How to Use Digital Touch in Messages on iPhone

Apple’s Digital Touch feature adds a creative and interactive layer to the Messages app, allowing users to send hand-drawn sketches, animated effects, and even heartbeat vibrations. Originally introduced on the Apple Watch, Digital Touch has since been incorporated into the iPhone, enabling users to communicate in a more personal and expressive way.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Digital Touch in Messages on iPhone, covering its features, step-by-step instructions, tips for creative expression, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Digital Touch in Messages?

Digital Touch is a messaging feature that allows you to send animated drawings, taps, or heartbeat vibrations to friends and family. This feature is integrated into the Messages app on iPhones running iOS 10 or later. It offers a fun and engaging way to express yourself beyond traditional text, emojis, or GIFs.

Key Digital Touch features include:

1. Sketches: Draw colorful shapes or patterns with your finger.

2. Taps: Send animated bursts of taps with vibration feedback.

3. Heartbeats: Send your heartbeat using the screen.

4. Kisses and Fireballs: Create unique animated effects by specific gestures.

5. Photos and Videos: Draw over photos or videos before sending.

How to Access Digital Touch in Messages on iPhone

To use Digital Touch, you must access it within the Messages app.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Messages

• Launch the Messages app and open an existing conversation or start a new one.

2. Open Digital Touch

• Tap the App Drawer (the App Store icon) next to the text input field.
• Select the Digital Touch icon (a heart with two fingers).

3. Access the Canvas

• A black canvas with various controls will appear, ready for you to create and send Digital Touch messages.

Using Digital Touch Features

Sending a Sketch

A sketch is a drawing made with your finger on the canvas.

How to Send a Sketch

1. Place your finger on the canvas and draw using different motions.

2. Change the color by tapping the color palette on the left side of the screen.

3. Lift your finger to finish the sketch.

4. The animation will play on the canvas.

5. Tap the blue arrow to send it.

Pro Tips

1. Use multiple colors to make your drawings more vibrant.

2. Experiment with swipes and shapes for creative designs.

Sending a Tap

Taps are animated dots that appear on the recipient’s screen when they open the message.

How to Send a Tap

1. Tap the canvas once or multiple times.

2. Each tap creates a ripple effect.

3. Tap the blue arrow to send your message.

Best Use Cases

1. Grabbing someone’s attention with a quick animation.

2. Creating patterns or rhythms with multiple taps.

Sending a Heartbeat

The heartbeat feature mimics the rhythm of your heart and is a unique way to send a personal touch.

How to Send a Heartbeat

1. Place two fingers on the canvas and hold them down.

2. A pulsing heart will appear.

3. Release your fingers to stop recording.

4. Tap the blue arrow to send it.

Pro Tips

1. For the most realistic effect, hold your fingers for a few seconds.

2. Perfect for romantic messages or checking in on someone you care about.

Sending a Kiss

A kiss animation is a playful and affectionate effect.

How to Send a Kiss

1. Tap the canvas with two fingers.

2. A small lip-like animation will appear.

3. Tap the blue arrow to send it.

Sending a Fireball

The fireball effect creates an impactful, animated message.

How to Send a Fireball

1. Press and hold on the canvas with one finger.

2. A fiery effect will build up, resembling a flame.

3. Release your finger to send the animation.

Best Use Cases

1. Adding drama or intensity to your message.

2. Expressing excitement or enthusiasm.

Drawing Over Photos or Videos

Digital Touch also allows you to send photos or videos enhanced with drawings.

How to Send a Photo or Video with Digital Touch

1. Tap the Camera icon on the right side of the canvas.

2. Record a video or take a photo using the front or rear camera.

3. Use your finger to draw on the image or video in real time.

4. Tap the blue arrow to send your creation.

Pro Tips

1. Use the front-facing camera to draw fun effects on selfies.

2. Highlight parts of a scene in videos with arrows or circles.

Editing and Enhancing Digital Touch Messages

Once you’ve created a Digital Touch message, there are no options to edit it before sending. However, you can use these strategies for creating polished messages:

1. Plan Your Gesture: Visualize the sketch or animation you want to create before starting.

2. Practice Gestures: Familiarize yourself with the gestures required for effects like heartbeats and fireballs.

3. Experiment with Colors: Use the color palette to find combinations that enhance your drawings.

Tips for Creative Digital Touch Messages

1. Combine Gestures: Create a heartbeat followed by a sketch for a layered animation.

2. Incorporate Text: Use Digital Touch to draw letters or words to communicate messages visually.

3. Add Context: Pair Digital Touch messages with text to explain their meaning if necessary.

Receiving and Viewing Digital Touch Messages

When you receive a Digital Touch message, it will appear as an animation in the conversation thread.

How to View

1. Open the conversation in the Messages app.

2. Tap the Digital Touch message to replay it.

3. For videos, tap the play button to view.

Best Use Cases for Digital Touch

1. Romantic Messages: Send heartbeats or kisses to loved ones.

2. Celebrations: Use fireball effects for birthdays or achievements.

3. Fun with Friends: Share quick sketches or animated taps for casual communication.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Digital Touch Not Appearing

• Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 10 or later.
• Verify that you’re sending a message to another iPhone user.

2. Messages Not Sending

• Check your internet connection.
• Restart the Messages app and try again.

FAQs About Digital Touch on iPhone

1. Can I use Digital Touch with non-iPhone users?

No, Digital Touch works only between Apple devices using iMessage.

2. Can I save Digital Touch messages?

Yes, you can take a screenshot or press and hold on a message to save it.

3. Are Digital Touch messages free?

Yes, as long as they’re sent over iMessage with a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

Conclusion

Digital Touch in Messages is a fun and engaging way to communicate on the iPhone. By mastering its features, such as sketches, heartbeats, and animated effects, you can make your messages more personal and expressive. Whether you’re connecting with loved ones or sharing creative ideas with friends, Digital Touch adds an artistic flair to your conversations. Take some time to explore and experiment with this feature to enhance your messaging experience.