Best Notebook Apps for iPad: Turn Your Tablet into a Writing Tool
The iPad as a Digital Notebook: A Comprehensive Overview
The iPad, in my experience, represents the pinnacle of devices for transitioning to a paperless workflow, encompassing reading, writing, and image viewing. Its screen size offers an ideal experience for digital notebooks, facilitating ebook and PDF reading, composing brief emails, and browsing extensive photo collections.
Furthermore, a range of applications are available that effectively transform the iPad into a functional notepad.
While Steve Jobs and Apple may not have initially conceived of the iPad serving this particular purpose, the device’s sleek glass surface proves remarkably useful for tasks like note-taking, creating grocery lists, brainstorming sessions, outlining concepts, mind mapping, and sketching basic designs.
Exploring Free Handwriting Notebook Applications
Let's begin by investigating the most effective free options available for handwriting-focused notebook apps. Following this, we will delve into a selection of affordably priced alternatives.
The versatility of the iPad allows it to function as a powerful tool for those seeking to reduce their reliance on traditional paper-based methods. Handwriting apps further enhance this capability.
Consider the iPad a viable substitute for physical notebooks, offering convenience and portability. It’s a device that adapts to various needs, from simple list-making to more complex creative endeavors.
- The iPad’s screen is well-suited for extended reading sessions.
- Its portability makes it ideal for on-the-go note-taking.
- Dedicated apps unlock its full potential as a digital notepad.
Bamboo Paper
For those interested in replicating the experience of handwriting on an iPad, Wacom – renowned for its tablets – has developed Bamboo Paper, an application tailored specifically for iPad devices.
Utilizing a stylus pen is generally considered the optimal method for handwriting on the iPad. However, it’s advisable to first familiarize yourself with handwriting notebook applications before investing in one.
Bamboo Paper boasts a visually appealing design and intuitive functionality. Upon launching the application, users are presented with an interface reminiscent of a classic Moleskin notebook.
Prior to interacting with the Bamboo notebook cover, observe the menu gear located at the bottom of the screen. This provides access to a selection of ink colors and three distinct paper types: blank, lined, and graph paper.
Core functionalities for applications of this nature include undo, redo, and erase tools. Bamboo Paper incorporates all three of these features. A dedicated button is also available for clearing the entire writing surface.
The app’s toolbar allows for ink color adjustments, as well as exporting notes to the iPad’s Photo Library, via email, or through printing. Notebooks can also be exported in their entirety directly from the app’s cover screen.
Bamboo Paper serves as an excellent starting point for exploring handwriting on the iPad. However, it lacks certain features that more frequent users may desire. While page bookmarking is supported, the application is limited to a single notebook.
Furthermore, it doesn’t offer export options to widely used cloud services like Dropbox. Therefore, if you find yourself enjoying Bamboo Paper, exploring alternative, affordably priced applications might be beneficial.
- It only supports one notebook.
- Exporting to services like Dropbox is not available.
Consider these limitations when deciding if Bamboo Paper is the right fit for your needs.
Penultimate: A Detailed Overview
For a considerable period, I have been utilizing Penultimate, a handwriting application available for $1.99. It incorporates all functionalities found in Bamboo Paper, but offers a significantly expanded feature set.
Notebook Creation and Paper Options
Users are able to establish an unlimited number of notebooks within the application. Beyond the three standard paper types, additional paper packs can be purchased for $0.99.
These supplementary packs cater to diverse needs, including writing, planning, musical notation, graphic design, and even recreational games such as Hangman.
Enhanced Writing Experience
Penultimate features a Wrist Protection function. When activated, this feature prevents unintended marks from being made on the digital page by the palm of your hand during the writing process.
Navigation and Export Capabilities
The app facilitates effortless page navigation through its thumbnail view. Similar to Bamboo Paper, Penultimate supports the export of both individual pages and complete notebooks in PDF format.
Export options include email, the device's Photo Library, iTunes file sharing, and direct printing. However, it's important to note that Penultimate currently lacks integration with Dropbox.
Noteshelf [No Longer Available]
At a slightly higher price point of $4.99, Noteshelf likely offers the most comprehensive feature set among the notebook applications examined.
The application incorporates all functionalities present in both Bamboo and Penultimate, alongside supplementary capabilities.
Key Features
- Pages and entire notebooks can be exported to popular cloud services like Dropbox and Evernote.
- Noteshelf facilitates the importing of images and provides resizing options within notebook pages.
The optimal notebook application for your iPad will depend significantly on your preference for handwritten notes versus typed input.
Consider beginning with the complimentary Bamboo app to assess your usage patterns.
If you find yourself utilizing it frequently, upgrading to a commercial, paid application may be beneficial.
Furthermore, a Stylus Pen will be required, with prices ranging from a few dollars to approximately $35.
It is advisable to initially explore lower-priced options available on platforms like Amazon.
We encourage you to share your experiences with these writing tools.
Please feel free to contribute any additional recommendations you may have in the comments section below.
