Introduction

  • Cortex on iOS support many  different methods of entering data into a text box, to fit the needs of different individuals
  • Many of these functions are controlled through 'Settings' on an iOS device, under 'Keyboard'



Details

Use the on-screen keyboard

  • The standard on-screen keyboard supports typing with the iPad held, or propped up on a stand.  Extra characters can be accessed belong pressing on keys.




Use a floating or split keyboard

  • On normal iPads, a split keyboard is available by long pressing on the keyboard button at the bottom right.  This allows typing with both thumbs.
  • On iPad Pros, this will allow you to choose a floating keyboard.  This allows rapid text entry with one hand




Use an attached keyboard

There are many types of keyboards that can be attached to an iPad:

  • Keyboard covers - the keyboard is incorporated into a cover, and may connect via connections or bluetooth
  • Lightning keyboards - these plug directly into the lightning port, and are powered by the iPad.  These are useful in situations where many different clinicians may want to use them (e.g. on a ward), as they can be quickly plugged and unplugged.
  • Wireless keyboards - these connect wirelessly using bluetooth.  These are best suited for personal keyboards.



Dictation

Cortex supports on device voice recognition to allow direct dictation into text boxes.

  • Ensure 'Dictation' is turned on under Settings / Keyboard
  • To use dictation, tap the microphone


Hand writing using Apple Pencil

Cortex supports Apple Pencil and the 'Scribble' functionality in iOS. 

  • This allows writing directly over a text box, and automatic character recognition
  • This is managed under Settings, Apple Pencil


Scan text and use Optical Character Recognition (OCR)


Cortex supports Optical Character Recognition of text directly into forms.


  • Tap into a free text box, and then tap on 'Scan Text'
  • Hover over the text, and when it has ben recognised, tap 'insert'


Tips and Tricks

Special characters

  • Special characters such as accents are available by long pressing on a letter using the on screen keyboard, and then sliding across to the desired character