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Best Handwritten Notes Software in 2026

Use handwritten notes software to write with a stylus or finger, arrange digital notebooks, and handle handwritten pages on supported devices. It can suit students, meeting notes, sketches, and people replacing paper notebooks.

  1. 1

    Goodnotes

    by Goodnotes
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    Goodnotes offers a free starting tier and paid options that expand file capacity and collaboration features. Check the free plan’s storage and import limits against the way you plan to use it.

    7.7 Free plan · paid from $11.99/user/yr · 7-day trial Visit site
  2. 2

    MyScript Notes

    by MyScript Notes
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

    MyScript Notes combines handwriting tools, multi-format notes, offline work, and optional AI study features.

    7.5 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  3. 3

    Notability

    by Notability
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    Notability brings multiple note formats together with collaboration, offline access, and study tools.

    7.5 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    CollaNote

    by CollaNote
    Free plan iPhoneMac

    CollaNote combines study, handwriting, document markup, and collaboration tools across iOS and macOS.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    Noteshelf

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

    Noteshelf combines handwriting, PDF, audio and template-based note work across four platforms. The free tier is limited to three notebooks, while Premium expands storage and handwriting features.

    7.4 Free plan · paid from $9.99 Visit site
  6. 6

    Saber

    by Saber
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Saber combines handwritten note organization, cross-device sync, optional hosting, and client-side encryption.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    Notes Writer

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    Notes Writer combines varied document, study, audio, and coding tools in one Apple-focused workspace.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    Penbook

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    Penbook offers broad stationery, handwriting tools, planner pages, and Apple integrations across Apple platforms.

    7.0 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    Stylus Labs Write

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Write provides handwriting-focused editing with broad platform coverage, SVG files, and collaboration tools.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    Xournal++

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Xournal++ provides a capable local workspace for handwritten journals and PDF markup, with plugin and audio options.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  11. 11

    Squid

    by Squid
    Free plan Android

    Squid provides extensive handwriting, PDF, and presentation tools on Android, with offline storage and sharing integrations.

    6.6 Free plan · paid from $4/user/yr Visit site
  12. 12

    NoteLedge

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1
    6.3 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    Kilonotes

    Free plan AndroidiPhone
    6.2 Free plan Visit site
  14. 14

    Livescribe+

    Free plan AndroidiPhone
    6.2 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    reMarkable app

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2
    6.1 Free plan · paid from $3.99/mo · 50-day trial Visit site
  16. 16

    Rnote

    Free plan Linux
    5.6 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    Penly

    Paid Android
    4.2 Visit site
  18. 18

    ZoomNotes

    Paid iPhoneMac
    3.9 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, and trial terms before choosing. Review platform support, handwriting-to-text, PDF markup, audio recording, offline mode, shared editing, and OCR language coverage. If reading or changing code matters, review the software licence.

Questions

Is free handwritten notes software available?

Yes. Tools in this list include free plans, and Livescribe+ is listed with a free pricing model. Check the terms for the tool you choose.

Which platforms are covered?

You will find entries for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and the web. Penly is listed for Android.

Can these tools turn handwriting into text?

The list compares whether handwriting can be converted to text. Check that feature and the available OCR languages for the tool you need.

Do any tools offer a free trial?

A 7-day trial is listed for Penbook, and the reMarkable app has a 50-day trial. Trial terms can differ from free-plan limits.

Which options list paid starting prices?

Noteshelf's listed paid access begins at $9.99; the reMarkable app's starts at $3.99 per month.

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