Tip: esc Key on iPad Keyboard
The iPad lacks an Escape key. However, you can use the function with a keyboard shortcut or by assigning a custom key. Here’s how:
Anyone who uses an external iPad keyboard will be familiar with the problem: the escape key is missing - although it is essential for many functions. In adoc Studio, for example, it opens the adoc Coach, which can be used to insert AsciiDoc elements correctly into the text.
Here are 2 approaches on how you can use the ESC key on your iPad:
Solution 1 - Keyboard Shortcut
Apple offers a keyboard shortcut as a substitute for the Escape key. Hold down the Command key and simultaneously press the period key (.), achieving the same effect as pressing the esc key. This solution works not only with iPadOS but also with macOS.
Solution 2 - Keyboard Mapping
Another solution is key remapping, also known as keyboard mapping. This allows you to replace any key on the keyboard with another, in this case, the Escape function. To do this, open the "Settings" on iPadOS and tap on "General". Select "Keyboard" and tap on "Hardware Keyboard". This option only appears when a hardware keyboard is connected. Then tap on "Modifier Keys". In our case, choose "Caps Lock Key", as it is rarely used, and set it to function as the "Escape". From now on, pressing Caps Lock key will trigger the esc function. This way, you can access all attributes in adoc Studio with a single key.
How we use the ESC key in adoc Studio
You have now learned how to replace the escape key on your iPad keyboard. But did you know that this key plays a special role in adoc Studio?
Pressing ESC opens the adoc Coach, which helps you to insert AsciiDoc attributes efficiently. Use this function for even faster and more structured writing.
Press the esc key to open the adoc Coach menu. Enter a term like "Image" and select the appropriate attribute from the list.
A formula for the image appears with gray placeholders. Tap on the placeholders and input the values, such as title, filename, or additional options.
Tap "Filename". Initially blank until media is added to the project. Existing media appears in a selectable list.
Tap "Options" to view a dropdown menu with all relevant choices, including image alignment and more. Non-essential values display with a small x-symbol on the right side and can be removed directly if necessary.
To add new media, tap "Media" in the sidebar and follow the instruction in the preview field: "No content. Tap and hold to add content."
