Learn How To Use Pen Lenovo Yoga: Your Essential Guide

The Lenovo Yoga Pen is a handy tool for your Yoga laptop. It lets you write, draw, and mark up documents right on the screen. Think of it like a digital pencil that works with your computer. This guide will show you how to get started and use all its cool features.

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Starting With Your New Pen

When you get your Lenovo Yoga Pen, often called the Lenovo Yoga Active Pen, it might be in the box with your laptop. It could also come separately. Let’s look at what’s usually inside.

What’s in the Box?

Most pen boxes come with a few items:

• The Lenovo Yoga Pen itself.
• Maybe some extra pen tips, also called nibs. These are small plastic pieces at the end of the pen.
• A small tool to help you change the nibs.
• Sometimes, a battery if the pen uses one (like an AAAA battery).
• Some simple instructions.

Make sure you find all these parts. The extra nibs are helpful later if the tip wears down.

Getting Your Pen Ready

Before you can use the pen, you need to set it up. This usually means putting in a battery or charging it, and then linking it to your laptop.

How to charge Lenovo Pen

Pens get power in different ways. It depends on the model of your Lenovo Pen.

• Using a Battery (like AAAA): Many pens, like the older Lenovo Yoga Active Pen models, use a small AAAA battery.

  • Find the end of the pen where the battery goes. It might be the top cap.
  • Twist or pull off the cap.
  • Put the AAAA battery inside. Make sure the positive (+) and negative (-) ends match the pictures inside the pen.
  • Put the cap back on tightly.
  • The pen is now ready to link up.

• Charging with a Cable (like USB-C): Some newer pens or specific models might have a port for charging.

  • Look for a small port on the side or end of the pen. It’s often a USB-C port.
  • Get a compatible charging cable. Your laptop charger might work, or you might need a different one.
  • Plug the small end of the cable into the pen.
  • Plug the other end into a power source, like your laptop or a wall adapter.
  • A small light on the pen might turn on to show it is charging.
  • Wait until the light changes color or turns off. This means it’s full. Unplug the pen.

• Charging Inside the Laptop: Some Yoga models have a special spot on the laptop itself where the pen tucks away and charges.

  • Find the pen slot on your laptop. It’s often on the side.
  • Simply slide the pen into the slot.
  • The laptop charges the pen automatically while it’s docked there.
  • The pen is ready to use when you take it out.

Check your pen’s manual or Lenovo’s website if you are not sure how your specific pen charges.

Connecting Lenovo Pen to Your Laptop

Most Lenovo Pens connect using Bluetooth or work simply by touching the screen after being charged or getting a new battery.

• For Bluetooth Pens:

  • Make sure the pen has power (battery in or charged).
  • Go to your Windows settings on the Yoga laptop. Search for “Bluetooth & other devices”.
  • Turn on Bluetooth on your laptop if it’s off.
  • Click “Add Bluetooth or other device”.
  • Choose “Bluetooth”.
  • Now, make the pen discoverable. This step is different for each pen. You might need to:
    • Press and hold one of the pen buttons for a few seconds.
    • Press the top button (if it has one) for several seconds.
    • Check your pen’s guide for the right way to enter pairing mode. A small light on the pen might flash when it’s ready.
  • Look for your pen’s name in the list of devices on your laptop screen (it might be something like “Lenovo Pen Pro” or “Lenovo Active Pen”).
  • Click on it to pair.
  • Your laptop might show a code. If it does, confirm it matches (though often you just click ‘Connect’ or ‘Pair’).
  • Once it says “Connected,” the pen is linked.

• For Pens That Don’t Use Bluetooth:

  • These pens often just need a working battery or to be charged.
  • Take the pen to the screen. It should just start working when you touch the tip to the glass.
  • These pens use special technology in the screen and pen tip to talk to each other without Bluetooth pairing.

Check your pen’s guide to see if it uses Bluetooth or is a simple touch-to-use pen.

Using Your Pen’s Features

Once the pen is connected and ready, you can start using it on your Lenovo Yoga screen. It has many uses!

