If you're a fan ofdigital notes, you will know well that possessing aiPadand oneApple Pencilthat's not enough. Theapp to take notesthat you choose to use can greatly affect the quality and efficiency of your study or work.
With hundreds of applications available on the App Store, it is essential to carefully select your work tool, since not all apps offer the same performance in terms ofproductivity and organization.
Today we will analyze in detail 13 ofbest apps to take notescurrently available for the Apple ecosystem, evaluating pros, counters and unique features.
Not available
With thousands of positive reviews,Not availablehas extensively demonstrated its value to students and professionals over the years, asserting itself as one offavorite choices on the App Store.
This app has become famous especially for its function ofaudio synchronization, which allows you to record audio during a lesson or a meeting and sync it in real time with handwritten notes. Although other competing apps, such as Goodnotes, have introduced similar features, Notability keeps an excellent implementation.
To stand out, Notability also boasts unique features such asmulti-note support, which offers the possibility to open and flank two notes for comparison or advanced multitasking. In addition, recent design tool updates offer greater versatility for sketches and illustrations.
By combining technologies such as handwriting recognition and conversion of mathematical expressions, Notability simplifies taking notes during lessons, business meetings and conferences.
Passed to a freemium model, today offers a free base plan and a premium subscription option calledNotability Plus. If you are looking for an incredible app without compulsory initial investment, it is a highly recommended option.
More interesting features:
- Themulti-note supportallows you to easily compare and work on multiple documents at the same time.
- Ifavorite presetssimplify the creation and rescue of pen styles and colors for quick access.
- Themathematical conversion(premium function) transforms handwritten calculations into perfect digital mathematical expressions.
- Pressure-sensitive design tools and Apple Pencil inclination for realistic sketches.
Main limitations:
- There is no automatic backup on iCloud in the free plan, a risk for those who do not upgrade.
- Monthly limited changes in the free plan, which could block the most assiduous users.
- Organization options of slightly more basic folders than direct competitors.
Important details:
- Prices:Free plan available; premium plan at $14.99 per year.
- Reviews:Average rating of 4.7/5 on the App Store.
- Platform:iPadOS, iOS and macOS.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Goodnotes 6
Goodnotes 6is a real power for journaling lovers and structured notes. The application includes advanced tools to write, highlight PDF, create music scores and much more.
One of the crucial differences between Goodnotes and its competitors lies in the power of itsorganizational instruments. It allows you to create digital notebooks with custom covers, store documents within unlimited folders and maintain an impeccable order, exceeding the structural limitations of apps like Apple Notes.
Goodnotes' notebooks are extremely customizable: you can import PDF drives, create nested storage systems and quickly navigate between favorites through the intuitive sidebar.
In addition, the latest version introduces cutting-edge features based onartificial intelligencefor spell control of handwriting, as well as a powerful search engine and smooth synchronization via iCloud and Google Drive.
The disadvantages? They are very few, but the absence of a floating “Preferred” toolbar, like the one present in some rival apps, is a lack felt by some advanced users.
More interesting features:
- Higher Organization:The endless nested folders allow a document management comparable to that of a computer.
- Orthographic control AI:Learn your calligraphy and correct errors while keeping your writing style.
- Management of favorites:Instantly find any note, page or key document.
Main limitations:
- The process of converting the handwritten text into a typed text can be Moroccan.
- The absence of a favorite brush bar forces you to frequently reset color and thickness of the pen.
Important details:
- Prices:Free limited version; subscription to $9.99/year or single purchase at $29.99.
- Reviews:4.8/5 Star rating on the App Store.
- Platform:iPad, iPhone, Mac (and beta for Windows and Android).
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Apple Notes
The appApple Noteswas a pioneer, launched with the first version of iOS in 2007. Originally derived from the Mac app, it is today a powerful and free integrated tool for every user in the Apple world.
Its longevity ensures stability: Notes will not go anywhere and is deeply integrated into the operating system. It offers an essential toolbar (pens, highlighters, ruler) that can be moved to maximize the work area.
Exclusive features likeQuick Notes (Quick Notes)allow you to recall a clipboard with a swipe from the corner of the iPad screen, ideal for saving links or annotating thoughts on the flight while surfing the web with Safari.
Although excellent for interactive lists, tables and fast notes, Apple Notes shows the flank on advanced PDF annotations, treating imported files as simple attachments to mark separately instead of seamlessly integrating them into pages.
