7 Essential Galaxy Note 10 S Pen Features and Customization Tips from Experts

Until a few years ago, the S Pen in Samsung's Galaxy Note series was simply a stylus. That changed with the Galaxy Note 9's Bluetooth integration. By 2019, the Galaxy Note 10's S Pen added an accelerometer and gyroscope for advanced capabilities.

Contents
1. Control the screen like a boss
2. Long press action
3. Convert handwriting to text
4. Add Shortcuts to Air Command Menu
5. Float through the gallery
6. Edit video like a pro
7. Have fun with AR Doodle

The pen is mightier than the sword

As seasoned Samsung users and tech experts, we've tested these features extensively. With the S Pen's expanded toolkit, customization options have multiplied. While it's not magic, mastering these tricks unlocks productivity gains on your Galaxy Note 10.

Let's dive in.

1. Control the screen like a boss

Air Actions represent one of the S Pen's standout upgrades. Use gestures to switch camera modes, zoom photos, control YouTube or Spotify playback, skip tracks, and more.

This extends to scrolling long Chrome articles effortlessly.

For camera: Open the app, press the S Pen button, and rotate vertically like a wand.

For media: Horizontal swipe skips to the next; vertical adjusts volume.

Explore via Settings > Advanced Features > S Pen > Air Actions. Customize app-specific gestures here.

Next Netflix binge? Wave your S Pen for hands-free control.

Pro tip: Access Air Actions directly from the Air Command menu's Settings cog.

2. Long press action

By default, the S Pen button launches the camera—but the side key already handles that. Reassign it to Gmail, a note app, or your favorite for quick access.

Go to Air Actions > "Hold pen button to," select your app, and done.

3. Convert handwriting to text

Handwriting-to-text OCR, familiar from Google Keep and OneNote, now powers Samsung Notes and the Note 10 keyboard.

In Notes: Write legibly, tap the text—it converts at the top. Or use the Translate Text icon.

The Samsung Keyboard excels here too—enable Pen detection in its Settings for WhatsApp notes or searches.

Did you know: Switch to high-contrast keyboard for better visibility.

4. Add Shortcuts to Air Command Menu

Declutter Air Command by swapping defaults like AR Doodle for essentials like Chrome or Evernote.

S Pen settings > Shortcuts > New apps. Simple.

Pro Tip: Try "Write to Calendar" for seamless meeting notes.

5. Float through the gallery

Preview images/videos without opening: Hover the S Pen in Gallery for thumbnails.

Tap to expand, swipe horizontally to navigate, gesture for details.

6. Edit video like a pro

Precise S Pen control trumps fat-finger edits. Trim clips, join footage, add transitions, music, filters—effortlessly.

The Note 10's editor is feature-rich and intuitive.

7. Have fun with AR Doodle

AR Doodle overlays S Pen drawings on live photos/videos—perfect for Instagram.

Launch: Camera > Video mode > Top-right icon.

The pen is mightier than the sword

The S Pen defines Galaxy Note excellence. On Note 10/10+, integrate it daily for seamless productivity.

Next: Undecided on Samsung Internet Beta vs. Chrome? Check our in-depth comparison below.