Pixelbook Pen

Pixelbook Pen

Click here to visit the store's page for the Google Pixelbook Pen page for a full description of their product. Note there are a few handy links at the bottom of the page that cover some of the Apps available to exploit the possibilities of what the pen can do.

Click here to visit the support page "Use your Pixelbook Pen" that is full of great information.

Alternate USI Pen

Click here to read details about the new pen page. Historically the USI (universal stylus initiative) platform dates all the way back to 2015. In a similar manner to unifying ports under one, universal standard (USB), USI aims to wrangle all the differing, proprietary digital pen technologies into one, unified standard. and in mid 2020 we're just getting to the point where we have quite a few devices that can leverage the technology.

Software for the Pixelbook Pen

Click here to visit a useful support page for "Find apps for your Pixelbook" [including the Slate] that covers Apps you install from the Play Store and Chrome browser extensions that can be added for Web Apps.

There is a large table listing Apps for undertaking different groups of tasks and another that highlights those that take advantage of the Pixelbook Pen.

Google's Canvas Pen

Click here to access a free drawing App developed for use with the Pixelbook Pen and other compatible devices.

Click here to read a great page at CNET that explains how to go about using the Canvas tool. Here is a subset of some of the key ways it can be used ...

Google provides the Chrome Canvas app, making it easier to jot down quick notes and ideas on devices and filling the hole left by the retirement of Microsoft Paint.

There are dozens of Android drawing apps and smart pencils that promise the ultimate pressure sensitivity. Chrome Canvas seems like it would be most effective on a Chromebook or a device with a stylus, but the app works across all platforms.

The app is now appearing in some Chromebook users app drawers, pre-installed, Chrome Unboxed reported. You can try out Chrome Canvas on your desktop or mobile by going to canvas.apps.chrome. If you check out the app on mobile, there's an option to add a widget to your home screen.

Using Canvas ...

Opening the App directs you to a blank page with a tool tray on the left side of the screen that gives you the choice of pencil, pen, marker, chalk, or an eraser. Double tapping on the chosen tool lets you adjust the stroke size and opacity.

Tapping the colour dot above the pencil displays the colour palette. If you tap Custom, you can drag the icon around the gradient to get the colour you want. By typing in the Hex number, you can get an even more specific colour choice.

You can upload an image to draw on as well. Simply tap the Home icon and tap New from Image.

Chrome Canvas is a quick and efficient tool. After you take notes or make a doodle, tap the settings icon in the upper right corner to export your canvas. Tapping the Home icon in the upper left redirects you to your previously saved images.

Your saved images each have a settings icon so you can export, rename, or delete them. Users can get a new canvas by tapping New Drawing.