best app to write essays on ipad

13 Best iPad Writing Apps for Students and Professionals

Best writing apps for beginners and professionals, quick answer.

Go with Apple Notes or Google Docs for simple, free note-taking. If you use an Apple pencil, check out Notability . If you want a minimal app, try Bear or iA Writer if you don’t mind paying. Apple’s Pages is perfect for a free word processor with Apple pencil support. Evernote , Microsoft Word , and One Note for team collaboration. Grammarly is great for fixing your writing for free. Ulysses and Scrivener are awesome for professional writers, but they subscription-based.

Writing apps have recently become very popular thanks to their greater availability. These apps can create and edit written content such as documents, notes, articles, etc. They have features like spell and grammar checkers, various text formatting options, and the ability to share or collaborate on documents with others. Overall, they make writing better and more efficient.

If you own an iPad and are looking for the best writing app, this list is for you. This guide has compiled 13 iPad writing apps for personal or professional use. Whether you are a beginner or a professional writer, this list should help you find the best app.

Before we turn to the list, you should consider a few points before choosing the best writing app for your iPad.

Table of Contents

Best Writing Apps for iPad

Apple Notes: Integrated Powerful Notes App From Apple

Apple Notes is a built-in notes app for iPad. It allows you to create notes and organize them easily. It has a simple interface and easy-to-organize structure which makes it the best choice for most users.

You can easily write notes on the go. Apple Notes has various formatting options, such as bold, italic, and underline, making it easy to format text differently. You can also add photos, videos, and web pages to the notes.

One of Apple Notes’ best features is that it supports handwritten notes using the Apple Pencil. You can use an Apple pencil or any supported style to write, draw, and sketch in the notes. The app also offers a variety of settings to specify different pencil styles, colors, and sizes. You can also customize the Pencil’s pressure sensitivity to suit their needs.

Apple Notes also supports sync and an Apple continuity feature that allows notes to be synced with other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and Mac. You can start a note on their iPad and pick up where you left off on their iPhone or Mac. This feature can be useful if you live in the Apple ecosystem. It also has a built-in search function to find specific notes easily based on keywords and also the ability to lock notes for privacy.

Key points:

• Price: Free.
• Key features: Syncs across all Apple devices, supports multimedia notes, and offers handwriting and drawing with the Apple Pencil.
• Format Text: You can format text with lists, styles, and even scan documents.
• Multimedia Support: Add photos, videos, and drawings to your notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Use Apple Pencil to write notes and automatically convert them to typed text.
• Apple Pencil Support: Sketch and draw directly in your notes with Apple Pencil.
• Collaboration Features: Share and collaborate with others in real-time.
• Offline Support: Use and edit notes offline.

Download Apple Notes (Free)

Obsidian: VSCode for Writers

Obsidian is another powerful writing app for the iPad. This app is primarily based on the principles of plain text and Markdown, which makes writing and formatting notes easy and flexible. The app is also popularly known as VScode for writers.

The best thing about this app is that it stores files locally in your file system and not on the app server, which makes it more secure. There is also support for Apple’s iCloud service if you want to backup and access it on other devices.

Notes are saved in plain text format, which can be easily edited using the built-in formatting tools. The app also has a built-in search function to search the file using your Explorer. Other features of this app include a privacy screen, support for multiple Windows, quick switching between different vaults, and more.

Another nice feature of Obsidian is the ability to organize notes in a graphical structure. This can be especially handy for students or professionals who like to create Mind maps. Additionally, the app also allows users to install various plugins and integrations to customize the app to their specific needs.

The only downside to this app for me is that it doesn’t support the Apple Pencil or any stylus pens . You cannot take handwritten notes with this app. Or else this would have been my top pick for an iPad note-taking app.

• Price: It’s free, but you can opt for paid upgrades for more features.
• Key features: Offers advanced markdown editing capabilities, link suggestions, graph view for visualizing notes connections, and custom plugins for enhanced functionality.
• Format Text: Comprehensive text format options.
• Multimedia Support: You can embed links, images, and other media directly into your notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Not supported.
• Apple Pencil Support: Doesn’t support Apple Pencil or any stylus input.
• Collaboration Features: Offers real-time collaboration in the paid version.
• Offline Support: Works completely offline, storing all files locally.

Download Obsidian (Free)

Bear: Best Design and Usability

It offers a variety of text formatting options, including headings, lists, and quotes. It also supports multi-media, You can add images and links to documents. Comes with Advanced Markup Editor, highlighting over 150 programming languages. You can add hashtags to any note to quickly organize your notes.

In addition, the app supports encryption of individual notes, and you can lock notes with the Face/Touch ID. The lock feature is only available in the Pro version. Other notable features of the Bear app include support for multiple themes and export options, including HTML, PDF, Docx, JPG, and more.

• Price: Free, Costs $1.49 per month for premium.
• Key features: Markup options, focus mode, cross-device syncing via iCloud.
• Format Text: It offers comprehensive text formatting and supports Markdown.
• Multimedia Support: You can insert photos and add hyperlinks to your notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Not available.
• Apple Pencil Support: It supports sketching with the Apple Pencil.
• Collaboration Features: Not available.
• Offline Support: Works fully offline.

Download Bear (Freemium)

Notability: Best for Handwritten Notes Using the Apple Pencil

If you often take handwritten notes , Notability is your best choice. The app offers a variety of tools and features that make it easy to write and format notes in various file formats, including PDF, Word, and more.

The app supports various text formatting options, such as bold, italic, and underlined, and allows you to insert images, videos, and audio recordings into your notes. The app also supports a variety of text formatting options for Apple Pencil. You can draw, type, write, and sketch with different styles and format options in the same notes.

In addition to creating notes, you can also import external documents and images and annotate and edit them within the app. I use this feature to import books (PDFs) and annotate with Apple Pencil. It is very handy thanks to its clean interface and support for Apple pencil.  However, the free version only allows you to create limited notes. You can delete old ones and use that space for new notes.

• Price: Freemium, Available for a one-time purchase of $8.99.
• Key features: Combines typing, handwriting, audio recording, and photos within a single note.
• Format Text: Provides rich text editing and organizational features.
• Multimedia Support: Enables embedding of audio recordings, photos, and sketches.
• Handwriting Recognition: Offers advanced recognition and conversion features.
• Apple Pencil Support: Fully supports Apple Pencil, including pressure sensitivity, for natural writing and drawing.
• Collaboration Features: Supports real-time document collaboration.
• Offline Support: Fully functional offline, allowing access and use without an internet connection.

Download Notability (Freemium)

Microsoft Word: Powerful Word Editor

It comes with powerful text formatting tools, users can choose from different fonts, sizes, and colors and adjust line and paragraph spacing. Moreover, you can also insert tables, images, videos, and other media into their documents, making it easy to add visual elements to their texts. It also integrates with another suite of Microsoft applications making it easy to create and share notes if you use Windows.

Microsoft Word also supports cloud-based storage. In real-time, the app backs up your data as you write. It also helps you to collaborate and edit documents from anywhere. The app also supports various file formats, including .doc, .docx, and .pdf, making it easy to share and edit documents with others.

• Price: Freemium
• Key features: Comprehensive text formatting options, integration with other Microsoft Office tools, real-time collaboration, and advanced document review tools
• Format Text: Offers rich text editing and organizational features.
• Multimedia Support: Allows you to embed audio recordings, photos, and sketches.
• Handwriting Recognition: Provides advanced recognition and conversion capabilities.
• Apple Pencil Support: Fully supports Apple Pencil, including pressure sensitivity for a natural writing and drawing experience.
• Collaboration Features: Enables real-time collaboration on documents.
• Offline Support: Yes.

Download Microsoft Word (Freemium)

Google Docs: Powerful With a User-Friendly Interface and Easy Access

If you think Microsoft Word is too complex, try Google Docs . Compared to Microsoft Word, Google Docs is easily accessible and offers a user-friendly interface.

The best thing about Google Docs is that it’s easily accessible online. You can instantly open your favorite browser, visit Google Docs, and start writing. Once you create a document on the iPad, you can access it from any device including the well-built web interface.

Related Read: 13 Best iPad Drawing Apps

Another great feature of the Google Docs app for iPad is real-time collaboration with other users. You can easily share your document with others and work on it together in real time. This is especially useful for group projects or team collaboration. Also, the app saves your documents directly to Google Drive.

• Key features: Real-time collaboration, access from any device, and integration with Google Drive.
• Format Text: Offers extensive tools for formatting and editing.
• Multimedia Support : Embed images and tables in documents.
• Apple Pencil Support: Not supported.
• Collaboration Features: Supports real-time collaboration with a detailed revision history.
• Offline Support: Available offline when set up in Chrome or through the app.

Download Google Docs (Free)

Evernote: Powerful Note Organizer With Support for Multiple Content Formats

If you have been looking for the best writing apps for your iPad, you may have already heard of Evernote . Evernote is not only one of the best and most powerful writing apps but also a powerful organizer for notes.

You can easily create notes in different formats. The most popular formats on Evernote include plain text, lists, images, videos, and audio. The app also comes with powerful text formatting tools to format the text the way you want. You can also insert multi-media content, it comes with support for templates and more.

Another great feature of Evernote is the ability to sync between different devices in real time. This can be especially useful if you use Evernote on multiple devices. However, the app’s decision to limit the number of notes and notebooks that free users can have sparked controversy. With the new restrictions that took effect on December 4, 2023, free users are now limited to just one notebook and 50 notes.

• Price: Offers a free version; premium plans begin at $7.99 per month.
• Key features: Powerful tagging and search functionalities, multimedia support.
• Format Text: Offers advanced text formatting options.
• Multimedia Support: Attach files, photos, and audio to your notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Can search through handwritten notes.
• Apple Pencil Support: Supports basic drawing and handwriting.
• Collaboration Features: Share and collaborate.
• Offline Support: Available with premium plans only.

Download Evernote (Freemium)

Apple Pages: Best Apple Alternative to Microsoft Word and Google Docs

If you are looking for a free powerful word processor that is an alternative to Apple’s Microsoft Word and Google Docs and integrates easily with other Apple devices. Apple Pages is the best option for you.

Apple Pages offers powerful text formatting options. One of the most important features of Pages is the wide selection of templates. They are fully customizable and include built-in text styles and formatting options. Moreover, Pages also supports importing Microsoft Word documents, so you can easily transfer your Word documents to Apple pages.

You can create notes, and documents with rich formatting options. Pages also support multiple media. The outstanding feature of Apple Pages is support for Apple Pencil. You can use an Apple pencil to draw, and write on the pages.

It also supports real-time collaboration. Multiple users work on the same document simultaneously, making the app perfect for group projects and real-time collaboration.

• Key features: Rich text formatting tools, templates, and integration with other Apple apps.
• Format Text: Provides advanced formatting and layout options.
• Multimedia Support: Integrates with other Apple apps for rich media embedding.
• Apple Pencil Support : You can draw and comment using Apple Pencil.
• Collaboration Features: Collaborate through iCloud.
• Offline Support: Works completely offline.

Download Apple Pages (Free)

Grammarly: For Productive and Error-Free Writing

If you want a writing app to correct your grammar mistakes, Grammarly is the best choice. The app uses advanced algorithms and natural language processing technologies to check grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, making it easy for users to spot and correct text mistakes.

As you type, the app scans their text and highlights any errors in real-time. The formatting tools are not as powerful as those of other word processors. Also, you can add multimedia to the notes which is something you should keep note.

• Price: Freemium, Plans start at $12 per month.
• Key features: Advanced grammar and style checking, vocabulary enhancements, plagiarism detector.
• Format Text: Basic
• Multimedia Support : You can add images, and import documents to edit.
• Offline Support: Functions within other apps that offer offline capabilities.

Download Grammarly (Freemium)

Ulysses: Best for Authors Who Publish Their Work Online

The next choice on our list is Ulysses . It is the best choice if you are a professional writer and frequently publish content online. The app offers powerful editing tools and markup features. It also includes a built-in dictionary, thesaurus, and word search features to help you write better content.

Ulysses also supports exporting your texts in various formats, including Markdown, PDF, and HTML. Besides, you can publish your texts directly to WordPress, Medium, and other platforms. There is no free version of the app. The app costs $39.99/year or $5.99/month. A student discount of up to 6 months is available for $10.If Ulysses is too expensive, you can choose Byword, which offers a similarly powerful editing feature but is less expensive.

• Price: Premium, costs $39.99 annually or $4.99 monthly.
• Key features: Markdown support, seamless sync across all Apple devices, and publishing tools for bloggers.
• Format Text: Provides a streamlined text editor with markup support.
• Multimedia Support: Focuses primarily on text, with minimal multimedia capabilities.
• Handwriting Recognition : Not supported.
• Offline Support: Offers complete offline access for writing and editing.

Download Ulysses ($39.99 per year)

Download Byword ($5.99)

Microsoft OneNote: Powerful Note Organizer

Microsoft OneNote is another powerful note-taking app for iPad. You can create, save, and share notes across devices. Microsft One Note is a dedicated Notes app while Microsoft Word is a word processor that is part of Microsoft Office suite.

The best thing about Microsoft apps is that they offer powerful text editing options. Like Microsoft Word, Microsoft OneNote has powerful text editing tools, including creating tables, changing text size and font, adding multimedia, and more. Additionally, One Note comes with drawing and sketching tools that help you to draw and take written notes.

Microsoft OneNote is also great for teamwork. It comes with built-in sharing and collaboration features to easily share your written notes with your teammates and ask them to make changes in real time. You can also add comments to the work you have shared.

The built-in templates to create new notes are also handy. For example, you can use a task list template to keep track of all your tasks without creating them from scratch. One Note is free and seamlessly syncs and integrates with other Microsoft applications.

• Key features: Excellent for multimedia notes, collaborative features, and extensive organizational tools.
• Format Text: Support for comprehensive text formatting options.
• Multimedia Support: Add images, audio, and videos to your notes.
• Handwriting Recognition: Compatible with touch and stylus including Apple pencil.
• Apple Pencil Support: Yes
• Collaboration Features: Allows multiple users to work on the same notebook at the same time.
• Offline Support: Access and edit notes without an internet connection.

Download Microsoft OneNote (Freemium)

iA Writer: Minimalist App for Writing That Reduces Distractions

The next choice on our list of best writing apps for iPad is iA Writer . If you want a minimal writing app that focuses primarily on writing, iA Writer is your best option.

It has a minimalist design and special features for a streamlined distraction-free writing experience. It has a full-screen mode that hides all other apps, allowing users to focus on writing without interruption.

You can choose from various fonts, sizes, and colors and adjust line and paragraph spacing and more. The app primarily focuses on text. If you struggle with taking notes from apps, this app can help.  iA Writer is available for macOS, Windows, Apple, and Android devices for a one-time fee of $29.99. It also has a 14-day free trial that allows you to test the features before upgrading. You can try the free trial and check if the app can be useful.

• Price: Costs $29.99 as a one-time purchase.
• Key features: Simple, clean interface with focus mode, syntax highlighting, and Markdown support.
• Format Text: Offers comprehensive text formatting options.
• Multimedia Support: Limited to mainly text.
• Collaboration Features: Not supported.
• Offline Support: Yes

Download iA Writer ($49.99)

Scrivener: For Professional Writers

The final pick on our list is Scrivener . If you read or write a lot of research documents and letters, this is the app for you. The app is designed to help professional writers organize their research and write high-quality documents.

Thanks to the strong organizational structure in the app, you can divide your work into smaller amounts. You can also easily save your work in folders and create subfolders. This is especially useful when writing large books or documents, where you need to keep track of everything you have written.

You can also store and organize all your research content, such as PDFs, images, and web pages, in one place. This way, you can easily refer to your research as you write. The app costs $49. Only consider if you are someone who writes research papers and wants a tool that makes your job easy.

• Price: Costs $49 for a one-time purchase.
• Format Text: Provides comprehensive text formatting tools perfect for complex writing projects.
• Multimedia Support: Allows integration of images, PDFs, and multimedia files directly into projects.
• Apple Pencil Support: Does not support Apple Pencil or other stylus inputs.
• Collaboration Features: Designed mainly for single-user use, but you can export files to share.
• Offline Support: Operates fully offline, enabling uninterrupted work without internet access.

Download Scrivener ($23.99)

How to Choose the Best Writing App for iPad

• Features: Consider what features are important to you. Do you need a spell checker, a grammar checker, formatting options, or the ability to collaborate with others?
• Platform compatibility: If you need to share or collaborate on documents with others, ensure the app you choose is compatible with the platforms you use.
• Ease of use: Look for an app that is easy to navigate and understand.
• Price: Some writing apps are free, while others require a subscription or one-time purchase. Consider your budget before choosing the app.
• Cloud sync: some writing apps offer cloud syncing, allowing you to pick up where you left off, even if you switch devices.
• Apple Pencil Support: Make sure the app supports the Apple Pencil for handwritten notes.

Choose the Best iPad Writing App for Your Use Case

So, that’s the list of the best writing apps for iPad. We have included various apps for both beginners and professional writers that offer different note-taking features. In the comments below, let us know which app you will use.

FAQs about Best iPad Writing Apps

What is the best ipad writing app for writing a book.

Scrivener is the best iPad app for writing a book if you can afford it. Evernote is also a good choice for writing books if you are looking for a free version, but it's not as powerful as Scrivener. Scrivener is specifically designed for long-form writing and offers a wide-range of tools to help you manage your book writing project from start to finish.

What are the must-have apps for writers?

Most writers use a variety of apps for writing. Scrivener, MS Word, Google Docs, and iA Writer are the most common - but there are many other great apps that bestselling authors use for their writing process. Ulysses, Apple Pages, and Notability are the other good options for writers.

What is the best app for writing on iPad?

The best apps for writing depending on the features you need as a writer. Here's a list of the most common things you should consider before choosing the best writing app for your iPad. These include features of the app, platform compatibility, ease of use, price, cloud syncing, Apple Pencil support, and more. Personally, I use Apple Notes and Notability to do most of my writing.

What is the best app novel writing app on iPad?

Living Writer is the best app for writing novels on the iPad. The app is specifically designed for writing substantial fiction books. With its easy-to-use interface, you can easily organize and plan your stories. The app is available for Windows, Apple's Mac, Android, iPad, and even iPhone. It is available for free and also includes in-app purchases.

Is GoodNotes or Notability better?

While GoodNotes has been around for a while and has its sets of fans, Notability can add more items to your notes than GoodNotes. In addition to images, stickers, and importing documents, you can also add audio recordings, sticky notes, and GIFs on Notability, which isn't yet possible on GoodNotes. So, if you ask us, we would choose Notability over GoodNotes.

Does iPad have a text editor?

iPads don't come with a built-in text editor as such, but one can download TextEdit+ for free. It's a sleek and fast text editor for iPad and iPhone. It's compatible with desktop text editors like WordPad and TextEdit. It supports TXT, RTF, MarkDown, etc.

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7 Best Writing Apps for iPad 2024 (Write A Book Fast)

by Chris Von Wilpert, BBusMan • Last updated November 23, 2023

Expert Verified by Leandro Langeani, BBA

Today there are 118 different writing apps for iPad . We spent 57 hours comparing the top 50 to find the seven best you can use to write on the world’s best tablet.

What is the Best Writing App for iPad?

• Scrivener — best of the best
• Ulysses — best minimalist app
• iA Writer — best distraction-free interface
• Pages — best from Apple
• Google Docs — best for cloud storage
• Microsoft Word — best feature-rich app
• Bear — best markdown editor

1. Scrivener

Our verdict — best of the best.

Scrivener is the go-to writing app for aspiring authors. We think it’s the best because of its customizable corkboard view, versatile writing and editing features, and powerful outlining tools.

The Best Part:

Powerful outlining functionality. Scrivener's Outliner feature helps you effortlessly plan, organize, and rearrange your projects.

The Worst Part:

Steep learning curve. It might take some time for newcomers to get acquainted with all of Scrivener’s features.

Get it if you want a feature-rich app that allows you to write, edit, and manage your book projects from the comfort of your iPad.

I recommend you buy Scrivener from the App Store for $23.99.

(download now)

Scrivener is best for aspiring authors who want an all-in-one app to help them write, edit, and manage their book writing projects.

Top Features

Visualize your plan. Organize your ideas with digital notecards on a customizable corkboard — perfect for visual thinkers.

Write now, organize later. Piece together bits of text you've penned spontaneously and easily rearrange them with Scrivener's scrivenings mode.

Make it feel like home. Tweak settings, toolbars, and layouts to create the perfect writing environment on your iPad.

Write without distractions. Focus all of your attention on your words with Scrivener's full-screen composition mode, to block out all distractions.

Keep up with your writing goals. Set word count goals for your project or individual sections to stay on track.

Scrivener offers a single pricing plan:

Scrivener for iOS: $23.99 one-time payment, for aspiring authors and dedicated writers who want a powerful, all-in-one writing tool on their iPads.

Try Scrivener today via the App Store.

Our Verdict — Best Minimalist App

Ulysses is a sleek and straightforward writing app designed for iPad users who crave a minimalist experience. We think it’s the best minimalist app because of its clutter-free interface, seamless synchronization across Apple devices, and efficient organization tools.

Organization made easy. Ulysses lets you keep your content structured and tidy with its intuitive sheet grouping and library sorting options.

Limited formatting options. Ulysses doesn’t have many of the fancy formatting options other writing apps offer, which could be a letdown for some users.

Get it if you want an intuitive writing app that covers the basics and keeps things simple for the minimalist in you.

I recommend you get started with the free trial, then go for the Yearly Plan for $39.99/year.

(free plan)

Ulysses is best for writers who want a minimalist writing environment that keeps them focused on their work.

Sync it up. Use iCloud integration to keep your work up to date at all times across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

It helps you keep your pace. Set word count or time-based goals and track your progress effortlessly.

Your own space. Customize Ulysses with a variety of themes that suit your style, while keeping that minimalistic feel.

Export in a snap. Ulysses makes it easy for you to convert and export your books to various formats, including PDF, HTML, and ePub.

Search and find. Use the advanced search function to locate specific content within your library.

Ulysses offers three pricing plans:

• Monthly Plan: $5.99/month for writers who prefer a flexible, short-term subscription for writing a book or two.
• Yearly Plan: $39.99/year for dedicated writers who are in it for the long haul and want the best bang for their buck.
• Student Offer: $10.99/six months for students.

The annual plan provides a 44% discount.

Try Ulysses today with the free plan.

3. iA Writer

Our verdict — best distraction-free interface.

iA Writer is the perfect iPad app for writers who want the closest experience to pen and paper. We think it’s the best distraction-free interface because of its seamless fullscreen mode, live syntax highlighting, and smooth syncing capabilities.

It’s all about focus. iA Writer’s full-screen mode allows you to completely immerse yourself in your writing without a single distraction.

No free trial. iA Writer doesn’t offer an option for testing out its features — you’ll have to pay the $49.99 fee in full.

Get it if you want a completely distraction-free writing environment that allows you to put all of your focus on your words and ideas.

I recommend you get iA Writer from the App Store for $49.99.

iA Writer is best for writers who want a clean, distraction-free writing environment.

Swift cloud storage access. Access all of your docs within iA Writer’s intuitive Library, whether they’re stored in iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Favorites FTW. Mark your most-used files and folders as favorites to always keep ‘em handy.

Stay organized. Set up custom rules for Smart Folders and watch your documents automatically get organized.

Categorization made easy. Group your work using hashtags to categorize key chapters, themes, and ideas to easily locate while writing your book.

Sort files your way. Personalize how you view your File List by sorting documents according to Name, Date, or Extension.

iA Writer offers a single pricing plan:

iOS & iPadOS: $49.99 one-time payment, for writers who want lifetime access to a full-screen, distraction-free writing app.

Try iA Writer today via the App Store.

Our Top Three Picks

Here’s a quick summary of our top three picks:

• iA Writer — best distraction-free app

Here’s a quick comparison of our top seven picks:

Here are the top 50 best writing apps for iPad we considered in this review:

• Google Docs
• Microsoft Word
• JotterPad 
• Fade In Mobile
• ProWritingAid 
• Grammarly Keyboard
• Zoho Writer 
• Celtx Script
• Quip: Docs, Chat, Spreadsheets
• FocusWriter
• iaWriter 
• Markdown & Rich Text Editor
• Textilus Pro
• Manuscript Writer
• WriteMapper 
• Aeon Timeline
• Writer's Studio
• Day One Journal
• Penultimate
• XMind: Mind Map
• Story Planner for Writers
• Hemingway Editor 

What is the best writing software for iPad?

The best writing software for iPad is Scrivener, known for its powerful features, intuitive interface, and seamless compatibility with industry standards. 

Scrivener is a powerful writing app that caters to the needs of aspiring authors, professional writers, and anyone looking to enhance their writing process. Its customizable corkboard view allows users to organize ideas using digital notecards, making it an excellent tool for visual note-taking and planning.

Scrivener excels in the writing process, providing powerful outlining functionality, handy features for editing, and efficient note-taking capabilities. The app is designed with industry standards in mind, offering a formidable tool for writers who need to manage complex projects. With its handwriting recognition feature, it allows users to input handwritten notes and convert them into digital notes, making the transition from traditional notes on paper to digital notebooks seamless.

Additionally, Scrivener offers a range of export options, making it easy for writers to share their work with others or publish it in various formats. The app is available for both desktop version and mobile devices, ensuring a consistent writing experience across platforms. With cloud service integration, your work can be synced across devices, ensuring you always have access to the latest version of your projects.

Although Scrivener has a steep learning curve due to its advanced tools, mastering these features can significantly improve your writing experience. It offers a comprehensive set of onboard organization tools, markup tools, and features like the color fill tool, curve tool, and an easy-to-use tool interface. With its sharing features and options for storage, Scrivener becomes an invaluable resource for writers. The app is available for download from the Apple App Store.

What is a good free writing app for iPad?

A good free writing app for iPad is Apple Pages, which is designed to provide a simple, clean interface and essential tools for creating documents, including essays, reports, and even books. 

Pages come pre-installed on iPads, making it an easily accessible option for Apple users. As a free app, it offers a range of powerful features that cater to the needs of writers, from beginners to professionals.

Pages provide a variety of ready-made templates that can be customized according to your preferences, making it easy to create polished documents with minimal effort. The app supports handwriting recognition, allowing users to input handwritten notes and convert them into digital notes. This integration of the concept of handwriting with digital tools makes it easy for writers to capture their notes with ease and keep their notes neat and organized.

Apple Pages is designed with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, offering a streamlined writing experience without a rigid note-taking structure. This makes it perfect for writers who prefer a clutter-free environment for their work. It is compatible with popular note-taking apps, making it easy to transition from one platform to another.

Pages also support cloud syncing through iCloud integration, ensuring seamless synchronization across Apple devices, including iPads, iPhones, and Macs. This feature allows writers to access and update their work seamlessly across devices, making iPads an excellent platform for writing on the go.

What app do most writers use?

Most writers prefer Scrivener for its comprehensive set of powerful features, intuitive interface, and compatibility with industry standards. It caters to the needs of aspiring authors, professional writers, and anyone looking to enhance their writing process. With its powerful outlining tools, handy features for editing, and efficient note-taking capabilities, Scrivener becomes an invaluable resource for writers. Its compatibility with both desktop and mobile devices ensures a consistent writing experience across platforms. With cloud service integration, your work can be synced across devices, ensuring you always have access to the latest version of your projects.

Are iPads good for writers?

iPads are suitable for writers due to their portability, flexibility, and compatibility with various writing apps, including Scrivener, Ulysses, and iA Writer. The availability of these apps on iPads allows writers to access and update their work seamlessly across devices, making it a convenient platform for writing on the go. Additionally, iPads support handwriting recognition, making it easy for writers to input handwritten notes and convert them into digital notes. This feature enables a smooth transition from traditional notes on paper to digital notebooks, allowing writers to organize their work efficiently.

Furthermore, iPads offer the ability to add audio recordings to notes, providing an extra dimension to the note-taking process. The combination of a powerful processor, high-quality display, and long battery life make iPads an ideal choice for writers who require a versatile and reliable device for their work.

Is Scrivener worth getting?

Scrivener is worth getting for its powerful features, intuitive interface, and ability to streamline the writing process. Although it has a steep learning curve due to its advanced tools, mastering these features can lead to a more efficient and organized writing experience. Scrivener is highly recommended for both aspiring authors and professional writers.

Its customizable corkboard view, powerful outlining functionality, and handy features for editing make it an excellent tool for managing complex writing projects. With its compatibility across desktop and mobile devices, writers can access and update their work seamlessly, ensuring they always have the latest version of their projects at their fingertips. Scrivener's cloud syncing capabilities also make it easy to collaborate with others or work on multiple devices.

The Bottom Line

To recap, here are the best writing apps for iPad to try this year:

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14 Best Writing Apps for iPad

If you need help with your writing needs, then you should find the best writing apps for iPad.

