This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean language versions of Microsoft Office.
Use handwriting recognition to enter text into any Microsoft Office program by writing instead of typing.
You can write by using a handwriting input device — such as a graphics tablet used with 3-D drawing programs or Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, or a tablet-PC — or you can write using your mouse.
Your natural handwriting is converted to typed characters and inserted inline with any existing text, at the same size as the existing text. In Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook, you can also choose the option to leave text in handwritten form.
You can convert handwritten notes taken in a Handheld PC or Pocket PC into Microsoft Word by following the instructions that come with your handheld device.
Working with handwriting recognition
To use handwriting recognition for the first time, install it by doing a custom installation, and then use the feature by clicking buttons on the Language bar that appears in the upper-right corner of the screen in any Office program.
Language bar
Start by selecting a writing area, either a writing pad on the screen similar to lined notebook paper, or you can write anywhere on the screen. You can write by using a handwriting input device or by moving your mouse on your mouse pad to form words. Your handwriting is automatically recognized and entered at the insertion point in the program.
Write as you naturally do on a paper surface, using cursive style, printing, or a combination of both. As you write, enter entire words without pausing after each letter, and leave space between words.
You can make changes to how fast or slow your handwriting is recognized, or turn automatic recognition of your handwriting on or off. You can also change the on-screen pen color and width, and adjust the handwriting toolbar.
How handwriting is inserted
Handwriting is automatically recognized and inserted into your file when you:
Additional handwriting features in Word and Outlook
Note If Word is enabled as your e-mail editor, you can use these additional features in Outlook.
In Word and Outlook you can:
Insert writing in handwritten form by clicking Ink on the handwriting toolbar.
Example:
Format writing in handwritten form — for example, by changing the font size and color.
Search and replace writing inserted in handwritten form.