Grasping the Lenovo Pen buttons

Most Lenovo Pens have one or two buttons on the side. These buttons have default actions, but you can often change what they do.

• Button 1 (Closest to the Tip): Often works as an erase tool. When you hold this button and move the pen tip over something you’ve drawn or written, it acts like an eraser.
• Button 2 (Further from the Tip): Usually works like a right-click on a mouse. Holding this button and tapping the screen with the tip often brings up a menu, just like right-clicking with a mouse.

These default actions are set up to make drawing and writing easier. You can hold Button 1 to erase mistakes quickly or hold Button 2 to see options related to what you tapped on.

Writing on Lenovo Yoga

Writing with your Lenovo Pen on the Yoga screen feels much like writing on paper. It’s great for taking notes, signing documents, or filling out forms.

• Inking in Apps: Many apps support writing directly with a pen.

  • Microsoft OneNote: This is a popular app for taking notes. You can write anywhere on the page. It even tries to turn your handwriting into typed text.
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint: Newer versions have a “Draw” tab. Here you can pick pen styles, colors, and highlighters to write or draw on your documents and slides.
  • Sticky Notes: You can use the pen to write quick notes on your desktop.
  • Drawboard PDF: An app specifically for reading and marking up PDF files. Great for signing or adding comments.

• Windows Ink Workspace: Windows has a special area for pen users. Click the pen icon on your taskbar (if it’s there; if not, right-click the taskbar and choose “Show Windows Ink Workspace button”).

  • Sketchpad: A quick place to draw or doodle ideas.
  • Screen Snipping: Take a picture of your screen and draw on it right away.
  • Sticky Notes: Access your pen-friendly notes.

Using the pen for writing helps keep your thoughts flowing compared to typing.

Drawing with Lenovo Pen

Your Lenovo Yoga screen is like a digital canvas when you use the pen. You can sketch, paint, or create digital art.

• Simple Drawing: Apps like Windows Sketchpad or Fresh Paint (a free app from Microsoft) are good places to start. They offer different brush types and colors.
• More Complex Art: For more detailed drawing, apps like Autodesk Sketchbook (often free), Krita (free), or Adobe Photoshop Sketch/Fresco offer many tools for artists.

The pen works well for drawing because of something called pressure sensitivity.

Pen pressure sensitivity Yoga

This is a key feature for drawing and natural writing. Pen pressure sensitivity Yoga means that the harder you press the pen tip onto the screen, the thicker or darker the line becomes.

• How it Works: The screen and the pen’s tip sense how much force you are using. Software then uses this information.
• Why it Matters:
  • Natural Feel: It mimics using a real pen or brush. Light strokes create fine lines, heavy strokes create bold lines.
  • Control: It gives you more control over your drawing and writing style.
  • Artistic Expression: Artists can create varied lines and shading without changing tools constantly.

Most Lenovo Yoga laptops with pen support and the Lenovo Yoga Active Pen support many levels of pressure sensitivity (like 2048 or 4096 levels). This makes drawing and writing feel very responsive and real. Make sure the app you are using also supports pressure sensitivity to get the most out of it.

Lenovo Pen settings

You can change how your Lenovo Pen works to better suit your needs. This is usually done in Windows Settings or through a special Lenovo app.

• Windows Pen & Windows Ink Settings:

  • Go to Windows Settings (click the Start button and the gear icon).
  • Type “Pen” in the search box or go to “Devices” > “Pen & Windows Ink”.
  • Here you can:
    • Choose which hand you write with (important for palm rejection).
    • Decide what happens when you click the top button (if your pen has one that supports this). Options often include opening OneNote, Sketchpad, or running a specific app.
    • Control settings for Windows Ink Workspace.
    • Adjust how quickly your cursor appears when the pen is near the screen.

• Lenovo Pen App (Sometimes): Some Lenovo pens come with a specific app from Lenovo Vantage or the Microsoft Store. This app might let you:

  • Change the function of the side buttons (Button 1 and Button 2). You could set them to undo, redo, copy, paste, or launch specific programs.
  • Adjust the pen pressure sensitivity curve. This changes how the pen responds to pressure (make it more sensitive to light touches or require more pressure for thick lines).
  • Check the pen’s battery level.