The App Store is filled with numerous apps that can help you create and edit your documents. However, choosing the best writing apps for the iPad can prove to be a real challenge. And your time is invariably better spent writing rather than procrastinating about what app to buy or try.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks For Writing Apps For iPad

• Best Grammar Checker: Grammarly
• Best for Storytellers: LivingWriter
• Best For Long-Form Writing: Scrivener

That’s why we have come up with the best writing apps available for iOS and iPad. Remember, Apple Notes is a great free choice, and it syncs nicely across all Apple devices. But, what if you want more? Try these apps to help you when working on your next book , blog post or article with an iPad.

1. LivingWriter

2. scrivener, 3. grammarly, 4. apple notes, 6. notebook, 7. ia writer, 8. simplenote, 9. notability, 10. evernote, 11. goodnotes, 12. onenote, 13. ulysses, tip: get an ipad keyboard, why you can trust us, testing criteria, is writing on an apple ipad hard, which ipad is best for writers, can you use an ipad to write a book, are ipads good for writing, writing apps resources.

Pricing: From free trial for 14 days to $96 billed once a year / $9.99 per month

LivingWriter  is a newer writing app for writing stories or a book via your iPad and online. Rather than using a word processor, It helps writers arrange plots and stories using boards and templates. This tool includes a series of outline templates for popular story structures like the Hero’s Journey.

It’s ideal for writing short stories and novels. Story writers can take out a 14-day free trial without a credit card.

Check out my  interview with LivingWriter’s founders .

Living Writer contains time-saving templates for authors and novelists. iOS and Android apps available

Pricing: From $49 per month | Requires macOS 10.12+

Scrivener is my preferred writing app of choice for longer articles like a book thanks to its many export options and advanced self-editing tools. Think of it as a powerful word-processor rather than as simply another minimalist writing app.

You can even use Scrivener for blogging .

It works quite well with an iPad Pro and is great for organising complicated writing projects. However, it’s more expensive than some of the other writing apps for iPad listed in this article.

You can sync a manuscript to Dropbox and work on it when back at your Apple Mac. It offers a comparable writing experience to Ulysses. Unfortunately, Scrivener doesn’t support Markdown which may put off some bloggers.

Read our Scrivener review

Scrivener is our go-to app for long-form writing projects. It's popular with best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more. 

Pricing: From free trial available, then $29.99 per month

Writing on the go with your iPad? Grammarly can help you find and fix common writing mistakes with a clever AI-powered assistant. It also includes a handy plagiarism checker.

Grammarly offers apps for iOS. You can also use its virtual keyboard with your iPad or log directly into the web app It includes a free trial before taking out a $29.99 monthly subscription.

Monthly and annual discounts are available.

We tested dozens of grammar checkers, and Grammarly is the best tool on the market today. It'll help you write and edit your work much faster. Grammarly provides a powerful AI writing assistant and plagiarism checker.

Pricing: Free

When in doubt or on a tight budget, use Apple Notes. It’s free and built into your iOS devices. It also syncs instantly across an iPad, iPhone and Mac. You can organize your early story drafts using folders or simply write them up and copy to a dedicated story writing app later on.

Pricing: From $5.99 | Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip

Byword is one of the newer apps available for the iPad. The app can open all of your text documents across all Apple products, including the Mac, iPhone and iPad.

With this writing tool, you can also edit your documents even when you are offline. The app can convert files into PDF and HTML formats for easy editing.

Finally, people also love the app because you can multitask with it. Byword allows you to split your screen, helping you quickly move between documents if necessary. Its dark mode makes it more comfortable on your eyes.

Pricing: Free | Requires iOS 11.0 or later

Notebook was designed by a company called Zoho. This is one of the strongest all-around writing apps for the iPad. It even won “Best App of the Year” back in 2016.

Like a typical word processor, you can use Zoho to add and edit spreadsheets, documents and PDFs. The app even allows you to scan documents, so you have a soft copy of them.

You can store your work on your iCloud and access them on other Apple devices. Notebook is one of the best free writing apps for iPad.

Pricing: From $29.99 per month | Available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android

Also available on iOS, iA Writer is a simple, intuitive writing app that has a short learning curve. This app has even won “Best App” on the App Store four separate times.

People love iA Writer because it has something called Focus Mode. A distraction-free writing environment, it will dim everything on the screen except the current line that you are editing.

The app can even mark your mistakes, repetitive words and weak verbiage, helping you become a stronger writer . You can even customize writing templates and publish them on WordPress. It will also sync your writing to iCloud or Dropbox.

I use iA Writer for writing short articles in full-screen on my iPad Pro. I’ve also occasionally used it on various iOS devices like my iPhone over the years. It supports Markdown.

Pricing: Free | Available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android

Simplenote is the ideal writing app to knock out your writing assignments quickly. This app allows you to type, record your voice, record videos, and more. It works well if you like plain text .

You can also set reminders, change the color of your text, change its size, and change the font entirely.

Furthermore, you can link Simplenote to your social media accounts and share your notes with your friends. You can also access Simplenote via a web browser.

While this app is not compatible with Bluetooth, it can sync to iCloud, allowing you to share your documents across multiple devices. Unfortunately, it no longer syncs to Dropbox.

This was one of my preferred note-taking apps for several years. Lately, I use notes on iOS instead. That said, both are good.

Pricing: From $8.99 | Requires macOS 10.15 or later

Notability is a strong writing app for the iPad. This app was even selected as the “Editor’s Choice” app when it first came out.

This is a great app for students, teachers and professionals. It has a user interface that’s easy to follow. You can use Notability to secure important notes with password protection as well.

You can even sign documents on this app.

People love Notability for the multi-note feature. This allows you to list two documents side by side and work on them simultaneously.

There is even a word counter tool along with numerous other customization options.

Evernote is one of the most popular writing apps for the iPad.

This app has been designed to help you focus on your most important tasks and leave distractions behind. Evernote is meant to help you organize your documents, dictate your notes, and convert them into text.

You can even use Evernote to discuss issues and chat with your friends.

Finally, you can also annotate PDF documents, sync Evernote across all of your devices, and access valuable storage space.

Read our Evernote guide .

Pricing: From $7.99 | Available on the iPad, Mac, and iPhone

Goodnotes is one of the top writing apps for the iPad. Its vector engine helps you precisely and fluently write on the screen. Everything in Goodnotes is searchable, allowing you to pick up easily where you left off.

Goodnotes lets you sync your documents to the iCloud. Then, you can access them on different devices. There is even a shape tool that allows you to draw on the app itself.

OneNote is a classic Microsoft app that has made its way to the iPad. This app allows you to create texts, sketches and more. This app even allows you to quickly jot down thoughts you want to remember for later.

People love OneNote because it allows you to edit your texts, record voice notes, save images and take videos. While OneNote does have some complex features that are meant for professionals, this app can be used by anyone.

Pricing: From $5.99 per month

Ulysses is a writing app designed for Apple products, including the iPad, and has been designed to help creative writers customize their writing experience to meet their needs.

Ulysses features a clean, distraction-free user interface that helps you focus on the words in front of you. Ulysses also comes with a text editor, helping you mark headlines, key passages and comments. It will sync your writing to iCloud or Dropbox. It’s more feature-rich than its competitor iA Writer.

This app is good for bloggers who have many writing projects in production, as you can organize them using tags and folders. You can also set target word counts.

It also comes with a typewriter mode that vertically fixes the current line on which you are working. It also supports Markdown. Finally, you can also set benchmarks in terms of words or characters, helping you stick to your deadlines.

Pricing: From $9.99 | Windows 10 version 16299.0 or higher, Xbox One

Nebo is an app that comes with advanced tools and customizable features. The app is only available on the iPad and lets you create and edit documents using the Apple Pencil.

A highlighting feature helps you track important sentences and phrases in your documents. Nebo even lets you edit your PowerPoint files.

If you need to add charts and formulas to your documents, Nebo can handle this as well.

To get the most use out of writing on an iPad, I recommend upgrading to a keyboard with trackpad. It’ll enable you to type faster. The dedicated Apple iPad keyboard is a good if expensive choice. Another cheaper option is available from Logitech.

• LAPTOP-LIKE TYPING - Turn your iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th gen) into a laptop with Slim Folio Pro. Forget about cramped on-screen typing — now you can type quickly and accurately in comfort with a familiar laptop-like premium keyboard. With a full row of iOS shortcut keys and media controls you can optimize your productivity without leaving the keyboard.
• BACKLIT KEYS - Type away, day or night. Backlit laptop-like keys with 3 adjustable levels of brightness lets you achieve maximum productivity anywhere.
• FRONT AND BACK PROTECTION - Light and durable case with secure magnetic latch keeps iPad Pro closed and safe from bumps, scratches and spills. Viewing Angles: Fixed Type Mode: 58 degrees and View Mode: 10 degrees
• CHARGE AND STOW APPLE PENCIL (2ND GEN) - Charge Apple Pencil (2nd gen) with the case on. When you're done writing, store Apple Pencil inside keyboard case and use the magnetic latch to keep it closed and secured in transit.
• 3 MONTH BATTERY AND RELIABLE BLUETOOTH - Take keyboard anywhere without worrying about short battery life. Lasts 3 months on a single charge based on 2 hours daily use. Enjoy easy one-time Bluetooth setup to connect iPad Pro and keyboard case.

I’ve written and published dozens of articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications including, Forbes and Lifehacker. I’m also a best-selling non-fiction author, a trained journalist, and a copywriter.

I regularly update this roundup as iOS and its app ecosystem evolves. I test new iPad apps and tools by writing drafts of articles, book chapters, and blog posts on an iPad Pro, iPhone 11, and iMac. Along with other writers, I also compare each app in terms of price, functionality, and ease of use.

The Final Word on the Best Writing Apps for iPad

In the end, you can find many different iPad writing apps. If you’re looking for the best writing apps for iPad, then these apps might be able to help you expedite your writing process. Find one on the App Store and start writing!

I use an Apple iPad Pro to occasionally write short articles on the go. It’s comparable to writing on a laptop, and it’s gotten easier now that the latest iPad keyboard includes a trackpad. That said, I still prefer editing larger projects on iMac as I can tab between windows faster. Writing on an iPad using only the screen is harder however.

if you can afford it, I’d recommend buying the 12.9 inch iPad Pro. The screen looks fantastic and it’s a joy to use. If budget is an issue or you expect to travel, opt for the 11 inch. That said, you can easily write using an iPad Air.

You can easily use an iPad to write the first draft of a book using one of the apps in this article paired with a keyboard. However, for self-editing a book, I’d recommend using a computer or laptop and a Mac app, as it’s more efficient when working with multiple manuscripts and feedback from an editor.

Yes, they are, assuming you buy a keyboard. An iPad is portable. It’s also ideal for a minimalist distraction-free writing environment meaning you can take it with you and write wherever, whenever. Just remember to buy a keyboard by Logitech or Apple.

Best Grammar Checker Tools

Best Note-Taking Apps

Best Book Writing Software

Best Essay Checkers

Best Writing Apps for Android

The Best Writing Tools

Best Writing Apps for Apple Pencil

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Best iPad apps for writers in 2022

Last updated 2 years ago

There are still people who think that iPads are only good for consuming content like watching films, reading books and playing games. Clearly, none of these people have tried to write on a Kindle.

For writers, the iPad does offer every bit of this content consumption, and it offers it extremely well. But every iPad, iPad mini , iPad Air , and iPad Pro is also a writing studio that is about as light and convenient as you could imagine, and at least as powerful as you could hope.

You really should buy some kind of external keyboard, or keyboard case, if you're going to be doing serious writing on any iPad. Typing thousands of words onto the glass is not ideal, and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and now also iPad Air isn't essential.

But you want one of those options and you don't want the other.

Beyond that, you are able to do just about every type of prose writing you need to on an iPad, straight out of the box. Without any other apps than Apple provides, you have a full word processing solution in Pages, for instance.

There are things Pages is poor at, though, such as scripts and screenplays. They can be written in Pages in theory, but in practice, it's no better at them than Word is.

So there are specific needs to use alternative apps, and there are plenty of alternative apps to satisfy requirements like that. Plus there are apps that do the same thing yet one just works better for you than others.

It's like the ancient old days when you might have a preference for which type of pencil you use. You know they all get the job done, yet just one is right for you.

That does mean that any roundup of the best writing apps for iPad is unquestionably subjective. And any unquestionably subjective roundup is bound to leave out your favorites.

Don't take that as a failing, do take it as your opportunity to enthuse in the AppleInsider forums. And also this: the reason people get very passionate about writing apps for the iPad is that they are worth it.

Apple will never say that it only makes iPads for writers, but they're so good for all writers and authors that you have to wonder.

Main word processors for iPad

We used to write everything in one word processor, whether it was a novel or a shopping list. We did so partly because they were built to handle everything, but mostly because they were so expensive that you only ever bought one.

That's changed because of the iPad and the App Store, but while there is a booming market in more specialized writing tools, there are still a couple of heavyweights that would could make a case for being your sole text editor.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft made a mistake choosing to keep Word off the iPad for years. Once users were required to find alternatives, they did, and they also found that they liked them.

Then once a user has moved to an alternative on the iPad, they very easily moved to the same alternative on the Mac. And what they routinely found was that this alternative, whichever it was, didn't crash as often as Word, it didn't drive them spare twice a day.

So Microsoft Word went from being a synonym for word processor and into just one more of your choices.

It has not come close to reclaiming the total dominance it once had. But when it did come to the iPad, it came in a completely new and rewritten form — which was better than we'd had on the Mac.

That wasn't to say it was as powerful, but starting from scratch meant adding in only features that users need. The bloated Word for Mac was regenerated into the slim Word for iPad, and there is a huge amount to like about it.

Microsoft Word is a free download from the App Store, but then requires one of many alternative subscriptions starting from $6.99 per month.

Apple Pages

Pages — free on iPads, Macs and iPhones — does not get as much love as it should. Where Microsoft likes you to see how powerful it is by displaying every tool and option it can, Apple wants you to be able to just get on with your writing.

Consequently, Pages hides away its powerful features until you need them. And unfortunately, that can have the effect of making it look as if Pages does not have these features.

Pages looks simple but it's not just a note-taking app. It is not as powerful as Word, but for the giant majority of writing tasks, Pages is Word's equal — and can subjectively feel better to you.

Only, Word and Pages both date back to the days when everything we wrote was then printed out on paper to be sent to publishers. Today you might be struggling to remember where your printer is.

Word and Pages continue to be used for writing that is going online, or certainly being sent digitally to book publisher systems like Affinity Publisher and Adobe InDesign . But they are not ideal for it.

Worse than not being ideal, if you copy text from either of them — most especially Word — and then paste it into an online content management system, you can get problems. Peculiar formatting, odd characters, even unexpected spacing issues can all arise because these two produce heavily formatted text.

Between a word processor and a text editor

You can't really have both a full word processor without issues like this, but you can have tools that do tiny, specific writing tasks. And you can have some in the middle, neither full word processors nor bare text editors, yet somehow better than both.

The iPad and Mac app iA Writer is a calming, relaxing kind of writing tool which lacks the powerful features of Word and Pages, such as longform book options, but will make you not care.

For iA Writer knows that writing has to be written, that it has to be put down on screen from out of the writer's head. Until then, there's nothing to format, nothing to create footnote citations about.

So this app concentrates on pushing aside features, interruptions, and really even any non-essential options. It's for making you concentrate on your writing.

For the iPad version, iA Writer costs $30 on the App Store.

Now Drafts 5 practically bills itself as a text editor, which is a way of saying you can basically type into it but mustn't expect anything fancy. Except Drafts 5 is replete with fancy tools and options.

Its chief aim is to get you writing immediately. Start the app, start typing. No pause, no waiting for a moment, no tapping on a New or a Plus sign.

There's also no obvious formatting, no obvious controls, it's just a blank page for you to get your words down. There is formatting, though, you can use Markdown controls to set headings and bold, italic and so on.

And what's great about Drafts, beyond just the practical feel of it all, is that once you do have your words written, there is an enormous amount you can do. Take that text and email it directly to your publisher, send it to your Kindle, send it out as a text message, or publish as a blog.

Drafts 5, which is also on the Mac and iPhone, has a library of Actions that let you create whole workflows for your work.

Drafts 5 is free to download from the App Store, and then costs $20 per year.

Specialized prose writing apps for iPad

Somewhere between the word processors of this world and the better text editors, there are apps that you might call writing studios, or writing environments. They are apps that work to help you with the business of writing as well as the job of typing text.

Scrivener, for instance, knows that when you're writing a novel, you are in it for the long haul. It knows you may need research, and it definitely knows that once you're up around 80,000 words or more, you need help keeping track of everything.

So Scrivener will let you write sixty chapters one after another if that's what you like, but it will also then slice that text up. If you have a character who only appears in chapters 4, 7, 11, and 33, then you can have Scrivener show you solely those chapters.

Look at the entire manuscript to get the whole picture, or concentrate on a specific segment. Scrivener bounces between both of these as you want, and it also offers a slew of extra writing, or rather writer, tools.

Such as how it handles research. You can drag images, URLs, whole web pages, and even entire other documents into the research section of your book.

Then whenever you open your iPad to write, everything you need is there. And when you're ready to send the manuscript to a publisher, they get everything — except the research.

Scrivener for iPad costs $20 on the App Store.

Ulysses is a curious writing environment for writers, one that is either completely compelling or just does not feel right to you at all. Rather than having documents per se, Ulysses offers you one single app with one single file — within which you can create countless pieces of writing.

Those are called Sheets in Ulysses and, like Scrivener, you can write them all in one go or you can slice them up.

It's a Markdown editor which means it feels bare, like Drafts can, and it doesn't have the same full-feature sense that Scrivener does. But wherever you go, whenever you open your iPad, you don't just have your latest writing, you have all of your writing.

All of it. Every bit since you started using Ulysses, anyway, and that grows into a very compellingly handy library of all your work.

Ulysses is free to download, then costs around $40 per year. It's also available as part of Setapp .

Specialized writing tools for scripts

As yet, there's no breakout hit app for writing haiku poetry. But there are a lot of apps for writing scripts and screen plays.

Scrivener is one of them. As well as prose, you can switch to a scriptwriting mode in Scrivener and it is a good writing tool for screenplays.

Screenplays have very specific formats and margins, developed over the last century and every bit is the way it is for a reason. It could be a reason that helps location scouts later on, rather than being any use to the writer now, but each reason is real and each formatting requirement is needed.

And they are just fiddly enough that it's only right an iPad should do as much of that work for you as possible. Let you concentrate on what's happening in the script, while your writing app looks after making it readable on the screen.

Final Draft 12

The most famous and the longest-running screenwriting app is Final Draft, now in version 12. It is very, very good on the Mac and PC.

Don't ask any Final Draft user if there's anything they dislike about it, you haven't got time, but still it's very, very good.

Whereas the iPad app is just good, approaching pretty good. It's had some bugs over the years and the company's support hasn't always been marvellous, but there are writers who solely use the iPad version and don't even have a Mac.

If they did have a Mac, they'd find out that the computer version of Final Draft is expensive. For Mac, it's officially $250 , though it tends to go on sale a great deal, and once you have one the company is good at selling you upgrades that are expensive, but seem cheap next to buying the full thing.

On the iPad, though, it costs $9.99 on the App Store. It's some writers' sole professional tool and it costs less than a book.

Alternatively, there is also Celtx, which used to be practically a clone of Final Draft and has the advantage that it's free on the App Store.

As yet, there isn't an iPad version of what might be Final Draft's best competitor on the Mac, Highland 2 . It's modern, slick, and it's built by professional, working screenwriters with long success in the industry.

They say that an iPad version is in the works, but no release date has been announced yet.

Utilities for writers

You could spend all your writing time just checking out utility apps for writers, like dictionaries and outliners and programs that make up your plot for you.

However, save yourself some trouble. Skip those ones where they say you just put in a name and choose a genre like comedy or western, and they'll outline your story for you.

But speaking of outlines... You may not be the kind of writer who plans anything out, you could be a pantser — one who writes by the seat of their pants.

Whether you like outlines or not, you can be required to write them for certain publishers or producers. When that's the last requirement before they start paying you, suddenly you can get to be very fond of outliners.

Try OmniOutliner 3 for iPad when you have any thing like a book structure to create, or an event to program. It's free to download and try, then costs from $19 .

There is an outliner in Word, but it's built for academics and is like working in treacle. There was an outliner in Pages, but Apple removed it.

Actually, you can jury-rig an outline in Pages using heading styles, but moving around it, changing text, grouping ideas together, it's as bad as Word.

Scrivener also has its own outliner and that's pretty powerful. But the separate, standalone OmniOutliner is the kind of writing tool that turns you from a user into a fan.

The best writing apps for iPad

This has been about the best writing apps for iPad, but it's really about the best writing apps for writers and those are on the iPad. We are now most definitely spoiled for choice for straight writing tools, and it is a fantastic thing.

And we have even more choice when it comes to writing being part of a larger project, a larger business. Then there are apps like Notion and Craft which are good for handling lots of information, or DEVONthink which is like a bionic research and writing too.

There may never be an end to the best writing apps for iPad, and there certainly won't be an end to the debate over just what constitutes the best.

But what doesn't change is that each of these runs on every iPad from the regular one, through the iPad mini, and on up to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro . We can have superb writing apps, and we can have them anywhere we go.

After you write your novel, you may want to try to publish it. We'll be talking about that very soon.

You're doing screenwriters a disservice in not mentioning WriterDuet - platform agnostic, device agnostic.  It just works.

I’ve written six novels in Scrivener, but the iPad version, sadly, is so “fat” that you can barely see a single page in it. The great thing about the macOS version is that you can see your writing and a bunch of panes at the same time (outline, metadata, notes, references, split views horizontally or vertically, etc.), to taste. The iPad version can squeeze in a few views (at the expense of content), but it’s all aimed at finger navigation and feels shoehorned in. I bought it, but it’s claustrophobic to look at.  Unrelated: another outlining app that’s been getting a lot of attention in the last week or so is Bike: https://www.hogbaysoftware.com/bike/

A shame the mere existence of a writing app isn’t enough motivation for some to just write, but these are good apps. Right, well… write well!

Thank you for the thoughtful write up.  I am writing a book that has a unique, smaller page size that “standard”. I also want to include drawings, pages with quotes, pages with pictures.  A combination of visual drawing and written word.   My desire is to find a software program that allows me to create a template for each page, so I know what will fit on each page. Then I am able to format the written word, and also format my drawing and images on pages.   Then I’d also like to be able to move pages around, so that I am sure which pages are facing each other. For example, if I want to do a drawing that is on 2 pages, I want to be sure that they are facing each other (not back to back/requiring a page turn).   I’d love suggestions or ideas about software for the iPad that you’d suggest for this project.  With a deep bow of gratitude. 

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The Ultimate Guide to Apps for Writing on iPad

Struggling to find the perfect app to transform your iPad into a powerful writing companion? This comprehensive guide explores the top contenders for all your writing needs, from note-taking and journaling to crafting novels and screenplays. Discover feature breakdowns, pricing comparisons, and expert tips to make an informed decision and unleash your inner writer on your iPad.

The iPad has become a beloved tool for writers of all stripes. Its portability, combined with the versatility of the Apple Pencil, makes it an ideal platform for jotting down ideas, composing documents, and even tackling full-length novels. But with a plethora of writing apps available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This guide delves into the top contenders in the iPad writing app arena, catering to different writing styles and needs. We'll explore:

• Note-Taking Powerhouses: Perfect for brainstorming, organizing research, and capturing fleeting thoughts.
• Minimalist Marvels: Streamlined interfaces for distraction-free writing.
• Organizational All-Stars: Apps that excel at structuring and managing large writing projects.
• Content Creation Chameleons: Versatile tools for crafting various content formats, from blog posts to scripts.
• Penmanship Perfection: Apps that prioritize the natural writing experience with the Apple Pencil.

By the end of this journey, you'll be equipped to identify the app that best complements your writing style and workflow.

Finding Your Perfect Match: A Look at Top iPad Writing Apps

The note-taking powerhouses: capture every spark of inspiration.

For many writers, the journey begins with capturing ideas. Note-taking apps excel at this crucial stage, allowing you to organize thoughts, research materials, and brainstorm freely. Here are some of the top contenders:

• Apple Notes: Pre-installed on all iPads, Apple Notes offers a user-friendly interface for basic note-taking. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices and supports basic formatting options. While not feature-rich, it's a convenient option for casual note-taking.
• Notability: A popular choice, Notability boasts a clean interface and robust features. It excels at handwriting recognition, allowing you to seamlessly switch between typing and writing with the Apple Pencil. Annotate PDFs, record lectures, and organize notes into folders for a comprehensive note-taking experience.
• GoodNotes 5: Beloved for its realistic pen emulation and paper-like feel, GoodNotes 5 prioritizes the natural writing experience. Annotate PDFs, insert images, and utilize its powerful organization tools to categorize and manage your notes effectively.
• Bear: This versatile app caters to writers and note-takers alike. Its clean interface encourages focused writing, while powerful formatting options and tagging capabilities ensure your notes stay organized. Bear also integrates seamlessly with other productivity tools, making it a great choice for streamlined workflows.
• Evernote: A long-standing player, Evernote offers comprehensive note-taking features along with web clipping, to-do lists, and project management tools. Its powerful search functionality makes it ideal for organizing large amounts of information. However, the free tier comes with limitations, and the paid plans can be expensive.

Choosing the Right Note-Taking App:

Consider your needs. If basic note-taking with seamless Apple device integration suffices, Apple Notes might be enough. For more advanced features like handwriting recognition, organization tools, and PDF annotation, Notability, GoodNotes 5, or Bear are excellent choices. If you require comprehensive project management features alongside note-taking, Evernote could be a good fit.

The Minimalist Marvels: Focus on the Flow of Words

For some writers, a clean and distraction-free interface is key to unlocking creativity. These minimalist apps prioritize a clutter-free environment to keep you focused on the flow of words.

• Ulysses: Designed specifically for long-form writing, Ulysses boasts a unique organizational structure. It breaks down projects into sheets, allowing you to focus on specific scenes or chapters without losing sight of the bigger picture. Its minimalist interface and powerful goal-setting features make it ideal for writers tackling novels, screenplays, or other lengthy projects.
• iA Writer: This award-winning app employs a focus mode that fades everything except the current sentence, promoting laser-sharp focus on your writing. Its clean interface and support for various Markdown features cater to writers who prefer a streamlined approach.
• Editorial: Similar to iA Writer, Editorial utilizes a focus mode to minimize distractions.

The Organizational All-Stars: Structure and Manage Your Writing Journey

As your writing projects grow, organization becomes paramount. These apps excel at structuring and managing large projects, ensuring your thoughts and content remain organized.

• Scrivener: A long-time favorite for novelists and screenwriters, Scrivener offers an unmatched level of project organization. Create notecards, corkboards, and outlines to structure your narrative. Its powerful outlining and indexing features help writers maintain a clear overview of their projects, making it ideal for crafting complex narratives.
• Mariner: Inspired by Scrivener, Mariner offers a similar organizational approach specifically designed for iPads. Break down your projects into chapters, scenes, and notecards, and utilize its storyboarding and outlining features to map out your narrative. Mariner's user-friendly interface and focus on visual organization make it a compelling option for iPad users.
• Ulysses (mentioned previously): While excelling in minimalism, Ulysses also boasts impressive organizational features. Its sheet structure allows for a modular approach to writing long-form content, making it easy to manage and rearrange chapters or scenes. Powerful note-taking capabilities seamlessly integrate with the writing experience, keeping all your project-related information organized.
• Scapple: This mind-mapping app from the creators of Scrivener allows for brainstorming and visual organization of ideas. Create connections between thoughts and concepts, and explore the non-linear flow of your writing project. Scapple integrates seamlessly with Scrivener, making it a valuable tool for writers who thrive on visual brainstorming.

Choosing the Right Organizational App:

If you're tackling complex narratives like novels or screenplays, Scrivener or Mariner are ideal choices. Their robust outlining and organizational features will keep you on track. For a more streamlined approach that integrates well with Ulysses, consider Scapple for brainstorming and visual organization.

The Content Creation Chameleons: Craft Diverse Content with Ease

Many writers create content beyond novels and scripts. These versatile apps cater to a range of content creation needs, from crafting blog posts to writing social media captions.

