Creating and working with text documents in Pages

 Learn how to edit and format text with Apple's iPad word processor

WHEN STEVE JOBS DEMOED THE iPAD, THE iWORK

apps wowed more than anything else. Here was proof that the iPad wasn't only about consuming content; it was about creating it, too, and with Apple-developed apps no less. In reality, though, Pages for iPad - which you can buy from the App Store, either by itself or as part of iWork- isn't the same application as Pages for the Mac. In use, it feels rather like Pages 'lite'.

However, despite missing a number of features many writers take for granted (such as a live word count), Pages for iPad is an interesting and important piece of software. Apple designed many aspects ofthe app from the ground up, ensuring that it is suitable for the touch-based iPad interface rather than being a clunky port ofthe desktop application.

Once you've used Pages for a while, the way it works will become second nature, but it might take a while to get over the absence of certain features familiar from desktop applications. For example, there's no 'Save' command -Pages just saves your work as you create it. Therefore, ifyou need to retain a particular version of a document, you must duplicate it before continuing.

Also, the application lacks most ofthe toolbars and palettes featured in desktop word processors. In fact, in landscape view, Pages is a full-screen app that shows only your work and the virtual keyboard. Instead, tools are presented in context, as you need them.

KIT LIST:

■ iPad

■ Pages for iPad

Time required: 10 mins
Difficulty: Beginner

 The toolbar

The Pages toolbar appears only in portrait mode. It provides access to common commands and functions.

Context is key

Rather than cluttering the screen with toolbars and palettes, Pages provides contextual pop-ups, containing options Specific to what is selected.

Keyboard choices

In portrait mode, the iPad keyboard may prove too cramped for fast work. Try rotating the iPad 9Q degrees and using the larger landscape keyboard.

 1 See all your Pages documents Saved Pages documents are shown when you launch the app - swipe to view more. The sharing button at the bottom left provides email, share and export options.

2 Delete or duplicate To get rid of a document, tap the trash icon and tap'Delete Document' (there's no undo for this). The central button lets you duplicate a document.

 3 Create a new document Tap New Document' to access 15 Pages templates and a blank document. Tap any template to work in it.

 4 Edit content Default content and styles already exist in templates. Delete components you don't want or type in elements to add your content.

 5 Go full-SCreen With your iPad in landscape orientation, Pages moves into full-screen mode, removing the 'distraction'of the toolbar, and enlarging the text and keyboard to make typing easier.

6 Check spelling If you mis-spell a word, Pages usually auto-corrects it. If it doesn't, you'll see a squiggly red underline. Tap the word for possible replacements and tap to select one.

 Look it up

 Pages includes a built-in dictionary. If you're unsure of the meaning ofa word you've put in your document, double-tap the word to make a selection, tap 'More...', and then tap 'Definition...', If a definition for the selected word is available, it will be displayed in a scrollable pop-up window. Tap outside the pop-up to close it.

 7 Undo and redo To erase your last change, tap the toolbar's 'Undo' button. You can redo it by tap-holding 'Undo'to get the pop-up menu shown.

8 Change the font select some text, tap the 'Info' button, select Text Options' and make the desired changes.