How to Transition to the reMarkable Paper Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

If you've been using the reMarkable 2 and are considering an upgrade—or if you're new to E Ink tablets and want a device dedicated purely to writing, note-taking, and document annotation—the new reMarkable Paper Pro might be exactly what you need. At $399, it replaces the reMarkable 2 and offers a sleek, distraction-free experience that focuses on just the essentials. Unlike multipurpose tablets, the Paper Pro is purpose‐built to mimic paper, making it ideal for students, professionals, and creatives who want to go digital without sacrificing the feel of pen and paper. In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn everything you need to get started with your reMarkable Paper Pro—from unboxing to advanced note-taking and cloud syncing.

What You Need

• reMarkable Paper Pro tablet (the $399 model replacing the reMarkable 2)
• Marker stylus (included; optional Marker Plus with eraser)
• USB‑C cable for charging and initial setup
• Wi‑Fi connection for syncing and software updates
• reMarkable account (free; required for cloud storage and sync)
• Optional: reMarkable leather folio, screen protector, or Book Folio for protection and typing

Step 1: Unbox and Charge Your reMarkable Paper Pro

When you first open the box, you'll find the Paper Pro tablet, a Marker, a USB‑C cable, and a quick start guide. Charge the tablet fully using the USB‑C cable and a standard power adapter (5V/2A recommended). A full charge takes about 2.5 hours and provides up to two weeks of typical use. While it's charging, remove the protective film from the screen and inspect the Marker's nib. The Marker uses replaceable tips—you'll get extra tips in the box.

Step 2: Set Up Your Device and Create a reMarkable Account

Press the power button on the top edge to turn on the Paper Pro. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and connect to Wi‑Fi. Next, you'll be asked to sign in or create a reMarkable account. This account is essential for syncing your notes across devices, backing up your data, and enabling cloud features like the reMarkable mobile and desktop apps. If you're upgrading from a reMarkable 2, you can transfer your existing notebooks during setup by selecting “Restore from backup.” After signing in, the device will download any available firmware updates—make sure you stay connected until the update finishes.

Step 3: Learn the Basic Navigation and Writing Tools

The Paper Pro’s interface is minimal by design. On the home screen you'll see your notebooks, documents, and quick access buttons. To create a new notebook, tap the “+” icon and choose a template (lined, grid, plain, etc.). The main toolbar along the top gives you:

• Pen Tool – select from several styles (ballpoint, fine liner, marker, calligraphy, pencil). Adjust thickness and color (grayscale only; the Paper Pro uses a monochrome E Ink display).
• Eraser Tool – tap to erase the entire stroke or use the Marker’s rear eraser (if you have a Marker Plus).
• Selection Tool – lasso or tap to move, resize, copy, or delete parts of your handwriting.
• Undo/Redo – standard arrow buttons.

Write naturally on the textured screen—the low latency makes it feel like real paper. You can also use the Layers feature (tap the layers icon) to separate text, drawings, and annotations on the same page. This is especially useful for study notes or complex diagrams.

Step 4: Annotate PDFs and eBooks

One of the Paper Pro’s strengths is reading and marking up documents. Transfer a PDF or EPUB file to the tablet using the reMarkable desktop app, mobile app, or by emailing it to your unique reMarkable email address (found in Settings > Cloud). Once the file appears in the library:

1. Open the document.
2. Tap the screen to show the toolbar, then select the Pen or Highlighter icon.
3. Write directly on the page—your annotations are attached to the document and can be exported later with your marks.
4. Use the Zoom gesture (pinch with two fingers) to focus on small areas, then write precisely.
5. When done, tap the Share icon to export the annotated document as a PDF or image via email, or sync it to your cloud services.

You can also convert your handwritten notes into typed text using the built-in handwriting recognition. Just tap “Convert” after writing a paragraph, and the device will transform it into machine text that you can export or copy.

Step 5: Sync and Manage Your Content Across Devices

The Paper Pro keeps your work in sync via the reMarkable cloud. When you’re finished writing, the device automatically syncs your notebooks when it’s connected to Wi‑Fi. To access your notes on your phone or computer:

• Install the reMarkable mobile app (iOS/Android) or desktop app (Windows/Mac).
• Log in with the same reMarkable account.
• All notebooks and annotated documents will appear in the app’s library. You can view, edit (basic adjustments), or export them as PDF or PNG.

For extra security, you can set up two-factor authentication in your account settings. The Paper Pro also supports Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive integration—go to Settings > Cloud > Integrations to connect your cloud service. Once linked, any document you send to that cloud folder will automatically appear on your tablet.

Tips and Best Practices

After you've set everything up, here are a few tips to get the most out of your reMarkable Paper Pro:

• Use the right nib for your writing style. The Marker comes with standard nibs; if you prefer a slicker feel, swap to the “Fine” nib (sold separately). Replace nibs as soon as you feel reduced friction—they wear out after a few months of heavy use.
• Organize notebooks with folders and tags. Long-press a notebook to add it to a folder or assign color-coded tags. This makes finding notes later much faster.
• Take advantage of templates. Create custom templates (e.g., weekly planner, to-do list) in the reMarkable app and upload them to your device.
• Maximize battery life by turning off Wi‑Fi when you’re not syncing and lowering the screen refresh rate (Settings > Display > Refresh Mode to “Slow” for text, “Fast” for sketching).
• Explore the experimental features. Tap the menu icon and go to “Experimental” to try beta features like handwriting search, screen sharing, or the new AI summarization tool.
• Keep the software updated. Check for updates weekly—the company continues to add features that improve the experience.

Remember, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a focused tool—it won’t replace your laptop or phone, but it excels at creating a distraction-free environment for deep work, studying, or sketching. With proper care and organization, it can become an indispensable part of your digital workflow.