• Google Docs: A familiar and free option, Google Docs offers real-time collaboration, offline access, and seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools. Its simplicity makes it a good choice for quick writing tasks, blog posts, and collaborative projects.
• Microsoft Word: Another familiar option, Word offers a robust feature set for creating professional documents. Templates and formatting options make it ideal for formal writing tasks, reports, and creating polished content. However, the mobile app might feel less intuitive compared to some iPad-specific options.
• Draft: Designed specifically for writers on the go, Draft boasts a clean interface and powerful text-to-speech functionality. It allows for dictation, real-time collaboration, and seamless syncing across devices. Draft caters well to writers who value portability and a distraction-free writing environment.
• Ulysses (mentioned previously): While excelling in long-form writing, Ulysses also supports various content formats. Create blog posts, articles, or even scripts alongside your novel project, making it a versatile choice for writers who create diverse content.
• Bear (mentioned previously): Bear's clean interface and powerful formatting options make it suitable for crafting various content formats. Write blog posts, articles, or even short stories, and leverage its tagging capabilities for easy organization across different content types.

Choosing the Right Content Creation App:

For quick writing tasks, collaboration, and free accessibility, Google Docs is a solid choice. If you require more powerful formatting options for professional documents, consider Microsoft Word. For writers on the go who prioritize a minimalist interface and dictation capabilities, Draft is worth exploring. If you need an app that caters to diverse content creation alongside long-form writing, Ulysses or Bear offer versatility.

The Penmanship Perfectionists: Unleash the Power of Apple Pencil

For writers who crave the natural feel of pen on paper, these apps prioritize the Apple Pencil experience, offering a smooth and intuitive writing experience.

• GoodNotes 5 (mentioned previously): Praised for its realistic pen emulation and paper-like feel, GoodNotes 5 is a favorite among those who enjoy writing with the Apple Pencil. Its extensive selection of pen styles, customizable notebooks, and annotation capabilities make it ideal for handwriting notes, brainstorming, and even sketching storyboards.
• Notability (mentioned previously): While offering diverse features, Notability excels at handwriting recognition. Write notes seamlessly with the Apple Pencil, and the app will convert your handwriting to text instantly. This makes it a great choice for writers who value the fluidity of penmanship but also require the convenience of digital editing.
• Nebo: This app takes pen-based writing to another level. Its advanced handwriting recognition allows for real-time conversion to text, even recognizing mathematical equations and diagrams. Nebo caters to writers who heavily rely on diagrams, sketches, and handwritten formulas within their text.

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The best writing apps for the iPad

If you’re looking for a portable device that can also be used as a writing station, well, the humble iPad is a great choice. While it’s still lacking in some respects, Apple has bridged the large gulf that previously existed between iPads and laptops, adding a variety of features in iPadOS that help to turn your tablet into a laptop substitute. So whether you’re using the entry-level iPad  or the top-of-the-line iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard , you can get a good writing experience out of your device.

Google Docs (free)

Microsoft word (subscription), ulysses (subscription), scrivener ($20), jotterpad (free/subscription), werdsmith (free/subscription), compo (free), shortly: a.i. writing assistant (free).

But you’ll also need a good writing app to really take advantage of iPadOS’s additional writing oomph. The perfect writing app for you depends on what you need and what you’re using it for. So whether you’re jotting down an assignment, your idea for a bestselling novel, an award-winning screenplay, or anything else, here are some of the best writing apps for the iPad.

Although iPadOS’s keyboard isn’t bad, you’ll want a keyboard to really take your writing to a new level. Check out our list of the best iPad keyboards to see the best keyboards for you.

This wouldn’t be much of a list without the Google Suite’s writing app. Google Docs may lack the crazy features of some of the other options on this list, but Docs has everything you need for most basic writing tasks, including full formatting, support for images, and spell checkers. But the real strength lies in its online nature. It’s completely free, but despite that, you’ll get instant syncing so you can work on your document at the same time as other people and see edits and additions in real time, and it can import from and export to pretty much every format you’ll possibly need. While it’s a bit bare if you’re writing a novel or a screenplay, this is the ultimate note-taking tool, and one of the best completely free options available.

It’s the classic app we all know and love, and probably the program we all immediately think of when anyone says “word processor.” Word comes with a number of templates for different styles of document, handles images, and has a full formatting toolbar to boot. Word is effectively Microsoft’s answer for Google Docs — except you have to pay for it. Regardless of that, if you already have an Office subscription, Word is a strong option with support for importing from and exporting to many formats, cloud-based storage, and real-time editing with collaborators, plus the advantage of being the word-processing program of choice for many professional editors.

The first app in this list to really push itself to “writers,” rather than people who just need to write, Ulysses is a strong contender for the app for serious writers. You can keep almost anything in Ulysses, including your screenplay, novel notes, a to-do or shopping list, or even your blog’s latest post. There is a strong spelling and grammar checker, it syncs up with the MacOS version of Ulysses, and it can even export as an e-book. Unfortunately, you won’t get this for free, and Ulysses requires a subscription to work. It’ll set you back $6 a month, with discounts for year-long plans — but if you’re serious about writing, Ulysses is a good investment.

Possibly the most powerful single tool for writing, Scrivener is one of our favorite writing apps. It costs an upfront $20, which is a lot of money for an iOS app, but for that price you get a solid writing platform, a place to keep all your research (including images), notes on characters or locations, and a useful “corkboard”-style view for your chapters, which allows you to view everything at a glance, or even move individual chapters around easily like you would on a real corkboard. It exports to e-book and other popular formats, and syncs up with the MacOS version — though you’ll need to buy that too . Still, even with those added costs, Scrivener is the real deal.

Jotterpad’s aim is to provide a writing app without the distractions of a traditional word processor, and it does this extremely well. The interface is simple and extremely streamlined, but even with that, it’s not lacking in features. You’ll find all the usual additions, including Markdown, Fountain, a spell checker, and more. There’s even a rhyming dictionary. You can start up your document as a novel, screenplay, blog, or editorial piece, and you can jump between Jotterpad on different devices, thanks to its syncing. However, you’ll need a subscription to access most of the features on offer, including cloud syncing. A year’s subscription will cost you $30 a year.

Writing should be addictive. At least, that’s what Werdsmith believes, and it has the tools to hopefully inspire you to make writing a part of your daily routine. It uses writing tracking and daily goals to push you into keeping up a streak and jotting words down every day. Heck, it even has an Apple Watch word-counting app. If you struggle to keep writing, this may be the iPad writing app for you. Other than that, it has a decent number of features, including novel or screenplay writing tools and cloud syncing to keep your work current. There is a subscription, but it’s purely to allow you to work on more than a set number of documents at once, for $5 a month.

Compo is a brutally simple writing experience that aims to deliver a quick, easy way of writing down whatever’s on your mind. While some other apps may want you to set up a project and a template before you start, Compo just opens a blank page and lets you at it. Although it’s something more of a note-taking app, it’s certainly good enough for more heavy-duty writing tasks. You can share your writings on a number of different services and social media sites, and it syncs up with iCloud as well.

We’ve left the, well, weirdest until last. Shortly is a writing app with a difference — it has another tiny writer caged inside it, who learns from your writing and pens their own additions to your story when asked. All right, so it’s really an A.I., but Shortly’s writing assistant is actually pretty good, and it’s the perfect tool for getting over a small writer’s block. Using your past pennings as a template, it’ll take the reins and type away, adding new ideas and story turns you might not have thought of. While it’s unlikely to finish your story for you, it’s a great way to get the creative impulses firing up again. Worth a download and a try, even if you’re using another app.

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The 10 Best Writing Apps of 2024

Useful tools for novelists, playwrights, editors, and other wordy types

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If you're serious about writing, consider getting serious about your writing tools. These writing apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS , and Android put your words into the right format, adding polish and professionalism to your creations.

Best Word Processor for All Genres: Microsoft Word

Hundreds of templates make creating any document simple and fast.

Easily add charts, graphs, and images.

Built-in translation tools.

Overwhelming interface.

Full app is expensive.

Only one person can edit shared documents at a time.

No writing tool list is complete without Microsoft Word. This word processor is the best option for all genres, complete with hundreds of templates to choose from, endless formatting tools, and a robust online support system. From a poem to an e-book to a novel, Word can help you do it all. You can even create your own Word templates .

Word is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You can start with a free trial of Microsoft 365, which includes other Microsoft applications as well. If you choose to purchase, packages range from $69.99 a year to a one-time payment of $149.99. If those prices are too high for you, you can also use Word for free .

Download For:

Best Tool for Long-Form Content: Scrivener

Keyboard shortcuts make writing a breeze.

Templates are ready-made to jumpstart your creativity.

Easy to manage and rearrange pages and chapters.

Has a learning curve.

Spelling and grammar check are not enabled by default.

Intended for users who have an intermediate understanding of word processing.

Do you write long-form works like novels or non-fiction books? If so, you need a tool that performs some of the low-level tasks for you. Scrivener offers ready-made templates that eliminate the need to spend time on tedious formatting tasks.

This application also includes features for storing details about your characters and other critical background information, writing sections and placing them in your manuscript later, and viewing a detailed outline built from synopses that you write for each chapter. If you don't like the flow, you can move chapters around. When you're ready to publish, Scrivener makes it simple to compile and export a completed manuscript.

Scrivener is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS. You can try it free for 30 days. After the trial, a standard license costs $59.99 or $50.99 for students.

Best Screenwriting Application: Final Draft

It has everything professional screenwriters need to meet industry standards.

Powerful story mapping tools.

Integrates with Storyboard Pro.

May not be great for beginners due to the hefty price and steep learning curve.

You must sign in to the platform each time you use it.

No support for real-time collaboration.

Final Draft is used by 95 percent of film and television productions. Why? There are hundreds of templates to choose from and Final Draft automatically paginates and formats your script to the industry standard, allowing you to focus on writing.

With advanced tools, the program allows you to easily brainstorm and collaborate as well as plan set pieces or store character research with customized visualizations.

Final Draft offers a free 30-day trial. After that, the cost is $199.99. The program works with both macOS and Windows and also offers a mobile app for iOS devices.

Best Organizational Companion: Evernote

Add photos, audio snippets, and more.

Robust collaboration tools.

Search for text in PDFs, images, scanned documents, and handwritten notes.

Only 60 MB of monthly upload space is available for free.

May include more features than you need for simple note taking.

Free version limits you to two devices.

To electronically capture ideas on the fly, use a text-based note app on your device. For an enhanced organizational experience, we recommend Evernote. It enables you to collect many types of input, including whiteboard photos, website screenshots, different document formats, audio recordings, and your handwriting. You can separate items into different notebooks for multiple projects.

Evernote is free to download for both Android and iOS devices, or you can use it online. Users can upgrade to Evernote Premium for $7.99 per month or Evernote Business for $14.99 per user per month.

Best Application for Distracted Writers: FocusWriter

The tool is easy start using as soon as it downloads.

Free with no catches.

Simple, intuitive interface.

There are no editing functions outside of cut and paste.

Need another word processor for editing purposes.

No mobile version.

Given all the distractions in the world and especially online, it's easy to get off track during your writing time. FocusWriter allows you to focus and get your work done. The interface is basic, with all the tools hidden beyond a screen until you need them, so it's just you and the document in front of you. Hidden timers and alarms alert you when it's time to stop.

Best Writing Software for Bloggers: Google Docs

Changes to your documents save automatically, so no more lost work.

View the history of edits and track changes.

Collaborate in real time.

The Google Docs app for mobile devices is slower than the desktop version.

Limited options for adding charts and other visuals.

Fewer formatting features than premium word processors.

One of the best things about Google Docs is how easy the program makes it to collaborate with others. No more "version shuffle" as you send drafts and revisions back and forth in email.

When you share a document with your blog editor, they can insert suggestions, comments, and changes right there. Then, when it's time to implement the changes, accept the revisions and close comments about issues you resolved. You can even use Google to work on Microsoft Word documents.

Google Docs is a free online tool that's also available as an app for Android and iOS devices.

Best Writing App for Novelists: Werdsmith

Keeps track of your writing goals and tells you how close you are to reaching them.

Lots of helpful templates and formatting options.

Publish your writing to the web from the app.

Must purchase a membership to use the novel and screenplay features.

Text formatting tools could be more intuitive.

Not worth the price if you don't regularly use all the features.

Werdsmith is a portable writing studio, complete with instant formatting for novels and screenplays. You can even use it to publish your online writing portfolio. Werdsmith features a clean design, it's easy to use, and it's the perfect place for keeping your notes and finished work. The goals and stats function helps keep you motivated.

Werdsmith is free to download and use for iOS devices. In-app purchases are offered through a membership for $4.99 per month. Members receive four new themes, novel and screenplay writing tools, hundreds of writing prompts, and more.

Best App for Journalists: Dictation

It's designed for one thing: dictation. This simplicity makes it an easy tool to use on the go.

Accurate transcriptions.

Helps prevents strain on your joints and back.

Without the pro version, you'll see an ad after each dictation you create.

Doesn't integrate with word processing apps, so it can be tedious to use.

No word counter.

For journalists who interview individuals for news stories and features, a good dictation tool is a must-have. Dictation is a speech-to-text app that translates voice to text for mobile devices. It can also be used to dictate any voice while on the go. It's perfect for capturing your brilliant ideas as well.

Dictation is free to download for iOS devices. Dictation Pro, which costs $44.99 per year, removes ads and allows you unlimited app usage.

Best Application for Editors: TextEdit

When the full-scale capabilities of a word processing program are unnecessary, TextEdit fills in the gap.

HTML and JavaScript support.

Save files in various formats (.DOCX, ODF, and others).

Only available for macOS devices.

No third-party plugins.

Formatting issues when you copy-and-paste.

This simple tool is perfect for editing documents, including Word files, on the fly and converting them into other formats seamlessly. Need to change a Rich Text Format (RTF) document to another format quickly? TextEdit is the perfect app for that. You can also easily create and edit HTML documents for the web.

TextEdit comes standard with macOS.

Best App for Song Writers: Lyric Notepad

Record yourself performing and attach the file to your song.

Counts syllables and tracks rhyme schemes to help you maintain your flow.

Inexpensive pro version.

The interface is a bit clunky.

No way to back up your lyrics to the cloud.

No search tool.

For poets, rappers, songwriters, and lyricists, inspiration can strike at any moment. That's why it's important to have a tool available at your fingertips. Lyric Notepad goes beyond typical word processing tasks to track rhyme and syllable schemes, help you find new words, and record your lyrics, all in one app. The built-in notepad allows you to add notes about your songs as you write and the metronome helps you easily keep time.

Lyric Notepad is free to download for both iOS and Android devices.

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Why I Regret Buying an Android Tablet Instead of an iPad

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If you plan to use your iPad to replace a computer, you'll want to use the best word processing app on it. There are plenty of options available, including both free and premium word processing apps, so we've compared all the worthy choices below.

You can use any of these iPad word processors to edit documents, compile notes, or even crack out a novel. Many of them even offer wide file compatibility, so you can keep working with other people no matter what device or app they use.

Pages is Apple's word processor for its devices that's available for free on the App Store. In case you didn't know, you can also download Numbers and Keynote for free and use the entire Apple iWork suite. Some users might even find that Apple Pages is better than Microsoft Word for them.

With full iCloud support, Pages syncs documents across all your Apple devices. Besides using the Pages app, you can sign in to iCloud.com to work on Pages documents through a web browser.

Pages makes it easy to create beautiful documents. It gives you full control over the layout of text boxes, images, and shapes. You can even use free templates to create digital books, newsletters, reports, and more.

The range of word processing tools you can use from your iPad is powerful: footnotes, lists, word count, charts, images, and other formatting tools. It also supports collaboration. So you can work with other people on the same document, tracking whatever changes they make.

Pages might be the best free word processor to use on your iPad, but it is let down by a lack of third-party cloud storage support for collaborative work. You can only collaborate over iCloud from your iPad, not over Dropbox, Google Drive, or other cloud storage services.

Download: Pages (Free)

2. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word for iPad is a mobile-friendly version of the desktop app. It supports images, tables, charts, footnotes, equations, and more. You can access documents through OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, and other cloud storage services.

You can also collaborate with others and track the changes they make, just like Pages lets you do. A big difference is that more of your colleagues are likely to use Microsoft Word than Pages. So, you'll have a larger pool of people to collaborate with.

If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription , Microsoft Word is one of the best word processing apps you can take advantage of. Since it is the go-to app for so many people, Microsoft Word is the best option for sharing work with others.

Download: Microsoft Word (Free, subscription available)

3. Google Docs

Google Docs makes it easy to write, edit, share, and collaborate on important documents. You can use it wherever you are, on any device, making it one of the best apps for writing on an iPhone as well. Like other Google products, it's completely free.

Download Google Docs on your Apple or Android device so you can use this word processor wherever you are. Alternatively, you can always access Google Docs from your Mac or Windows PC using a web browser.

Work with in-line images and a range of formatting options to create your resume, report, letter, or other important documents. You can even take advantage of Google's range of stylish templates to speed up the process.

Collaboration is at the heart of Google Docs. As your collaborators make changes to a shared document, their names appear onscreen. Choose to make documents public to everyone or private to a select group, and even choose editing privileges for your team members.

Google Docs is compatible with DOC and DOCX files, so you can open or export Word files for other people to use. This makes Google Docs one of the better free word processors for your iPad when not everyone uses Word.

Download: Google Docs (Free)

4. WPS Office

WPS Office includes a suite of free business-oriented tools for iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and Linux. The package lets you create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, memos, and PDFs with a range of templates available to get you started.

You can also share documents in a variety of formats, including DOC and DOCX, so other people can open your reports in whatever app they choose to use.

WPS Office values simplicity across everything from the design to the user interface. This makes it a snappy word processor that's a breeze to start using on your iPad. A premium subscription is available for $29.99 per year. This removes ads and unlocks the ability to edit PDFs, gives you 20GB of cloud storage, and more.

Download: WPS Office (Free, subscription available)

5. Notes Writer

As you may have guessed from the name, Notes Writer is primarily for taking notes rather than producing polished documents. It's perfect for capturing your thoughts during a lecture, meeting, or brainstorming session. You can type out your ideas or use an Apple Pencil to write them by hand instead.

Notes Writer allows you to draw pictures, annotate PDFs, fill in forms, sign documents, insert clipart, and more. Once you complete your notes, you can share them across a range of cloud storage services. There are plenty of other bells and whistles as well. These include distraction-free mode, live counters for tracking document length, find and replace, and dark mode.

While you can download and use Notes Writer for free, a Pro version of the app is also available for the iPad, which removes ads, gives you an unlimited number of notebooks, and adds password protection.

Despite being designed for notes, this app still lets you format text and export various files. However, there's no support for DOC or DOCX files. But at least you can sync to a wide range of cloud storage services.

Download: Notes Writer (Free)

Download: Notes Writer Pro ($5.99)

Much like Notes Writer, Bear is designed around keeping organized notes. But its simplistic design and easy organization make it another one of the best word processors to use on your iPad.

Bear is ideal for everything from short notes to long essays. It offers a variety of formatting tools, in-line image support, links, checklists, and more. Keep your writing organized using the folders in the sidebar, which you can customize with different icons for quick navigation.

Best of all, Bear is completely free to use on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, to sync your notes across other devices, you need to sign up to Bear Pro for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. This premium subscription also unlocks themes and more exporting options. So, if you're looking for the best looking word processor for notetaking on your iPad , Bear is probably it.

Download: Bear (Free, subscription available)

7. Werdsmith

With the aim of being a portable writing studio, Werdsmith is available for your iPad, iPhone, and even your Apple Watch. The app is almost free, but there's a limit on how many documents you can work on at the same time. To bypass this restriction, you need to pay for a subscription.

Aimed at authors, Werdsmith comes with templates for writing stories, blogs, poems, and screenplays. It's a great place to keep notes, organize ideas, or work towards the final draft of a big project.

Werdsmith lacks the rich editing features of other apps on this list, such as image or table support. Instead, it opts for motivation-based features like writing rituals and word goals to help keep you working on your stories every day.

If you want a customizable word processor that focuses on content above all else, give Werdsmith a shot. You can even use the dedicated cloud service to back up your work and protect everything with Face ID or Touch ID.

Download: Werdsmith (Free, subscription available)

8. iA Writer

Apple has made iA Writer an "App of the Year" on several occasions, and it's easy to see why. Behind the slightly startling entry fee is a powerful word processor with an elegant environment in which to get serious work done.

This app uses markdown language to format text , which is worth learning for any serious writer. It also places your document library a swipe away to the right, with a document preview tucked away to the left. Rearrange the keyboard to personalize your writing experience, then use Focus Mode to concentrate on your words. When you're finished, back up everything for safekeeping. You can even publish straight to WordPress.

iA Writer is a word processor for iPad that focuses on the words above all else. But it still offers a heap of features with full-on markdown support.

Download: iA Writer ($49.99)

Ulysses is another mainstay of the word processing world and can easily slot into your workflow with apps for iPad, Mac, and iPhone. It's great for students, novelists, bloggers, and every other writing fanatic. Ulysses is not cheap, but it's packed with features.

At the heart of Ulysses is a simple yet powerful markup-based text editor with a wide toolset. Enable distraction-free mode, and the user interface melts away, allowing you to focus on just the words. Store all your writing within the library, which syncs via iCloud to your other Apple devices.

Drop into typewriter mode to focus on one line at a time. Add attachments for research notes, images, keywords, and PDFs. You can export to PDF, WEB, EPUB, DOC, RTF, and plain text files. You can even publish your work straight to WordPress and Medium.

You can take advantage of the free trial Ulysses offers or get a premium subscription for $29.99 per year. It might be one of the most expensive iPad word processing apps available, but it's also one of the best. If you own a Mac, know that Ulysses is also one of the best writing apps for macOS .

Download: Ulysses (Subscription required, free trial available)

10. Scrivener

Scrivener is a writing tool for larger writing projects. If you're working on a screenplay, film, or stage production, Scrivener is one of the best iPad word processors for the job.

Scrivener puts an emphasis on organization, letting you group documents together, store images and PDFs as research material, rearrange your content with ease, and search across the entire project. All of this makes it a must-have app for those undertaking larger writing projects.

A huge range of features is on offer with this premium app:

• Export a variety of formats for Word, PDF, Final Draft, or plain text apps
• Convert your work to markdown
• Zip your project into a compressed folder
• Take snapshots to save previous versions of your draft

Scrivener isn't cheap, but it might be the best iPad word processor for any budding novelist. When you're ready to share your work with the world, you can try some of the best self-publishing platforms .

Download: Scrivener ($23.99)

Pick the Best Writing App for the Job

These are all the best word processor apps to use on your iPad. Each offers something different, which is why it's important to pick the right tool for you. Whether you're looking for a powerful scratchpad like iA Writer or a capable editor like Ulysses, you should find what you need above.

Of course, you won't always have your iPad on you when you need to work on new documents. And that's why an online word processor would be an ideal choice in most cases.

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Best Writing Apps for iPad

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 9, 2024

In the digital age, the iPad has emerged as a versatile tool for writers, blending the portability of a notebook with the advanced functionality of a computer. When paired with a keyboard , the iPad transforms into a powerful writing device, suitable for everything from quick note-taking to drafting entire novels. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in the myriad of writing apps available, each designed to cater to different aspects of the writing process.

Whether you’re a student jotting down lecture notes, a journalist on deadline, or an author meticulously plotting your next book, there’s an app to suit your needs. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best writing apps for iPad, highlighting how they can enhance your writing experience. From sophisticated word processors to versatile note-taking apps, let’s delve into how each of these tools can make the iPad your go-to device for writing.

Writing Apps for iPad

Here are our top picks for best writing apps for iPad:

1. Scrivener

Scrivener is widely regarded as a powerhouse among writing apps, especially for authors working on long-form content like novels, research papers, and screenplays. It stands out for its ability to organize complex writing projects. With features that allow you to outline ideas, research, and compose your manuscript in a single space, Scrivener caters to the needs of serious writers who require more than just a basic word processor. Its corkboard feature, where you can pin and rearrange index cards, is particularly useful for structuring your work. While it has a steeper learning curve than other apps, the depth of functionality makes it a top choice for professional writers.

2. Google Docs

Google Docs is a widely acclaimed word processing app known for its simplicity, efficiency, and collaboration features. Part of the Google Workspace suite, it allows users to create, edit, and share documents directly from their iPad or any internet-enabled device. One of the standout features of Google Docs is real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, with changes and comments updated instantly. It also offers robust cloud integration through Google Drive, ensuring that your work is automatically saved and accessible from anywhere.

The app supports a variety of formatting options, add-ons, and is compatible with many file types, including Microsoft Word documents. Ideal for everything from drafting quick notes to composing detailed reports, Google Docs is a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of writing needs. Its integration with other Google services further enhances its functionality, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional use.

3. Evernote

Evernote is more than just a writing app; it’s a comprehensive note-taking and organization tool. Its strength lies in its ability to sync across devices, making it easy to capture ideas, images, and text on the go and access them from anywhere. While it’s perfect for jotting down quick notes, creating to-do lists, or compiling research, it also offers rich-text editing features for more in-depth writing tasks. The ability to attach files, tag notes, and search text within images makes it a versatile app for writers who need to keep their ideas and research well-organized.

Ulysses is a favorite among writers who prefer a distraction-free environment with a focus on productivity. It offers a clean, minimal interface that helps you focus solely on your writing. Ulysses uses a unique “sheet” based approach, allowing you to manage all your writing in one place. Its Markdown support enables you to format text without lifting your fingers from the keyboard. Additionally, its organizational features, like the ability to set writing goals and its seamless iCloud sync, make it a great option for both short-form and long-form writers who value simplicity and efficiency.

5. Apple Notes

Apple Notes, though a default app on iPads, should not be underestimated. It’s a straightforward, easy-to-use app that’s great for quick notes, sketches, and basic writing tasks. Its integration with the Apple ecosystem, including Siri and iCloud, makes it a convenient option for Apple users. With recent updates, Apple Notes has incorporated features like document scanning and more robust formatting options, making it a reliable choice for casual writers and those who need to capture ideas on the fly.

6. IA Writer

IA Writer is known for its focus on a distraction-free writing experience. It offers a plain text editor with Markdown support, allowing writers to concentrate on their words without the clutter of menus and options. One of its key features is the “Focus Mode,” which highlights the sentence you’re currently working on, thereby promoting concentration. IA Writer’s simple, unobtrusive interface, combined with its ability to export to various formats, makes it a solid choice for bloggers, journalists, and anyone who appreciates a streamlined writing process.

7. Notability

Notability is a versatile app that combines note-taking and PDF annotation , making it particularly useful for students and professionals. It stands out with its ability to integrate hand-written notes, typed text, and audio recordings – all in one place. The app’s ability to convert handwriting to text and its support for Apple Pencil makes it unique. Its organizational system, which includes dividers and subjects, helps keep notes orderly. For those who engage in visual thinking or need to annotate documents as part of their writing process, Notability is an excellent choice.

Final thoughts

In summary, the iPad, especially when combined with a keyboard , stands as a formidable writing tool, rivaling traditional laptops and desktops in versatility and convenience. The apps we’ve explored in this post each bring unique features to the table, catering to a wide range of writing needs and styles. Whether it’s the organizational prowess of Scrivener, the linguistic precision of Grammarly, the simplicity of Apple Notes, or the focused writing environment of IA Writer, these apps transform the iPad into a writer’s haven.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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Best note-taking apps for iPad and Apple Pencil 2024

These note-taking apps can help you jot down all your important reminders and notes.

GoodNotes 6

Microsoft onenote, pdf expert – read, edit, sign, nebo: notes & pdf annotations, google keep, noteshelf - notes, annotations.

The best note-taking apps for iPad and Apple Pencil can help you jot down thoughts, share them with friends and colleagues and back them up to the cloud and across devices. These apps, combined with their handwriting features, can be perfect for work, studying, or if you simply need to quickly make a shopping list.

Additionally, all of these work with Apple's best iPads — if you want to use Apple's Notes app with an Apple Pencil on an iPad mini , it can be done. It's worth noting, though, that if you're an artist, we also have a guide for the best drawing apps for iPad and Apple Pencil as well.

For this guide, we've laid out a bunch of apps that work great with Apple Pencil and iPad — but before you decide to buy a new Apple Pencil or download any of the apps below, we recommend you check which iPad models support Apple Pencil first.

Apple Notes

Notes (Free)

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The built-in Notes app is a reliable bet for many people looking to use an Apple Pencil for note-taking. It does more than just allow you to type notes or dictate things. It's possible to add handwritten notes, sketches, and drawings in the Notes app . All you have to do is start a new note, pick the drawing tool, and then get writing or sketching to your heart's content.

The app has native text recognition search and in-line scanning. It also has annotation support, so it immediately covers all the most essential features required from a note-taking app. In comparison to third-party apps, it can feel a little limited such as its primary use of iCloud, but it's the perfect starting point, especially if you don't want to download anything new.

You can download Notes on the App Store .

