Using Surface Pro 4 Pen as a mouse in PowerPoint 2016 instead of inking

[HieuMTran]

Previously using my Surface Pro 2, I was able to use the Surface pen as a mouse so I can handle objects, such as shapes as pictures in PowerPoint just as I would with a mouse. But now using a Surface Pro 4 the pen acts as a pen and the only thing it can do it write with ink and cannot work with objects.

This is a big disadvantage for me. I was wondering how I can turn off this feature so that I can use the pen as a mouse cursor again instead of inking.

The same issue happens on Word and Excel.

I find this very frustrating as I cannot get my work done.

I have tried this option:
1. Open Word or PowerPoint.

2. Click on Customize Quick Access Toolbar at the top left side of the application on the top of the ribbon.

3. Select Touch/Mouse mode.

4. Click on Optimize spacing between commands besides Customize Quick Access Toolbar and Select it toMouse mode.

BUT it doesn't work, it still acts as an ink pen


Any help would be so much appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Philtastic]

In the Pens menu at the top, click "Stop Inking"

 

[HieuMTran]

In the Pens menu at the top, click "Stop Inking"

Thanks for the reply.
However in the updated version of the program there is a DRAW menu only and it does not have the stop inking button.
I have located the Stop Inking button and put it onto the Quick Access Bar, but even clicking on that does nothing.
The pen will continue to ink anyway.

Thanks

 

[sharpuser]

@HieuMTran ,

Check out my post here. The settings your find may allow you to configure your pen to be used as a "mouse".
Pen keeps double clicking

 

[HieuMTran]

@HieuMTran ,

Check out my post here. The settings your find may allow you to configure your pen to be used as a "mouse".
Pen keeps double clicking

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have tried everything you showed in there but once I open up power point and tried to move objects around on the page, the ink appears.

 

[sharpuser]

Seems the pen and the mouse are now separate and distinct human interface devices.

 

[edalsie]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have tried everything you showed in there but once I open up power point and tried to move objects around on the page, the ink appears.

It doesn't help any with the problem, but I'm having the same issue with my SP3Pro as well.

 

[jnjroach]

If you are using Office Insider Builds, the Pen now "inks" natively and is not a mouse, use can use touch for mouse actions. We are not sure if it is a Bug or Direction Change you can use the Feedback App to give your opinion.

 

[dcoplien]

In the Pens menu at the top, click "Stop Inking"

With Office 365 (2016) this no longer applies and it drives me nuts

from Office Help

"This feature is only available if you have an Office 365 subscription. If you are an Office 365 subscriber, make sure you have the latest version of Office....."

"....Note: If you're using an active pen or stylus, inking will still be active as long as you're using the pen or stylus—even after picking Select Objects."

 

[edalsie]

If you are using Office Insider Builds, the Pen now "inks" natively and is not a mouse, use can use touch for mouse actions. We are not sure if it is a Bug or Direction Change you can use the Feedback App to give your opinion.

Where would I find this 'Feedback App'? I have no interest in buying a separate mouse for my Surface Pro. I can't understand the rational.

 

[dcoplien]

Where would I find this 'Feedback App'? I have no interest in buying a separate mouse for my Surface Pro. I can't understand the rational.

I did this from Excel. I suspect it's the same for all of office 365 programs
1) File
2) Feed back
3) Sign into your account
4) Fill out the form

 

[edalsie]

I did this from Excel. I suspect it's the same for all of office 365 programs
1) File
2) Feed back
3) Sign into your account
4) Fill out the form

Thanks for pointing this out.
This inking/mouse issue seems to be top on the list. All I could do is to upvote, which is something, but I would prefer to yell a little so I feel like I'm doing something. :>)