It’s a good idea to look at these settings to make the pen work best for you. For example, changing the side buttons can speed up your workflow.

More Ways to Use Your Pen

Beyond basic writing and drawing, the Lenovo Pen can help you with many daily tasks.

Marking Up Documents and Web Pages

You can use the pen to draw or write directly on PDFs, pictures, or even web pages.

• PDFs: Open a PDF in Microsoft Edge or Drawboard PDF, and you can use the pen to highlight, underline, add comments, or sign your name.
• Pictures: Open a picture in the Photos app and use the “Edit & Create” option, then “Draw” to doodle on it.
• Web Pages: In browsers like Microsoft Edge, you can use the “Web Capture” or “Draw on Web” feature to draw directly on a page before saving or sharing it.

Navigating Your Computer

The pen can also act like a mouse.

• Tap the screen with the pen tip to click.
• Hold one of the side buttons and tap to right-click.
• Hover the pen tip just above the screen to move the cursor without touching.
• Double-tap to open items.

Using the pen can feel more natural for pointing and clicking, especially on a touch screen.

Keeping Your Pen Working Well

Taking care of your pen and knowing how to fix problems is important.

Troubleshooting Lenovo Pen

Sometimes your pen might not work right. Here are some common problems and things to try:

• Pen Not Writing:

  • Is the battery dead? If it uses a battery, put in a new one. If it charges, make sure it’s charged.
  • Is it connected? For Bluetooth pens, check your laptop’s Bluetooth settings to see if it’s still paired. Try disconnecting and pairing again.
  • Is the pen tip (nib) damaged? If the plastic tip looks broken or very worn, it might not work. Try changing the nib.
  • Is the screen clean? Dirt or smudges on the screen or pen tip can cause issues. Clean both gently.
  • Restart your laptop. This often fixes strange problems.

• Buttons Not Working:

  • Check the battery or charge level. Low power can affect button function.
  • Are you pressing them correctly while touching the screen? You usually hold the button before touching the tip to the screen or while moving the tip (like for erasing).
  • Check your Lenovo Pen settings or Windows Pen settings. Maybe the button actions got changed or reset.
  • Is the pen linked correctly (especially for Bluetooth pens)? Try pairing again.

• Pen Pressure Sensitivity Not Working:

  • Does the app you are using support pressure sensitivity? Not all apps do. Try a different drawing app to test.
  • Check Lenovo Pen settings or Windows Pen settings. Make sure pressure sensitivity is turned on and the curve is set up properly.
  • Make sure you installed any drivers or software that came with the pen. Sometimes this is needed for full features.
  • Restart your laptop.

• Pen Writing Without Touching Screen (Hovering):

  • This usually means the pen tip is stuck or damaged.
  • Check the pen tip. If it’s pushed in or looks bent, try gently pulling it out a little or changing the nib.
  • There might be something magnetic near the screen causing interference. Move away from speakers or other electronics.

• Pen Disconnecting Often:

  • For Bluetooth pens, make sure your laptop’s Bluetooth driver is up to date.
  • Check the battery level.
  • Make sure you are not too far from the laptop.
  • Are there many other Bluetooth devices nearby causing interference?
  • Update your Windows operating system.

If problems continue, check Lenovo’s support website for your specific pen model. They might have specific troubleshooting steps or driver updates.

Changing Pen Nibs

The tip of your pen is important. If it gets worn down, scratched, or damaged, you might need to replace it.

• Identifying Worn Nibs: The tip might look shorter, feel rough, or not slide smoothly on the screen. The pen might skip or not write sometimes.
• How to Change:
  • Use the small tool that came with your pen (it often looks like tweezers or a small ring).
  • Grip the old nib gently but firmly with the tool.
  • Pull the old nib straight out of the pen. Don’t twist it.
  • Take a new nib.
  • Push the new nib straight into the pen until it feels secure. Don’t force it too hard.
  • The pen is ready to use with the new tip.

