No. 25 of 28 ·Handwriting Practice Apps

Zishu

iPhone

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.2

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedThinly documented

Zishu is ranked #25 of 28 in handwriting practice apps on Freedom251. It runs on iOS. There is a free plan.

Zishu plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free No ads · No accounts · Works offline · All features included zishu.app · 7 Oct 2026

Compared on handwriting practice apps

Free plan: Yes
Age levels: all_ages
Pen-control exercises: Yes
Custom word practice: Yes
Progress tracking: Yes
Supported platforms: iOS

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The record

Purpose: Zishu teaches Chinese character handwriting by checking strokes against authentic stroke order data.
Practice modes: Learning mode guides each character through tracing, outlining, and writing from memory.
Stroke feedback: Stroke detection is lenient about position and size but checks direction and requires hooks.
Brush styles: The app includes a calligraphy ink brush, a Classic style, and an Invisible style that hides strokes while writing from memory.
Review: Daily Review uses spaced repetition intervals of 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days.
Study content: The library includes HSK 1–6 sets, radicals, frequency lists, custom sets, and a built-in dictionary with definitions and pinyin.
Languages: The app interface is available in English and Chinese.
Privacy: The privacy policy says Zishu collects no personal data and stores learning data locally on the device.
Analytics and tracking: The privacy policy says the app has no analytics, advertising, or tracking services and works offline once downloaded.
Backup: Users can export their data to a file and import it later; the export happens on the device.
Optional tips: The optional tip jar uses Apple’s in-app purchase system, and tipping does not unlock app features.
Support: The maker invites users to email Archer Morrison with ideas, bug reports, or questions at [email protected].
Device requirements: The maker says Zishu requires iOS 15 or later and is for iPhone and iPad.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Handwriting Practice Apps in 2026#25 of 28

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Sources

zishu.app/index.html· checked 7 Oct 2026
zishu.app/privacy.html· checked 7 Oct 2026