Alternatives to Saber
An open-source, cross-platform note-taking app built for handwriting with a stylus. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Saber
An open-source, cross-platform note-taking app built for handwriting with a stylus.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Saber.
Rnote
An open-source vector drawing app for handwritten notes, sketches and annotating PDFs and pictures.
Rnote is an open-source vector drawing app for handwritten notes and PDF annotation on Linux, with macOS builds from a separate project and no mobile apps.
Stylus Labs Write
A word processor for handwriting that treats pen-written lines as editable, reflowing text.
Stylus Labs Write treats handwriting as editable, reflowing text with handwritten links, on desktop and mobile, though its license is not stated.
GoodNotes
Handwriting-first notes app for iPad with Apple Pencil support and OCR search.
GoodNotes adds OCR search of handwriting and strong PDF annotation, but runs only on iPad and Mac and is closed source with paid features.
Notability
A note app combining handwriting, audio recording and transcription with AI summaries, quizzes and flashcards.
Notability combines handwriting with audio recording, transcription and AI flashcards on iOS, Android and web, but is closed source with paid AI features.
MyScript Notes
A handwriting note-taking app, formerly Nebo, that converts pen input into editable typed text.
MyScript Notes converts handwriting to editable typed text with pen gestures on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, but it is proprietary with paid features.
Noteshelf
A handwriting notebook app for iPad, iPhone and Mac with PDF annotation and audio recording.
Noteshelf offers realistic pens, paper templates, PDF annotation and audio recording, but is closed source and limited to Apple devices.
Flexcil
A study app that combines PDF reading, annotation and handwritten notes on tablets and the web.
Flexcil combines PDF reading with handwritten notes on Android and iOS tablets plus the web, closed source and focused on studying from PDFs.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Allume
A canvas app for thinking with nested boards of text, ink, images and PDFs, formerly Muse.
LiquidText
An active-reading app for annotating PDFs and pulling excerpts into a flexible workspace.
Highlights
A PDF reader for Mac, iPad and iPhone that turns annotations into exportable notes.
MarginNote
A study app for Mac and iPad that links PDF highlights, mind maps and flashcards.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft's freeform digital notebook with sections, pages, web clipping and cloud sync.