Keep the extra nibs and the removal tool in a safe place.

Exploring Software for Your Pen

While the pen works with many basic apps, some apps are better suited for writing and drawing with a stylus. Here are some of the best apps for Lenovo Pen:

App Name	Best For	Cost	Notes
Microsoft OneNote	Note-taking, Organizing Ideas	Free	Great for digital notebooks, syncs across devices.
Sketchbook (Autodesk)	Drawing, Sketching	Free	Powerful tools for artists, supports layers.
Drawboard PDF	Marking up PDFs, Annotating	Paid (Trial available)	Excellent for professional PDF work, signing.
Microsoft Whiteboard	Brainstorming, Collaboration	Free	Digital whiteboard for drawing, typing, images.
Fresh Paint	Painting, Casual Drawing	Free	Fun, easy-to-use painting app, mimics real paint.
Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint	Document Markup, Presentations	Part of Microsoft 365	Use ‘Draw’ tab to add ink to files.
Krita	Digital Painting, Illustration	Free	Professional-grade, open-source art software.

These are just a few examples. Search the Microsoft Store for “inking” or “drawing” apps to find more. The best app for you depends on what you want to do – take quick notes, create detailed art, or mark up schoolwork.

Tips for Better Pen Use

• Rest Your Hand: Your Yoga screen has palm rejection. This means you can rest your hand on the screen while you write or draw, just like on paper. Make sure the “Which hand do you write with?” setting in Windows is correct for best results.
• Hover for Control: Hovering the pen just above the screen shows you where the cursor is and lets you use buttons without making a mark. This is useful for selecting tools or moving around.
• Customize Buttons: Spend some time in the Lenovo Pen settings or Windows settings. Changing what the side buttons do can make a big difference in how fast and easy it is to use the pen for your tasks.
• Practice: Like any new tool, using a digital pen takes a little practice. Try different apps and techniques to find what works best for you.
• Keep it Safe: When not using the pen, put it in its loop or holder (if your Yoga has one) or in your laptop bag pocket. Avoid dropping it, as this can damage the tip or the pen itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Lenovo Yoga Active Pen the only pen I can use?
  No, not always. Many Lenovo Yoga laptops that support pens work with pens using Wacom AES or Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) technology. The Lenovo Yoga Active Pen uses one of these. Other pens using the same technology might work, but the official Lenovo pen is made specifically for your laptop model and is the surest fit. Always check your laptop’s specs to see which pen technology it supports.
  
• How long does the battery last?
  Battery life depends on the pen model and how much you use it. Pens with AAAA batteries can last for several months with normal use. Pens that charge might last for days or weeks. Pens that charge in a laptop slot are always charging when docked.
  
• Can I use the pen on other touch screens?
  Probably not, unless the other screen supports the same pen technology (Wacom AES or MPP) and the pen model is compatible. A pen made for a Lenovo Yoga likely won’t work on an iPad or a Samsung tablet, as they use different pen technologies.
• Does my Yoga laptop support a pen?
  Not all Lenovo Yoga models support a pen. Check the specifications of your specific Yoga model. Look for terms like “pen support,” “stylus support,” “Wacom AES,” or “Microsoft Pen Protocol.” If it came with a pen, it supports one.
• The pen top button doesn’t work.
  If your pen has a top button, it usually connects via Bluetooth and its functions are set in Windows Pen settings. Make sure the pen is paired via Bluetooth. Check the Windows Pen settings to ensure the button actions are set up.

Wrap Up

Your Lenovo Yoga Pen is a powerful tool that can make using your laptop more creative and efficient. Whether you’re writing notes, sketching ideas, signing papers, or navigating your computer, the pen offers a natural and easy way to interact with your screen. Take the time to connect it, learn its buttons, explore the settings, and try out different apps. With a little practice, you’ll find your Lenovo Pen becomes an essential part of your Yoga experience. Enjoy drawing, writing, and creating!