Using a stylus on your iPad, tablet, or Microsoft Surface, we’ve recommended the best note taking apps that use and optimize for a stylus. Here are our picks.
Best 5 Note Taking Apps with Stylus: Top Picks
Creating notes with a stylus is popular for those who use an iPad or Android tablet. These applications rock when it comes to using them with a stylus, and we'd recommend checking all of them out, as many have different device access and use other devices like Apple Pencil and Surface tablet pencil. We've shortlisted those focused on handwriting, markup in PDF, and annotation. The ultimate note-taking app that uses a stylus is GoodNotes. It comes on many different devices and uses the stylus of each tool to help you better take handwritten notes.
GoodNotes
- What is it? A handwriting note-taking app with AI features
- Pricing: Free, $9.99 yearly
Noteshelf
- What is it? A note-taking app for iPad that focuses on Apple Pencil use
- Pricing: Free, $9.99 one-time
Microsoft OneNote
- What is it? Popular with teachers and students and easy to use for taking notes
- Pricing: Free
Evernote
- What is it? Traditional note-taking app for text notes; it also works for sketches and PDFs.
- Pricing: Free (limited), $14.99 per month
Notability
- What is it? Easy-to-use note-taking app for iPad users
- Pricing: Free
GoodNotes
All Round Use
Is GoodNotes suitable for stylus users?
GoodNotes is famous as an iPad app, but it works with Windows PCs, tablets, and Android tablets that use styluses. It is renowned for better note management in one place. GoodNotes works well for iPad and stylus use as it can convert notes from sketches or handwriting to written text using AI, allowing you to keep your original handwriting. Folders help you organize GoodNotes, and many people credit the organizational structure to be great, not just for notes with a handwriting focus. It is also affordable for unlimited notes and devices at $9.99 per year
Noteshelf
Best for Apple Pencil
Is Noteshelf suitable for stylus users?
Noteshelf is a powerful note-taking app for iOS devices that goes beyond just taking notes. There are a variety of active stylus brands supported, as well as an expressive ink engine and a variety of tools for things like highlighting, diagramming, taking photos, and annotating. When used with the Apple Pencil, Noteshelf offers a superior handwriting experience as well as bookmark-based navigation through documents
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote
Popular with teachers and students and easy to use for taking notes
Is Microsoft OneNote suitable for stylus users?
Microsoft OneNote is a free note-taking app that is popular with students and teachers. It supports stylus input, allowing users to add text notes anywhere on the page and even doodle diagrams. OneNote is also praised for its freeform note-taking, allowing you to jot down whatever you want wherever you want to on the canvas
Evernote
Evernote
Traditional note-taking app for text notes; it also works for sketches and PDFs.
Is Evernote suitable for stylus users?
Evernote is a traditional note-taking app that is not only great for text notes but also works well for sketches and PDFs. It allows you to hyperlink to different pages in your notes, making navigation fast and easy. Evernote is also compatible with stylus input, adding flexibility to your note-taking process.
Is Notability suitable for stylus users?
Notability is an easy-to-use note-taking app for iPad users. It offers a variety of note-taking features, such as the ability to type, handwrite, record audio, and import images. However, the option to export to Evernote is noticeably missing from Notability, which may be a consideration for some users