Select and edit text on iPad

In apps on iPad, you can use the onscreen keyboard to select and edit text in text fields. You can also use an external keyboard, Apple Pencil, or your finger.

Select and edit text

To select text, do any of the following:
- Select a word: Double-tap with one finger.
- Select a paragraph: Triple-tap with one finger.
- Select a block of text: Double-tap and hold the first word in the block, then drag to the last word.
After selecting the text you want to revise, you can type, or tap the selection to see editing options:
- Cut: Tap Cut or pinch closed with three fingers two times.
- Copy: Tap Copy or pinch closed with three fingers.
- Paste: Tap Paste or pinch open with three fingers.
- Replace: View suggested replacement text, or have Siri suggest alternative text.
- B/I/U: Format the selected text.
- View more options.

Insert text by typing

Place the insertion point where you want to insert text by doing any of the following:
- Tap where you want to add text.
- Move the insertion point by dragging it.
Note: To navigate a long document, touch and hold the right edge of the document, then drag the scroller to locate the text you want to revise.
Type the text you want to insert.
You can also insert text you cut or copied from another place in the document. See Select and edit text.

With Universal Clipboard, you can cut or copy something on one Apple device and paste it to another. You can also move text within an app.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Select and edit text on iPad

Select and edit text

Insert text by typing