Quick Tip: Easily Moving the iOS Cursor
Those who know me personally will attest to the fact that I have several deeply ingrained obsessions: productivity, Apple products, cookies, and cats (obviously) among other things.
I mean, just take a look at this little one on a recent morning walk I took with my fiancée…
We’ve been calling him “Panther” because, well, that’s exactly what he looks like.
I’d like to write more about iOS productivity, so that’s what I’ll start doing here. Inspired by Federico Viticci of MacStories and his quest to turn his iPad into his main work/life computer, I’ve been working on turning my own iPad into my main work device.
It hasn’t been without its speed bumps. Namely, Squarespace, for all the good it’s brought to my life, does not play well with mobile browsers.
However, that’s no reason to toss aside my beloved iPad. When the new hardware rivals or is faster than most desktop computers out there, it would be foolish to ignore the iPad’s potential. I’ve got no problem essentially being a beta tester for the newest tech out there. I like the bleeding edge, even when it cuts.
Learning all the hidden morsels of iOS goodness has kept me from toppling off that edge. I want to share some tricks I’ve learned along the way, so that you reading this may also be able to use your device in a more productive manner. You may already be aware of these tips, but there are many out there that aren’t.
The Keyboard Cursor
Both the iPhone and the iPad have a way to move the keyboard cursor without relying on tapping the screen, holding your finger steady, and waiting for the loupe to pop up.
On iPhone devices with 3D Touch screens (all current iPhones except for the Xr), press firmly anywhere on the keyboard. The letters will disappear and the cursor will follow the movement of your finger. Press down more over a word and the word will be highlighted.
On devices without a 3D Touch screen, place two fingers anywhere on the keyboard or a single finger on the space bar for a moment to gain control of the cursor. You can also highlight text. A single tap with two fingers will highlight one word, a second tap will highlight the sentence, and a third tap will highlight the paragraph.
With a small bit of practice, this method of cursor movement will become much faster than the old way of holding, waiting, and being as precise as the device lets you.
The iPad is a remarkable and very capable piece of technology. It’s evolution from just a “big iPhone” to a complete powerhouse capable of running entire businesses is an astounding journey.
Being as productive as possible in my life and work is important to me. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish many of the tasks I do on a daily basis without tools such as my iPad. I love it for what it adds to my life. I’ll be looking forward to sharing how I continue to evolve with it.
Tap away, cats.
