How to Customize Apple Pencil Squeeze Gestures

Configure the Squeeze gesture on your Apple Pencil Pro to trigger tools, palettes, or shortcuts instantly. Follow these steps for iPadOS optimization.

1. Open Pencil settings. Open the Settings app on your iPad. Navigate to the sidebar and tap Apple Pencil.
2. Access Squeeze options. Under the Squeeze section, you will see the current assigned action. Tap the Squeeze menu to view available custom configurations.
3. Assign a primary function. Select your preferred interaction from the list. Choices typically include Show Color Palette, Show Tool Palette, Show Ink Attributes, or Off.
4. Adjust squeeze sensitivity. If the gesture feels too rigid or too sensitive, navigate back to the main Apple Pencil menu. Adjust the Squeeze Sensitivity slider to match your grip pressure.
5. Test the gesture. Open a compatible application such as Notes or Freeform. Perform a firm squeeze on the barrel of the Apple Pencil Pro to ensure the tool palette or color menu appears as expected.