When using the Sketch feature or simply handwriting a note in the Notes app, you used to be able to use a ruler to draw straight lines. In iOS 11, Apple replaced the ruler with a set of lines and grids you can use to help you draw a straight line, create vector sketches, handwrite a note across an even landscape, and more. Here's how to access lines and grids in the Notes app.
Apple occasionally offers updates to iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS as closed developer previews or public betas for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac (sadly, no public beta for the Apple Watch). While the betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs that can prevent the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. That's why we strongly recommend staying away from developer previews unless you need them for software development, and using the public betas with caution. If you depend on your devices, wait for the final release.
- How to access lines and grids from a new note
- How to access lines and grids from Action Extensions
- How to set a line or grid as the default note style
- How to remove a line or grid from a sketch
How to access lines and grids from a new note in the Notes app on iPhone and iPad
When you start a new note, something that has no writing on it at all, you can access Lines and Grids directly when you tap the Share icon.
- Launch the Notes app on iPhone or iPad.
- Start a new note
Tap the Share icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Tap Lines and Grids.
Select a style of line or grid.
How to access lines and grids from Action Extensions in the Notes app on iPhone and iPad
Action Extensions are extra tools that let you perform tasks within an app. If you've already started a note — if you've already written or sketched something — you'll be directed to Action Extensions to access lines and grids.
- Launch the Notes app on iPhone or iPad.
- Select a note.
Tap the Share icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Tap Lines and Grids.
Select a style of line or grid.
You'll see that when you tap the Share icon, it brings up the standard share drawer, showing other sharing options and tools (like locking a note or creating a PDF).
How to set a line or grid as the default note style in the Notes app on iPhone and iPad
If you're likely to use the same grid or line every time you use the Notes app, you don't have to select it for each note. You can set one as the default and every new note will default with that selection.
- Launch the Settings app on iPhone or iPad.
Tap Notes.
- Tap Lines & Grids.
Select a style of line or grid.
From now on, all of your new notes will launch with that style.
How to remove a line or grid from a note in the Notes app on iPhone and iPad
If you want to save or share a note without having a grid or line in the background, you can remove it at anytime, even if you've got it set as a default note style.
- While in the note, tap the Share icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
Tap Lines and Grids.
Select the blank style.
This will remove the line or grid from the background, but leave everything you wrote or sketched in place.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about accessing Lines and Grids in the Notes app on iPhone or iPad? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out.
