Try Writing Instead of Typing in Office XP

This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean language versions of Microsoft Office.

You don't have to use a keyboard to enter data in Microsoft Office XP programs — try writing instead!

Using handwriting in Office

If you'd prefer to write instead of type, try using handwriting recognition to fill in a Microsoft Excel worksheet or to create a Microsoft Word document. You can use handwriting recognition in any Office program instead of typing to get your work done.

If you use a handheld device such as a Handheld PC or Pocket PC, convert the notes you write when you're away from your office into a Word document.

If you have a tablet PC, you can work "on the fly" without a keyboard. Perhaps you're minutes away from giving a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation when you realize there's an error on one of the slides. Just write in your changes; the changes are converted to typed text, and you're ready to go.

More ways to work with handwriting

Note   If Word is enabled as your e-mail editor, you can use these features in Microsoft Outlook.

In Word and Outlook you can:

• Insert handwriting in handwritten form or convert it to typed text.
• Format writing in handwritten form — for example, change font size and color.
• Search and replace writing inserted in handwritten form.
• Correct errors by right-clicking the error, and then selecting a correction from a list of alternatives.
• Insert a sketch, such as an organization chart or other drawing.

Start writing!

After you install handwriting recognition, select a writing area by using the Language bar. You can use either the lined paper box similar to notebook paper or write anywhere on the screen.

Write with a handwriting input device such as a graphics tablet used with 3-D drawing applications or Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, a tablet PC, or your mouse.

As you write, your handwriting is automatically recognized and entered at the insertion point in the program.