Alternatives to Drawboard PDF

A pen-friendly PDF markup app with live-synced annotations across desktop, mobile and web. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Drawboard PDF.

  • Bluebeam Revu

    PDF markup and collaboration software for architecture, engineering and construction drawings and project documents.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    Bluebeam Revu is paid Windows software built for construction drawings, adding takeoff, RFI and punch list workflows with real-time collaboration.

  • Xournal++

    Handwritten notes and PDF annotation with a stylus, including on top of lecture slides and scanned papers.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Xournal++ is free and GPL-licensed on Windows, macOS and Linux, drawing pressure-sensitive annotations on top of PDFs, but has no mobile apps or live sync.

  • Xodo

    PDF reader and editor across web, desktop and mobile.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsAndroidiOSWeb

    Xodo provides the same annotation and signing tools on web, Windows and mobile, working against Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, but has no macOS app.

  • LiquidText

    An active-reading app for annotating PDFs and pulling excerpts into a flexible workspace.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSiOS

    LiquidText on Windows, macOS and iOS arranges excerpts and notes from PDFs on a linked workspace, suited to long document review rather than drawings.

  • Noteshelf

    A handwriting notebook app for iPad, iPhone and Mac with PDF annotation and audio recording.

    FreemiumProprietarymacOSiOS

    Noteshelf is a handwriting notebook for iPad, iPhone and Mac with PDF highlights, sticky notes and audio recording, limited to Apple devices.

  • Flexcil

    A study app that combines PDF reading, annotation and handwritten notes on tablets and the web.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroidiOSWeb

    Flexcil is a tablet study app on Android, iOS and web, combining PDF reading with handwritten notes and gesture-based stylus annotation, with a free schools programme.

  • Rnote

    An open-source vector drawing app for handwritten notes, sketches and annotating PDFs and pictures.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOSLinux

    Rnote is free and open source on Linux and macOS with pressure-sensitive stylus input and an infinite canvas, without live sync.

  • Foxit PDF Reader

    Free PDF reader with annotation, form filling and signing.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Foxit PDF Reader gives free annotation and form filling on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, but is not designed around pen input or live sync.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.