Goodnotes 6 (Free with in-app purchases)

Goodnotes is ideal for the note-taking power user, and it has a ton of great features. There's handwriting and sketching with Apple Pencil, of course, but there's a lot more. You can pick from a huge selection of digital paper types to suit your needs. Options include lined, graph, design, music notation, and much more.

It's also possible to upload your own custom paper template if you have something specific in mind — from Ruled Paper to Checklists and Planner. You can also choose from multiple cover styles for digital notebooks so you can keep things personal and well-organized.

For actual handwriting, Goodnotes 6 supports writing and drawing with your Apple Pencil, as well as a third-party stylus. Add on built-in handwriting search recognition, text conversion, and more, and GoodNotes is a feature-rich package of useful tools. You can download Goodnotes 6 on the App Store .

Notability (Free with in-app purchases)

Many of us at iMore use Notability as it's one of the best options. Like GoodNotes, it's powerful but it's also a little easier to use in some ways. It has tools for handwriting and drawing. You can also annotate PDFs here, along with creating shapes, highlighting sections, moving objects around the page, and even adding audio notes. Integration with photos and web clips is also an option if you need a more media-rich set of notes.

Notability provides plenty of paper styles for your handwritten notes or sketches, with grid-based paper likely to be popular among many users. It's easy to share your notebooks with third-party cloud apps like Dropbox and Google Drive.

For anyone unsure where to start, a tutorial helps guide you through the basics the moment you launch the app.

You can download Notability on the App Store .

Microsoft OneNote (Free with in-app purchases)

For those users already invested in the Microsoft Office ecosystem, OneNote is a logical choice to make. Even for those who aren't, it's still useful for viewing and editing notes. The app has handwriting and sketching tools that are perfect to use with your Apple Pencil. It's simple to handwrite everything from important notes to quick reminders, to sketching out diagrams and ideas. You can also annotate existing documents you already have in OneNote. 

Other features include rich text notes, photos and audio support, calendars, and a fair few other things too. It's easy to share a link to your digital notebook any time you want others involved too. You can download Microsoft OneNote on the App Store .

PDF Expert (Free with in-app purchases)

Anyone who deals with PDFs often knows they can be awkward to annotate or change, which is why PDF Expert is such a welcome inclusion here. It does all the basics like allowing for annotations or marking up PDFs. You can also quickly open those PDFs from iCloud or third-party syncing services.

From there, you can easily fill out forms, sign documents, and use tools like a digital pen, as well as add shapes, underline, strikethrough, or highlight pieces of text. It's even possible to create stamps for frequently used wording, and you can edit the structure of the PDF document too.

The free version of PDF Expert allows you to read, annotate, highlight, draw, fill forms, and more. For features like being able to edit the original PDF text, add or edit images, sign documents, or password-protect a file, you'll need a Pro subscription. 

You can download PDF Expert on the App Store .

Nebo (Free with in-app purchases)

Easily the best note-taking app for anyone who wants to write handwritten notes before converting them to regular text, MyScript Nebo is certainly flexible. Write something with your Apple Pencil and Nebo converts it on-the-fly. The conversion is non-destructive so you can preserve both the handwriting and the text to check for any errors.

There's support for multiple digital pen tools so it's easy to make things look how you want them to. Support for adding photos and videos is also possible, along with diagrams, and even quotations to go alongside your text. If you don't need the whole handwritten document converted, it's possible to convert one paragraph at a time. 

Once completed, it's then possible to export as text, HTML, PDF, or Word document, with syncing available through iCloud, MyScript's own service, Dropbox, and more.

You can download Nebo on the App Store .

Google Keep - Notes and Lists (free)

Simple yet refined, Google Keep is well-designed for jotting down quick thoughts, ideas, or lists. It's not as comprehensive at systematic note-taking as other apps here, but it's so simple to use that it's very appealing. It's even possible to create checkboxes for your lists, forming a type of to-do list. There's rich text support too, while it automatically works alongside the rest of the Google ecosystem that many of us rely on.

That makes it very appealing for anyone who uses Google regularly. It's easy to write a quick note before accessing it from another one of your devices, while Apple-native tools can be pickier about exporting and using in different formats.

You can download Google Keep on the App Store .

Noteshelf ($9.99)

Noteshelf claims that its experience is like writing on a notepad being smooth and fluid. It offers different pen styles to work within the app including an elegant fountain pen choice. Its notes can consist of your handwriting, PDF annotations or even recorded audio.

The app also offers handwritten note conversion so you gain easy search features for looking through your notes and creations. There are hundreds of different paper styles and templates too, so it's ideal for a more attractive digital paper experience. 

You can download Noteshelf on the App Store .

Whink (Free with in-app purchases)

Simple yet with a sleek interface, Whink is an instantly appealing app. It offers natural handwriting tools so it feels like writing with a pen and paper. There's also a gel-pen tool with natural ink colors, so it looks professional while being simple too. Users can zoom in on their notes for extra precision, so it's good for sketching and drawing.

Taking notes is only ever a tap away, while there are also PDF and photo annotations. It's possible to add shapes along with audio recordings, so you're covered for most needs. Sharing notes is a matter of syncing with iCloud or other services like Dropbox. 

You can download Whink on the App Store .

Why use the best note-taking apps for iPad and Apple Pencil?

Sometimes you just can't beat the old paper-and-pen experience, but digital notes offer many benefits. It might not be possible to send your digital note into flight like a paper plane can, but everything else is very similar. Add on Apple Pencil 2 and you get a pen-to-paper-style experience with all the convenience of digital.

There's also the added benefit of drawing the odd design while you take notes, although for a pure experience, check out the best drawing apps for iPad for the most functionality.

If you're more interested in reading with the occasional moment of interaction, the best e-reader apps for iPad might be better.

Finally, if you're still not sold on the need for an Apple Pencil, you may prefer checking out one of the best Apple Pencil alternatives around to keep costs down and do things a little differently.

Master your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!

Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed. When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.

• Daryl Baxter Features Editor

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Best Writing Apps in 2024

Showing 128 writing apps that match your search.

NaturalReader

The #1 text to speech solution for personal, commercial, and educational use.

Platforms: Online, iPhone, iPad, Android

Best for: Editing, Story, Book, Blog, Journal, and Free

Website: https://www.naturalreaders.com/

Base price:

Premium price:

★★★★ Performance

★★★★ Features

★★★ Accessibility

Also rated 4.5 ★ on TechRadar

Apple’s App of the Year with over 15 million downloads and 200,000 5-star ratings globally, Day One has reinvented journaling, letting you record your life as you live it. Securely save audio, video, photos, notes, and more wherever you are, whenever you want.

Platforms: iPad, Mac, iPhone, Android

Best for: Note-taking, Journal, and Free

Website: https://dayoneapp.com/

★★★★★ Performance

Also rated 4.8 ★ on the App Store

Scrivener is the go-to app for writers of all kinds, used every day by best-selling novelists, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, students, academics, lawyers, journalists, translators and more.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, PC

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Editing, Publishing, Book, and Story

Website: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

★★★★★ Features

★★★★ Accessibility

★★★★★ Value

Also rated 4.0 ★ on Reedsy

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From boardroom to lecture hall, project plan to daily diary, Nebo makes note-taking smarter, more efficient and more enjoyable.

Platforms: Android, iPhone, iPad

Best for: Note-taking, Journal, Poetry, and Blog

Website: https://www.nebo.app/

Also rated 4.3 ★ on the App Store

Apple Pages

Pages is a powerful word processor that lets you create stunning documents, and comes included with most Apple devices. And with real-time collaboration, your team can work together from anywhere, whether they’re on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or a PC.

Platforms: iPad, Mac, iPhone

Best for: Drafting, Book, Essay, Journal, Poetry, Story, Blog, and Free

Website: https://www.apple.com/pages/

★★★ Performance

Also rated 3.6 ★ on the App Store

Ideas, stories, and life’s events. Capture them in a journal that’s easy to carry and offers more than bound sheets. Chronicle for iPad is about you and your words. Write comfortably and benefit from being able to find anything you wrote with built-in search.

Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac

Best for: Note-taking and Journal

Website: http://slidetorock.com/apps/Chronicle-for-iPad-journal.html

★★★ Features

★★ Accessibility

Also rated 4.5 ★ on the App Store

Story Planner

Story Planner is an easy-to-use and yet powerful tool for plotting novels, screenplays, and any fiction story. It works great for writers, screenwriters, producers, directors, RPG masters … All kinds of storytellers!

Platforms: iPhone, iPad

Best for: Outlining, Drafting, Story, and Book

Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/story-planner-outline-your-...

Also rated 4.7 ★ on the App Store

SoftMaker Free Office

FreeOffice 2021 is a complete Office suite with a word processor, a spreadsheet application and a presentation program – all seamlessly compatible with their counterparts in Microsoft Office.

Platforms: Mac, PC, Windows

Website: https://www.freeoffice.com/en/

Also rated 4.0 ★ on TechRadar

Typing Chimp

Typing Chimp Character is designed to help fiction writers create better characters, stories, and worlds fast.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, PC

Best for: Outlining, Worldbuilding, Book, and Story

Website: http://www.typingchimp.com/

★★ Features

WPS Office is a lightweight, feature-rich comprehensive office suite with high compatibility. As a handy and professional office software, WPS Office allows you to edit files in Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheet, and PDF to improve your work efficiency.

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, iPhone, PC

Website: https://www.wps.com/

★★★★★ Accessibility

WhiteSmoke renders you with the highest quality proofreading abilities available, correcting not only simple spelling mistakes like old fashioned word processors, but everything from grammar, word choices and even style mistakes, all without breaking a sweat.

Platforms: Online, Windows, PC

Best for: Editing, Proofreading, and Essay

Website: https://www.whitesmoke.com/

Storyline Creator

Storyline Creator is an elegant writing tool that helps you streamline your writing process. It's incredibly fun to draft ideas, to visualize, enhance and organize your stories - so you can focus on your plot and the creativity instead of the paper war.

Platforms: Online

Best for: Outlining, Book, Story, and Free

Website: https://www.storylinecreator.com/

★★ Performance

What makes a good writing app?

Put simply, what makes a writing app good for you will depend on the kind of writer that you are. 

• If you’re an author , you might be interested in a writing app with outlining, planning, and formatting functionalities.
• If you’re a student , you’re probably in the market for a writing app that blocks out distractions while you’re writing.
• If you’re a screenwriter , you’ll want a writing app that’s specifically dedicated to writing screenplays.

Or, if you’re none of the above, worry not: that’s why we built this directory of writing apps. Whatever you need, we’ve gathered the outstanding writing apps of 2024 across multiple categories (drafting, editing, note-taking, etc) and platforms (Android, iOS, online browsers, etc) in one place. Feel free to use the filters to make your quest for the perfect writing app even easier!

So what are the best writing apps of 2024?

We can now put an end to the age-old debate of which writing app is best: Microsoft Word vs. Google Docs ? 

The answer, of course, is neither! Hopefully, this directory will point you towards a much better match that actually fulfills your writing needs. We objectively evaluated each writing app based on four metrics.

• Performance: How seamlessly does the writing app do what it’s purported to do? How good is the user experience, from top to bottom?
• Features: How many bells and whistles are built into the app to augment its use?
• Accessibility: Is it widely available on many different operating platforms (e.g. iOS, Windows, mobile, desktop, etc)?
• Value: Is it worth the cost that it would take to download it?

Here are some general recommendations to give you a headstart.

The best writing app for authors

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💰 Price:  Free

🚉 Runs on: Web

The best writing app for note-takers

Evernote is the king of written organization. In addition to its free organizational templates, Evernote also gives you impressive tagging capabilities, an omnipresent Web Clipper, and the ability to share notes with collaborators, so that you’ll never forget anything again.

💰 Price:   Free basic plan, $4.99/month for premium

🚉 Runs on: Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android

The best writing app for screenwriters

Along with standard scriptwriting features, Final Draft enables you to measure character traits using its inclusivity analysis feature, and tweak your “beat board” until you find your perfect arrangement. And when you’re ready to bring in editors, you can all work simultaneously in real time.

💰 Price: Free trial for 30 days, $249.99 license fee

🚉 Runs on: Mac, iOS, and Windows

I’ve found the perfect writing app. What next?

Congratulations! Now the fun part begins: actually writing the project that you’ve got in mind.

For authors, this means that you have a long and exciting road ahead. In addition to a writing app, we recommend that you arm yourself with some writing knowledge before you embark on it: whether it’s an understanding of story structure or careful thought put into your character creation, all of it can help you realize your goal of a novel.

If you don’t know where to start, check out the list of free resources below. Good luck, and happy writing!

Free online materials

• How to Plan a Novel
• How to Write a Book
• Story Structure: 7 Types All Writers Should Know
• How to Create a Character Profile
• 500+ Creative Writing Classes
• Plot Generator
• Character Name Generator
• Book TItle Generator
• The Best Literary Agents Seeking Submissions

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Writing apps for iPad: which should you choose?

If you’re a freelance writer, journalist, or novelist, chances are you’ve found yourself needing to write on the road. Sometimes inspiration hits when you’re far from home, and sometimes you need to take advantage of those snatched couple of hours in an airport lounge to polish an article before a deadline.

Luckily, it’s the 21st century, and you no longer need to rely on lugging around a bulky laptop or hunting down an internet café to write remotely. Instead, you can use a tablet or phablet, many of which easily beat traditional computers for convenience, without sacrificing functionality. The best of these devices on the market is, of course, the iPad: Apple’s original, iconic laptop-killer.

Updated 2021: We’re now recommending the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 as the best tablet for writers… Click here to read why!

But having the right technology is only half of the answer. If you’ve ever tried writing on the go, you’ll know that there are no end of writing apps for iPad out there, promising to offer the essential writing experience. So which to choose? Luckily for you, we’ve done the research, and assembled this essential guide to the best writing apps for iPads.

Things to consider before reviewing our writing apps for iPad

There’s no one, perfect writing app for iPads. Instead, iPad owners get the luxury of choice. Whether you’re looking for something to jot down rough notes in, to be written up in full at a later date, or you want a feature-packed program capable of taking you from idea to manuscript, there’s guaranteed to be an app for you.

The first thing to consider when shopping for an app is what exactly it is you want the app to do. What kind of writer are you? Do you just need a blank page, or do you need advanced features? Are you looking for a single app to integrate into your existing workflow, or are you looking for a holistic solution?

Another thing to think about is compatibility. If you’re the sort of writer that writes across a number of different devices, you’ll be wanting an iPad app that also has a desktop version, and for maximum convenience, some way of syncing across devices. That way you can, for example, begin an article on your iPad on your commute home and pick it up on your desktop in your home office to add the finishing touches. At their best, iPad apps can make this process seamless and enjoyable, but if you make the wrong choice, you may end up stuck with badly converted, or, in the worst case, unreadable files.

Finally, you also need to set a budget. Some of the writing apps on this list are free, but many of the more advanced programs require either a one-off payment or a monthly subscription. Decide on what you’re willing to pay beforehand, and immediately discount anything that promises to break the bank.

The best writing apps for iPad

Iawriter – app store.

A plain, attractively designed interface encourages you to focus on getting down words, but there are a surprising number of features under the hood of this unassuming app, as well as some great little thoughtful extras. We particularly love the night mode, for example, which is perfect if you’re the sort of writer that has their best ideas at 2am.

iAWriter also has a built-in editor, and plenty of export options. You can output your file as .docx or .pdf if you need to share with a non-iAWriter user, or you can export straight to popular sites like WordPress and Medium, making this app a particularly powerful tool for bloggers.

• Simple, easy-to-use interface
• Powerful export options and blog integration
• Night mode!
• Not the most feature-rich option
• No support for TextBundle files

Price: £8.99

App Store Rating: 4.4

What the internet says: “iA continues to deliver an incredible blend of features and aesthetics while staying true to their disciplined vision of creating a beautiful, and minimal place in which to write” (source: chrisrosser.net )

“iA Writer creates a clean, simple and distraction-free writing environment for when you really need to focus on your words.” The New York Times

Scrivener – App Store

From the stripped-back simplicity of iAWriter, we move to the opposite end of the spectrum with Scrivener, undoubtedly the deepest, most feature-rich writing tool on the market. Scrivener has long been a favourite of writers working on Apple computers, and after bringing the app to Windows, the team behind Scrivener have now created an iPad version, too.

Scrivener is a one-stop shop for all of your writing needs. It can replace everything from the scrapbook you use to collect ideas and resources, to the typewriter on which you type your final manuscript. It offers nearly limitless options to import resources, build sophisticated structures of folders and files, and compile work into predefined formats suitable for everything from a PhD Thesis to a Kindle novel.

Of course, at the heart of Scrivener is the writing itself, and despite all of the depth of functionality the rest of the app offers, Scrivener’s word processor is attractively simple. Predefined styles allow you to maintain consistent formatting over long projects, and for the most part Scrivener stays out of the way, allowing you to focus on the craft of writing.

It’s all of the powerful tools of importing, organising, and compiling that set Scrivener apart from the crowd, although these same tools can make the program a bit bewildering to new users. Luckily, there are plenty of resources, both online and bundled with the app itself, to help writers make the most of this feature-packed app.

• Advanced functionality
• Excellent options for exporting and compiling
• The only app you need!
• Not the most accessible app to begin with
• Expensive compared to the competition

Price: £19.99

App Store Rating: 4.7

What the internet says: “Scrivener is one of the most powerful and popular writing apps out there, especially for long-form writing projects” (source: softwarehow.com )

Ulysses – App Store

This attractive app is a direct competitor to iAWriter. A cleanly minimalist interface is at the heart of the Ulysses experience, allowing for distraction-free writing with little need for any set-up beforehand. All of the same major features as iAWriter are present: a variety of formatting options, organisation through tags and nested folders, and a powerful set of export options that include .docx and .pdf, as well as direct exporting to WordPress and Medium.

There is an autosave option and sophisticated syncing across devices and platforms, meaning you can seamlessly put down and pick up work in Ulysses wherever you are. One major difference between Ulysses and iAWriter, however, is pricing. While the latter charges a one-off fee, Ulysses instead operates on a subscription model. There’s a 14-day free trial before you have to make a decision though, so our advice would be to download both apps and see which works best for you.

With a minimalist interface comes snappy speeds, but also a lack of the more advanced options found on apps like Scrivener, or even Word. There are no tables on Ulysses, for example. What there is, is a sleek, simple interface designed to prioritise the act of writing in its purest form.

• Clean, accessible interface
• Reliable syncing
• Not as feature-rich as something like Scrivener
• Subscription model won’t be to everyone’s tastes

Price: $4.99 per month

What the internet says: “Ulysses may not be an Apple product, but it’s one of the best things about using a Mac, and iPhone, and iPad” (source: macworld.com )

Apple Pages – App Store

There is an alternative to searching for a new writing app to download for your iPad, and that’s to use the one that you probably already have installed. Pages comes bundled with iPads as standard, so unless you’re the sort of person who immediately deletes all the packaged software when you get a new device, you probably already have a copy of Pages ready to use.

While not the most attractive app on this list (although not the least attractive either – that honor surely goes to Scrivener) Pages is a perfectly functional option for writers. It offers basic word processing features as well as a plethora of pre-designed templates and styles suitable for a variety of projects, from letter writing to resume design.

You can also draw directly into Pages, taking full advantage of the iPad’s status as a tablet as well as a laptop alternative. This makes Pages great for editing and annotating drafts, as well as for note taking, and for idly doodling while thinking of ideas!

• Free, and probably already on your iPad
• Excellent formatting, useful templates included
• Integrated with iCloud
• Apple Pencil support
• Not as feature-rich as alternatives
• Interface is less attractive than iAWriter, Ulysses etc.
• Poor reviews suggest a lot of bugs

Price: Free

App Store Rating: 3.6

What the internet says: “for the vast majority of casual users, as well as many business users, iPad Pages will do everything you need in an elegant, simplified manner” (source: tabletpcreview.com ).

MS Word – App Store

An accessible app that conceals a wealth of functionality, Word can really be whatever you need it to be. For jotting down notes it makes inputting text simple and quick, but the option is there to exercise your creative side with advanced formatting options, to use styles and predefined templates for a customisable workflow, and to use the unparalleled review features to comment on and edit documents with tracked changes.

Perhaps Word’s biggest selling point, though, is its ubiquity. Word is absolutely everywhere, on every platform, and its docx format can be read by pretty much every word processor out there, meaning Word is perfect for creating files that can be worked on across devices and shared worry-free. Sometimes the old ways are the best, and Word proves that to be the case, offering a comfortingly familiar experience enhanced by innovative new features.

• Familiar and accessible
• Excellent reviewing features
• Plenty of depth
• Not as modern looking as some alternatives
• Office 365 is quite expensive

Price: $10 per month for Office 365 Home

App Store Rating: 4.3

What the internet says : “Word for iOS is an essential tool for anyone who needs to create and edit Office documents on their iOS devices” (source: macworld.com )

The bottom line

There’s no one best writing app for iPads, but there is a great app for every occasion. Of the handful we’ve discussed above, I’d recommend Scrivener for the most demanding users – novelists, longform journalists and researchers – based on its unparalleled power and flexibility.

For writers looking for a less intimidating experience, or who simply don’t need all that functionality, Ulysses is probably the best choice, although iAWriter offers very similar features. Either would be perfect for blogging, writing short form articles, and note taking. Or why not choose both? The beauty of the iPad is that you can pack it full of useful apps, to build a bespoke creative suite optimally designed for the way you work. Just don’t forget to do some writing, too!

Musings and updates from the content management team at Clippings.me.

50 Of The Best Writing Apps For The iPad

The best writing apps for iPad, like any concept of ‘best,’ is subjective and further based on need and circumstance.

What Are The Best Writing Apps For The iPad?

by TeachThought Staff

Are you a poet drafting when inspiration strikes? A student taking notes and writing essays? A novelist that usually uses a desktop, but needs their new iPad Pro to do work on the go?

While the idea of writing more than a few hundred words on an iPad may seem crazy, using the iPad as a powerful portable writing tool allows you to take advantage of inspiration whenever and wherever it strikes. And with iPad screens now approaching 13″ and capable of supporting USB connections to enable standalone keyboards, it’s easier and more comfortable than ever to draft a masterpiece while away from your desk with the help of an app, an iPad, and a good idea.

1.   Ulysses

Developer Description : A pleasant, focused writing experience combined with effective document management, fast syncing and flexible export make Ulysses the first choice for writers of all kinds.

2.  Byword

Developer description: Draft a blog post, write that story or complete a school report wherever you are. Use Markdown to format text with easy keyboard shortcuts, subtle syntax highlighting, word counters with live update, and much more.

3.  1Writer

Developer description: 1Writer provides a distraction-free writing environment. You can create and edit plain text or Markdown files. It does have many features including inline Markdown preview, word count, dark theme, TextExpander support, insert photo, an extra keyboard row, and many more.

4.  Scrivo Pro for Scriveners & Writers

Developer description: You have a story to tell, article to publish, class notes to take, whether it’s today’s journal entry, tomorrow’s thesis or a future bestseller novella. Scrivo Pro can help you organize your writing, research, generate ideas, and remove distractions so you can focus on the most important thing: writing.

5. Hanx Writer

Developer description: Hanx Writer, created by Tom Hanks, recreates the experience of a manual typewriter, but with the ease and speed of an iPad.

6.  StorySkeleton

Developer description: Ideas strike wherever you are. Be prepared with StorySkeleton, the best story-mapping and organizational tool for iPad and iPhone. Create the structure for your project with StorySkeleton’s snappy and finger-friendly interface.

7.  Storyist

Developer description: Storyist is a powerful writing environment for iOS that lets you create, review, and revise your work wherever inspiration strikes.

8.  Story Planner

Developer description: The outline is one of the most powerful weapons for a writer. Now you can easily outline your stories wherever you are thanks to Story Planner, the best story-mapping and organizational stories tool ever.

9.  Scrivener

Developer description: Tailor-made for creating long manuscripts, Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like. Got a great idea but don’t know where it fits? Write when inspiration strikes and find its place later. Grow your manuscript organically, idea by idea.

10.  Textilus Pro Word Processor

Developer description: Textilus Pro is a great word processor app for students and business people, also being excellent for writing reports, papers, blog posts, journals or ebooks! Textilus Pro can help you organize your research, generate ideas, and remove distractions so you can focus on the most important thing: writing.

11.  Verse – Write Poems, Song Lyrics and Compositions

Developer description: Write poems, song lyrics, haikus or even odes and more with Verse for iPad and iPhone.

12.  MLA Writer – MLA Style Writing Tool

Developer description: View, edit and create MLA documents with MLA Writer. MLA Writer is the first step for a modern Writing tool for iPad and iPhone that aims to support 100% the standard MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Asociation) specifies guidelines for formatting manuscripts and using the English language in writing.

13.  Guided Essay Writer

Step-by-step guided essay-writing directions written by a college English professor and includes explanations and examples to help you write a college-level essay including the following: introduction paragraph, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion paragraph. Includes essay-writing tips to help write a successful, organized essay.

14.  Outline

Developer description: Notes with more creative freedom and better organization. Captured at any spot on a page and draggable around the place, organized in the world’s most natural hierarchy, and synced across devices with your favorite cloud. Freedom but clear structure.

15.  Pages

Developer description: Pages is the most beautiful word processor you’ve ever seen on a mobile device. This powerful word processor helps you create gorgeous reports, resumes, and documents in minutes.

16.  Werdsmith

Developer description: Werdsmith turns your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch into a portable writing studio, so you can write any time, any place. Hundreds of thousands of writers rely on Werdsmith to capture their ideas and work on their novels, screenplays, stories and articles.

17.  Unblock

Developer description: Say goodbye to writer’s block. Unblock makes writing easy, with professionally designed writing exercises to get you through even the toughest obstacles.

18.  Editorial

Developer description: Editorial is a plain text editor for iOS with powerful automation tools and a beautiful inline preview for Markdown, TaskPaper, and Fountain documents.

19.  Daedalus Touch

Developer description: Daedalus Touch is the first truly next-gen text editor on iOS. No file lists, no folders, no documents in the classic sense – just paper stacks and an infinite amount of sheets. You navigate by standard gestures, all perfectly mapped and matched to the tasks at hand.

20.  Write for iPad

Developer description: Writing. Automated Dropbox/iCloud Syncing. Markdown. Fastest Sharing. Beautiful Design.

21.  Chapters

Developer description: Chapters lets you create and manage multiple notebooks, each fully searchable and with its own settings. Keep a travel journal, a photo log, a notebook about ongoing work projects, and your own personal diary in one app.

22.  PrintCentral Pro

Developer description: The Ultimate File Management, Transfer and Print solution for the iPad. Print to ALL printers (Not just AirPrint Printers). View, store & print email, documents & PDFs, all major cloud servers, attachments, photos, contacts & web pages. Convert documents and images to PDF files.

23.  Writer

Developer description: The Perfect App For Writers. Notes + Recordings + Photos + Reminders Perfect for Writing books, stories, poems, reports, novels, and more. Type, record, or type while recording/playing, also add in photographs and capture everything.

24.  GoodReader

Developer description: The amazing 4th edition of GoodReader app is a universal app for all your iOS devices to read and annotate PDFs.

25.  Chronicle

Developer description: Take note of life with Chronicle, a simple journaling app that offers more than bound sheets without overcomplicating the writing experience. Focused writing. Multiple photos per entry that you can move, resize, rotate – your words flow around them.

26.  miTypewriter for iPad

Developer description: This is your typewriter on iPad. Features: – Realistic typewriter on your iPad – Email by image or text – Backspace key to erase type – Fonts (Old Typewriter / American Typewriter) – Keyboard layouts (QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and QZERTY) – Colors (Red/Black ink ribbon).

27.  iA Writer

Developer description: iA Writer is designed to provide the best digital writing experience: Keep your hands on the keyboard and your mind in the text.

28.  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Developer description: Get America’s most useful and respected dictionary, optimized for your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. This is the best iOS app for English language reference, education, and vocabulary building.

29.  Smart Whiteboard HD

Developer description: This is an extremely simple Whiteboard that is convenient for your work, life and study.

30.  Page: English Grammar & Spell Checker + Translator

Developer description: Ginger’s writing app offers you a better way to write in English. Get everything you need to quickly compose high-quality text that amplifies your message, everywhere you write. Tap into Ginger’s powerful editing tools to quickly review your text for any grammar, spelling and punctuation issues with the world’s leading proofreader.

31.  StoryBoard

Developer description: With StoryBoard, you can create interactive, visual stories. Stories can be written, and then words can be replaced with sets of pictures. When your story is finished, it becomes an interactive activity.

32.  Characterize

Developer description: Characterize is the perfect creator tool for writers, role-players, storytellers, and anyone who needs to come up with original characters on the fly. Pulling from an extensive database of names and vital statistics, Characterize can generate literally quadrillions of new characters!

