available when it's set to either of the English options, but seems to become available again when I switch to Hebrew. This wasn't the case before. Is there any way to link the action pen to one of the English options? Now that it's linked to Hebrew, every time I want to switch between using the action pen and typing, I have to first switch the language - adding an unnecessary, clunky step to the process.

Thanks.

Answer 3

Well, @Jiajing Hua-MFST I've solved the mystery. It turns out the old action pen is gone and has been replaced by the ink to text pen.

This is so frustrating - first of all, the replacement is a far inferior tool for people who want to edit using a smart pen... The action pen was much much more intuitive and worked way better. I've already submitted feedback about that.

But what's even more frustrating is that this isn't the first time I've reached out to Microsoft for help only to basically solve the problem myself ... (https://insider.microsoft365.com/en-us/blog/ink-to-text-pen-now-available-in-excel-for-windows - this talks specifically about Excel, but it's the same story for Word). What's the point of help if the staff isn't trained on what Microsoft is doing or on who to ask so they get receive accurate information?

I miss the days when there was an alternative word processing program. If there were one, I'd never use Microsoft.

Answer 4

MS Word - Draw tool - Ink to Text icon shows but not working from the tab on the ribbon. By click to select the ink to text pen icon, the cursor symbol gets selected.

But same Ink to Text feature works when selected from the "Search- Drawing tool - ink to pen option.

How to make it work from the ribbon tab again?.