Articles on: Annotations

The Pen tool keeps overwriting my notes!

If the Pen or Highlighter seems to be painting over your other notes, the tool's Background Color is set to a solid (usually white) instead of transparent. Fix it in the Style Palette in two taps.

How to fix it

Tap the Pen tool on the Annotation Toolbar, then open the Style Palette and check the Background Color.

You want a red line through the background swatch — that means it's transparent and your pen strokes won't cover anything underneath.

If you see a solid white (or any solid) circle, every stroke will lay down a filled rectangle that blocks the notes below it.

✅ TIP: Each annotation tool stores its own Style Palette settings. If the Pen is fine but the Highlighter is overwriting, check the Highlighter's Background Color specifically.

💡 TIP: On iPad with a second-gen (or newer) Apple Pencil, double-tap or Squeeze the barrel to switch tools quickly without putting your pen down. See Using the Apple Pencil on iPad.

What's Next

Using the Style Palette
An Overview of the Annotation Toolbar
I'm accidentally erasing my notes with my palm or Apple Pencil
Group and Merge notes with the Selection tool

Updated on: 25/06/2026

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