33. Microsoft OneNote

Developer description: Capture your thoughts, discoveries, and ideas with OneNote, your very own digital notebook. With OneNote you can seize that moment of inspiration, take your class notes, or track that list of errands that are too important to forget. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, your notes go with you.

34. Microsoft Word

Developer description: Now Word documents look better than ever on your tablet and phone. When you edit or create documents, you can be confident they will look exactly how you want across PC, Mac, tablet and phone. Word has the familiar Office look and feel along with an intuitive touch experience, so you’ll be up and running in no time.

Note: On iPhone, iPad Air, and iPad mini, the core Word experience, including viewing, creating, and editing documents, is free. Or unlock the full Word experience with a qualifying Office 365 subscription. On iPad Pro, you need Office 365 to create and edit documents.

35. A Novel Idea

Developer description: A Novel Idea is the premier tool for plotting your story and recording bursts of inspiration. Use its simple interface to create your characters, locations, scenes, and novels and then link them together to create your story’s plot. Use the Idea feature to quickly jot down your creative sparks.

36. Penultimate

Developer description: Penultimate combines distraction-free, natural handwriting and sketching with the power of Evernote’s sync and search. Take class or meeting notes, journal your thoughts, or outline your next big idea—in the office or on the go.

37.  Thesaurus Rex by Dictionary.com

Developer description: Thesaurus Rex by Dictionary.com revolutionizes the thesaurus for the first time in 160 years. We’ve added modern content and synonyms for new words such as epiphany & stakeholder, plus 30,000 more new entries. Works offline.

38. SoundCurtain

Developer description: Sound Curtain is a unique application that masks distracting noise by automatically adapting its volume, pitch and tone in response to the noise around you.

39.  Notability

Developer description: Students, teachers, and business professionals use Notability daily to take notes, sketch ideas, annotate PDFs, mark-up photos, record lectures, provide audio feedback and more. It is uniquely designed for each device to provide the best note-taking experience at school, at home, and at work. And with iCloud, your notes are always up to date.

40. Write or Die

Developer description: Unless you’ve got a deadline looming it’s difficult to find the impetus to keep writing. Write or Die aims to address this difficulty and help you hack your writing process and get your words out. It’s a new kind of writing application that provides consequences for distraction and procrastination. As long as you keep writing, everything is fine, but if you become distracted, there are customizable consequences.

41. MyScript Nebo – Note Taking for Apple Pencil

Developer description: Structure your notes using titles, paragraphs, and bullet lists. Add interactive diagrams, editable equations, freeform sketches, and annotate pictures. Finally convert your captured ink to a digital typeset document on demand. Nebo documents can be shared as text. Powered by MyScript Interactive Ink – Work better with your Apple Pencil!

42. Creative Writer

Developer description: An endless source of writing ideas, words, prompts and sentences for your writing sessions. Millions of text segments analyzed and clustered into 7 powerful predictive models: Prose (best-selling novels), Dialogues (movies, TV series), You & Me, Lyrics (popular songs, RAP), Romance, Classics (Shakespeare, Goethe, Joyce, Kafka, Proust, Dostojevski, and others) and Quotations.

43. Lists for Writers

Developer description: Lists for Writers is a great addition to any writer’s toolbox. Helpful to both novice and expert writers alike, this app delivers list after list of prompts and ideas for your brainstorming sessions: names, character traits, plot lines, occupations, obsessions, action verbs, and much more

44. Rory’s Story Cubes

Developer description: 9 cubes, 54 images, over 10 million combinations and infinite stories. Shake to roll the cubes. Create a story using all 9 face-up images.

45. Creative Writing Prompts

Developer description: Get more than 1,000 starting lines and creative writing prompts to inspire you and give you ideas for improving your creative writing. Great for students, amateur writers, or professionals who want to free write often.

46. Writing Challenge: Creative Prompts for your Story

Developer description: With Writing Challenge you will enjoy a game with creative prompts to spark your inspiration and master free writing.

47. The Brainstormer

Developer description: The Brainstormer is kindling for creative minds. A tactile tool to randomly combine a plot, a subject and a setting or style, the Brainstormer provides a moment of inspiration for writers, painters, or any creative mind. Combat creative block, spark new ideas and summon up quick subjects for doodling, sketching or journaling.

48. Forest: Stay focused, be present

Developer description: Forest provides an interesting solution to beat your phone addiction. You can plant a seed in Forest. In the following time, this seed will gradually grow into a tree. However, if you cannot resist the temptation and leave this app to check Facebook or play a game, your tree will wither away. With this interesting mechanism, the sense of achievement and responsibility will drive our users to stay away from their phone with no pain.

49. Evernote

Developer description: Let Evernote change the way you organize your personal and professional projects. Dive in: take notes, create to-do lists, and save things you find online into Evernote. We’ll sync everything between your phone, tablet, and computer automatically.

50. Ink On – Track word counts, writing time and days in the chair – Inked Voices

Developer description: Write with your favorite tool, be it Word, Scrivener, or another platform. Track your progress in Ink On. Whether you prefer to set goals by project, overall, or both, Ink On has you covered.

What apps do you use when taking your writing on the road? Leave a comment sharing your tips and tricks below or join the conversation on our Facebook page .

TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers.

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13 Best Notetaking Apps for iPad for 2024

Feb 15, 2024

By Lindsay Armstrong

If you’re a serious notetaker, you know that just having an iPad and an Apple Pencil isn’t enough.

The app you use for notetaking can have a huge impact on the quality of your notes.

But there are hundreds of apps to choose from, and not all apps are created equal.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at 13 of the best notetaking apps in the App Store.

Let’s dive in.

Notetaking: Handwritten or typed?

While there’s no “correct” way to write your notes, one of the things you’ll have to decide early on is whether you should handwrite or type them.

Based on the research we’ve seen, data suggest that taking notes by hand is better than using a laptop .  As with pen and paper, handwriting is slower, but it gives your mind more time to absorb what you’re writing.  While keyboarding is more efficient, for many notetakers, notes created in this way simply lack the sticking power that comes with using traditional methods.

With that in mind, most of the apps below are designed for handwriting your digital notes using your iPad and your Apple Pencil .

While some apps on our list have some keyboard-based functionality — like Nebo  and Apple Notes  — we’re looking at these apps through the lens of notetakers planning to handwrite their notes.

But however you choose to do it, keep in mind that taking notes is essential when you’re trying to learn something.  Creating effective notes has been proven  to enhance recall and improve study sessions, resulting in greater academic success.

Find the best app and notetaking system that works for you and stick to it!

#caption#Image: Deniz Kurtoglu / Paperlike

#alt#A title card for the Notability app.

With thousands of positive reviews, Notability has certainly proven its worth to notetakers over the years.

This app is most well-known for its audio syncing feature, which allows you to record audio and sync it  with handwritten notes while you write, but other apps like Goodnotes have caught on and added this feature, too. However, Notability also recently introduced audio transcripts, which include time-stamped text of your recordings.

#caption# The Notability interface makes navigation simple and easy.  Switch between folders/sections using the left sidebar.  Select a note by tapping on it.  Create a new note by tapping on the + New button in the top right. (Image: Notability / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)

#alt# A screenshot picturing the Notability user interface featuring a selection of folders on the left sidebar and a collection of notes on the right selection interface.

To set itself apart, Notability also boasts some unique features. Multi-note support  gives users the ability to open two notes and arrange them in the app for comparison or multitasking. The new Pencil  tool provides the app with added versatility, allowing users to draw and sketch. 

By combining multitasking tools and technologies like handwriting recognition  and math conversion, Notability makes it easier than ever to take notes during classes, meetings, conferences, and everything in between.

In late 2021, Notability switched  from a one-time purchase app to a free plan with a premium subscription option called Notability Plus.  If you’re looking for an awesome app that doesn’t require an up-front cash investment, Notability is a great option to consider.

Coolest features

• Multi-note support allows you to easily compare and work on multiple documents at one time.
• Favorite presets make it simple to create and save your favorite tool colors for fast and easy reuse.
• Math conversion (premium only) allows you to convert handwritten calculations into common mathematical expressions.
• Pencil tool  allows for drawing and sketching, with pressure sensitivity and tilt-activated shading.

Main limitations

• No iCloud syncing or backups on the free plan  creates some risk for notetakers who don’t upgrade.
• Limited note edits on the free plan  (resets monthly) means that hardcore notetakers could find themselves unable to continue taking notes without an upgrade.
• Limited organizational tools  force users into a style of note-keeping that may feel restricted or insufficient.

Important details

• Pricing: Free plan available; $14.99 per year for the premium plan.
• Reviews:  Notability is currently rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store with 286,000+ reviews.
• Platform:   Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
• Links: Download app  / View website .

#alt#A title card for the Goodnotes 6 app.

Goodnotes 6

Goodnotes is a powerhouse for notetakers everywhere.  The app comes with everything you need to take notes, write music, mark up PDFs, and more.

One of the biggest differentiators between Goodnotes and other competitors is its abundance of organizational tools.  By default, Goodnotes allows you to create Notebooks  and store everything within them.  This is a fundamental difference from a tool like Notability or Apple Notes, where your ability to organize is somewhat constrained by the software.

#alt# A screenshot picturing the Goodnotes interface, featuring various folders and notebooks.

Of course, Goodnotes doesn’t stop there.  The app offers a powerful search function, onboard handwriting recognition ,  AI-powered tools, and much more. You can use these features to annotate and mark up your imported documents. The app also syncs with iCloud and third-party storage so that you can keep your notes with you at all times.

So, what’s the downside?

While there aren’t a ton of cons to Goodnotes, the lack of a favorites toolbar is a common feature that is (sadly) missing here.

• Notebook creation tools  provide an unparalleled level of customization for notebooks and notes.
• Infinite, nested storage  enables users to store folders within folders and create an organizational structure that suits their needs.
• Favorites section  allows you to locate any note, document, or page in seconds from a single location.
• Text conversion is clunky and difficult to deal with. It works well, but converting handwritten text to typed text is a tedious process.
• Lack of a favorites toolbar  means that you’ll need to reformat your tools each time you select or change them.  While the app saves some settings, like pen width and color, resetting your tools still feels more involved than it should be.
• Pricing: Limited free plan available; $9.99/year subscription or $29.99 one-time purchase from the App Store for the full version.
• Reviews: Goodnotes 6 app currently has 4.7 stars derived from a total of 238,000+ reviews.
• Platform:  Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac. Beta version for Windows and Android.

Goodnotes is most often compared against Notability, and the two apps have had a friendly rivalry for years.   Read our in-depth comparison of both apps.

#alt#A title card for the Apple Notes app.

Apple Notes

Believe it or not, Apple Notes has been around since the early days of digital notetaking.  The app launched with the first version of iOS, way back in 2007.  Originally, it was a mobile version of the Notes app that has been (and continues to be) a staple on the Mac operating system.

Why does all that matter?  Because the Notes app is older than any other app on our list, and its longevity makes it clear that it isn’t going anywhere.

As a notetaking app, Apple Notes  has come a long way.  Like most of the other notetaking apps, it comes with the usual tools (pens, highlighters, etc.), and they’re all arranged in a toolbar that can be moved around on the screen for added workspace customization.

But, while Apple Notes might seem a bit bland, it has a few unique features that will surprise you.

#caption#While text and handwriting can coexist in Apple Notes, they’re given distinct sections on the note.  Notice how the lines separating the handwriting from the text runs the entire length of the note. (Image: Apple Notes / Screenshot by Scott Summers / Paperlike)

#alt#A screenshot picturing a note created in Apple Notes.  The top and bottom parts of the typed text are separated by a handwritten sentence.

You can open a Quick Note on your iPhone or iPad without even opening the Notes app. This allows you to quickly jot down a thought, save content from the web or another app, and more.

Once you’re done, Quick Notes  will appear in their own folder in the app so that they’re easy to find later.

Apple Notes is also one of the few notetaking apps that is set up to create tables and interactive checklists .

But even though this app has a lot of things going for it, Apple Notes isn’t as robust as some of the other apps. The app lacks audio recording features (but you can dictate your notes).  It also treats PDFs and other imported files as attachments instead of integrating them into your notes, meaning that editing is limited to annotation and markup.  

On the other hand, as part of the Apple ecosystem, you can trust that Apple Notes works on any version of iOS, and on any iOS device, whether you have an iPad Pro or iPad mini.  You’ll also find native software for Apple Notes on macOS and watchOS, so you can get notes on your Mac and Apple Watch.

Overall, Apple Notes lacks the flexibility that you’ll see with most of the other notetaking apps listed here, but it’s still a formidable tool, especially for occasional notetakers.

• Natively supports handwriting and typing on the same page  using various inputs, including fingers, on-screen keyboard, Apple Pencil, and Apple Keyboard.
• Allows shading when drawing  with the Apple Pencil.  Tilt your Apple Pencil to enable shading.  You can also press more firmly to create a more intense shading effect.
• Recognizes handwritten phone numbers, dates, addresses, and other data.  Will enable other options for recognized text, like scheduling events or calling phone numbers directly from the Notes app.
• Native iCloud syncing  across all Apple devices.
• Lacks many customization features,  including the ability to create templates or create deeply nested organizational structures.
• No onboard syncing for non-iCloud storage.  While it’s possible to do this with a little work if you want to back up your notes to Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch.
• Limited PDF annotation and markup capabilities  force you to conduct these tasks elsewhere — typically using the Markup tool  inside the file or image itself.
• Pricing: Free!
• Reviews:  Apple Notes is currently rated at 4.8 stars with 214,000+ reviews.
• Platform:  Available for iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac.

#alt#A title card for the LiquidText app.

Unlike traditional notetaking apps, which offer a blank page for you to jot down notes, LiquidText is more of a study and research tool  designed to help you parse PDFs and other documents.

It works like this: When you open a file in LiquidText, the document is imported into a digital workspace. In the workspace, your document takes up half of the screen, and the workspace takes the other half.

#caption#With LiquidText, you’ll be able to draw connections between nodes on your mindmap, access multiple documents simultaneously, and compile research in a free-form workspace. (Image: LiquidText / Screenshot by Scott Summers / Paperlike)

#alt#A screenshot picturing the LiquidText interface, including a written article on the left, along with a window allowing for the selection of multiple documents.  A mind map of notes and excerpts is located on the right side of the screen.

As you read your document, you can highlight and mark up your text as you would in any other notetaking app.

You can also grab snippets of text and pull them to the opposite side of the screen.  As you do this, LiquidText will transform these excerpts into small cards that you can move around the workspace.

As you gather data from your document, you can consolidate it into groups, draw lines and make connections between those details, and much more.

While this approach to notetaking is more research-based, it’s definitely a game-changer for anyone looking to parse documents for key details and insights, as LiquidText offers a battery of tools that you won’t find in most other apps.

• Infinite workspace  allows for a tidy collection of excerpts, comments, and handwritten notes.
• Adding multiple documents to a single workspace  allows users to create projects centered around a theme or idea and assists in consolidating associated research.
• Importing web pages as PDFs is quick and easy  thanks to the built-in web browser.
• Ability to squeeze and expand documents  during research makes critical details much easier to parse and compare.
• Snippets and text can easily be lost  inside the workspace.  Because the workspace is infinite, it’s possible to misplace or forget your snippets if you don’t stay organized.
• Workspace often feels cramped,  no matter how you choose to set it up.
• Not a great fit for everyone.  If you aren’t doing major research projects, this app probably isn’t for you.
• Pricing: Free plan available; $29.99 for Pro (one-time purchase per platform); $9.99/month for LIVE; $174.99/year for LIVE Unlimited.
• Note: LIVE & LIVE Unlimited are both cloud-based subscriptions, and the subscription covers LiquidText on all devices.
• Reviews: LiquidText is currently rated at 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 6,000 reviews.
• Platform: Available for iPad, Mac, and Windows 10.
• Links: Download app / View website .

#alt#A title card for the MarginNote 3 app.

MarginNote 3

The second of the two research tools on our list, MarginNote is similar to LiquidText (featured above) in how it functions and operates.

MarginNote  opens your document into a digital workspace where you can highlight and annotate PDFs or select excerpts from the text.

However, where LiquidText focuses on taking handwritten notes and marking up the document (all of which is possible in MarginNote), this software also allows for clipping notes, creating flashcards or mindmaps, and building study outlines.

#caption#MarginNote provides clean, clear connection lines for your mind map, allows for handwritten notes, and much more. (Image: MarginNote 3 / Screenshot by Scott Summers / Paperlike)

#alt#A screenshot picturing the MarginNote 3 interface, including a written article on the right and a mind map of notes and excerpts on the left. 

One of the key differentiators in MarginNotes is that much of the mind-mapping generation can be done in a way that looks clean and crisp, with straight lines and blocks that feel sharp and organized.

MarginNote also allows you to compile a single set of notes from multiple sources or files, so if you have several books in a series or several documents where you should combine notes, MarginNote makes it easy to simplify that process.

While this app probably isn’t a replacement for an outright notetaking app like Notability or Goodnotes, it’s a great study tool for students who need to comb through a large number of documents and keep everything organized at the same time.

• All notes can be edited and annotated, so you can add context to excerpts as you set them aside.
• Flashcard review  helps you quickly review notes and study for exams.
• Auto Add to MindMap tool  allows you to organize excerpts without a ton of dragging and dropping.
• Different viewing modes and setups can get confusing.  Though useful, it’s easy to get lost during navigation and find yourself struggling to pick up where you left off.
• Overabundance of features  makes for a steep learning curve.
• Auto mind mapping tool can be difficult to set up.  The mind map is based on the table of contents, so some forethought is required in how you structure your notes.
• Pricing: Free (reader-only) version available; $12.99 for full version.
• Upgrades:  OCR Pro for $1/month or $9.50/year.
• Reviews:  MarginNote 3 is currently rated at 4.7 of 5 stars with 4,800 reviews.
• Platform:  Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
• Links: Download app  / View website

LiquidText and MarginNote 3 are the top PDF annotation and research apps. Check out our comparison of the two here .

#alt#A title card for the Nebo app.

Where apps like Goodnotes and Notability emphasize (and mostly stick to) the idea of handwritten notes, Nebo  tries to marry the concept of handwriting and text together within its notebooks.

As with other apps on the market, you can draw freely using Note pages (formerly Freeform), but the app’s Document pages (formerly Regular) are where it really begins to shine.

All Document pages are lined sheets, and users have the option to write using an Apple Pencil or a keyboard.  If you choose to handwrite your content, Nebo shows how it’s interpreting  your handwriting to text in real time.

#caption#Note how the handwritten text has already been pre-converted in the upper left corner of the text box.  While you can keep the text in a handwritten format, Nebo gives you a clear indication that it understood what you wrote. (Image: Nebo / Screenshot by Scott Summers / Paperlike)

#alt#A screenshot of the Nebo interface featuring handwritten and typed text.

You can also mix and match your handwriting and typed text or just convert your handwriting to text. This adds an extra layer of flexibility to Nebo that you won’t really see in other apps.

With the free version, you’ll just have access to the basics, including a limited number of notebooks that you can create.  However, you can get a dictionary, convert PDFs, and share your content out in various formats by purchasing the appropriate upgrade pack for a relatively low cost.

It’s also worth pointing out that Nebo is cross-platform compatible, which makes it unique for users who are looking for one of the best iPad note apps that can exist outside of the Apple ecosystem.

• Combining handwriting and typed text  is an interesting concept that is hinted at in other apps, but Nebo really takes ownership of this feature.
• Handwriting and math conversions  are second to none, and both features are included at no additional charge.
• Having both freeform and lined pages  allow you to work in a way that suits you best.
• The ability to edit typed text using a stylus  adds extra flexibility when editing, revising, or reformatting your text.
• Lack of templates, layouts, and other custom formats  that you see in apps like Goodnotes, Notability, or Noteshelf .
• Formatting can be a pain.  While you can adjust text placement by dragging boxes around, fiddling with the indent tools to position text correctly inside the box (or on the page) can be tedious.
• Note pages feel subpar compared to competitors.  If you’re focused purely on handwriting, this app falls a little short in its feature set.
• Pricing: Free version available; $4.99 for Essentials Pack; $4.99 for Connect Pack; $4.99 for PDF Pack.
• Note: Packs are sold individually or can be purchased as a bundle for $8.99.
• Reviews:  Nebo is currently rated at 4.7 of 5 stars with 29,000+ reviews.
• Platform: Available on iPad, Mac, Windows, and Android.

#alt#A title card for the CollaNote app.

In many respects, CollaNote is still a work in progress that has gained a massive following in recent years. The app provides a rock-solid notetaking experience with simple and intuitive tools that look good and feel great to use.

Inside the notetaking interface, you’ll find a vast array of pen types and brushes, as well as a few extra goodies.

#caption#In CollaNote, pressure sensitivity is enabled by default, so your text will shrink and grow as you write based on how hard you press your Apple Pencil against the screen.  Converted text is framed within a text box and can be adjusted to taste. (Image: CollaNote / Screenshot by Scott Summers / Paperlike)

#alt#A screenshot of the CollaNote interface featuring a combination of handwritten and typed text.

Just like Apple Notes and Notability, CollaNote actively distinguishes between a pen and a pencil, both of which provide a completely different writing experience.

Interestingly, this app provides the largest and most varied selection of unique pens and brushes when compared to other notetaking apps — including major players like Goodnotes and Notability.  From vector pens to art and 3D brushes, you’ll have every tool you need to make your notes come to life.

This app also offers tools like the color fill  tool to add color quickly and the curve  tool to help when creating curved lines (great for charts and graphs).

For text boxes, the app makes it easy to add text and provides layering options that allow you to place your text over other objects.

You can even create flashcards to help you study.

And did we mention that you can collaborate with other CollaNote users by creating an account? It’s that simple.

Even though CollaNote currently lacks some of the features you’d see in more mature apps, it’s well on its way to becoming a major player in the notetaking space.

• Robust notetaking toolkit  gives you everything you’ll need to take great notes, including a pencil, a vast array of pens and brushes, a color fill tool, a curved line tool, and more.
• Collaboration features  make it easy to work with other notetakers to generate a group or shared note. An account is required, and notes are stored in your account, not with CollaNote’s servers.
• Importing PDFs, images, and other multimedia is fast and easy.  With the exception of PDFs, media files reside within a note and are not imported as standalone objects.
• Limited to iPadOS and iOS only.  While this app does back up to iCloud, it currently offers no platform compatibility with Mac, Windows, or Android.
• User interface is an acquired taste.  The blocky windows and multiple toggles give the app a unique feel, but it may not be for everyone.
• Folders and notes lack customization features  and fine-tuning that you see in apps like Goodnotes.
• Rigid organizational structure  limits how you can format and organize your content.
• Pricing: Free  version available; $11.90 one-time purchase from the App Store for Premium.
• Reviews:  CollaNote is currently rated at 4.8 stars with 12,000+ reviews.
• Platform: Available for iPad and iPhone only.

#alt#A title card for the Noteshelf app.

Noteshelf  is a great compromise between Goodnotes and Notability. You’ll find all the tools you need to take great notes on your Apple, Android, or Windows devices.

The interface provides a streamlined experience that’s easy to navigate, with plenty of customization features — from page templates and notebook covers to different pen types and the colors and sizing of your tools.

It even has a  customizable toolbar that allows you to add or remove tools so that it only displays the ones that you like to use.

Noteshelf also offers one of the best interfaces when it comes to magnification. When you need to write smaller text or you want a closeup of your existing notes, the  Zoom Box  makes it easy to do. It’s highly customizable, and it loads the tool interface on the magnification bar, so you can quickly switch to what you need.

#alt#A screenshot picturing the pen interface and three example lines at varying thicknesses of the ball, fountain, felt, and pencil styles.

Like Notability, Noteshelf  features audio recording that you can attach to your notes. While it doesn’t sync with your text, being able to listen to a playback of a lecture or presentation can be extremely helpful.

The sheer amount of organizational capabilities, Focus mode, Noteshelf AI, and advanced customization all make this app perfect for users who take massive amounts of notes.

• Advanced customization options, such as a variety of page templates, notebook covers, and tools, allow you to get creative with your notes.
• Zoom Box has the tool interface in the magnification bar so that switching between tools is quick and easy while working in this mode.
• Customizable Toolbar allows you to pick and choose what tools you want to see on your toolbar and leaves the rest out, so it’s exactly what you need.
• Multi-device compatibility allows you to use this app on all Mac devices (including Apple Watch), Windows, and Android devices.
• Free version limits how many notes you can take. You only get three notebooks to use on the free version, which likely isn’t enough for serious notetakers. Also, Noteshelf doesn’t offer any free trial on Android or Windows, so you can’t try it before buying it.
• Moving notes isn’t a simple process, making reorganizing your notes a bit of a pain.
• Not cross-platform compatible.  While there are Android, Windows, and iOS versions of this app, the three don’t talk to one another. You can hand off your notes between various Apple products (iPad, iPhone, Watch), but you won’t be able to send your notes from your iPad over to your Android tablet or PC.
• Pricing: One-time fee of $9.99.
• Reviews:  Noteshelf 3 currently has 4.1 out of 5 stars on the App Store, but is relatively new with only 196 reviews .
• Platform: Available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, Windows, and Android.

#alt#A title card for the Evernote app.

If you’re a productivity geek, Evernote  is the perfect notetaking app for you. Not only does it have a dedicated section for taking notes, but it also incorporates different sections that’ll help you be more productive, such as a Tasks  section for to-do lists and more.

The home dashboard is fully customizable (with an Evernote Premium Plan), so you can organize all your information in a way that makes the most sense for you.

When you’re taking notes, you can choose from more than fifty templates . You’ll find a range of options for work, school, and personal categories.

#caption#Evernote’s structure keeps your notes neat and organized, separating text and handwritten notes. (Image: Evernote / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)

#alt#Image of a typed note with a handwritten section separated into its own box below in Evernote.

Evernote offers a rigid notetaking structure that makes it easy to get your thoughts on the page. Formatting is similar to Word or Google Docs, which doesn’t offer a lot of flexibility, but it does keep your notes neat and tidy.

Unfortunately, this means that you can’t really mix handwriting and text. Like Apple Notes, it’ll keep these sections separate from each other. That’s because it’s not really meant for handwriting in general. You’ll have to enter Sketch Mode  to draw or write, and once you’re finished, Evernote converts your work into an image to add to your note.

The app also has plenty of great features that’ll help you be more efficient, including an excellent web clipper  (desktop only), audio recording features , and PDF markup tools .

With cross-platform compatibility and the ability to sync across devices in real time, Evernote can help you create the ultimate task management and productivity system.

• Dedicated task section helps you keep on top of your to-do lists.
• Structured formatting feels familiar thanks to its similarity to word-processing programs and also keeps your notes neat and organized.
• Robust web clipper allows you to capture information from your desktop for later use.
• Cross-platform compatibility and real-time syncing allow you to work anywhere, anytime.
• Sketch mode is the only place you can handwrite, which can be annoying if you don’t like typing out your notes.
• Ability to connect to Calendar and add reminders to your task lists is locked behind a subscription.
• Only being able to sync two devices  on the free plan means you’ll have to pick what platforms you prefer if you don’t want to pay for a subscription.
• Pricing: Limited free plan; $14.99/month or $129.99/year for the Personal plan; Professional plans available.
• Reviews:  Evernote currently has 4.4 out of 5 stars on the App Store with 54,000+ reviews.
• Platform: Available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, PC, and Android.

#alt#A title card for the Microsoft OneNote app.

Microsoft OneNote

Wildly popular and completely free, OneNote  is the go-to app for tens of thousands of users interested in taking effective notes.

Like Evernote, this app is geared more toward keyboard-based notetaking, but its handwriting component works beautifully and doesn’t make you switch modes or move to a different section to write. You’ll just hit the Draw  tab at the top of the screen to access your writing tools.

OneNote only has one pen type, but you can change the size and color to fit your needs.

And this is what makes OneNote truly unique.

This app’s Ink Color Selector  is one of a kind, offering both solid and specialty options, like galaxy, marble, and glitter colors.

#caption#OneNote’s ink colors are completely unique, with options like glitter, marble, and galaxy colors. (Image: OneNote / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)

#alt#Image of the OneNote Ink Color Selector to showcase the unique color options.

OneNote also includes features like a Math Assistant  and audio recording  that are great for students and a web clipper  to capture content from the internet and video recording, which is completely unique to this app (Desktop or Windows app only).

Its onboard organization tools make it a great option for storage, especially for users already integrated with other Microsoft products like OneDrive, Word, Excel, etc.

