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.