Abstract: A tool for action tool-integrated inking input is provided. In one example, a user selects an inking tool and further selects an action functionality to apply to the inking tool. The inking tool is highlighted and updated to display the selected functionality. In another example, the user selects an action tool having a particular functionality and further selects inking properties to apply to the action tool. The action tool is highlighted and updated to display the selected inking properties. In another example, a tool is provided, and the user selects an action functionality and inking properties to apply to the tool. The action tool is updated to illustrate the selected functionality and properties. In another example, the user selects an inking tool and an action tool to apply properties associated with the inking tool and the functionality associated with the action tool to an active tool.

Abstract: A personalized persistent collection of customized inking tools is provided. In an ink-enabled application, a user is enabled to create new inking tools and to select properties to associate with the new inking tools according to the user's wants/needs. Inking tool elements illustrative of the properties associated with the user-customized inking tools are included in an inking tool tray displayed in a UI of the application. The user-selected properties associated with the user-customized inking tools are stored in a data store that is accessible by the application and other applications from various computing devices. The inking tool tray is consistent across applications and computing devices for allowing the user to create, keep, and roam a customized set of inking tools, and providing the user with one-click access to the user's customized inking tools. Advantageously, the user does not have to repeatedly set up an inking tool with often-used attributes.

Abstract: Displaying steps of a solution to a problem is provided. A tutorial application determines the solution and generates a card-based UI that presents solution steps on numbered cards sized to accommodate the step. One step is displayed as the focused step at a time. Steps are displayed in a step-by-step or an all-steps mode. In the step-by-step mode, navigation to a next or previous step is enabled via a selection of a next step control and a previous step control, respectively. The next/previous step controls are displayed in static positions, allowing the user to tap through steps by tapping in a single spot. In the all-steps mode, a portion of the next step is visible to indicate that there is another step below the focused step. Scrolling is enabled for allowing the user to navigate to a desired step. A mode selector is provided for enabling switching between viewing modes.

Abstract: A personalized persistent collection of customized inking tools is provided. In an ink-enabled application, a user is enabled to create new inking tools and to select properties to associate with the new inking tools according to the user's wants/needs. Inking tool elements illustrative of the properties associated with the user-customized inking tools are included in an inking tool tray displayed in a UI of the application. The user-selected properties associated with the user-customized inking tools are stored in a data store that is accessible by the application and other applications from various computing devices. The inking tool tray is consistent across applications and computing devices for allowing the user to create, keep, and roam a customized set of inking tools, and providing the user with one-click access to the user's customized inking tools. Advantageously, the user does not have to repeatedly set up an inking tool with often-used attributes.

Abstract: A tool for action tool-integrated inking input is provided. In one example, a user selects an inking tool and further selects an action functionality to apply to the inking tool. The inking tool is highlighted and updated to display the selected functionality. In another example, the user selects an action tool having a particular functionality and further selects inking properties to apply to the action tool. The action tool is highlighted and updated to display the selected inking properties. In another example, a tool is provided, and the user selects an action functionality and inking properties to apply to the tool. The action tool is updated to illustrate the selected functionality and properties. In another example, the user selects an inking tool and an action tool to apply properties associated with the inking tool and the functionality associated with the action tool to an active tool.

Abstract: Displaying steps of a solution to a problem is provided. A tutorial application determines the solution and generates a card-based UI that presents solution steps on numbered cards sized to accommodate the step. One step is displayed as the focused step at a time. Steps are displayed in a step-by-step or an all-steps mode. In the step-by-step mode, navigation to a next or previous step is enabled via a selection of a next step control and a previous step control, respectively. The next/previous step controls are displayed in static positions, allowing the user to tap through steps by tapping in a single spot. In the all-steps mode, a portion of the next step is visible to indicate that there is another step below the focused step. Scrolling is enabled for allowing the user to navigate to a desired step. A mode selector is provided for enabling switching between viewing modes.