• Ink Color Selector unlike any other app allows you to really get creative by choosing from options like galaxy, marble, and glitter colors.
• Math Assistant  can solve equations for you, making it great for students or anyone who works with a lot of math equations.
• Free version with complete access to all its features. Subscriptions only necessary for storage purposes.
• Automatically opens to the last screen used, which can be annoying if you’d like to start a new note or find a different note.
• Only backs up to its own servers. You can’t create a backup to any other cloud service.
• Only 5GB of storage included on the free plan, which might not be enough if you plan to take a lot of notes.
• Pricing : Free! (Note: You can get 100GB of storage for $1.99/month or purchase Microsoft 365 Personal with 1TB of storage and all integrations for $6.99/month.)
• Reviews : OneNote currently has 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 851,000 reviews.
• Platform : Available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, PC, and Android.
• Links : Download app / View website.

Evernote and Microsoft OneNote are the leading apps for productivity. Take a look at our comparison article here .

#alt#A title card for the Zoho Notebook app.

Zoho Notebook

Similar to both Evernote and OneNote, Zoho Notebook  is available on a variety of platforms and seamlessly syncs across your devices using its own cloud service. It was awarded Best App of the Year in the App Store in 2016 and has risen in popularity since then.

But as a notetaking app, it takes a different approach than most of the other available apps in this space. It has an aesthetically pleasing UI, and the available covers for your Notebooks are works of art.

Individual notes inside the Notebooks are called Cards, and they look like little (brightly colored) sticky notes. You can change the background color on every note, making it easier to visually differentiate between topics.

#caption#Zoho Notebook turns your notes into different types of cards that look a bit like Post-it Notes. (Image: Zoho Notebook / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)

#alt#Image of the All Notes section in the Zoho Notebook app, which shows all the notes on little cards that look like Post-it Notes.

On top of that, Zoho Notebook offers different Card types (Checklist, Audio, Sketch, and more) to match your notetaking needs.

Most of these are pretty self-explanatory, but the Smart Card  is a really neat feature worth mentioning. When you want to save content from the internet or another app, Smart Cards  automatically take that information and format it into a beautifully designed Card.

Unfortunately, this is another app that’s geared towards typed text, and you can really only handwrite or draw when you open a Sketch Card. Even the Text Card  isn’t super customizable - you can’t even change the font or text size.

But, you can password protect your notes, share, and collaborate with others in real time, which are excellent features in any notetaking app.

• Beautiful UI and artwork make this app one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
• Post-it Note appearance and colors  allow users to easily differentiate between individual notes.
• Smart Cards automatically format saved content, keeping these notes nice and neat.
• Lack of search capabilities in the free version  can make it difficult to find your notes, especially if you have a lot of them.
• Limited notecard sizes and storage on the free version  mean that if you plan to take a lot of notes, you’ll need to upgrade.
• Limited tools for handwriting and customization for typed text make it more difficult to get creative with your notes.
• Pricing: Limited free version; $2.49/month or $24.99/year for the full version .
• Reviews:  Zoho Notebook currently has 4.7 out of 5 stars with 22,000+ ratings.
• Platform: Available on iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux.

#alt#A title card for the  Pencil Paper Notebook: Penbook app.

Pencil Paper Notebook: Penbook

If you’re looking for a notetaking app that’ll really let you get creative and customize your notes, Penbook  might be the answer.

Like Zoho Notebook, this app offers a variety of beautiful Notebook covers, but it doesn’t stop there. With Penbook, you can choose from over 1,000 customization options!

There are page templates for every category, even super niche options for chemists, developers, and musicians. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can change the font, the background and accent colors, and decide how many pages to add to your notebook (don’t worry, you can always add more later!).

#caption#Penbook has over 1,000 customization options for your notes, including page templates for any topic. (Image: Penbook / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)

#alt#Image of the note creation page in the Penbook app showcasing all the different customization options.

The best part?

You can mix and match templates throughout your notebooks, and each page could be something completely different.

If you’re too overwhelmed with all the options, you can choose from a variety of pre-made “Editions” that Penbook has already put together for you.

While the tools are pretty basic (Pen, Pencil, Highlighter), you can change the line thickness and color on each, and you can even customize or use hex codes to get the perfect shade. Once you have what you need, you can add up to six custom tools to your toolbar for easy access in the future.

Unfortunately, navigation throughout the app isn’t as intuitive as we’d like, and there’s a bit of a learning curve when you get started. While the app does offer a user manual, it’s pretty long and involved, and there aren’t any video tutorials or quick guides to help you get going.

• Highly customizable, with thousands of different ways to set up and personalize your notes.
• Pre-made “Editions”  help you skip the Notebook creation process so you can get right to taking notes.
• Live Paper automatically fills in the date and time when you create new pages, which can be handy for schedules, journals, and more.
• Free version is basically just a free trial, as you only get a single Notebook.
• Navigation isn’t intuitive, so it takes some time to learn how to use the app.
• Lack of organizational features makes it more difficult to find and keep track of your notes.
• Pricing: Free version available; $14.99/yr or $49.99/lifetime for the full version.
• Reviews:  Penbook currently has 4.6 out of 5 stars with 30,000+ ratings.
• Platform: Available for iPhone and iPad.

#alt#A title card for the ZoomNotes app.

ZoomNotes provides an infinite whiteboard, making it a great choice for visual notetakers.

As you might expect from the name, ZoomNotes  offers the most impressive zoom range. It’s practically endless, making it easy to sketch out your thoughts and ideas without worrying about running out of room.

When you zoom in to get a better look or make adjustments or additions to your notes, the full view stays on your screen off to the right, allowing you to see the bigger picture while you work.

#caption#ZoomNotes allows you to create a page within a page as a sticky note, PDF document, and more. (Image: ZoomNotes)

#alt#A screenshot from ZoomNotes showing the different types of sub-documents available, such as a sticky note.

Another feature that sets this app apart is the ability to create a page within a page. These sub-pages can be separate notes, like a mind map of your full notes, a sticky note with key concepts or reminders, or even a full PDF document that relates to your notes.

ZoomNotes goes the extra mile by adding linked sound recording, unlimited paper sizes/styles, Bookmarks, and more. It’s easy to completely customize your notes, especially with eight different pen types and unlimited color options.

It syncs to iCloud and even integrates with your Apple Calendar and Apple Reminders, so you can easily manage your checklists and schedule. Importing, exporting, and sharing features round out this app, making it competitive with apps like Notability and Goodnotes.

• Infinite canvas provides endless room to write, draw, or sketch your notes and ideas.
• Incredible zoom range makes taking visual notes like mind mapping or sketchnoting  super easy.
• Sub-pages allow you to create a page within a page. You can add PDFs, sticky notes, and more.
• Integrates with other apps like Apple Reminders  & Apple Calendar .
• UI is a bit clunky  and not as user-friendly as most of the other apps.
• Limited tools on the free version make it hard to customize your notes the way you’d like.
• Too many features make it overwhelming and difficult to learn.
• Pricing: ZoomNotes Lite is free; $7.99 one-time purchase for the full version on the App Store.
• Reviews:  ZoomNotes is currently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on the App Store with just 762 reviews .
• Platform: Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac.

Other cool apps

Even though we’ve mostly covered handwriting applications for notetakers, there are some other cool apps out there that you might want to consider.

Many of these apps incorporate handwriting in some way, even if it's not their primary function.

• Agenda . This is a notetaking tool that uses your calendar as a way to tie your note to a fixed point in time. Notes are attached to projects and can be assigned to a specific date so that you regularly refer back to them. As you use the app and tag notes with data, those notes become recurring tasks on your agenda until you mark them as complete. It’s an innovative way to combine notetaking and task management.
• Freeform .  Apple recently added this app to its extensive list of apps that come pre-installed on all Apple devices. It’s a digital whiteboard where you can add images, text, handwriting, and more. Whether you’re sitting down for a brainstorming session or you’ve got some ideas to map out, this app can help you do it. It's even fun for practicing digital hand lettering and calligraphy . While Freeform is the perfect app to get creative and express yourself visually, you may want to stick to Apple Notes  or one of the others mentioned for serious notetaking.
• Penultimate . If you’re an Evernote user, you might already know about this app. Penultimate is Evernote’s writing application. Notes you create here can be moved directly into Evernote and stored with other notes that you take inside the app. Compared to other apps on our list, Penultimate lacks several major features, but its connection to Evernote makes it worth a mention.
• PDF Expert . Need to annotate or edit a PDF?  As a PDF editor, PDF Expert gives you total control over your PDF documents.  You can mark them up, edit them, convert files, take notes, and much more.  The app requires a subscription and can be a bit pricey, but it’s one of the most capable PDF tools out there.
• ThinkSpace .  While you can use other notetaking apps to create mind maps, ThinkSpace is specifically designed to help you manage this task. Create quick notes, organize them in a spatial way, add visuals, and more. If you’re more of a visual notetaker, ThinkSpace is a great addition to your toolkit.

#caption#Image: Paperlike

#alt#Image of an iPad with a drawing of the word “hello” on it, laying on a lined sheet of paper with an Apple Pencil.

Use Paperlike to make the best notetaking apps for iPad even better

Without a doubt, having the right app can make the difference between success and failure when studying for the next exam or jotting down quick notes in a meeting.

Most of the apps on our list are free apps, so you can try them out and create simple notes and docs (handwritten or otherwise) with absolutely no risk.

If you’re planning to use the Apple Pencil or a similar stylus to take notes on your iPad, don’t forget to pick up a Paperlike so that you can improve your notetaking experience.

Paperlike transforms your screen from slippery glass into something that feels just like a real notepad or notebook so that you can scribble and jot notes with ease.

You can also make your iPad look and feel like your favorite notebook with our Folio Case and reduce hand cramping by using our Pencil Grips .

Download an awesome app, pick up one of our Screen Protectors , and set yourself up for notetaking success.

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15 Best Writing Apps for iPad Every Writer Needs In 2023

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Every writer needs every available tool in their arsenal. But they even need to be able to write on any device – be it a laptop , a digital notebook , phone, or iPad.

Writing apps are indispensable no matter what you’re using. And there are plenty of writing apps for iPad to choose from, but it can be confusing to know which one would work best for your writing projects. 

In this article, we’ll go over the best writing apps for iPad. If you are looking for writing apps for other devices, we discussed it here .

But, in this article, we will explore the special features of each app for Ipad, what type of projects to create, and many other details so that you can select the one that fits your needs. 

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What Is The Best Writing App For IPad?

The best writing app for iPad is Ulysses. It is a powerful distraction-free writing environment that makes it easy to write, store, and manage all of your documents. Ulysses also offers features like Markdown support, iCloud syncing, an intuitive file manager, multiple export options, and more. And lucky you, it is amongst the cheapest on the list.

Other great writing apps for the Ipad include Notability, IA Writer, and Bear. Each of these apps offers a variety of features that make them suitable for different types of writing projects.

That said, the best writing apps for iPad will invariably depend on your writing goals and preferences. But generally, if you are looking for a simple note-taking app, we suggest Notability , while it is super intuitive, it is also minimal and clean .

And if you want something with a more premium feel , IA writer is our top choice . Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive app on the list. But, we think it the best in terms of a distraction-free writing experience and performance. In fact, if we had the money and we were in your situation, we’d surely buy it.

If you do not want to spend money, Bear and OneNote are the best free picks. And If we could make one more suggestion, we think LivingWriter is best if you plan to write a book on your Ipad.

That said, it is best to try out each app yourself to determine which one suits your specific needs the best.

In line with this, we’ve made a list of 15 apps that are perfect for writers using an iPad. Below is the list of best writing apps we determined after testing over 25 apps.

The Best Writing Apps For IPad – Overview

• Best overall – Ulysses
• Best free app – Microsoft OneNote
• Best paid app – GoodNotes
• Best for note-taking – Notability
• Best for markdown notes – Bear
• Best for writing and editing – Grammarly
• Best for writing and drawing – Procreate
• Best handwriting app – Nebo
• Best for book writing – LivingWriter
• Best for poetry – WordPalette
• Best distraction-free writing – iA Writer
• Best for scriptwriting – Storyist
• Best for students – Noteshelf
• Best for task management – Evernote
• Best for journaling – Day One Journal

How I Evaluated Each Tool

I evaluated each tool by checking three main things:

• Functionality
• Ease of use

Since every app works best for different things, the testing criteria varied slightly for each app. For example, Planning Apps have different features than sketching apps, even if you use the two of them for writing. Aside from testing each special feature, the three main things are indispensable.

I tested each app by creating a draft of the writing – a story or an outline.

Text Sample:

Rick is learning to play the ukulele. He practices for one hour each day. During the weekends, he practices for two hours. Rick is very determined to play this musical instrument. He wants to play all of his favorite songs. Rick hopes that by the end of the year, he’ll be a professional ukulele player.

I tried to keep the testing draft as similar as possible to make the evaluation accurate.

The Best Writing Apps for Ipad

Ulysses is the best writing app in the market. Available on multiple platforms, including the iPad, Ulysses is taking the world by storm. Writers from The New York Times, The Guardian, and other influential companies highly recommend this tool.

Ulysses offers a focused writing experience. This app was designed specifically for Apple products, and it’s the best app a writer could use. Their thought-out features will increase your productivity by giving you useful tools and a distraction-free interface that makes the writing process easier.

Not only does the clutter-free interface boost your creativity, but it is also well-designed for most types of writers.

Key Features

• Manage different projects 
• Project Outlines
• Proofreader and editing assistant
• Access background information and other files
• Export files and publish 

My Experience Using Ulysses

Ulysses is, hands-down, the best writing app for the iPad. It is easy to use and useful for all types of projects. I use it to write blogs, essays, and even novels.

The interface is minimalistic. In the image above, you can see the body text on top of a white background. The tab on the right shows the stats of your writing and the goal. On the left, you can access your files, outline, and projects.

Ulysses app has two plans. $39.99 per year, or $5.99 per month. Both plans offer a one-week free trial.

Pros and Cons of Ulysses

Overall, Ulysses is the best app for iPad because it is useful for all kinds of writers. You can try the one-week free trial and see if it fits your needs, but I’m sure you’ll love it.

2. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote

If you have a Microsoft account, you can start using OneNote instantly. This is a free, easy-to-use writing app that works perfectly on the iPad. Many businesses, educators, and students use this app as their one-in-all notebook. 

Microsoft OneNote is flexible, and it helps you keep all of your notes organized in one place. The interface is clean and easy to understand. You won’t have a problem navigating the platform.

Additionally, it is not only available in iOS, but also in Android and Windows. 

• Highlighting
• Ink annotations
• Cross-platform software
• Sharing and collaboration
• Clip and Save

My Experience Using OneNote

OneNote is one of the best writing apps I’ve used on my iPad. It was super easy to set up, all I needed was a Microsoft account and then OneNote was free to use.

This app lets you create texts, sketches, and many other things. As you can see in the image above, there are multiple tools you can use. From keyboard texts, to handwriting notes, highlights, different colors, images, etc. OneNote really has it all.

OneNote is free to use on the iPad. All you need is a Microsoft email account.

Pros and Cons of OneNote

In conclusion, Microsoft OneWord is the best free writing app to use on the iPad because it is free, easy-to-use, and has lots of functions that make taking notes a comfortable experience.

3. GoodNotes

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GoodNotes is one of the top-rated writings apps for the iPad. This app is preferred by students, but it can be used for all types of written content. It was voted the iPad App of the Year on Apple in 2022. 

GoodNotes is perfect for note-taking and using digital documents. Not only does it offer multiple notebook templates and writing tools, you can also use PDF files, highlight, annotate, sketch, and more.

It offers digital paper, which you can use to create all types of content. The interface is easy to understand, and the platforms offers a complete tutorial once you get started.

• Search your handwriting
• Annotate PDFs and PPTs
• Organize your notes
• Personalization options
• Save and reuse elements
• Open documents side-by-side
• Sync with Mac
• Share your notes

My Experience Using GoodNotes

GoodNotes is my all-time favorite. I got an iPad when I started studying for my Masters, and this was the first app I downloaded to keep all of my notes organized and in one place.

As you can see, you can create multiple notebooks and add pages with the design of your choosing. Use your keyboard to add text, or the Apple Pencil to add handwriting. It also includes stickers, highlighters, shapes, images, and much more. 

The app is free to download. The first three notebooks are free. If you want unlimited notebooks , you’ll have to pay $8.99 one-time payment.

Pros and Cons of GoodNotes

GoodNotes is the perfect app if you’re looking to use your iPad as a digital notebook . It has great features for note-taking and reading documents, which are useful for studying or work.

4. Notability

Notability is the strongest app for note-taking in the iPad. When it first came up, it was selected as “Editor’s Choice”. Notability is the perfect app for students and professionals looking for a digital notebook and file reader to annotate. 

This note-taking app is the best for letting your creativity free and take notes as you see fit. They have a wide range of tools and features that make reading and taking notes easy and fun. 

You can create study notes, storyboards, sketches, annotate PDFs, record audios, and more. Out of all the note-taking apps in the market, Notability takes the prize.

• Handwriting
• Present and share your notes
• Record and replay audios

My Experience Using Notability

Notability is another app I used on my iPad when studying for my Master’s degree. It was the best app for reading PDFs, highlighting, annotating, and taking personal notes.

In the image above, you can see what it has to offer. You can type with your keyboard, add your handwriting, use the highlighter and other markers. Additionally, you can add multiple pages to your notebook, and add images, recordings, scanned documents, etc.

You can download Notability for free with limited features. Notability Pro costs $14.99 per year, and it gives you access to all features. 

Pros and Cons of Notability

Overall, Notability is the best app for note-taking because it offers excellent features that are useful for students and working professionals alike. The app is easy to use, and the interface is excellent, no matter what version of iPad you have.

Bear is available on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. It is the best markdown notes app available to Apple devices. If you’re a writer who likes to keep your writing organized and perfectly formatted, Bear is the app for you. 

The app is flexible, perfect for writing notes or prose, no matter where inspiration strikes. Bear app helps you keep your notes organized by linking them to each other and using hashtags. You can even protect private notes with passwords or touch/face ID.

Bear is affordable and easy-to-use. If you’re looking for a new way of taking notes, you should give this a try.

• Advanced markup editor
• Encrypt individual notes
• Images and photos
• Cross-notes links
• Themes and templates
• Multiple export options
• Smart data recognition
• Custom shortcuts
• Multi-device sync

My Experience Using Bear

Bear is a cute app that I discovered recently. I use this app mostly to write blogs and articles. The markdown editor helps me keep everything I write organized and format the body text to my liking.

As you can see, the interface is clean. You can choose the different tools to write and add structure to your text. It even has a focus mode, so you can work without any distractions.

Bear is free to download on the iPad. It has two subscription options : $1.49 per month and $14.99 per year. Both subscriptions offer a one-week free trial. 

Pros and Cons of Bear

All in all, Bear is a fantastic app if you’re looking for a place to write blogs and articles. It helps you keep all of your notes organized and format them to your liking.

6. Grammarly

Many writers already know of and use Grammarly on their computers. The Google Chrome extension is one of the most popular extensions in the market. However, did you know you can also use it on your iPad? Grammarly is available on the iPad to help you write mistake-free.

Grammarly is used and recommended by multiple people from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more. It is simply the best editing app out there.

Grammarly for the iPad gives you real-time suggestions on all of your other apps. You can even sync it with your desktop and iPhone.

• Fix typos and mistakes
• Cut out unnecessary words
• Writing statistics
• Access to cloud storage
• Works in multiple apps
• Sync with other devices

My Experience Using Grammarly

I use Grammarly all the time. I have it installed on my iPad, my laptop, and my phone. It helps me make sure my writing is mistake-free in everything I write. 

The best thing about using Grammarly on the iPad is that it’ll correct typos and mistakes, no matter what app you’re using. You can write emails, take notes, and much more while Grammarly suggests edits on everything you write.

Grammarly is free to download and use. Their premium plan costs $12 per month and it includes special features. They also have a business plan for $15 per member per month.

Pros and Cons of Grammarly

Overall, Grammarly is the best app you can find for editing your writing. It’ll correct mistakes in real time and suggest the best alternatives to make sure your writing is clear.

7. Procreate

Procreate is the best app for content creators who use an iPad. It is an award-winning app. It won the Apple Design Award in 2013 and 2022. This app is an art studio you can take anywhere with you.

While Procreate is mostly used for drawing or sketching, all types of content creators use it. Are you writing a digital comic? Working on an e-book? Procreate is for you.

This app urges you to think bigger, explore a new way to interact, and use digital tools to create something amazing. The app has multiple functions that you can use, and it is extremely easy to use.

• Artistic brushes
• Fully customizable
• Complete color control
• Multi-touch gestures
• Accessibility

My Experience Using Procreate

I use procreate to unleash my creative self. I love using procreate to sketch ideas that I can use for my writing.

Procreate is definitely more an art app than a writing app, but it is still useful for writers. Specially those who work in book illustration or comic creation. This app is easy to learn and intuitive. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to draw properly, Procreate has lots of useful tools that will help you create something beautiful.

Procreate has a one-time fee of $9.99. 

Pros and Cons of Procreate

Procreate is the perfect app if you’re looking for somewhere to draw on your iPad. You can write, draw, sketch, paint, and more with this app. It’s an amazing app.

Nebo is known as one of the best apps to take handwritten notes. In 2021 it was voted the best note-taking app. The App Store selected it as an Amazing App for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. If you’re looking to take handwritten notes, Nebo is the app for you.

It comes with advanced tools and many fully-customizable features. The app is available on Apple products, Windows, and Android. 

You can create notes, use your handwriting on documents, and even annotate PDFs. It’s the perfect app for studying or working.

• Write-to-text conversion
• Pen gestures
• Copy and paste

My Experience Using Nebo

Nebo is a fantastic app to use your Apple Pencil and take notes. 

Seen in the image above, Nebo has a pen and highlighter tools, which are fully customizable. Your handwriting looks neat in each document. Additionally, it has a pen-to-text function, which translate everything you’re writing to the keyboard. 

I love using Nebo to take all of my digital notes. I mostly keep all the texts with my handwriting. It feels almost like using a physical notebook.

Nebo is free on the iPad and Apple Store.

Pros and Cons of Nebo

Nebo is the best app to take handwritten notes. All types of creators can use it, from students to professional writers. It is very versatile. 

9. LivingWriter

LivingWriter

LivingWriter is, hands-down, the most impressive writing app for the iPad. This app was made for authors and novelists, and it helps them start, plot, and write their books. The writing community loves using LivingWriter and recommends it to new and experienced writers.

LivingWriter is changing the game for writers. It has a lot of cool features for the iPad. You can organize and plot your stories with the outlines they provide, or start one from scratch. Their board feature allows you to view all the elements in your story, without having to move back and forth between tabs.

• Drag and drop
• On screen sidebar
• Story Outline templates
• Smart text/story elements
• Writing goals

My Experience Using LivingWriter

LivingWriter is an awesome tool that makes writing novels on my iPad so much easier. 

It isn’t a word processor, but it helps you keep everything organized while you write. You can keep track of each chapter, characters, worldbuilding, and more. Additionally, it has multiple outlines and templates for you to use.

As you can see above, you can write each chapter and access all the additional features with the sidebar. It’s easy to use and has a clean interface.

You can download the app for free and use a 14-day free trial. LivingWriter has two membership plans : $8/per month (pay yearly) and $9.99/per month (pay monthly).

Pros and Cons of LivingWriter 

Overall, LivingWriter is a great app for new and professional novelists and authors looking for an iPad app to keep their plots and characters organized.

10. WordPalette

WordPalette

WordPalette is the best poem-writing app for iPad in 2023. Many user reviews sing praises towards this app because of how creative and fun it is. While relatively a new app, it has the potential of blowing up.

The app describes itself as “Experimental Creative Writing Meets the 21st Century”. They help get over writer’s block by giving you tools that will help you write poems or song lyrics.

It offers a plethora of words in what they called ‘palettes’. They work as word suggestions whenever you don’t know what to write.

• Poetic phrases and words
• Switchable keyboards
• Intuitive sliding panels
• Resourceful palettes of words
• Import and export tools

My Experience Using WordPalette

I don’t write much poetry or song lyrics, but I decided to give WordPalette a try because the word selection caught my attention. 

I loved using this app for writing exercises and to get out of my writing slumps. As you can see in the image above, you can scroll through each row on the palette to find new words. 

My favorite feature was the import tool, which allowed me to add words from my favorite poems and lyrics. 

WordPalette is free to download on the iPad. 

Pros and Cons of WordPalette

As you can see, WordPalette is a simple app with great features. It’s the perfect app for songwriters and poets looking for new ideas and inspiration.

11. iA Writer

iA Writer won “Best App” on the App Store four times, and it is a fan favorite for many writers. The app advertises itself as “laser-focused writing”, and it is basically the best distraction-free writing app for the iPad.

iA Writer offers a focused environment where any writer can create freely. It has multiple modes (Focus, Markdown, etc), so it works for all types of content. You can write blogs, articles, essays, and iA Writer will help you polish them and make them look perfect. 

• Easy navigation between documents
• Syntax Highlight
• Style check

My Experience Using iA Writer

iA Writer is an all-in-one app. It has a small learning curve, but once you get used to it and know the basic functions, it is very easy to use. 

The Focus Mode is my favorite. It dims everything on the screen, except for the line I’m currently writing. Out of all the distraction-free apps I’ve used, iA Writer is the most effective.

You can purchase iA Writer with a one-time payment of $49.99.

Pros and Cons of iA Writer

Overall, iA Writer is a fantastic app to stay focused while you write. It is the best distraction-free iPad app on the market and definitely worth a try.

12. Storyist

There are many great choices for scriptwriting, but Storyist is one of the best. In 2018, Storyist was voted the most popular app among creative writers. This is the perfect app for screenwriters and novels alike.

Storyist has a simple interface and it is very user-friendly. Unlike most word processors, Storyist helps you keep track of plot, characters, settings, and more. It makes everything accessible so that you can focus on telling the story you want to tell. 

It offers formatting options, script tracking tools, scene management, and many other features that make the writing process easy and effective.

• Text editor and images
• Formatting options
• Scripts and manuscripts Templates
• Files app support
• Navigation sidebar
• Import and export

My Experience Using Storyist

My favorite part about Storyist is all the templates it has. They might not be many options, but the ones it offers are enough.

In the image above, you can see the one of the templates for screenwriting. On the column on the left, you can access the elements of your script like characters, settings, etc. On the right, you write your script. 

You can download Storyist for free from the Apple Store and enjoy a 14-day free trial. After the free trial, there’s a $19 one-time payment.

Pros and Cons of Storyist

All in all, Storyist is the perfect app if you’re looking to write scripts on your iPad. It’s a clean, distraction-free app that is easy to use.

13. Noteshelf

Noteshelf is a handwriting note-taking app perfect for students. The New York Times called it “A fabulous option for both students and professionals”. It is highly recommended by many because of all the features it has to offer.

The platform simplifies the action of taking digital notes by offering a wide range of tools you can use. You can create handwritten notes, sketches, record audio, organize your notes, and more.

It is available for iPadOS, and iOS. Additionally, it is available on Android.

• Record audios
• Markup PDFs
• Geometric shapes
• Covers and templates

My Experience Using Noteshelf

Noteshelf is fantastic for taking notes. This is another app I use when studying for my Master’s. I liked some tools better than other note-taking apps because they felt smoother and cleaner when I used my Apple Pencil.

As you can see above, the toolbar is at the top. They have different sizes and options for pens, markers, and highlighters. You can use your Apple Pencil to take handwritten notes, or use your keyboard. 

Noteself has a one-time cost of $9.99.

Pros and Cons of Noteshelf

Overall, Noteshelf is the best iPad writing app for students because it has amazing handwriting features that are perfect for taking notes and studying.

14. Evernote

Evernote is one of the best writing apps for iPad. It is highly recommended by Forbes, The Verge, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. It’s the perfect app for having all your projects, notes, tasks, and schedule in one place.

It is one of the most popular writing apps, and for good reason. It was designed to help you focus on your tasks and work without any distractions.

Evernote helps you organize your documents, write down notes, and keep up with your schedule. If you’re looking for a writing app that also works as a task manager, Evernote is for you.

• Sync and organize
• Web clipper
• Document scanner

My Experience Using Evernote

Evernote is amazing, I love using it. It is compatible with both my Apple Pencil and my wireless keyboard. All the features are super useful. You can scan documents and add them to your notes, and even add web clippings. 

The calendar and schedule features helped me keep track of all my tasks, so I could finish them in time. Evernote is perfect!

Evernote is free to download and use on the iPad. They have two premium plans with special features: Professional for $10.99/month and Teams for $14.99/month per user.

Pros and Cons of Evernote

In summary, Evernote is a great app to use on the iPad. It will help you keep track of all your tasks, take notes, and stay organized. It’s perfect for students and professionals alike.

15. Day One Journal

Day One Journal

Day One Journal is the #1 journaling app for the iPad. It won the App of the Year, Apple Editor’s Choice, and Apple Design Award. If you’re looking for an app to do digital journaling, One Day Journal is the one for you.

