iPadOS: Apple Pencil behavior inconsistent with normal iPadOS behavior

1dancook
[Split from Issues annotating with Apple Pencil]

I'm having similar issues, but perhaps slightly different. I'm using the iPadOS beta version and I'd like to help provide more details.

Is this issue being tracked on Github? I could post some feedback there.

My summary of the issue: the expected behavior of using the apple pencil and finger(s) simultaneously is not consistent between the Zotero app and normally how they behave on iPadOS. Then, within the Zotero app there is different behavior depending on the type of document (PDF, HTML - I have yet to try ePub).

Again, please advise where I can post more details and I'll be happy to help.
  • dstillman
    This is where all support happens. If you're having trouble with something, you should say more here.
  • 1dancook
    Overview
    ========

    When using an Apple Pencil for annotations on iPadOS the behavior is inconsistent with normal behavior expected on iPad.
    In the Apple Pencil settings, when "Only Draw with Apple Pencil" is turned on, the sub-note says, "When enabled, only Apple Pencil will draw. Your fingers will be used for scrolling instead."
    Thus, with that option turned on, the expectation is that fingers will be used for scrolling when an Apple Pencil is in use.

    I have gone through different scenarios and listed them below. Some related issues are noted, but perhaps need separate investigation.


    A breakdown of behavior
    =======================

    (A) FIRST, with no apple pencil, highlighter ON:

    (A.1) PDF Type
    - one finger highlight = OK.
    - two finger scrolling = NOT OK. Works in the non-PDF margin when zoomed out slightly. Starts highlighting when trying to scroll over text.
    - two finger pinch zoom = dodgy
    - sometimes starts highlighting depending on finger placement (i.e. if one finger is on text)

    (A.2) HTML Type
    - one finger highlight = OK.
    - two finger scrolling = NOT OK. If it works it seems accidental. Usually highlighting will start.
    - two finger pinch zoom = NOT OK.
    - It doesn't zoom (imo this is okay), but on my tested document it changed the text flow slightly but did not zoom.
    - Depending on finger placement it will start highlighting

    (A.3) EPUB Type
    - one finger highlight = OK.
    - two finger scrolling = Odd behavior.
    - It might start highlighting depending on finger placement.
    - attempting to scroll in any direction will change the layout of text slightly (expected that it doesn't change)
    - Able to change pages left/right with two finger swiping
    - two finger pinch zoom = Sometimes OK.
    - changes the text size, and adjusts layout
    - occasionally starts highlighting depending on finger placement.


    (B) SECOND, with apple pencil, highlight ON:


    (B.1) PDF Type
    - Apple pencil highlight = OK.
    - one finger highlight = NOT OK. It works, but should be disabled when Apple Pencil is 'out'
    - two finger scrolling = Same as (A.1)
    - two finger pinch zoom = Same as (A.1)

    (B.2) HTML Type
    - Apple pencil highlight = OK.
    - one finger highlight = NOT OK. It works, but should be disabled when Apple Pencil is 'out'
    - two finger scrolling = Same as (A.2)
    - two finger pinch zoom = Same as (A.2)

    (B.3) EPUB Type
    - Apple pencil highlight = OK.
    - one finger highlight = NOT OK. It works, but should be disabled when Apple Pencil is 'out'
    - two finger scrolling = Same as (A.3)
    - two finger pinch zoom = Same as (A.3)




    Versions of things:
    ===================

    - iPad: Air (4th Gen)
    - iPadOS: 26.1
    - Apple Pencil: 2nd Gen
    - Zotero: v2.0.0 Build 403


    Settings for Apple Pencil:
    ==========================

    - Double tap: Switch between current tool and eraser
    - Only Draw with Apple Pencil: On
    - Scribble: On
    - Bottom Left Corner: Screenshot
    - Bottom Right Corner: Quick Note
  • 1dancook
    More notes to reproduce some behavior.

    An important observation here is that depending on using a finger or apple pencil to tap on the highlight button the behavior changes.
    Also, while switching between annotation tools keeps the state, after leaving the tool mode and going back the next behavior will be determined by finger or pencil tap.
    This is easier to see with a PDF, while HTML and EPUB don't work as expected either way.

    For each of these, using finger or apple pencil to tap the annotate menu button has the same result.

    PDF:
    - [With finger] turn on the highlight button. You can use Apple Pencil, but finger scrolling doesn't work as expected and will highlight.
    - [With Apple pencil] turn on the highlight button. Apple pencil and finger scrolling work as expected


    HTML:
    - [With finger] turn on the highlight button. You can use Apple Pencil, but finger scrolling doesn't work as expected and will highlight
    - [With Apple pencil] turn on the highlight button. You can use Apple Pencil, but finger scrolling doesn't work as expected and will highlight


    EPUB:
    - [With finger] turn on the highlight button. You can use Apple Pencil, but finger scrolling doesn't work as expected and will highlight
    - [With Apple pencil] turn on the highlight button. You can use Apple Pencil, but finger scrolling doesn't work as expected and will highlight
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