However, using the ecosystemapple iCloud, notes synchronize instantly on iPhone, iPad, Mac and even on Apple Watch, making it a terrific option for the average user.
More interesting features:
- Perfect native integration between typing andhandwriting via Apple Pencilon the same page.
- Realistic pencil tool: by tilting the Apple Pencil you get a natural shade effect.
- Intelligent data recognition (Data Detectors) for phone numbers, addresses and handwritten dates.
- Free Sync to iCloudwithout the need for third parties.
Main limitations:
- Basic organizational structure: impossible to nest folders in depth or create custom layouts.
- Export to non-Apple cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) is not native or fluid.
- Management and annotation of very basic PDFs.
Important details:
- Price:100% Free and preinstalled.
- Platform:iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac.
- Link: Apple Notes official support.
LiquidText
Unlike classic digital notebooks,LiquidTextis conceived as a powerful study and research environment, ideal for academics, lawyers and researchers who need to analyze complex PDF documents.
The interface is divided into two: on the one hand the document to be read, on the other oneendless working area (workspace). During reading, you can highlight text or cut entire fragments of the document and drag them into the work area.
These crops turn into interactive knots that you can connect with each other, creating complex mental maps. The most striking feature is the ability to “compress” the document, visually combining distant sections to immediately compare it.
Although the approach requires a learning curve, for theintensive research projects, LiquidText offers unparalleled instruments of synthesis and analysis.
More interesting features:
- I doinfinite work spacefacilitates the organization of logically linked extracts and notes.
- Ability to connect multiple PDFs to a single project to consolidate research.
- Pinch-to-Collapse function to temporarily hide unnecessary pages of a long PDF.
Main limitations:
- Without organization, the infinite area can become chaotic and disordered.
- The interface may seem visually cluttered on smaller displays such as the iPad Mini.
- Extremely niche: not suitable for simple general class lists or notes.
Important details:
- Price:Free for basic functions; Pro at $49.99 (one-time); cloud subscription services (LIVE).
- Reviews:4.6/5 stars with over 5.300 reviews.
- Platform:iPad, Mac and Windows 10/11.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
MarginNote 3
As a second advanced research tool,MarginNote 3shares LiquidText's philosophy, but with an even more marked orientation towards intensive study and storage.
In MarginNote you can highlight PDF, but the real magic happens in structuring: extracts automatically become nodes that software aligns to createneat and geometric concept maps. Goodbye disorder, each element is structured cleanly.
The app automatically transforms your clippings and notes intoFlashcard, offering an integrated spaced repetition module, essential for overcoming complex university exams. It also allows you to combine different e-books and dispenses in one huge theme map.
More interesting features:
- Integrated Flashcard module to quickly store extracted concepts.
- Automatic mental map generation tool based on book index.
- Ability to annotate and add context to individual extracts in a structured manner.
Main limitations:
- The learning curve is steep due to the enormous amount of functionality and menus available.
- The different display modes (Document, Studio, Review) can initially disorient.
Important details:
- Price:Free reader; $12.99 one tantum for full unlocking (OCR Pro aside).
- Reviews:Score of 4.7/5 based on more than 4.300 reviews.
- Platform:iPad, iPhone and Mac.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Nebo
Neboshines in an area where many other apps struggle: the perfect union between manual writing and text typed. Thanks to the MyScript proprietary engine, Nebo boasts the bestrecognition of handwriting (OCR)on the market.
Within its “Country Page” (lined), each section written with the Apple Pencil is interpreted in real time. You can edit, delete or format the text simply by using intuitive gestures with the pen (for example, by swabbling to delete a word).
The app also allows you to solve complex mathematical equations in real time and convert hand-drawn diagrams into perfect exportable geometric figures. It is the ideal app for professionals who like to write by hand but need to share reports in clean text format.
More interesting features:
- Recognition engine at the top of the category, with support for over 65 languages.
- Gestures intuitive with the pen to merge, split and delete words without touching the keyboard.
- True multiplatform compatibility: your notes live on iPad, Windows and Android tablet.
Main limitations:
- Lack of aesthetic options such as fancy covers or creative page templates present in Goodnotes.
- The structured striped area reduces the freedom of creative imagination or free “sketchnoting”.
Important details:
- Price:Free base; complete packages at about $8.99 bundled.
- Reviews:4.6/5 stars with over 17,000 ratings.