This app is beautifully designed. The layout is perfect to help you focus in writing what’s on your mind. It has many options on how to journal: photos, quotes, memories, etc. 

Plus, the app is not just available on the iPad, it is also available on Mac, iPhone, and Android.

• Unlimited text entries
• Create different journals
• Automatic backups
• Export options
• Unlimited photos and videos
• Instagram importer
• Handwriting and dictation

My Experience Using One Day Journal

One Day Journal is a beautiful app which I love to use as a personal journal. My favorite feature is the security measures. You can keep all your journal entries locked under passcode, and sync them with other devices so that I can access them wherever I want. 

As you can see in the image above, the writing screen is clean and distraction-free. Adding media like photos, videos, and audios is super easy. You can also move between entries with no problems. 

You can download One Day Journal for free and try it out with limited options. The premium plan costs $2.92/month, billed annually. The app offers a one-month free trial.

Pros and Cons of One Day Journal

One Day Journal is the perfect app for writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make journaling part of their day-to-day life.

Comparison of the Writing Apps for iPad

Here you can see all the best features of the best writing apps for iPad:

What are writing apps for iPad?

A writing app for iPad is that which works for the iOS operating system. There are multiple apps available in the Apple Store that can make your creative process easier. Some of these apps are free, while others are paid. 

A writing app on the iPad will help you write on your device without the need of any additional software or device.

Should You Use An IPad For Writing?

Yes. iPads are perfect for writers. You should use an iPad for writing because it’s the perfect combination of writing on a computer and writing by hand. You can use a keyboard or an Apple Pencil to create all types of content.

It might take some getting used to, but once you’re comfortable using a rubber keyboard and an Apple Pencil, writing on the iPad is easy.

How To Choose The Best Writing App For IPad

Choosing the best writing app for your iPad will depend on your needs and what type of content you’re writing. Generally, you want an app that has these things:

• Sufficient screen size: If the app is too busy with tools and features, then it might cause distractions and hurt your writing. 
• Compatible with your accessories: You need an app that will recognize your keyboard or Apple Pencil so that your experience is better.
• User-Friendly: Having an app that’s easy to understand is always best so that you can start using it without the need of a tutorial.
• Price: Some apps are free, but others cost money. Make sure the price is adequate to everything it has to offer.

Benefits Of Writing With iPad 

Writing on iPad is different from writing on paper, but can still be beneficial for you. Here are some of these benefits:

• It’s easy to archive and retrieve: since everything digital, you can retrieve any documents you deleted and use them again.
• It is cost-efficient: Using an iPad, you’re saving on all costs that might come from paper, fancy pens and markers.
• Customization: Writing on iPad brings many customization options without having to spend money or time. 

The Best Writing Apps for iPad Video

Writing Apps for iPad FAQs

Can you write on an ipad.

Yes! You can use your Apple Pencil to use handwriting or a wireless keyboard to type.

How Can I Use My IPad As A Writer?

Definitely. An iPad is a fantastic tool for writers to use because they’re small, easy to carry, and easy to use.

Is There A Free Writing App For IPad?

Yes. In fact, there are multiple free writing apps for iPad. We recommend you use Microsoft OneNote or Nebo.

Is GoodNotes Or Notability Better?

Both apps are good for different reasons. Notability is better for note-taking, while GoodNotes is better for handwriting.

Can IPad Convert Handwriting To Text?

Yes, many writing apps have a pen-to-text feature.

How Do You Turn On Writing Mode On IPad?

Final Word On Writing Apps for iPad

If you’re a writer, you need to be able to write on any device, including the iPad. Using an iPad is an amazing way to write comfortably wherever you are. 

If you haven’t tried writing on iPad, why not give it a try with one of these apps? You’ll create all types of written content from the comfort of your device.

Chioma Ezeh is an author, digital marketer, business coach, and the founder of chiomaezeh.com, a blog that teaches how to build successful online businesses. Get in touch.

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Best iPad Pro notetaking app of 2024

Leave the pen and paper at home with one of the best note-taking app choices around

Best overall

Best all-purpose, best for handwriting, best advanced, best general, how we test.

The best note-taking apps for the iPad Pro make it simple and easy to manage and set up notes and documents on your iPad.

1. Best overall 2. Best all-purpose 3. Best for handwriting 4. Best advanced 5. Best general 6. FAQs 7. How we test

Although Apple provides its own Notes app with the iPad, that app only provides basic note-taking functionality. If you want to start managing files and folders and including multimedia options, you'll need to look for something different.

Luckily, there are other note-taking applications developed specifically for use on the iPad Pro which provide more advanced options. This can be especially useful when the iPad Pro has long been promoted as a useful productivity tool.

Therefore look to the third-party software we feature below to extend its use and application for a range of business purposes, as well as provide value and purpose for general consumers.

Google Workspace : Collaboration + productivity apps There are many different office software suites but Google Workspace formerly known as G Suite remains the original cloud one and one of the best business office suites, offering a huge range of features and functionality that rivals can't match. Try it free for 14 days .

A particular advantage that the best note-taking apps offer is multimedia feature management, so you don't just have to work with text but can also add in images, video, and audio. These apps work across the range of iPads .

Below then we list what we think are the best note-taking app for iPad devices currently available.

We've also feature the best iPad deals .

The best iPad Pro notetaking apps of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Evernote

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

For those looking for a note-taking platform that works with their iPad Pro, but also Android devices, Evernote straddles the two mobile platforms with ease.

Evernote is a great app to collect multiple inputs, including images, text notes, recorded messages, and clippings of web pages - all in one file for storage and collaboration. They can then be accessed via the iPad Pro, Android, or a PC though the web browser interface for ease of workflow. Also, a further boon is that the notes are searchable.  

The iOS app is free, and offers in-app purchases. However, the free product is restricted to syncing only two devices, and uploads are limited to just 60MB per month. Step up to the Premium tier to sync all your devices, gain a more generous 10GB of uploads in a month, as well as the additional features of live chat support, and offline access to your notes. Alternatively, for collaborations, there's a business plan with increased limits and additional features. 

Read our full Evernote review .

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2. Notability

Notability from Ginger Labs, is an excellent, general purpose note-taking app for the iOS platform. It has won multiple awards over the last several years.  

This app allows the user to combine multiple inputs, including typing, sketching, handwriting and photos, in a single place. 

Notability supports the editing and exporting to PDF, and supports many other document file formats. Files are synced to iCloud and users can share files with other users via email, and cloud-based services including AirDrop, Google Drive and Dropbox. 

The app also supports multiple other features including simultaneous audio recording and the conversion of handwriting and math equations to text.

The app is free to use, but you can unlock additional features and functionality with a monthly or annual subscription.

Overall, Notability is an extremely versatile app which can be used for more than just taking notes. And, when you do take notes with this app, Notability makes it easy to export and share your notes to other software platforms and people as required. 

3. GoodNotes

Those who want to use their iPad Pro to easily take handwritten notes should check out GoodNotes. With the focus on handwriting, this app makes it easy to enter complex mathematics and chemical formulas that can border on the impossible via a traditional keyboard.

The GoodNotes approach can also be used to annotate PDFs, plus you can search handwritten notes and convert handwriting into text. The notes are also synced via iCloud, and can be backed up to your choice of cloud providers, including Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box.  

The app is free to use, but limits you to 3 notebooks. To unlock unlimited notebooks, document import, and handwriting recognition, there's a one-time fee.

For note-takers with needs that go beyond the basic, Nebo can handle the challenge. While plenty of note-taking apps allow text to be entered, Nebo can also easily structure notes, allowing you to add paragraphs, titles and bullet lists for organization.

It also handles ‘rich content,’ such as diagrams, sketches (with different colors and pen widths), flow charts, and formulas, letting you integrate them into the document. Once completed, documents can be exported in a variety of formats, including Word, PDF, and even HTML.  

Nebo is available for multiple platforms, including Windows 10 , Android, and of course iOS.

Whink is an iOS app that is equally at home taking notes via handwriting, as it is with text. Whether you prefer to write with a stylus, type text, or draw with a finger, Whink makes the process as simple as using real paper.

Other media can be added and incorporated including photos, diagrams with colors and “perfect geometric shapes”. Documents can also be marked up, and it supports multi-tasking so notes can be taken while reading another document (we have witnessed folks walking around with two tablets to accomplish this feat when it is not supported).  

Also consider these note-taking apps:

The success of the iPad and iPad Pro mean there are a lot of apps available for similar functions, and note taking is no different. Different apps focus on different areas, such as just text, rich text editing, including images, sketching images, and even integration with other platforms. We'll consider additional options which take the simple idea of making notes and expand on it:

Zoho Notebook is a powerful app for taking notes, editing text documents (such as Word or PDF files), adding images or creating sketches, spreadsheets, and even including audio recordings - all in the same note file. This makes it particularly versatile, and all saved files are synced your devices in the cloud. Even better it's free, and there are no ads.

OneNote may be a Microsoft production, but it's a full-featured digital notepad for the iPad Pro and other iOS devices. Aside from the fact that it has a lot of functionality - and it's free - it also integrates with Microsoft Office, which could be a big plus for a lot of people.

PDF Expert isn't anywhere near as comprehensive as the above programs for working with text. Instead, it's focused only on working with PDF files, not least annotating, highlighting, or signing them. It's only a simple feature-set, but PDF Expert does it well. It's frequently cited as the best app for working specifically with PDF files. 

Bear is a decent note-taking app for people who use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Thanks to the user-friendly interface, using the app is an enjoyable experience. The relative affordability is also something we commend.

Which iPad Pro notetaking app is best for you?

When deciding which iPad Pro notetaking apps to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are. For example, are you planning to keep your notes mostly as plain text notes, or do you need to add media to them? Additionally, do you need to use your notes in other software such as Microsoft Word? Are you happy to just save locally or in the cloud? In such instances, you will need to look at the features to see whether the app satisfactorily answers such questions or not.

To test for the best iPad Pro notetaking apps we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, then we tested the app to see what sort of features and tools were available for our notes. We also looked to see if we could export our notes to other platforms, and also share them with other users. The aim was to push each software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced options.

See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .  

Additionally, you might like to take a look at the best free iPad apps.

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5 Best Writing Apps for iPad users that are popular with Students

We are all aware of the importance of old-school writing tools like pen and paper. However, with today’s technological advancements, we can’t avoid the need to write on smart devices like our MacBook or iPad. Recently, however, the latter of the two has been receiving more and more attention.

With the proliferation of Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad and the growing arsenal of desktop-like features in iPadOS, the productivity of writers working with iOS devices can increase tremendously, mainly because the iPad is easier to use and carry around compared to a laptop. This is the reason why many writers nowadays prefer or consider Bluetooth keyboards for their iPads.

The idea of using the iPad as a powerful writing tool excites the most demanding writers, especially when they can choose from dozens of writing apps. Students are often interested in novelties because such apps are helpful in their studies. If you need to write a good speech or other writing assignments, install one of these apps on your iPad or turn to write a speech for me online to get great results.

Today I’m going to walk you through the best writing apps for iPad , such as:

• Outlinely – Outliner & Notes

Let’s see the features of each writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone:

1. ULYSSES  – Best writing environment for Mac, iPhone and iPad

Whether you love writing on iPad, iPhone, or Mac, Ulysses, Apple’s award-winning app will never disappoint you. It provides you with a seamless, enjoyable, and memorable writing experience, making it one of the best writing apps for iPad. It has innumerable features like effective document management, flexible reports, and seamless syncing that make writers go crazy for these features.

It has a distraction-free editor that lets you focus on writing, editing, and more writing! Regardless of the size of your writing project, you can easily save and access them at any time. And if you’re a blogger, publishing to WordPress, Ghost, and Medium with enticing images is easy. Whatever you write, it never interferes with your writing process.

• Best Plagiarism Checkers for students
• Best Writing Software for Mac – Writing Apps
• 5 Most Useful Apps for Students

It’s a text editor with a lot of features that help you stay organized and productive.

The app has an impressive array of tools for managing your writing projects. You can import documents from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Evernote; create new documents from scratch; or import them from other apps on your iPad.

If you’re working on multiple projects at once, ULYSSES can help you keep track of everything by letting you organize your work in folders and subfolders. You can even add tags to make it easier to sort through everything later on.

Here are some of the most important features:

• Distraction-free full screen mode
• Full Markdown compatibility
• Multiple library management systems (including local, iCloud and Dropbox)
• Multi-level undo and redo
• Automatic word count tracking with optional statistics (word, character, page and lines counts)
• Full support for text encoding in many languages

The app also comes with built-in support for Markdown, which means that if you want to write in plain text but still format things like bold words or italics, it’s easy to do so within ULYSSES’ interface.

If you are looking to write the next great American novel, or perhaps a lengthy manifesto that you want to be taken seriously, then ULYSSES is one app worth checking out. While this may not be the right writing app for everyone, those who stick to extensive pieces will find it a helpful and comfortable program.

➡  Best MacBook for college Students 

You can Download the Ulysses app from the App Store for free.

 2. BEAR  – iPad Writing app for writers, lawyers, engineers, students

BEAR is the most powerful, flexible and easy to use writing app for iPad.

When it comes to using a flexible and focused writing app, especially for bloggers, aspiring writers, and students, Bear is a great choice. It offers writers quick organization, editing tools, and export options for writing and sharing anywhere.

Not only can you write, but it’s also a great tool for sketching and drawing. It is rightly considered one of the best iPad apps for writers with easy syncing for all your devices. You can also sync your notes between Mac, iPad, and iPhone Apple Watch.

Bear doesn’t just look good — it’s a fantastic writing experience. It’s easy to use, but also powerful enough to handle everything you throw at it.

Bear has been used by tens of millions of people around the world to take notes, create checklists and make lists. They’ve also added full text search and many other features that let you get more out of your notes than ever before.

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BEAR’s features include:

• A distraction-free environment. Focus Mode hides everything except the current page, so you can’t get distracted.
• A customizable writing environment. The editor displays your text in Markdown, with syntax highlighting and auto-detection of lists, headings, quotes and more so you can focus on what’s important — your words!
• Easy export of your work in PDF or HTML format. You can export one file or multiple files from within BEAR and send them to any destination you choose, including other apps on your iPad, Dropbox or Google Drive accounts.
• Cross-platform syncing with iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive
• A dark mode that helps reduce eye strain when working late into the night
• Full text formatting (bold, italic, underlined) with support for over 500 different HTML entities
• Link support (including URLs and email addresses) so you can share links from your notes using other apps like Messages or Mail
• Tap and hold on a word to see more synonyms.
• Drag and drop images into your documents.
• Focus timer to help you stay in the zone
• Real-time word counts for each paragraph (optionally displayed as percentages of the current target word count)
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts (e.g., ⌘ + N to start a new paragraph)

With BEAR, you can write easily, with all the functionality of a desktop word processor:

You can type text quickly and accurately using our full-featured keyboard, which includes shortcuts like Ctrl+C/V/X/Z and Tab for indenting paragraphs and lists.

You can create new notes in seconds by typing a title and pressing Return or Enter; everything else will be added automatically. If you prefer, you can also add notes via the “New Note” button in the top bar (you can even switch between these two ways by using two fingers on the screen).

When you’re writing long documents with lots of different sections — blog posts, research papers etc — it’s easy to jump around your document using our navigation bar at the bottom of the screen (or just use two fingers on your trackpad). You can also move through your notes quickly by swiping left or right on the keyboard or trackpad (or using two fingers).

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BEAR is a great writing app for students. It is easy to use, has a clean and well-organized interface, and has Apple Pencil support. The app also allows students to have access to their work offline. Students can easily import documents in different file formats, while the iCloud sync feature keeps users updated with changes in their documents. Students can also enlist the help of teachers by having them access the app via its built-in Classroom integration.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use writing app to make the creative process more fluid, then BEAR is worth a shot. It has a variety of tools to help your ideas come to life in a fluid environment, and I’ve come to rely on it daily in my own writing habits. BEAR isn’t the most feature-rich program I’ve ever used, but it fits the niche that it sets out to fill very effectively. If you’re looking for something more robust, check out ideasheets like Scrivener, or Microsoft Word for iPad. But if you’re just looking for something to help clean things up on the go, BEAR will suit you just fine.

Download the Bear app from the App Store for free here. Additional features are available by monthly subscription.

 3. IA WRITER  – Distraction free iPad Writing App

For writers looking for a simple, clean, and focused writing environment, iA Writer is the best option. While earning the status of one of the best useful apps for iPad, it eliminates distractions and gives you a calm and quiet writing space. And when you need to focus on the flow and paragraphs, the focus mode dims everything else.

The developers at IAWriter have created an app that expertly combines the ability to write for long amounts of time, with the goal of maximizing productivity, into an engaging iPad experience. In essence, IAWriter allows anyone to journal or write anything on their iPad, which is an experience not readily available on many other apps. The app allows you to use gestures throughout the writing process and it is quite clean and beautifully designed. It can also be synced with Dropbox to make it easier to transfer your work between your devices.

➡ 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy an iPad for a Student

IA Writer features a clean, distraction-free interface with a font that is easy to read. Markdown is applied to any text that is entered. This app also includes iCloud support. For those who want to use this app to write code, you can do so as well since IA Writer allows the user to embed Markdown source code.

IA Writer for iPad features:

• Minimalistic and distraction-free interface with beautiful typography
• Powerful yet simple Markdown engine to format your text without having to deal with codes
• Unlimited undos and redos history so that you can freely experiment with your texts without fear of losing anything
• Time-tracking feature that lets you know how much time you have spent on each of your projects
• Fullscreen Mode (including split screen)
• Live word and character counts
• Full Markdown Support: Headers, Bold, Italic, Lists, Quotes and more…
• File Browser with Dropbox integration
• Dark Mode for night time reading
• Toggle between rich text and Markdown
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts for all actions
• Two pane view with live preview of your Markdown text
• Automatic saving, versioning, document statistics.
• IA Writer can be completely customized with custom fonts, colors, line-spacing, and typing sounds.

The app’s auto-save feature can be set at intervals of one minute to ten minutes allowing the user not to worry about losing their work even if they leave their writing session suddenly. This app will not force users to adjust their writing style or habits making it a versatile tool for many people.

You can quickly switch between documents, and if you hold down the command keyboard, you can select a layout of your choice. Whether it’s day or night, the inverted light-dark mode. Moreover, your proofreading skills will be improved as you can easily identify weak verbs, redundant adjectives, incorrect conjunctions, and repetitive nouns.

IA Writer is a good option for those who want to be free from distractions and concentrate solely on the content at hand. Its clean interface and intuitive design make it a solid choice for students, journalists, novelists, and anybody else who is pursuing writing as their craft. It’s easy to use, unique features like live collaboration sets it apart from other word processors, and you can get the job done without breaking the bank.

If you want to make writing more of a concentrated and streamlined experience, IA Writer is a great option. It’s not quite as robust as the previously mentioned apps, but it can get the job done. All around, it’s something that every writer should have on their iPad, especially since many of us already do.

IA Writer is available in the App Store for $8.99.

 4. Outlinely – Organize your notes with this iPad Writing App

What is a writer’s most valuable asset? Knowledge and ideas, of course. And if you need a guardian of this asset, I can think of nothing else but Outliner & notes! If you want to keep your notes, ideas, thoughts, and tasks safe and accessible, this app offers you the right document management system, writing tools, and design.

Outliner & notes is compatible with all your Apple devices like Mac, iPhone, and iPad, and use iCloud to easily sync all your documents. Even if your next writing project is a large and complex one, you can keep it in a hierarchical structure in organized folders. Need to edit, drag and drop ideas? No problem at all. With its extensive writing and sketching features, it’s the duo of an outliner and a writing tool!

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Simple & Intuitive: Outlinely has been designed with simplicity in mind. The app has minimalistic interface with just the right amount of features to make it easy to use.

Easy to Use : Outlinely lets you create unlimited outlines and notes, collaborate with others, share your work publicly or privately, and even export your notes as PDF or Word documents.

Collaborate With Others : You can invite other users to collaborate on your outlines via email or social media accounts like Twitter, Facebook, Google+ etc.

• Outlinely is a simple and powerful outliner for notes and creative writing.
• Create as many folders, sub-folders, documents and sheets as you need.
• Outlinely has a bunch of great features and keyboard shortcuts so you can work fast.
• Easily move, merge or re-order document or sheet sections using drag & drop.
• Keep your folder structure clean with our built-in search engine.
• Organize your folders and documents with colors.
• Share your work on Dropbox or Evernote.
• Outlinely is designed to be easy to use and never get in your way while you are working on your notes.
• It supports Markdown, Plain Text, HTML & CSV formats
• Set up your notes quickly with Markdown and keep your fingers on the keyboard.
• Focus on what matters – your content. Easy-to-navigate notes, no clutter.
• Instantly convert outlines into slideshows or mind maps.
• Get a productivity boost from distraction free mode and focus mode.
• Quickly move items between lists, indent, outdent, etc., with keyboard shortcuts.
• Use templates for common research or writing projects like argumentative essays, stories, books and more.
• Explore the built-in Wikidata and Wikipedia search to discover new topics and facts about them.
• Outlinely is an incredibly simple yet powerful tool to help you write more effectively.

This app is ideal for iPad owners who need a powerful tool that lets them build outlines and notes from scratch using the easy drag and drop interface. The way Outlinely has been optimised for tablets allows you to have your notes and thoughts laid out in a nice, neat manner using as much screen space as possible. Overall – definitely worth checking out if you need a notebook style app that’s easy to navigate.

In short: Outlinely is a free and simple writing app that gives you options to format your text in different styles. Though it doesn’t provide all the options available in desktop applications, it can be a quick and convenient way to take notes, write fiction or even design websites or apps. You can export your documents as plain HTML files or PDFs, but that’s not doing justice to the app. With Outlinely you can become more productive if you put your iPad near a keyboard and simply write.

You can download the Outliner & notes app from the App Store for free.

5. Byword – Markdown Writing App for iPad

Byword is another one of the best writing apps for iPad and iPhone that makes writing on your iPhone and iPad easier. You can take your documents offline and access them anytime. In low light conditions, you can select the dark topics.

It also provides support for markdowns like footnotes, tables, and cross-references. You can also export the documents to PDF and HTML. It is simple and easy to publish your texts to Medium, Tumblr, WordPress, or Evernote. Byword lets you multitask easily since you can split the screen on your iPad. There is VoiceOver support for users with visual impairments.

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Byword is available on the available App Store for $5.99.

Each app has features that are useful for modern writers. Surely such apps are used by experts of the best writing services to facilitate their work. My favorite app is IAwriter. What’s yours? 

How to decide

The first thing you should do when looking for an application is identify your needs. Do you want a word processor that allows you to write and edit text? Or do you want something with more advanced features, like formatting or online collaboration?

The answer lies in the features each app offers. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important that you know what to look for before you buy. Here are some questions to ask yourself when shopping for a writing app:

Advantages of Writing Apps:

• No distractions – An app like WritePad can be used completely offline, so there won’t be any temptation to reach out and check emails or social media updates while trying to write something new. This means no distractions while writing or editing your work!
• Easy access – Most apps have some kind of cloud storage built-in so you don’t even have to worry about saving files on your computer or deleting them from your device once they’ve been uploaded online.
• Unlimited storage – Many apps offer unlimited storage space so you don’t have to worry about running out of room on your device (and paying for more!).

What features should look for?

There are numerous criteria by which you can evaluate different apps, but here are the ones I think are most important:

Text editing — How easy is it to type and edit text? Ability to format — Can you change fonts, styles, colors and more? Export options — Does the app have an export function? Collaboration features — Can multiple people work on the same document at once? iCloud support — Does it sync automatically with iCloud so that all devices have access to the same files? Store integration — Does it integrate with Apple’s App Store or Google Play so that users can download new features automatically?

Decide on your intended purpose – Do you want to write a novel? Or are you just looking for a way to keep notes on your shopping list? If you’re writing a novel, would you like the app to provide suggestions for plot twists? If not, then perhaps something simpler would suffice.

Look at reviews – Check out user reviews in the App Store before downloading an app. Be wary of apps with fewer than 20 ratings because they may not have been around long enough for people to have had time to give them honest feedback. Also look at what people say about customer service; if there are many complaints about this issue, then it may be worth considering another app instead.

Writing Apps Allows multi-tasking

Writing Apps allows you to do more than just write. If you’re writing a paper or article, it can be hard to keep track of all the sources you used. Researching and note taking are two important activities that can take up a lot of time in the writing process. The best writing apps for iPad allow you to get these tasks done quickly and efficiently with the help of your device.

Writing Apps Supports all kinds of writing – essays, articles, legal etc.

A good writing app is easy to understand, even if you’ve never used it before. It should have a simple interface that doesn’t require any learning curve. If you’re looking for an app that can help you with your next paper, then this is very important. You don’t want to spend half an hour just trying to figure out how it works!

Not all writing apps are created equal, so look for one that has plenty of features and tools available at your fingertips. This means that you’ll be able to get more done in less time, which is always a good thing! Some of these features include spellcheckers, grammar checkers, automatic citations and much more!

Support all kinds of writing – essays, articles, legal etc.

Provide real-time feedback on the quality of your work (grammar and punctuation).

Let you easily add images, tables and hyperlinks to your documents.

Allow you to easily share documents with others on the web or in the app itself.

No distractions

Many writers struggle with the temptation to open other apps, or check email or social media. You want an app that lets you stay focused on what’s important. There are no ads, no pop-ups and no other distractions. You can focus on your work and nothing else.

Writing Apps can help you with spelling, grammar, and copy-editing.

Writing apps can help you with all of that.

There are plenty of apps that can check your spelling for you, but most of them offer only limited support for grammar and punctuation as well. Spellcheck Plus can do all three, plus it offers an extensive dictionary that includes technical terms and slang. And it works with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Evernote and other word processors.

For grammar support, Grammarly is a popular option among writers because it integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word and other desktop writing programs. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox so you can check your work as you go. Other grammar-checking tools include Ginger and Editorially.

Copy-editing

If you want more than just spell checking and grammar checking, there are several full-featured editing apps available as well. Grammar Coach helps writers improve their writing skills through quizzes on common errors in English grammar and style.

ideas – The Inspiration app gives you random prompts to get your creative juices flowing. It also has a feature where you can share ideas with other users, which can be helpful if you’re working on a group project.

Writing Apps can help you with organization, formatting, and publishing.

Organization

The first thing you should do is organize your writing. You may need to create folders for each chapter or even sections within a chapter. You can do this by creating subfolders in the same folder as your book and then dragging files into them. You can also use tags to label sections on certain pages. For example, if you have a section that’s about recipes and you want to organize them by type, you can create a tag called “recipe” and then apply it to all of the recipes in that section.

You’ll also probably want to format your book so that it looks professional and easy-to-read. You can do this by selecting text in your document and choosing the style that you want from the dropdown menu at the top of your screen. If there isn’t an option for what you want, then you can add one manually by using HTML code (like). This is useful when you want to quickly change the size of headings or fonts throughout your document without having to select them individually every time.

Editing and proofreading . They also offer other tools, such as word counts and character counts, as well as options to share your work on social media or email it to someone else. Some of these apps will even help you find new ways to market your writing.

There is no one application that is right for everyone.

There is no one application that is right for everyone. Different writing apps have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you will depend on your needs.

For example, if you’re looking for an app to help you write a novel, Storyist may be the best choice for you. If you’re looking for an app that helps you keep track of all your writing projects, Ulysses or Scrivener may be the best option. And if you want to focus on creative writing rather than story planning and organization, iA Writer may be a better fit.

The list goes on and on – there are dozens of great writing apps out there!

For aspiring authors and bloggers, the iPad is an invaluable tool that enables them to create compelling prose wherever they are. The incredible power of cloud storage connects these applications with the greater resources on the internet, and makes it easy for users to find helpful formatting tips from the wealth of material available online.

The five writing apps profiled above exhibit a wide range of features and functionality, but each one of them is perfectly suited for a specific subset of users. Of course, many writers have their own unique process, but it may be possible to find a writing app that matches your own style and needs for your next project.

All of these options are fantastic for those who value their writing and need a good tool for editing or expanding their works. If this is you, then you would be wise to take a close look at what each of these apps have to offer. Consider your budget constraints, learning style, and general needs when choosing the app that’s right for you. All in all, these apps will help you boost your productivity while refining your writing skills.

In the end, the best writing App will likely depend on your needs as a writer. For example, you might be looking for a simple notepad or to-do app, which both have similar features but different focuses. However, if you’re looking for an app with more features and a focus on actual writing, there are plenty of options without any true “bad” choices. In other words, don’t let price deter you from one service or another; try out each one and see which one is best for your needs and preferences. Then enjoy using it as you write to your heart’s content!

