# Pencil Journal - Digital Diary — Daily Motivation & Gratitude > Digital handwriting diary with prompts and motivational quotes. (iPhone/iPad app by KAPICREATES.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journal-digital-diary/id1516132622 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [KAPICREATES](https://appshunter.io/developer/1320443897) - Category: Productivity, Lifestyle - Price: $4.99 - Rating: 3.90/5 from 32 App Store ratings · 27 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 9 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2020-06-04 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journal-digital-diary/id1516132622/reviews.md ## What is Pencil Journal? ~~~ Pencil Journal - Your Digital Handwriting Diary & Gratitude Journal ~~~ Keeping a journal has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve your mood and increase your overall levels of happiness, amongst a host of other benefits. And this is especially true when you handwrite your entries due to the increase in reflective thinking, making this one of the key main benefits of the Pencil Journal app. Furthermore, to get the most out of journaling it's best to make it a habit that you can stick to - ideally every day - even if only for a short duration each time. However, we never want you to feel like you have nothing to write about, which is why the app includes 50+ journal prompts and 100+ motivational quotes to get you inspired and ready to start writing. That way, whether you have just 2 minutes - or 20 - you will always be able to put pen to pad and start reaping the benefits that journaling has to offer. Read on to find out more about these two main benefits: ~~~ Handwriting Journal Benefits ~~~ Making a digital journal is convenient and saves on continuously buying new notebooks and pens, but handwriting your entries is said to be more therapeutic, better at improving your memory and helpful to increase reflective thinking. So which are you to choose? It's a question we've long struggled with, and we could never find something that quite fit both camps, so we only went and built it ourselves! The result is Pencil Journal - Your Digital Handwritten Diary & Gratitude Journal. You can use your Apple Pencil or finger to handwrite journal entries or make cute sketches. You can also type entries for when you are in a rush, or when your handwriting is having a bad hair day! Or combine them both in a single entry to add handwritten highlights and flourishes to typed text. Your choice. No rules. ~~~ The Benefits of Using Journaling Prompts ~~~ It's all well good deciding to start a journal, but what to write about? It can be hard to come up with new topics every day, and this can lead you to stop to journaling altogether, which would be a real shame given all the scientific benefits discussed above. Luckily this is a problem we addressed too. We included over 50 journaling prompts to get you started so you never need be short on ideas again! Less time thinking about what to write = more time to write = more benefits from journaling. Oh, and if you are already a pro and know exactly what you want to write about, then no worries! We also have a large freestyle space available to use however you want, complete with optional dotted, lined or blank backgrounds. And of course you can use your Apple Pencil to draw here, as well as typing too. Plus, you can even add photos to decorate your page or visually document your day. Each daily page also comes with a motivational quote to further inspire you; over 100 are included in the app at launch. ~~~ Features ~~~ * Use your Apple Pencil or finger to write/draw/sketch into the journal * Add photos to visually document your day / decorate your journal * Import/export data to AirDrop, Files, Mail, iCloud, DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc * Use the keyboard to type entries, add emojis, etc * 50+ journaling prompts to get you started, with more to be added in future updates. * Add your own journaling prompts, customized entirely to you * Freestyle journaling space for when you just want to express yourself without any constraints * 100+ motivational quotes to inspire you * Built-in calendar to easily navigate between journal entries; it also shows which days you have successfully added to your journal, helping you to keep the chain and sustain the habit of journaling * 100% privacy guaranteed and no account/email sign-up required; all data is stored safely in your device ~~~ Conclusion ~~~ So what are you waiting for? Start reaping the benefits of handwritten journaling today, only with Pencil Journal - Your Digital Handwriting Diary & Gratitude Journal. ## Key features - Handwritten entries with Apple Pencil or finger - Typing for quick entries - Combine handwriting and typing - 50+ journal prompts - 100+ motivational quotes - Add sketches and photos - Customizable backgrounds ## Recent user reviews (10 of 27) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journal-digital-diary/id1516132622/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Love the idea, hate that you pay money for it. *2025-12-20* it’s a great thought for an app, however I can’t really justify paying for it. You’d be better off paying for a couple of hash browns at McDonald’s and being grateful for those instead of paying 3-4 dollars to write in a small journal with little to no freedom about how grateful you are. ### 3/5 — Pencil journal *2024-08-16, version 1.4.9* How do you change the fonts please ### 3/5 — Needs some flexibility *2023-10-31* This has the makings of a valuable personal tool, and it will satisfy anyone that can adequately use its programmed prompts. I don’t want to use their prompts. I want to use my prompts. And at least for awhile, I want the same prompts everyday. App Creator, I’ve tried but all I can do is replace today’s prompts. It resets to the pre-programmed prompts the next day. **Developer response:** Thank you for your support! Sorry for the delayed reply, and I appreciate your feedback! ### 4/5 — It’s good but *2023-10-10, version 1.4.8* THIS APP IS SO CUUTTTTTTTEEEE, but please add a dark mode it’s pretty much a feature in most apps at this points and is good for the eyes so pleaseee. ### 5/5 — App has great features and prompts *2023-09-06* Customer support was responsive and helpful **Developer response:** Thank you so much for your review! