Alternatives to Stylus Labs Write
A word processor for handwriting that treats pen-written lines as editable, reflowing text. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Stylus Labs Write
A word processor for handwriting that treats pen-written lines as editable, reflowing text.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Stylus Labs Write.
Saber
An open-source, cross-platform note-taking app built for handwriting with a stylus.
Saber is a free, open-source handwriting app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS with encrypted sync, but without reflowing handwritten text.
Rnote
An open-source vector drawing app for handwritten notes, sketches and annotating PDFs and pictures.
Rnote is a free, open-source vector drawing app for handwritten notes and PDF annotation on Linux, with macOS builds from a separate project.
MyScript Notes
A handwriting note-taking app, formerly Nebo, that converts pen input into editable typed text.
MyScript Notes is a freemium, proprietary handwriting app that converts pen input into editable typed text, with AI study features on paid plans.
GoodNotes
Handwriting-first notes app for iPad with Apple Pencil support and OCR search.
GoodNotes is a freemium handwriting app for iPad and Mac with OCR search and PDF annotation, limited to Apple platforms and not open source.
Notability
A note app combining handwriting, audio recording and transcription with AI summaries, quizzes and flashcards.
Notability is a freemium handwriting app on iOS, Android and the web that adds audio recording, transcription and AI summaries, and is closed source.
Noteshelf
A handwriting notebook app for iPad, iPhone and Mac with PDF annotation and audio recording.
Noteshelf is a freemium handwriting notebook for iPad, iPhone and Mac with paper templates, PDF annotation and audio recording, limited to Apple devices.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Flexcil
A study app that combines PDF reading, annotation and handwritten notes on tablets and the web.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft's freeform digital notebook with sections, pages, web clipping and cloud sync.
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.
