OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup

OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup

Simple handwritten notes

9 ratings
1 review
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • May 21, 2026
  • August 23, 2026

Features

OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup screenshot #1 for iPhone
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup screenshot #2 for iPhone
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup screenshot #3 for iPhone
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup screenshot #4 for iPhone
OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

Create handwritten notes, import and annotate PDFs, and organize your thoughts with folders. This free, open-source app prioritizes privacy by keeping all your data local and on your device.

Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
PDF import and annotation
Folder-based organization
Add images and text
Local-first data storage
Export and share notes
Show original description

What's New in OpenNotes

1.0.1

August 23, 2026

Bug fixes and drawing improvements: - Tools now work immediately in newly created notes - Images and text boxes stay in place while zooming and scrolling - Text boxes no longer hide behind the keyboard and scroll properly - Smoother highlighter and marker strokes at high zoom - Faster, more responsive erasing when zoomed in - Fixed canvas jumping when the keyboard opens or closes

More

User reviews

Needs work

I love the idea of open notes, and I don’t even hate the txt boxes you use instead of just a standard notation feel, but when I type, eventually, the words begin to be blocked by the keyboard and it doesn’t let me scroll down so I can see what I’m actually typing. This could be fixed by either having a bar that showed your current line on the keyboard or near it, or by allowing the user to scroll down. I’m not really sure what this is meant for, but typing is not viable. Maybe drawing? But who draws on a phone? I just want a note app that Google doesn’t own.
Show more

Response from developer

Hello, I am sorry about that, and will definitely fix it. Yes, it is primarily designed for drawing on iPads, but can certainly make it better on phones.

Developer apps

FAQ

Does OpenNotes have ads?

No, OpenNotes is ad-free. It is a free and open-source application, meaning it does not contain advertisements.

What devices does OpenNotes support?

OpenNotes is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to work seamlessly across these Apple devices.

How does OpenNotes handle user privacy?

OpenNotes is built with a strong focus on privacy. It is local-first, meaning all your notes and data remain on your device and are not synced to any cloud services.

Can I use OpenNotes with Apple Pencil?

Yes, OpenNotes is optimized for handwriting and supports Apple Pencil. You can create fluid handwritten notes and sketches within the app.

What is the age rating for OpenNotes?

OpenNotes has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content.

How often is OpenNotes updated?

The latest version of OpenNotes, 1.0.1, was released on August 23, 2026. Updates are provided to ensure the app remains functional and secure.

Can I export my notes from OpenNotes?

Yes, you can export your notes when needed. This allows you to share your work or back it up to other locations outside the app.

What makes OpenNotes open-source?

Being open-source means the app's source code is publicly available. This allows for transparency and community contributions to its development.