If you’re a serious writer, we know iPad and Apple Pencil aren’t enough. That is why here I complete a list of the 10 best note-taking apps for iPad.
The application you use to write can have a big impact on the quality of your writing.
However, there are hundreds of apps to choose from, and not all apps are created equal.
Today we take a closer look at the top 10 apps from the App Store.
So without further ado, let us get straight into it.
Hand-written or typed?
What we’ve seen and the research we’ve done shows that the data shows that writing by hand is better than using a laptop. Like pen and paper, writing is slower but leaves more time to absorb your thoughts.
While using the keyboard is preferable, for many writers this type of writing lacks the stickiness that can be achieved with traditional methods.
With that in mind, most of the apps below are designed for taking digital notes using your iPad and Apple Pencil.
Some of the apps on the list have keyboard-based functionality like Nebo and Apple Notes, but we’re looking at these apps from the perspective of a professional note-taker.
But whatever you choose to do, remember that writing is important when trying to learn anything.
Effective writing has been proven to improve recall and enhance learning. Find the best apps and scripts that work for you and keep using them!
10 Best Note-Taking Apps For iPad 2024
Notability
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One of the best note-taking apps for an iPad is Notability. With thousands of positive reviews, Notability has a proven track record of bringing users together over the years.
The app is best known for its voice sync feature which lets you record your voice while writing and sync with your notes.
When reading, the audio syncs with your text, so you can hear what you’re listening to while you write.
Cons- Without iCloud sync or backup on the free plan, keep in mind that users who don’t update will be at a small risk.
The free plan does not allow updates (monthly reset), which means authors cannot continue writing without an update.
Limited organizational tools force users to write what they deem limited or inadequate.
Without the Favorites toolbar, it will be difficult to find your important articles, even if you have marked them as favorites.
GoodNotes 5
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One of the biggest differences between GoodNotes and its competitors is its rich heritage. GoodNotes lets you create a notebook and keep everything in it.
This is different from tools like Notability or Apple Notes, which are somewhat limited in configuration by software.
Pros- Book authoring tools have the opposite of editing for writing and writing books.
Infinite nested storage allows users to store folders within folders and create designs to suit their needs.
The Favorites tab lets you find notes, files, or pages in the same place in seconds.
Cons- No audio recording means you only have the notes you can rely on when studying for your test unless you use another device to record them.
Changing text is clunky and unwieldy. It works well, but converting text to text is a difficult process.
The lack of a favorites toolbar means you have to update the tool every time you select or change it.
Restarting the device when the app saves some settings like pen width and color still seems harder than necessary.
Apple Notes
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As a note-taking app, Apple Notes has come a long way. Like most other text editors, it comes with a writing tool (blue), highlights, eraser, lasso picker, and ruler.
They are all laid out in a toolbar that can be moved around as needed.
Pros- It still supports writing and typing on the same page using multiple devices, including your finger, on-screen keyboard, Apple Pencil, and Apple Keyboard.
Allow shading when drawing with Apple Pencil. Tilt the Apple Pencil to open the shadow.
You can also press harder to create more intense shading.
Know the phone number, date, address, and other written information.
Create an alternative to text, like schedule an event or call a phone number directly from the Notes app.
Native iCloud synchronization on all Apple devices.
Cons- It doesn’t have a lot of customization features, including the ability to change backgrounds, create templates, or create deep onboarding processes.
No built-in sync for non-iCloud storage. If you want to back up your documents to Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box, you can do it with a bit of work, but it’s not as easy as flipping the switch.
Due to the limited PDF markup and annotation capabilities, you will usually have to do this elsewhere, using the markup tools in the document or the image itself.
LiquidText
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Unlike traditional text editors that provide a blank page to write, LiquidText is a multiple search and search engine designed to help you analyze PDFs and other documents.
Pros- An infinite workspace allows you to write notes, comments, and notes efficiently.
Adding multiple documents to a workspace allows users to create projects around a topic or idea and engage in social research.
The built-in web browser makes it quick and easy to import web pages into PDF files.
The ability to expand and expand the data while searching makes it easier to identify and compare important points.
Cons- Snippets and text can easily get lost in the workplace.
Your workspace is infinite, so if you don’t plan it, you can make mistakes or forget your snippets.
Office spaces often feel cramped no matter how you configure them.
Not suitable for everyone.
If you don’t do serious research, this app might not be for you.
MarginNote 3
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While LiquidText focuses on note-taking and document markup (both in MarginNote), the software can also cut text, create flashcards or mind maps, and research reports.
Cons- Different types of views and settings can be confusing.
When helpful, it’s easy to get lost during the trip and have a hard time starting where you left off.
Too many features make the learning curve steep.
Automatic mind mapping tools can be difficult to set up.
Mind maps are content-based, so you need to think ahead about how to prepare your text.
Nebo
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All standard pages are lined and users can write using Apple Pencil or the keyboard.
If you choose to write your content, Nebo will show you how to translate your text to text in real-time.
Pros- Combining notes and notes is a neat idea from other apps, but Nebo has the functionality.
Spelling and math conversions are seamless, and both features are included at no additional cost.
White paper and text let you work the way that works best for you.
The ability to edit the text using a stylus adds flexibility when editing, editing, or reviewing the text.
Cons- It doesn’t have the templates, layouts, and other custom input features found in apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or Noteshelf.
Formatting will hurt. You can adjust the text output by dragging the box, but using the Indent tool to properly position the text in the box (or on the page) can be tedious.
The Freeform page looks below average compared to its competitors.
If you only focus on writing, this app has few features.
CollaNote
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This is one of the best note-taking apps for an iPad.
You’ll find all the standard tools and a few handwriting extras.
Pros- Powerful writing tools provide everything you need to write well, including pens and pencils, color writing tools, curve tools, and more.
The collaboration feature makes it easy to work with other writers to create teams or share writing.
You must have an account and your notes are stored in your account, not on CollaNote’s servers.
Quickly and easily import PDFs, images, and other media files.
Except for PDF files, the information is in text format and is not provided as a stand-alone product.
Cons- Limited to iPadOS only. This app backs up to iCloud but there is currently no platform compatibility with Mac, Windows, or Android.
The user interface is an acquired taste. The blunt window and lots of toggles give the app a certain feel, but it’s not for everyone.
Folders and notes can be edited and edited in apps like GoodNotes for free.
The guidelines strictly limit how content is formatted and organized.
Noteshelf
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Noteshelf is a good middle ground between GoodNotes and Notability.
You’ll find all the tools you need to write well on your iPad or Android device.
Notepad+
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Another great option for visual learners is Notepad+ is great for sketching, sketching, or writing.
Cons- Not good for Android only.
Whink
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Wink is a small, easy-to-use notebook for everyone, including people with disabilities. It features a beautiful interface with simple tools to help you write well.
Cons- You cannot use it for Android.