- Platform:iPad, Mac, Windows and Android.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
CollaNote
Born initially as an independent project by a university student,CollaNotequickly conquered the hearts of many iPad users thanks to the fact of offering premium functionality for free and with continuous updates.
The app excels in the offer of creative brushes: from watercolor brushes to 3D ones, CollaNote offers one of the most extensive artistic features among the apps of this segment, accompanied by a perfect sensitivity to pressure and inclination of the Apple Pencil.
CollaNote’s flagshipcollaboration in real time. By registering a free account, you can study remotely or work in teams on the same document simultaneously without any perceptible delay.
More interesting features:
- Arsenal vase of pens, pencils, highlighters and artistic brushes of the highest quality.
- Advanced dark mode that intelligently converts the ink to night readability.
- Unparalleled free cloud collaboration to study in group.
Main limitations:
- Visually unconventional and slightly chaotic user interface for new users.
- Exclusive from the Apple mobile ecosystem (only iPadOS/iOS).
Important details:
- Price:Free (Premium one-time $11.90 option for development support).
- Reviews:Excellent score of 4.9/5 with almost 10,000 reviews.
- Link: Download the app.
Noteshelf
Noteshelfrepresents a perfect stylistic compromise between Goodnotes’ elegant organization and the efficiency of Notability tools. The app offers an extremely clean interface and a smooth writing experience (known for the aesthetics of its “ fluid ink”).
The app shines in customization: it offers a myriad of default page templates for diaries, calendars, scores and trackers, and even supports an integrated hub where you can download new free covers shared by the community.
In addition, it inherited and evolved very beloved functions, such asaudio recordingin the background while taking notes, although you do not synchronise the text to the audio like Notability, and a very comfortable “Zoom Box” that facilitates the minute writing in tables or margins.
More interesting features:
- Estheticly superior calligraphy yield thanks to the fluid vector ink motor.
- Presentation mode to use the iPad as an interactive board during meetings.
- Multiplatform support that also embraces Android and Windows.
Main limitations:
- The free version severely limits the number of createable notebooks.
- IOS and Android/Windows apps are separate ecosystems: they do not communicate with each other for cross-platform direct synchronization.
Important details:
- Price:Single purchase at $7.99 (Noteshelf 3).
- Reviews:Evaluation of 4.3/5.
- Platform:iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows and Android.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Everno
Lead in the field of digital memory,Evernois not a simple handwritten clipboard app, but a gigantic“second brain”focused on total productivity and document database management.
The app stands out for block formatting (similar to a text processor) and the exceptional power of its semantic search engine, able to read the text even within scanned photo frames or snappers.
If you mainly use the keyboard, you will find comfortable widgets for the To-Do list, native integration with Google calendar and an inaccessible web clipper. However, if you are looking for a purely Apple Pencil app, its “Scratch Mode” will be too rigid and limited for your purposes.
More interesting features:
- Fully customizable productivity control panel (Home).
- The best Web Clipper in the industry to capture web and PDF articles.
- Deep search OCR in PDF files and images.
Main limitations:
- Poor integration for continuous handwriting through Apple Pencil.
- Extremely limited free plan (maximum 2 synchronized devices).
- Premium and Professional subscriptions are particularly expensive.
Important details:
- Prices:Free basic version; from $14.99/month for the Personal Plan.
- Reviews:4.4/5 stars.
- Platform:Absolute multiplatform (iOS, Mac, Android, PC, Web).
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Microsoft OneNote
Driven by the ecosystemMicrosoft 365and completely free for core functions,OneNoteis the preferred infinite canvas app (canvas) in the corporate and educational world.
OneNote allows you to click, type or draw inanyscreen point without the constraints of traditional page margins. The integration of Apple Pencil is mature: just touch the screen to start writing, taking advantage of unique aesthetics like the famous inks with “galassia”, “lava” or “arcobaleno” textures.
In the educational field, the Integrated Mathematical Assistant is a game-changer: not only solves handwritten equations, but guides you step-by-step through the development to help you in learning.
More interesting features:
- Completely free without features restrictions (only pays for the additional OneDrive space).
- Infinite worksheet: type and draw anywhere without spatial constraints.
- Powerful and educational mathematical assistant for STEM students.
Main limitations:
- Strengthen using Microsoft OneDrive servers for backup, preventing local backups or iCloud.
- Interface a bit heavy and dated compared to mobile-first alternatives.
