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FIX: Surface Pen tilt feature is not working on Windows 10/11

3 min. read

Updated onApril 26, 2022

updated onApril 26, 2022

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Key notes

One of the key takeaways of theSurface Penis its Tilt feature. The reason is obvious too as it gives users newer abilities to let lose their creativity.

In fact, the Tilt feature will let you create the same effect as say, shading, edging, and so on.

And the technique is similar too as all that you need to do is to hold the pen at about a 45-degree angle to create the brushing effect.

However, so much for all the amazing effects that the Tilt functionality can bring along, there also are instances when users complained of the feature not working with their Surface Pen.

But then, getting things back on track isn’t too big a chore either as a few simple steps is all it would take to enable the Tilt functionality once again.

What can I do if the Surface Pen tilt is not working?

What can I do if the Surface Pen tilt is not working?

1. Install Adobe Illustrator

As you’re about to see below, compatibility is quintessential for this feature to work as expected.

This is why you recommend you use a fully compatible, amazing editor along with your Surface Pen such as Adobe Illustrator.

The Surface pen’s precision, fluidity, and full pressure sensitivity are guaranteed in the Illustrator.

Running Adobe Illustrator on a Surface Pro device does more than allowing you to create vector artwork, it also provides a workspace optimized for touch. And the stylus is a big part of that.

The Surface Pen works seamlessly in the Illustrator enabling you to create rounded edges objects and adjustable curved paths. You can even hover it over the align tool to get a preview of your canvas.

⇒Get Adobe Illustrator

2. Check the app compatibility

The Tilt functionality is app dependent, which means you will get to see the effect only if the app supports the same.

Some other apps that are compatible with the Surface Pen include Sketchable, Mental Canvas, DrawBoard PDF, StaffPad, and Plumbago.

Of course, this isn’t the most exhaustive list so that there might still be a few other apps compatible with the Surface Pen and all of its features.

If you aren’t able to use the Tilt feature, check if the app is compatible with the new Surface Pen.

3. Check for updates

Make sure you are running the latest versions of the relevant software as older versions have often been found to interfere with theSurface Penperformance.

So if you’re usingSurface ProorSurface Book 2, for instance, ensure both the devices are runningthe latest versions of Windows 10.

Also, check for updates if you are owning any Surface devices other than the two listed above.

4. Adjust Pen sensitivity

Adjusting Pen sensitivity too has been found to enable the tilt feature. Here is how you do it:

5. Adjust brush settings

Oftentimes it has been found that the Tilt feature has always been working, although users didn’t get to visualize it due to an improper brush setting.

Refer to the individual app documentation to make changes to the brush settings so that the tilt effect becomes visible.

This should be all that you might need to do if the Tilt function on yourSurface Penisn’t working. Let us know which solution helped you restore your Pen’s functionality in the comments section below.

More about the topics:Adobe Illustrator

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

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Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.