Turn a Quick Sketch into a Picture with Image Wand in Notes

Apple Intelligence brings a set of new tools and abilities to supported devices, including a feature called Image Wand. This is a fantastic tool for transforming sketches into AI-generated images, perfect for enhancing documents, presentations, and of course, lessons.

For my creative writing lesson today, I want my students to imagine and describe a mystical location for their stories. To set an example, I’m going to create my own. As you can see, I’m trying my best to draw a castle on a hill using my Skriva stylus—but I think we can all agree that my artistic skills leave a lot to be desired!

Thankfully, I can take this simple sketch and use it as a foundation for something much better. In the Markup toolbar within Notes, there’s a new option that looks like an eraser crossed with a magic wand. This is Image Wand, and with it, I can use my Skriva stylus to circle my entire drawing—just like this.

Immediately, you’ll see Apple Intelligence activate, asking me for a few words to describe the image I want to create. I’ll type in a castle on a mountain, and just like that, my iPad generates several AI-enhanced versions based on my sketch and description. I can swipe between them to see different variations of my original idea.

I wish it had included the rainbow that I so skillfully drew, but I can simply add that to the instructions. After updating the prompt, the new results are much closer to what I had in mind.

I can also switch styles by tapping the plus button and choosing between Sketch, Illustration, or Animation. Let’s try Illustration—and look at this! It’s clearly inspired by my original sketch but looks much more polished.

Now, let’s test the Animation style. This one feels especially magical and would make the perfect writing prompt for my class’s short stories.

Once I’m happy with the image, I can tap the three dots, press Save Image to use it later, or simply press Done to insert it into my Notes document, replacing the original sketch. And if I ever want to tweak it, I can tap the Image Wand button below the image to edit it again.

But for now, I think it’s time to start working on my story. I’ll see you next time!