# OpenNotes: Notes & PDF Markup — Simple handwritten notes

> Free, open-source app for handwritten notes, PDF markup, and organization. (iPhone/iPad app by Mark Miller.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Mark Miller](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836539324)
- Category: Productivity, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 42 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-05-21
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004/reviews.md

## What is OpenNotes?

OpenNotes is a simple, free, open-source notes app built for handwriting, PDFs, and focused organization. Create notebooks, import PDFs, write with Apple Pencil, add images or text, organize notes into folders, and export your work when you need it.

OpenNotes is local-first and privacy focused. There are no accounts, no analytics, no tracking, no cloud sync, and your notes never leave your device unless you choose to export or share them.

## Key features

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

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opennotes-notes-and-pdf-markup/id6771224004/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Needs work

*2026-08-07*

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.

**Developer response:** 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.

## Frequently asked questions about OpenNotes

### 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.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2026-08-23

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

### 1.0 — 2026-05-22

No release notes.

## Apps similar to OpenNotes

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Everwrite Go](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/everwrite-go/id6782328433) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [TaskFlow - Infinite Notes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taskflow-infinite-notes/id6756775633) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [ScribblePad: Notes & PDF](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scribblepad-notes-and-pdf/id6778096521) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Productivity |
| [Simplify Notes: PDF Notebook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplify-notes-pdf-notebook/id6758640857) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [Localyze.ai](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/localyzeai/id6785085324) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [Papyrus - notes, PDF](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papyrus-notes-pdf/id6779149036) | — | Free | Productivity |

## More apps by Mark Miller

- [MathNotes: AI Notes for STEM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathnotes-ai-notes-for-stem/id6751956086)
- [Recap: Chess Review & Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recap-chess-review-and-puzzles/id6758646605)

All apps by Mark Miller: https://appshunter.io/developer/1836539324

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-23.*