PencilTime FAQ · Version 1.11.0 and later
How to draw and edit Shapes in PencilTime
Use editable Shapes for precise arrows, diagrams, callouts, and emphasis without flattening them into the drawing canvas.
What shapes can I draw?
PencilTime supports lines, single-ended arrows, double-ended arrows, rectangles, rounded rectangles, and ellipses.
How do I draw a shape?
- Tap the Shape button in the drawing toolbar to activate the last-used shape.
- Tap the active Shape button again to open the editor.
- Choose a shape, stroke color, width, opacity, and optional fill, then tap Done.
- Drag on the page from the shape’s starting point to its ending point.
- Select another drawing tool when you are finished drawing shapes.
Lines and arrows snap to useful angles. Rectangles and ellipses snap when they are close to equal width and height.
Why does the toolbar icon change?
When Shape mode is inactive, the button uses a general Shapes icon. When Shape mode is active, it shows the currently selected shape so you can see what will be drawn next.
How do I select and edit an existing shape?
While Shape mode is active, select a shape using the gesture chosen in Settings > Planner Settings:
- Single Tap Selection selects a shape with one tap.
- Long Press Selection requires a press and hold, reducing accidental selection while drawing.
Drag the selected shape to move it. Use its handles to resize or rotate it, or use the action buttons to change its style, duplicate it, lock it, or delete it.
How do colors, widths, fill, and opacity work?
Shape strokes and fills use the same six color palettes as the pen tools. Stroke width changes in 0.5-point steps. Stroke and fill each have their own opacity, and closed shapes can be outlined without a fill.
How do I stop drawing shapes?
Choose a pen, highlighter, eraser, lasso, or another drawing mode. The Shape editor’s Done button closes the editor but keeps Shape mode active.
Why can’t I move or resize a shape?
It may be locked. Select it and use the lock action to unlock it. Also confirm that Shape mode is active and use the selection gesture configured in Planner Settings.
How do Apple Pencil and touch work with Shape Markup?
Shape creation follows the Pencil/finger drawing preference. In Pencil-only mode, draw shapes with Apple Pencil and use a finger to pan or zoom. When finger drawing is enabled, use one finger to draw and two fingers to navigate.
Are shapes included in exports?
Yes. Shapes appear in PDF and PNG page exports. Selection outlines, handles, and editing controls are not exported.
Do shapes remain editable later?
Yes. They remain editable after changing pages or reopening PencilTime. With Premium iCloud sync, allow time for changes to synchronize before editing the same page on another device.