To slide to type on the iPad floating keyboard, first activate the floating keyboard by pinching the full-size keyboard inward with two fingers. Once the miniature keyboard is floating, simply touch the first letter of a word and drag your finger across the subsequent letters, lifting your finger only at the end of the word to complete it.
How to slide to type on the iPad floating keyboard
Open any app that uses the iPadOS keyboard and tap a text field. When the full-size keyboard appears, use two fingers to pinch it inward, this makes it smaller and turns it into the floating keyboard. Alternatively, touch and hold the Hide Keyboard button (a keyboard icon with a down arrow) in the bottom-right corner of the full-size keyboard, then slide your finger to “Floating” and release. The alternative method to activate the floating keyboard is to touch and hold the 'Hide Keyboard' button, then slide to 'Floating'.
With the floating keyboard active, slide to type by touching the first letter of a word and dragging your finger across the subsequent letters without lifting it. Lift your finger at the end of the word. The floating keyboard is a miniature version, similar in size to an iPhone keyboard, making one-handed typing easier.
How to enable the slide to type setting
To ensure the slide-to-type feature is active, go to the Settings app, tap General, then tap Keyboard. The Slide to Type setting toggle is found under Settings > General > Keyboard, specifically labeled 'Slide to Type'. This setting controls the QuickPath gesture specifically on the small floating keyboard, not the full-size version.
How to move and resize the floating keyboard
To reposition the floating keyboard, touch and hold the More button (three dots) at its bottom, then drag it to a new location on the screen. To return the floating keyboard to its full-size, docked position, pinch the floating keyboard open with two fingers. Alternatively, tap the More button (three dots) on the floating keyboard, then tap “Full”. To return to the full-size keyboard, you can also tap the 'More' button (three dots) on the floating keyboard, then tap 'Full'.
Tips for typing faster with QuickPath
You can switch between tapping individual keys and sliding to type within the same sentence, so use whichever feels faster for each word. Pay attention to the word prediction suggestions that appear above the keyboard as you slide, tapping a suggestion can complete the word without finishing the slide. Slide to Type (QuickPath) may not be available for all languages, so check that your keyboard language supports it if the gesture does not work. For users who prefer a physical input method, the floating keyboard also supports stylus pen usage and basics, allowing you to tap or slide with a stylus just as you would with a finger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the floating keyboard on older iPad models?
Yes, the floating keyboard feature is available on any iPad model running iPadOS 16 or later. The slide-to-type gesture works on these devices as long as the floating keyboard is active.
How do I switch between the floating keyboard and the full-sized keyboard quickly?
To switch back to the full-sized keyboard, pinch the floating keyboard open with two fingers. To return to the floating keyboard, pinch the full-size keyboard inward with two fingers again.
Why is slide to type not working on my floating keyboard?
Also, check that your keyboard language supports QuickPath, as Slide to Type may not be available for all languages.
Can I adjust the size of the floating keyboard?
The floating keyboard has a fixed miniature size similar to an iPhone keyboard. You cannot resize it further, but you can move it anywhere on the screen using the More button (three dots).
Does slide to type work with third-party keyboard apps?
Slide to Type is a feature of the built-in iPadOS keyboard. Third-party keyboard apps may have their own swipe-typing features, but they do not use the iPadOS QuickPath gesture on the floating keyboard.
Can I use the floating keyboard with other languages or third-party keyboard apps?
The floating keyboard works with different languages and third-party keyboard apps; just switch your keyboard language or enable your preferred app.