Important details:
- Prices:Free! (5GB included via OneDrive).
- Reviews:4.7/5 with over 750,000 evaluations (globally).
- Platform:Each platform available on the market.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Zoho Notebook
Awarded in 2016 as App of the Year,Zoho Notebookadopts a unique graphic approach, based on the concept of colored cards (Card), making the visually stimulating experience different from the typical list structure.
You can create different types of tabs: Card Text, Check-list, Audio or Sketch. Smart Cards, in particular, analyze the content saved by the web (such as a recipe or an article) and automatically reformat it to make it clean and devoid of distractions.
It is mainly addressed to text-oriented users, since the use of Apple Pencil is limited only to “Sketch Card”, drastically separating handwriting from the keyboard.
More interesting features:
- Design based on visually intuitive and highly aesthetic card.
- Smart Smart Cards that format web links by extracting only crucial information.
- Integrated password protection for sensitive notes.
Main limitations:
- Advanced search features are hidden behind a paywall.
- Limited flexibility for those who use Apple Pencil primarily.
Important details:
- Prices:Freemium; Pro plan from $1.99/month.
- Platform:iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Penbook
If template aesthetics is your top priority,Penbookwill surprise you with over 1,000 customization options for wallpapers and pages. Includes patterns for anyone, from web developer to organic chemist, to complex planners for sportsmen and musicians.
What stands out is absolute freedom: every page of a notebook can adopt a different template. Supports the “Live Paper” function, which automatically populates calendars and calendars with date, time and actual calendar based on the current day.
The set of writing tools is solid but basic (supports hexadecimal codes for colors), although navigating between folders is not as intuitive as in market leaders (Goodnotes/Notability).
More interesting features:
- An infinity of specialized templates (science, music, programming, dynamic planners).
- Live Paper: Calendar layouts are connected to the date and time of the iPad system.
Main limitations:
- The free version allows you to create a single notebook.
- Deficient storage interface: it is easy to lose notes due to the lack of an advanced folder hierarchy.
Important details:
- Prices:Free limited; $14.99/year or lifetime purchase for $49.99.
- Platform:iOS and iPadOS.
- Link: Visit the official website.
ZoomNotes
We close the list with an app dedicated to visual thinkers:ZoomNotes. Its core is based on an endless white sheet with unlimited zoom, perfect for architects, designers and fans of huge mental maps.
The app hides advanced features: the “sub-pages” allow you to incorporate mini-documents into a document. Imagine zooming inside the drawing of a drawer in a desk and finding a PDF filed right there.
Although it offers levels, native integration with Apple Calendar and a wide range of unparalleled functions (such as rulers, calibers and virtual compasses), the user interface pays the touch of complexity, resulting in embossed and not suitable for the random user.
More interesting features:
- Infinite whiteboard with an unlimited zoom engine, lag free.
- Advanced management of sub-documents and layers (levels), similar to CAD software.
- Technical tools for geometric design in scale.
Main limitations:
- Daunting learning curve due to too many menus and little explanatory icons.
- Visually obsolete and complex interface in comparison to modern rivals.
Important details:
- Prices:Free Lite version; final purchase at $10.99.
- Platform:iPad, Mac.
- Link: Download the app / Visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Apps for iPad
What is the best app to take notes on iPad for free?
Apple Notesis the best integrated and free option for most users thanks to its deep integration with iOS and iCloud. If you need more advanced tools and features with endless canvases,Microsoft OneNoteoffers a professional experience at no extra cost, whileCollaNoterepresents an excellent emerging alternative created to maximize Apple Pencil’s potential in a totally free way.
What is the main difference between Goodnotes and Notability?
Although both are among the leading premium choices on the market, they stand out for a different focus.Goodnotes 6excels in the meticulous organization based on a system of hyper-personalized folders and notebooks, making it ideal for digital diaries or complex archives. On the contrary,Not availableis famous for its endless scrolling interface and pioneering real-time audio recording and synchronization function, particularly loved by university students and professionals accustomed to long conferences.
Can I convert my handwriting to text typed with Apple Pencil?
Yes, absolutely. Most third-party apps have integrated this feature (OCR), but software likeNeboare absolute leaders in this field, offering real-time conversions of texts and equations of high precision. In addition, iPadOS natively includes the functionScribble (Write), which allows you to automatically convert the written section to text with Apple Pencil into almost all iPad input fields.