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the app and the prompts. I appreciate your kind words! ### 1/5 — Nope.. *2023-04-20* I’m ready to return… I don’t have much room to journal **Developer response:** Sorry for the late reply, and I appreciate your feedback. This app is designed to feel like a realistic journal, which does affect the available writing space. I understand that might not be ideal for everyone, but I hope you find a journaling app that fits your needs. Thank you for trying it out! ### 3/5 — No password or lock *2023-03-20, version 1.4.8* This seems perfect apart from it has no privacy setting so unable to lock, which is a shame because now I won’t us it ### 4/5 — So far so good *2023-03-08* Very cute, I’m enjoying it so far just wish there was an option to add a password or lock on it **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! Sorry for the late reply. The app doesn’t currently have a password feature, but I really appreciate your feedback! ### 3/5 — Needs further development *2023-01-11* There is no way to lock the journal for people sharing the device. The prompt page is not easy to scroll or read after you’ve written in it, every time I try to scroll I would draw a line on my handwritten section by accident, maybe don’t allow hand sensor only pencil can make marks on the written areas. The prompt questions are good, great idea to get people to write. I wish the app would offer a test before purchasing the app. I’m going to request a refund bc I do not like this app. **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! Sorry for the delayed reply. This app doesn’t currently have a lock feature, but I appreciate your feedback. For accidental drawing, you can turn off ‘Enable Finger Drawing’ in the settings. When it’s off, you can scroll freely without worrying about accidental marks. If you keep it on, you can use two fingers to scroll without drawing. I hope that helps! ### 4/5 — Great journaling app. *2022-12-28* I got this app to keep track of my physical and mental health. Also to have time to just sit and write everyday. However I have a few issues. The type option does have any way of making the font size larger or change color. Which takes away from the journal experience for me personally. I would also like some sticker options honestly. I would like to add more personality to it. Just as I do with my physical journals. However since this is for health I wanted a digital option so I could always have a record. If these little things were fixed this app would be perfect. **Developer response:** Thank you for your review! Sorry for the delayed reply. I’m glad you’re enjoying the app and I appreciate your feedback on those features! ## Frequently asked questions about Pencil Journal ### What is Pencil Journal? Pencil Journal is a digital diary application that allows you to create handwritten entries using your Apple Pencil or finger, or type your thoughts. It aims to help users reduce stress, improve their mood, and increase happiness through regular journaling. ### What are the main features of Pencil Journal? Key features include the ability to handwrite or type journal entries, combine both methods, use over 50 journal prompts for inspiration, access more than 100 motivational quotes, add sketches and photos, and choose from various background styles. ### Is Pencil Journal free to use? Yes, the application is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, suggesting a completely free user experience. ### What devices is Pencil Journal compatible with? The description specifically mentions using an 'Apple Pencil,' indicating compatibility with Apple devices that support stylus input, such as iPads. It is designed for digital handwriting. ### How can Pencil Journal help me with my well-being? Journaling is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase happiness. By providing tools like handwriting, prompts, and quotes, Pencil Journal encourages consistent journaling, making it easier to reap these mental health benefits. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.5.3 — 2026-02-27 - Fixed an issue where the pen tool picker was not appearing - Minor UI improvements ### 1.5.2 — 2025-03-11 1. Improved Import/Export Help: Instead of linking to a webpage, the settings now include a convenient pop-up with instructions on how to import and export data. 2. Updated Daily Questions: Fresh new daily reflection prompts have been added to keep things interesting. 3. 100+ New Quotes: Enjoy an expanded collection of inspiring quotes! ### 1.5.1 — 2025-01-28 When finger drawing is disabled, you can now use two-finger tap to undo and three-finger tap to redo. ### 1.5.0 — 2024-11-15 Fixed screen compatibility for the new iPad Pro 13-inch. ### 1.4.9 — 2023-10-19 Updated drawing tools and contact information. ## More apps by KAPICREATES - [Pencil Calendar & Planner Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-calendar-and-planner-pro/id1491606954) - [Pencil To Do List](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-to-do-list/id1498468310) - [Mino: Minimal Bullet Journal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mino-minimal-bullet-journal/id6470970423) - [Pencil Grid Planner Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-grid-planner-lite/id6474230867) All apps by KAPICREATES: https://appshunter.io/developer/1320443897 --- *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 2026-06-10.*