56 MACWORLD DECEMBER 2019
iOSCENTRAL USE THE QUICKPATH SWIPE KEYBOARDhassle of switching keyboards. You can
also use QuickPath on the iPad if you’re
using the miniature floating keyboard.
The idea behind a swipe keyboard
that, instead of typing out words with an
individual tap for each letter, you hold
down your finger and slide over to each
letter. I especially find QuickPath helpful
when I’m using the one-handed keyboard
while standing during subway rides.
Once you’ve got the hang of the
QuickPath keyboard, you should try
incorporating some of Apple’s new
gestures (go.macworld.com/nwgs) for cut,
copy, paste, undo, and redo.
HOW TO USE THE
QUICKPATH KEYBOARD
The QuickPath keyboard is available the
second you upgrade to iOS 13. To use it,
open any app that brings up the keyboard
for text entry and make sure you’re using
the native iOS keyboard.
When you start typing a word, swipe
your finger to each different letter without
lifting your finger. Be careful not to press
too hard, as you might accidentally
activate the digital trackpad. If you were
typing “Macworld,” for instance, you’d start
with your finger on the M and then swipe
over to A, C, and so forth.
Once you’re done with the word, lift
your finger and iOS will leave a space so
you can start typing the next word. There’s
no need to press the space bar. To start
the next word, just repeat the process.
You won’t even have to worry about
double letters in common English words
as iOS will usually do the work for you. If
you swipe-type “bal,” for instance, it will
show up as “ball” when you lift your finger.
You can see QuickPath in action below.HOW TO USE QUICKPATH
ON AN iPAD
You can’t use QuickPath on a normal iPad
keyboard, but you can use it with the
miniature floating version that appears
when you pinch inward on the default
widescreen digital keyboard in iPadOS 13.
To stop using the floating keyboard,
pinch outward on the keyboard interface.
Head to this page (go.macworld.com/flky)
for a more detailed walkthrough.HOW TO DISABLE QUICKPATH
There’s a good chance you may not even
realize QuickPath is active unless you
actually try to use it. It doesn’t affect
normal keyboard typing. Even so, if you
find it’s getting in the way of your
experience, here’s how to turn it off.- Open the Settings app.
- Press General.
- Press Keyboard.
- Toward the bottom, you’ll see a
toggle for Slide to Type. Turn it off, and
you’ll be done. ■