The Best Handwriting Apps for iPhone and iPad Users
If you want to remember something for the long haul, write it down on a piece of paper. But let's face it, paper is not the best way to take notes. Thankfully, there are a number of handwriting apps available for iPhones and iPads that offer the benefits and allure of handwriting with the convenience of digital note-taking. In this article, we will explore some of the best handwriting apps for Apple devices.
1. Notability
Notability is a versatile note-taking app that supports handwriting not just for in-app notes, but also for other files such as PDFs and images. With Notability, you can annotate, highlight, and draw pretty much anywhere. The app offers a wide range of drawing tools, including different colored pencils and shapes. It also features OCR technology that can quickly turn handwritten notes into digital text. Notability is a powerful app that costs $8.99.
2. Apple Notes
Apple Notes comes pre-installed on all Apple devices and supports handwriting. While it may not be the most feature-rich app, it offers all the basic and most used features. You can add notes in various formats such as text, audio, and handwriting. Apple Notes allows you to easily share and collaborate on notes, as long as everyone is using an Apple device. The app is free but limited to iCloud storage.
3. Zohobook
Zohobook is a colorful note-taking app that offers a better layout and added organizational features such as folders and smart cards. It supports handwriting, audio recording, and attachments in various formats. Unlike some other apps, Zohobook is platform agnostic, meaning it works on Windows, Android, and Apple devices. The app is free and ad-free, making it a great option for cross-platform collaboration.
4. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is another popular handwriting app for Apple devices. It comes with a powerful set of tools for drawing and writing, specifically designed for use with the Apple Pencil. GoodNotes recognizes common shapes and offers a variety of pen thicknesses and colors. The app also features an extensive template library for taking notes. GoodNotes is available for $7.99.
5. Evernote
Evernote is a comprehensive note-taking app that supports handwritten notes, along with various other formats. It works on all platforms and offers a range of features, including OCR, scans, audio and video recording, web clipping, and annotation. Evernote's free version is sufficient for most users, but there is also a premium version available.
In conclusion, there are plenty of options when it comes to handwriting apps for iPhones and iPads. If you're deep within the Apple ecosystem, Apple Notes may be sufficient for your needs. Notability and GoodNotes offer more advanced features but are limited to Apple devices. Zohobook is a free and platform-agnostic option, while Evernote is a powerful and versatile app that works on all platforms. Choose the app that best suits your needs and start taking handwritten notes on your Apple device today.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”