# Pencil Journaling — A simple notebook to focus > Minimalist pen notebook with timer for focused journaling and habit building. (iPhone/iPad app by Masaru Suzuki.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journaling/id1581410096 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Masaru Suzuki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581410098) - Category: Productivity, Graphics & Design - Price: Free - Rating: 4.14/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 14.0 · 5 MB - Languages: English, Japanese - Released: 2021-10-03 - Data updated: 2026-06-04 - Monetization: ad-supported - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journaling/id1581410096/reviews.md ## What is Pencil Journaling? A simple notebook with a timer that allows you to choose a theme and write in pen. It also includes features for journaling, such as a list of over 50 themes and app notifications that can be made into a daily habit. This is recommended when you want to concentrate on your thoughts and clear your head. * Notebooks that are compatible with Apple Pencil and other pens * Timer that allows you to focus on a certain time * Minimal UI that doesn't interfere with thinking * A list of topics about work, yourself, etc. that you don't have to worry about what to write about * App notifications to encourage habit formation Usage: - Decide on the device orientation (i.e. page orientation) and press the Add button. - Decide on a theme or title. - Set the time for the timer. - Choose your favorite pen. - Start the timer. - Now let's focus on writing! - While the timer is running, you can switch between pen, eraser, and lasso in the lower left corner of the screen. - The thumbnails in the page list can be resized by pinching in and out. Version 1.3: Page sharing (copy/print/save image, etc.) is now supported. Tap the Share button at the bottom right of the page and select the sharing option (sharing to external applications may not work properly). Version 1.2: Skipped Version 1.1: Double-tap of the Apple Pencil is now supported. If you enable "Use Apple Pencil Double Tap" in the settings, you can switch between pen and eraser by double-tapping the Apple Pencil while the timer is running (the toolbar in the lower left corner of the screen will be hidden and the lasso tool will not be available). ## Key features - Pen-compatible notebook - Focus timer - Over 50 journaling themes - Daily habit notifications - Minimalist UI - Page sharing options ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-journaling/id1581410096/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Great and Simple Journaling App *2023-10-15* This is an underrated journaling app! I’ve been looking for a free and basic journaling app for my iPad for a while and just stumbled on this one! The prompts are great, the timer is really useful, only good things to say! This app deserves more popularity :) ### 3/5 — Good concept *2022-04-17* Love the timer and simplicity of the UI! It doesn’t look like you can have more than one screen of writing in each page though, so not ideal if you have large handwriting or want more space than a few paragraphs. Edit: Would also love a way to add my own prompts to the built in lists ## Frequently asked questions about Pencil Journaling ### What devices is Pencil Journaling compatible with? Pencil Journaling is currently only supported on iPad devices. This allows for a larger canvas and better integration with Apple Pencil features. ### Does Pencil Journaling have ads? Yes, Pencil Journaling contains advertisements. These ads are displayed to support the app's development and maintenance. ### How often is Pencil Journaling updated? The app was last updated on February 14, 2022, with version 1.3. Previous updates include version 1.1. Users can expect updates to introduce new features and improvements. ### What is the age rating for Pencil Journaling? Pencil Journaling has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content. ### Can I use Apple Pencil with Pencil Journaling? Yes, Pencil Journaling is compatible with Apple Pencil and other pens. Version 1.1 introduced support for the Apple Pencil double-tap feature to switch between pen and eraser. ### What kind of themes are available in Pencil Journaling? Pencil Journaling offers a list of over 50 themes covering topics related to work, personal reflection, and more. These themes are designed to help users decide what to write about. ### What are the core features of Pencil Journaling? Key features include a pen-compatible notebook, a focus timer, a minimalist UI, over 50 themes, and app notifications for habit formation. It also supports page sharing via copy, print, or saving as an image. ### What is the user sentiment for Pencil Journaling? Pencil Journaling has a rating of 4.1 stars from 7 ratings. This suggests a generally positive user experience, with users appreciating its focus and simplicity. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 1.3 — 2022-02-14 Version 1.3: Page sharing (copy/print/save image, etc.) is now supported. Tap the Share button at the bottom right of the page and select the sharing option (sharing to external applications may not work properly). ### 1.1 — 2021-11-24 Double-tap of the Apple Pencil is now supported. If you enable "Use Apple Pencil Double Tap" in the settings, you can switch between pen and eraser by double-tapping the Apple Pencil while the timer is running (the toolbar in the lower left corner of the screen will be hidden and the lasso tool will not be available). ### 1.0.1 — 2021-10-12 Fixed a bug that prevented drawing with finger when the timer starts. You can set whether you want to draw with your finger or with the pen only. ### 1.0 — 2021-10-04 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Pencil Journaling | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [手書きノート - メモや小説に最適](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id6443823550) | — | Free | Productivity | | [Minimalist Journal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimalist-journal/id6443493135) | 4.2 (227) | Free | Productivity | | [InkPlanner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inkplanner/id1665455386) | 4.4 (7) | Free | Productivity | | [Blue Sketch - Handwritten note](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blue-sketch-handwritten-note/id1491913803) | 4.7 (327) | Free | Productivity | | [Penjo: Pencil Journal, Planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penjo-pencil-journal-planner/id6446053076) | 4.7 (237) | Free | Productivity | | [Noteflow: Simple Notes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noteflow-simple-notes/id1252732105) | 4.2 (182) | Free | Productivity | ## More apps by Masaru Suzuki - [Square Diary Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-diary-maker/id1590627370) All apps by Masaru Suzuki: https://appshunter.io/developer/1581410098 --- *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 2026-06-04.*