iPad Basics: Browsing with Safari

Lesson 6: Browsing with Safari

/en/ipadbasics/using-the-keyboard/content/

Safari

Safari is a web browser that comes built in to the iPad. You'll use it to access websites on your device. Safari's interface is similar to those you might find on a desktop web browser, and it also has a few unique features to make mobile browsing easier.

Getting to know Safari

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Safari interface.

edit hotspots

The Address Bar

The address bar displays the URL for the current page. To navigate to a new page, just enter a new address. You can also use the bar to search online.

Navigation Buttons

Use the back and forward buttons to navigate between pages you've recently visited.

Bookmarks/Reading List/Shared Links

Tap here to see your bookmarks, shared websites, and reading list. If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still read websites you've added to your reading list.

Reader

The Reader feature allows you to view web articles in a large easy-to-read format, free of any ads or clutter.

Share Button

Use the Share button to create a bookmark, save the page to your reading list, and more. You can even email the link to your friends or share it on Twitter or Facebook.

New Tab Button

Tap here to create a new tab. When you create a new tab, the Favorites page will appear, which includes shortcuts to your most frequently visited websites. You can tap a website to navigate to that page or enter a URL into the address bar.

Show All Tabs Button

Click the Show All Tabs button to see thumbnails of all of the tabs you currently have open.

Tabs

Safari allows you to browse and open links in separate tabs, which can make it easier to multitask. To navigate to a different tab, tap the one you want. To close a tab, tap the X.

Browsing with Safari

Safari includes several features that make browsing online easy. We've included some of the most helpful features below.

Opening a link in a new tab

If you find a link to a website, you can open the link in a new tab. This allows you to go to the linked page without losing your place on the original page.

  • To open a link in a new tab, tap and hold the link, then select Open in New Tab.

Multi-touch zoom

Sometimes it can be difficult to read webpages in Safari. Luckily, there are two ways to zoom in and out using multi-touch gestures:

  • Double-tap the screen: This gesture will zoom to the area of the screen you tap, which is especially helpful for reading small text. Double-tap again to zoom out.
  • Pinch the screen: This gesture allows you to zoom in and out, offering more control over how large (or small) the page appears.

Screen orientation

Remember, you can always rotate the iPad to change the screen orientation. Some websites may work well in portrait mode, while others will look best in landscape mode.

Adding websites to the Home screen

If you find that you frequently visit the same website, you might want to add it as a bookmark. If you want even faster access, you can add an icon to a website on your Home screen. Just tap the Share button, select Add to Home Screen, then click Add.

The page will appear as an icon on your Home screen. When you tap the icon, Safari will open, and the website will appear.

/en/ipadbasics/installing-and-managing-apps/content/

chatsimple