As a seasoned HP specialist with years of hands-on experience optimizing stylus workflows on Windows devices, congratulations on your new HP Active Pen or compatible HP Touch Laptop. Windows 10 and later have revolutionized touch and pen interactions, making them intuitive and powerful.
Table of Contents
- Use the pen as an eraser
- Right-click without a mouse
- Select text
- Show preview
- Change button functions
- Write text on screen
- Draw in Windows apps
- Bonus tips for the handwriting panel
The basics are simple: Tap with the pen tip to select, double-tap to open. But the HP Active Pen hides advanced features that elevate your productivity. This guide, drawn from real-world testing, serves as your comprehensive HP Pen manual.
Most HP Active Pens feature two side buttons—let's call them the upper and lower for clarity (designs vary by model).
By default, the lower button activates eraser mode. In apps like OneNote, Word, or Sketchpad, press it and stroke over ink, drawings, or handwritten text to erase seamlessly.
Note: This only works on inked or drawn content, not typed text.The upper button simulates a right-click. Touch the screen with the pen, press and hold the upper button for 1-2 seconds, then release and lift. A context menu appears. If it's laggy, optimize your PC's performance.
Pro Tip: On touchscreens, finger-hold also triggers context menus.Select text effortlessly: Touch and drag the pen like a mouse cursor. In Word, no button needed; in Chrome, hold the upper button first.
Double-tap a word, triple-tap a paragraph—just like a mouse.
As a mouse alternative, hover the pen tip over items for previews: YouTube videos, web buttons, taskbar icons, and more.
Customize buttons via the HP Pen Control app (pre-installed on many devices or download here). Search in Start menu to launch.
Select actions from dropdowns (e.g., screenshot, play/pause) and apply. For app launches, use Windows Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink > Pen shortcuts.
In any text field, tap with the pen to summon the handwriting panel. Ink naturally—it converts to text in real-time. Enable finger writing in Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink.
Pro Tip: Works in Cortana, Settings, and more, even in laptop mode.Apps like Office, Sticky Notes, and Photos support direct inking. A Pen tab appears in Office for customization.
Use Ink to Math for handwriting-to-equation conversion where supported.
The panel enables fluid input:
Draw a straight horizontal line through it.
Draw a connecting arc.
Draw a caret (^) between them.
These tips unlock your HP Active Pen's potential. Imagine Samsung S Pen-level app shortcuts—we'd love those too. Share your wishlist in comments.
Next: 15 must-have Windows 10 apps to refresh your PC.