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The best note-taking apps for iPad: Digitize your notes

Did you upgrade from a spiral notebook to an iPad? For many of us, an iPad is the perfect work, school, or personal tech companion to a laptop to level up daily productivity. If you love the tactile feeling of writing notes on paper, or it's your preferred study method, you won't have to sacrifice. The iPad is equipped with a native Notes app, and third-party developers offer tons of specialized, detailed, and upgraded app experiences for taking notes on your Apple tablet. 

Also: The best iPad stylus for your iPad  

But with hundreds of notebook-style apps on the market, it's hard to know which are worth your time or fit your needs. No one wants to waste time testing different apps and jumping ship until finding what works best. That's why we went hands-on with over a dozen note-taking apps for the iPad, keeping in mind cost, functionality, practicality, and design while focusing on apps that level up the hand-written note-taking experience. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy  

What's the best note-taking app right now? 

Our pick for the best note-taking app overall goes to Notability for its tiered plan offerings, multiple pen styles, added format and design tools, and easy-to-use interface. But tons of apps are available for note-taking on your iPad, and some are suited to different wants and needs. See how Notability compares to our other top note-taking apps for studying, tool variability, and more. 

The best note-taking apps for iPad in 2024

Best ipad note-taking app overall.

• Supports multiple formats and pen styles
• Good free version
• Templates available
• PDF editing
• Tiered subscription options, but no one-time purchase option
• Limited stylus compatibility for use of Ink
• iCloud sync for subscribers only

Notability is widely regarded as one of the best note-taking apps for iPad, thanks to a simple interface matched by powerful capability. Notes are no longer just notes when you can add different forms of multimedia, like audio and video. 

Also: The best iPad models you can buy

It melds several different types of note-taking apps for iPad, offering the ability to take notes, create a journal, or utilize special tools like ink and highlighter. It allows not only note-taking but also PDF annotation. This is a convenient additional feature for students and professionals who spend time reviewing and working with PDF documents. 

Francois Gouelo uses Notability to help him in his role as owner of Enso Connect . "I've found Notability to be an invaluable tool in managing my business and helping us take our guest hosting game to the next level," he says, adding that it has significantly streamlined his workflow. "This versatility has been a game-changer in terms of productivity."

When I tested Notability, I immediately preferred it over other options because it was so easy to use. The app is arranged thoughtfully, and all the essential tools needed while jotting down notes are conveniently at the top of the screen. Plus, I appreciated the ability to use templates right away (even with just the free version). It brings the notebook experience to life and makes it fun. 

You can also upload your document or slide to begin. The app is specifically compatible with Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon for specific tools like ink (I tested using the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen). When you first create an account, you'll be limited to the free plan, which offers a decent amount for free, but your note edits are still limited until you subscribe to a paid option if you want access to extended features. While there are several tiered subscription options, though there isn't a one-time payment option, which is a downside compared to alternatives like Goodnotes 6. 

Several users on Reddit said they recommended Notability for note-taking, with one user emphasizing the all-in-one nature of the app. "Notability is better if you will be using the notes app for anything besides just writing (drawings, diagrams, math). The dotted line tool sealed the deal for me; as an engineering student, I use it quite often," one Redditor said. 

As an editor, notes are primarily notes to me, but Notability's multifunctions greatly set it apart from other users. My closest friend is an AP statistics teacher in New Jersey, and she says there's nothing better than making answer keys and worksheets for her classes. She swears by Notability for in-class demonstrations on her projector while student teaching. 

Notability key features:  Price: $5/month or $15/year (other plans available) | Available app for Mac, iPhone, iPad | Templates | Customize notes with images, text, audio, and more | Import and mark-up PDFs and other docs | Store and organize notes | Math Conversion technology

Best iPad note-taking and productivity duo app

• Efficient workflow and notes app in one
• Numerous tiered subscription plans
• Multi-platform capabilities
• Good basic note-taking
• Limited storage under the free plan
• More costly than other subscription options
• No focus on handwritten notes, rather overall productivity

Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create notebooks to organize your notes and add content like PDFs, sketches, and other multimedia like photos and audio. You can sync your account to your Google calendar, offering full scheduling capability beyond your note-taking abilities. 

You can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote's Web Clipper tool. In addition, you can scan your own handwritten or printed notes with your camera. 

You can sync all your devices with the number of devices determined by your subscription plan. Your plan also controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

"I've come to like Evernote," says Tina Grant, quality assessor for Aerospheres with 17 years in the aviation industry. "The fact that it's a multiplatform tool helps, as I use a Windows computer at work. This means I can take notes on my iPad and then later access them directly in my browser on the PC. The fact that there is a built-in organization system that allows you to set up categories and tags also really helps to keep things in order."

I previously used Evernote as a high school student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it's gotten a lovely facelift in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized, especially if you need help to be the neat. 

That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you're looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may better suit your needs. Plus, the accessible version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of overall storage, note size, and more. 

Many Redditors said they like Evernote's features, organization, and workflow. Still, recently, some users said they ditched the platform for more simple, decluttered productivity apps and to escape "annoying" ads or pop-ups. 

Evernote f eatures: Price:  Starting at $15/month or starting at $130/year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices 

Goodnotes 6

Best alternative ipad note-taking app.

• Supports file storage on several platforms
• Templates included
• Several paid plan options
• PDF note-taking supported
• Can purchase outright
• If purchased outright, you don't get the latest upgrades as they come out
• No monthly or 3-month plan

While embarking on this journey to test note-taking apps, I've discovered that the Goodnotes vs. Notability lure runs deep. Much like you're either Team Edward or Team Jacob from Twilight, you're either Team Notability or Team Goodnotes. 

The pitting of the two against each other is for good reason. They offer many of the same features, have cult followings, and are Apple Editors' Choice-awarded apps. 

GoodNotes also syncs across your devices for easy access, no matter where or what device you use. You can adjust and change your handwriting or use different colored inks with included tools, like Shape, Lasso, and Elements, that allow you to import photos and diagrams. Plus, it's perfect to use in conjunction with the Apple Pencil. You also have the option to work with PDFs and document outlines, housing them in an unlimited number of folders and subfolders for better organization. From handwritten notes to typed ones, your notes, files, and folders are all easily searchable. 

When I tested Goodnotes 6, I liked the three notebooks provided while using the free tier. I found the app easy to use, intuitive, and similar to the Notability experience. Ultimately, the deciding factor between the two came down to the subscription options. While Goodnotes can be purchased outright and Notability can't, the latter offers monthly and quarterly subscription options, which is excellent for students or those who know they will only use the app periodically or for one semester. A subscription model ensures that you'll always have access to the most up-to-date app version. 

Several Redditors said they would recommend Goodnotes 6 over Notability or other apps, with many saying it's well worth the cost to upgrade to the paid plan. Some said the one-time purchase option of Goodnotes makes it more cost-effective than other note-taking apps. However, other Redditors said that purchasing the software outright limits any future upgrades without having to pay and that the developer never lets customers know when a new version will be available.

"Only the current version you buy is forever, so if you buy GoodNotes 6, you will continue to benefit from it 100%, but once they release GoodNotes 7, you will have to buy that to stay up to date. If you don't, your current version will not continue to receive updates, and they will bombard you with ads telling you to move to the next version," one Redditor wrote. 

Goodnotes 6 key features: Price: $10/year or a one-time fee of $30 | Free starter plan with three notebooks (paid plans include unlimited notebooks) | Compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud | Paper Templates and customizable sizes for notes | Add, create, or import stickers | Supports audio notes | AI support

Best iPad note-taking app for handwriting recognition

• More affordable
• Great handwriting recognition
• Easy to use
• Useful tool panel for control while writing
• Lacks some features competitors have
• No subscriptions

Nebo offers full stylus support when you have an Apple Pencil you are itching to use on your new note-taking app for iPad. It uses leading AI technology to provide the option of handwritten notes, or you can annotate where you see fit. Nebo works with 66 languages, converting your scrappy hand-scribbled notes into lovely notes. 

Also, How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil 

If you pick up where you left off, you can import a file because the app is compatible with PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. Regardless of your choice, you can easily transition from handwriting to text to dictation, even in the same word, to make transcription a breeze, regardless of your preferred method. It can even handle math equations and diagrams, available as LaTeX or image.

Nebo also offers a companion app called Nebo Viewer, which allows you to access read-only versions of your notes anytime on your iPhone. Before seeing your notes, you must create a free MyScript account and access cloud sync.

"I operate in a sphere where time is precious, and managing day-to-day operations can be a Herculean task," explains Athina Zisi, Chief Operations Officer of Energy Casino . "This is where Nebo comes in with its meticulously designed features. Whether I'm jotting down notes during a high-stakes meeting or capturing action points during an operations review, Nebo handles it with aplomb."

Plus, Nebo's latest AI updates up the ante. Now, Nebo AI can be utilized for PDFs, empowering users to summarize content, clarify complex concepts, engage in quizzes, or interact with an AI assistant directly within their PDF documents. English users can enjoy improved quiz questions with Nebo's AI Quiz tool. 

When I tested Nebo, my favorite features were the lasso tool and the handy toolbar, which made it easy to switch colors and writing tools, change size and weight, and customize my note-taking. It's also easy to teach yourself the Nebo interface, which makes it a good pick for a beginner or student. 

Redditors said that they liked Nebo's handwriting-to-text feature, which some emphasized was better and more practical than that of Goodnote 6. Users said it has some of the best handwriting recognition across the note-taking app space but lacks some features of other competitors, like synching and audio notes. 

Nebo key f eatures:  Price: $9 for full version |  Artificial intelligence technology | Compatible with PDFs | Freeform canvas for unique note-taking control | Writing to text conversion | Lasso tool for maximum control | Add photos, sketches, and math | Create and edit structured notes | Solve simple math 

Apple Notes

Best native ipad note-taking app.

• Free to use
• Automatic save feature
• Already built into your iPad
• Rather basic features
• No fancy extras
• Only syncs on other Apple devices

A handy addition to any iPad, the Notes app is Apple's signature note-taking app. Its straightforward functionality makes it our best basic note-taking app for iPads. If you own an iPad, you probably already have the Apple Notes app installed on your home screen. 

It is one of the easiest ways to take notes, but the app can be used for more than note-taking. It can also handle other media types, like images, checklists, and sketches. 

"I freely admit to Notes being a complete lifesaver for me on more than one occasion," shares Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool . "In business, you can have unexpected conversations and need to be able to remember pertinent information. Having Notes has helped me save important information easily during those unexpected conversations."

I use the Apple Notes app for many things, from checklists to grocery lists to to-do lists. I wouldn't recommend trying to complete detailed educational notes on this app because there are much better options for in-depth note-taking, but the app is great for everyday jotting and reminders. 

It also works with handwritten notes or scanned documents that you need to keep at the ready. You can lock your notes with passwords or scan paper documents using the built-in scanner. The app is based on iCloud, so you can access your notes on any of your Apple devices. 

"It's easy to use, save, and already included on your iPhone," says Portillo. "Wins all around."

Apple Notes key features:  Price: Free | Simple to use | Share notes with others | Native to Apple ecosystem | Already installed on your iPad

Best note-taking app for annotating PDFs

• Ultimate research review and annotating capabilities
• Multi-platform sync
• Student discounts available
• Shareable files
• Several subscription options
• Limited traditional notebook experience
• More catered to PDF and document annotating

LiquidText was named the "Most Innovative iPad App of the Year" by the Apple App Store, and it's not for nothing. LiquidText offers a quick and easy way to review, gather, and organize information across tons of documents and web pages and then apply your findings to writing, studying, prepping, and more. You can pull out key facts and connect them, squeeze a document to compare sections, draw a line to connect ideas in different documents, comment on multiple pages, build upon your thoughts, and more.

When I tested LiquidText, I was impressed with its capabilities and was honestly quite mad that this was the first time I had found something like it before graduating from college. This would have been the perfect tool to have on hand throughout my graduate studies because it makes it so easy to take and connect ideas through files like PDFs, which traditionally are pesky to work with, especially when dealing with scanned copies of class readings, etc. This would've been great while writing my master's thesis, but lucky for you, I'm telling you about it now in this list. 

If you're looking for a solid note-taking app specifically for research, PDFs, and detailed annotating, LiquidText is a good pick. LiquidText users on Reddit said they liked the layout, app structure, and easy editing and note-taking on documents and files. Some said they would prefer something other than the subscription offerings or the synching capabilities. Still, many Redditors found it a better option than other note-taking apps for seamlessly annotating things like PDFs. 

LiquidText key features:  Price: Starts at $10/month | Easily organizes research | Review and annotate PDFs | Import from email, Dropbox, and more | Cross-platform synching | Backup on cloud | Share files easily 

What is the best note-taking app?

The best note-taking app for iPad is Notability and for several reasons. It works with the different types of media that you want to add to your notes, plus you can organize all of your notes into neat notebooks that are easy to access. Notability is also free to use, but you can upgrade for a minimal fee should you want access to the bonus features. 

Below is a look at the standout features and rating of the best note-taking apps we chose:

Which note-taking app is right for you?

Finding the best note-taking app is personal. It really depends on what you're looking for and what features are most important to you. So many iPad apps offer a lot of the same capabilities, so here's a breakdown of the standout features and our recommended best use case for each app we've rated to help you make the right note app choice for your iPad. But remember, it's going to come down to your personal preferences, and perhaps even some trial and error. 

Factors to consider when choosing a note-taking app for iPad:

If you're on the hunt for a good note-taking app, here's a few key features we think would be good to consider when searching for an app that fits your needs: 

• Interface: We looked for note apps that offer a clean, streamlined interface that is not too cluttered or distracting from your work. It's going to be key to decide what overall interface and design style suits your lifestyle, skills, and needs -- you're not going to want to take notes on an app that you struggle to find the tools on. 
• Tools: When it comes time to write, you want to be sure that there are the right tools to help you get the job done. We looked at features like the type of writing, dictation, presentation, and editing tools available with each of the best note-taking apps. Be sure to consider if you need a multitude of writing tool types, fonts, colors, and more artistic features, or if you just need the basics. 
• Continuity : If you want to be able to take notes on your iPad, but pick up where you left off on your Mac, you're going to need to look for apps which offer continuity between your device ecosystem. Most apps make it incredibly easy to access your notes from another device, but keep in mind that some apps may require a subscription or fee to do so. 
• Use: Narrowing down your use case for an iPad note-taking app will make it easier to find the perfect app for you. Do you need an app that can handle educational notes, to-do lists, reminders, and more? Will this app just be for school or work notes? Consider what you'll be using the app for the most and go from there. 
• Note-taking style : While all note-taking apps are designed to take notes, some are catered to different styles of note-taking. If you're looking to type your notes, or are looking to have your written text turn into text, you may need to pay closer attention to app descriptions before downloading tons of apps. Most "note-taking" apps on iPad are optimized for written notes using a stylus. 
• Cost: Budget is critical, so we considered how much each app costs and what each purchase gives you, and think you should too. 

How did we test these note-taking apps for iPad?

ZDNET went hands-on with every note-taking app recommended on this list, using a 2022 iPad Air. I spent time during using this app during my own daily activities to test out tool options, design or layouts, continuity and security, ease of use, user appeal, and most importantly, writing capabilities -- not just for a day or two, but over the course of a few weeks to really get a feel for an app's add-in value. That is, can you "add-in" this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that's too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off? 

We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that's why this list, as well as our other advice, is tailored to your needs, wants, and your budget, and why our picks are expert-tested and expert-vetted. 

Why should I use a note-taking app for iPad?

Note-taking apps offer far more than you may expect. In addition to storing your notes and bright ideas, they also can offer many other support features, including converting handwriting to digital notes, templates to choose from, and even adding different forms of media like video and audio. 

And they're great for organizing ideas on the go. Whether you're scribbling your own ideas or collaborating with friends or colleagues, you'll have a central hub to access your notes easily. 

What can I use to take notes on my iPad?

If you plan on using a keyboard to type out your notes on your iPad like on a computer, you won't need to worry about a stylus. However, if you want a true pen-and-paper-like experience on your iPad, a stylus will be the best way to replicate that. ZDNET's top pick for an iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) -- especially if you can grab it while it's on sale, or the Apple Pencil Pro, depending on what iPad model you own. We also have tested and liked options from Zagg, Logitech, and more. 

Also: The best iPad stylus you can buy

And if you're really committed to the notebook bit, there are even paper-like screen protectors designed for various iPad models to offer users a similar tactile experience to real paper. 

Also: The best iPad screen protectors of 2024

Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

Logitech crayon, paperlike 2.1 screen protector for ipad 10.9-inch, apple pencil pro, what is the highest-rated note-taking app for ipad.

Many of our picks for best note-taking apps have high App Store ratings. Goodnotes 6, OneNote, Notability all have a 4.7/5 star rating. Few apps, like CollaNote and " Old Notepad ", have an even higher rating of 4.8/5. 

Does iPad have a free note-taking app?

It is possible to use a free note-taking app for iPad. The best free iPad note-taking app is Apple Notes, since it comes pre-installed and could not be easier to use. However, there are other options available to you, too. 

What's the difference between a smart notebook and a note-taking app?

A smart notebook (often called a digital notebook) is essentially a digital version of a traditional notebook, designed specifically for note taking and writing tasks. They often offer cloud services, storage, and different upload options. An iPad, like other tablets, runs on an operating system and can offer a wider range of function such as browsing the web, multimedia, gaming, and other tasks. With an iPad, you can download specific applications designed for note taking to provide a notebook experience, while also using it for a multitude of other things. A smart notebook is only designed for note-taking, and not for other activities. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy

Where are my notes stored when I use a note-taking app?

Where your notes are housed will ultimately differ from app to app, but most offer options to additionally export files to alternative storage places or automatically update to the cloud. This makes your notes easy to share and find, no matter what device you choose to access them on. Of course, you can access your notes directly from each app, too. If you plan on taking many digital notes, we recommend ensuring you have ample storage space and a proper cloud system . Nothing is worse than losing notes you worked hard on before a big test or meeting. 

Also: The best cloud storage services for secure file keeping

Do I need a stylus to take notes on my iPad?

No, you don't absolutely need a stylus to take notes on your iPad. Some note-taking apps are designed to better suit typing your notes, so a stylus wouldn't be required. But if you're looking to replicate the feel of paper and pen, a stylus is the easiest way to do so and works much better than your fingers. The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro, and Logitech Crayon are some great stylus options , though we've tested others you can consider, too. 

Also: The best stylus for your iPad

Other note-taking apps we've tested:

While searching for the best note-taking apps, we came across other apps that may work for your needs. Here are a few other note-taking apps to look into. 

ZDNET Recommends

The best note-taking tablets: expert tested, the best smart notebooks you can buy: expert tested, the best tablets for students going back to school: expert tested.

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What You Need to Know About Apple's Journal App

If you've wanted to get in the habit of journaling, this app could help you out.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

When Apple unveiled iOS 18 at its WWDC event on June 10, the tech giant showed a handful of new features, like home screen customization and upgrades to Messages . But the Journal app drew a lot of attention when it was announced a year ago alongside iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. While Apple didn't release the app with iOS 17 in September or with the iPhone 15 series , the tech giant did release it with  iOS 17.2  in December.

Journaling has been linked with many mental health benefits, including helping manage  anxiety , reducing stress and coping with depression . Some people might have a difficult time remembering to journal or figuring out what to write. Apple's Journal app makes it easy to jot down a few thoughts when you're on your phone, and it provides you with writing prompts and other reminders about what you've done in a day.

Here's what you should know about the Journal app and how it works. 

Read more:   Here's What to Know About iOS 18

What is Journal?

Journal is an app developed by Apple to help users write journal entries and easily insert pictures, videos and other content. Your entries are stored locally on your iPhone, and you can have backups on iCloud. 

Journal can suggest Reflections or other moments to write about.

Journal provides prompts, called Reflections, that you can write about. Some Reflections the app gave me included, "Think about something you love to do and why it brings you joy," and "Describe someone in your life who you really appreciate but forget to thank."

The app can also access certain data and give you suggestions about what to write based on that data. For example, on my first weekend with Journal, it suggested I write about a coffee shop and park that I visited. You can control what types of data and other apps Journal can access to create these suggestions. 

How do you get Journal?

Apple included Journal in the  iOS 17.2  update, so if you've downloaded the update -- or later updates like iOS 17.4 -- you should see the app on your home screen.

How secure is Journal?

According to Apple , the app has end-to-end encryption between your device and iCloud, and it uses on-device processes to create journaling suggestions including Reflections. That means the data it uses stays on your iPhone.

"No one but you can access your journal -- not even Apple," the company wrote online.

Beyond that, you can require the app to ask for your FaceID or passcode after it's been inactive for 1, 5 or 15 minutes. If you don't want to take any chances, you can set it to immediately lock when you switch apps or your iPhone goes to sleep -- you know, in case of snooping siblings or roommates.

How do you write an entry in Journal?

On the Journal homepage, you'll see your recent journal entries and a plus ( + ) sign across the bottom of your screen. Tap the plus sign and you'll be taken to a new menu.

You can also write about something you saw or thought about on your morning walk.

In this new menu, you'll see suggested Reflections as well as moments from your day that you can write about, like a picture you took or a Podcast you listened to. Tap any of these for a short overview of the suggestion, and then tap Start Writing . You'll be taken to a new page that looks similar to a new note in the Notes app, but the suggestion will show across the top of the screen. You can write your entry on this page, and you can add other content like photos, videos or voice notes.

You can also just write an entry without a suggestion. After tapping the plus sign on the Journal homepage, there is an option across the top of the new menu that reads New Entry . Tap this, and you can jot down any thoughts or feelings you're having at the moment, or you can add your own content here.

Once you're finished, tap Done in the top-right corner and the entry will be saved to the Journal homepage. You can also edit or update entries once they've been saved to the homepage. Tap the three dots ( ... ) in the bottom-right corner of the entry you want to edit, then tap Edit . 

What if I need help keeping a journaling schedule?

Have no fear: You can set the app to remind you to journal. A splash screen in Journal asks you to set a schedule the first time you open the app.

You can set reminders to journal in the app.

If you don't see this splash screen, or you want to change your schedule, go to Settings > Journal > Journaling Schedule and then tap the switch next to Schedule . A menu will appear below Schedule  that will allow you to set a reminder to journal every day -- or certain days -- at a certain time. 

Do You Know About These 17 Hidden iOS 17 Features?

For more on Apple, you can check out everything the company announced at  WWDC 2024  and all the features coming in  iOS 18 . You can also check out  how to download the iOS 18 developer beta  and  why you might want to wait .

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Apple Journal

There’s no ipad app yet, but here’s what’s new with journal in ios 18.

One of Apple’s newest apps, Journal, arrived late last year in iOS 17.2 as an iPhone exclusive and with unique value to offer. The standout feature, personalized suggestions, made it easier to just start writing by bringing in other device activity, like places you’ve visited, photos you’ve taken, and podcasts you’ve enjoyed—all automatically.

The good news in iOS 18 is that Journal is getting a variety of nice upgrades that build on the app’s strong foundation. The bad news is that it’s still iPhone-only. No Journal for iPad or Mac, and if you dreamed of journaling in your Vision Pro from Bora Bora, you’re out of luck.

Here’s everything new coming to the Journal app for iPhone in iOS 18.

Expanded rich text formatting

When Journal launched, the only rich text formatting it offered was bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough. But in iOS 18, the options have expanded to include

• text colors
• bulleted, dash, or numbered lists
• block quotes

The addition of text colors is especially nice, as you have 120 different color options to choose from and it can be applied on a per-character basis. Next, iOS needs to bring true text color support to Apple Notes.

Audio transcripts

Audio recordings have always been a feature of Journal, but now in iOS 18 you can view transcripts of that recorded audio. So if you prefer to get your thoughts out by speaking rather than writing, you’ll still have a written record to go back to and search for.

Search and sort tools

I’m not sure how the first version of Journal shipped without a search feature, but thankfully that’s been remedied in iOS 18. You can now search right from the main view, and with the aid of category filters too. In addition to typing for what you’re looking for, you can filter by the following content types:

• Music & Podcasts

Another new tool to manage your growing library of journal entries is a Sort option. By default, entries are all sorted by date, but there’s now the nice option to sort by Moment date instead. If you sort by Moment date, your journal entries will follow the chronological timeline of when events happened in your life, rather than when you actually chose to write about them. For example, if you went to Disney World last week but didn’t journal about it until later after getting home, Journal will know that and sort your entries accordingly.

Widgets for your Home Screen or Lock Screen

There are a variety of widget types now available for Journal.

For your Home Screen, you’ll find New Entry and Streaks widgets:

• New Entry displays a writing prompt, such as, “What do you wish people in your life knew about you?” and offers a button to quickly start a new journal entry. You can also tap a button that cycles through different prompts until you find the right one.
• Streaks simply shows you how many days your current writing streak has lasted.

On your Lock Screen, Journal has even more options:

• Journaling Suggestions
• Audio Recording
• State of Mind

Most of these offer quick ways to create a new entry with a select content type.

State of mind and mindful minutes

Journal now taps into the mindfulness tools introduced in watchOS 10 last year, allowing you to add your current state of mind to an entry. Like in the Apple Watch’s Mindfulness app, Journal will ask you to choose how you’re feeling at the moment, with options ranging from very pleasant to very unpleasant, and everything in-between.

You can also now have Journal automatically log your time spent writing as Mindful Minutes inside the Health app.

Insights screen

There’s a new Insights view in Journal that provides an overview of your journaling practices. You’ll see things like:

• Current writing streak
• Total words written
• Days journaled
• Places visited

Perhaps my favorite part of Insights is the Calendar view. This enables seeing all of the days you’ve journaled and easily jumping to a previous day with a tap. Days you journaled will be marked with a purple dot.

Rounding out a strong iOS 18 update is print support. Yes, journal entries can now be easily printed with just a tap, or exported as PDFs. The feature is pretty basic, and doesn’t necessarily result in the prettiest printouts, but it’s there if you’d like it.

Do you use the Journal app? What are you most excited about from the iOS 18 update? Let us know in the comments.

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Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.

AI Tutor: Scan Question 4+

Scan questions to get answers, arpana singh, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Solve any question and get an instant answer using the advanced AI service. You can either scan a question or manually type it to get quick answers. AI Tutor: Scan & Solve Question - Your Ultimate Study Companion Introducing AI Tutor: Scan & Solve Question, the revolutionary app designed to be your ultimate study companion. Whether you're struggling with math, chemistry, biology, or writing assignments, our AI-powered tutor is here to help you learn and master complex concepts with ease. AI Tutor provides a comprehensive set of resources and tools to enhance your learning experience. Key Features: 1. AI-Powered Tutor: Get instant help with your homework and study questions. Our AI tutor uses advanced algorithms to provide accurate and detailed solutions for a wide range of subjects. 2. Photo Solve: Simply take a photo of your homework question, and AI Tutor will scan and solve it for you. This feature is perfect for math problems, chemistry equations, and biology questions. 3. Comprehensive Study Resources: Access a vast library of study resources, including explanations of key concepts in math, science, and writing. 4. Homework Scanner: Use the homework scanner to quickly and accurately scan your homework questions. AI Tutor will analyze the question and provide the best possible solution. 5. Interactive Learning: Engage in interactive learning sessions with our AI tutor. Ask questions, get instant answers, and deepen your understanding of complex subjects. 6. Learning Companion: AI Tutor is more than just a homework helper; it's a learning companion that supports you through your educational journey. 7. User-Friendly Interface: AI Tutor is designed to be easy to use, ensuring that you can focus on learning without any distractions. 8. Chat Functionality: Engage in real-time chats with our AI tutor. Get instant help and clarifications on any subject, anytime you need it. How to Use: - Scan and Solve: Take a photo of your question and let AI Tutor do the rest. Get instant solutions and step-by-step explanations. - Interactive Learning: Ask questions and engage with the AI tutor for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. - Access Study Resources: Browse through our extensive library of study materials and resources to support your learning. Disclaimer - This app provides answers using the GPT-4 service and some answers may vary from actual. You may require to verify the answers and it should be used for any commercial purpose. Some of the data we collect - Device-specific information such as device model, OS version being used. This provides knowledge of how our app is being used so we can improve user experience & app. - We collect anonymized data such as statistics, analytics, insights about your activity in order to provide you a reliable and high-quality experience. - Payment data & an optional Email (if using paid services). Premium plans Length & Price Yearly - $49.99 Monthly - $8.99 Benefits you get by upgrading to premium plans: - No Ads Interruption - Unlimited access to premium features Subscription Info - The user can cancel their subscription at any time by going into iTunes and App Store Apple ID Settings. - All prices include applicable local sales taxes. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account after confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. - The user's account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours before the end of the current period. Privacy Policy: https://quantum4u.in/screenrecorder/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: https://quantum4u.in/screenrecorder/terms-and-conditions.html EULA: https://www.quantum4u.in/batterylife/eula.php

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The developer, Arpana Singh , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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