Pencl Notes User Reviews

Top reviews

Really close but still missing some stuff

So I was originally looking for an app that utilize apple’s pencilkit and also allowed for zooming in which the default notes app is missing.

This fixes the zoom issue and the handwriting is fluid and good paper options. However the problems with the app are pretty significant to switch me to fully going to this app and recommending it.

1. You can’t import PDFs just to mark up and keep in your folder, or at least I have not being able to figure it out.

2. You can’t double tap to Re-center the page like in every other notes app

3. No automatic straight line tool, but that may be an issue with pencil kit
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This app crashes

This app crashes when I try to create a note or open any previous notes, including the samples!

Almost perfect

I love the application so far - the only thing keeping me from switching over from good notes is the lack of search feature! I would love to be able to search all notes (both handwritten and typed)!

Nope!

Was looking for new productivity/notes/list app compatible with Apple Pencil and bought this. Turned out to be a stupid decision. Not sure if other ratings on here were paid for or done by bots or what but I strongly disagree with a 4.8 out of 5 rating. It’s so bad that I believe this is the first review on the app start I have ever written. That’s 10+ years of apps! Have been using for under 24 hours and about to delete. The work flow and bugs make it more frustrating than beneficial.
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Response from developer

Hi, I am sorry that you haven’t been able to use the app like all the others before you were able to do. Sometimes, the error isn’t with the developer. Please request a refund via Apples report a problem page.

Such a pleasant note-taking experience! 10/10

I love using Pencil Notes! It combines the best of Notability, Good Notes, and other high-end apps for a much better price. It’s straight-forward, well-thought out, and an absolute pleasure to use. A VERY nice bonus is that the developer is extremely responsive to suggestions, from everything I’ve seen. Don’t be surprised when Pencl Notes starts being mentioned along side Notability and Good Notes in the mainstream tech world. It’s that good!

Shout out to Paperless X on YouTube for introducing me to Pencl Notes. Great find!
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Response from developer

Hi :) Thank you so much for your nice review, I’m glad you enjoy using the App! Let me know if you have any suggestions Best regards

New Update

So excited on the new update, many very welcome changes.

Will update again after spending some time with it, but so far 5 stars for sure!

Response from developer

Hi and thanks for your review! I’m gonna look into these bugs and fix them in the next update. Stay tuned for new features in March :) Regards

Great Start!

Especially being such a new app, this is great! With it being a blend of notability and goodnotes, I can see that the future of this app could be amazing!

Personal suggestions:
- there’s occasional lag in the writing input (not quite as smooth as the native apple notes and notability yet but it’s getting there!)
- voice recording
- more shapes! (And hopefully better recognition!)
- notability and procreate has this feature that when you draw a line and don’t lift your pen for a second, it registers as creating a straight line (procreate also has the feature that when u add an addition finger press without lifting the pen, it snaps to 0, 30, 45, 60 ,90 ... degrees which is amazing)
- choice between switching to the pixel or stroke eraser
- double tap to undo and triple tap to redo would make this feature even more of a streamlined experience
- when zoomed in and using the ruler, there is a gap between the line created and where the ruler is that I wish was not there :(
- brush pen(s)!! (If it can be like the procreate brush pen that would be amazing!)
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Response from developer

Hi, Thank you for your suggestions! I’m gonna try my best to bring the app forward :) Regards

Almost there!

So i currently use GoodNotes 5 and just wanted a separate app to test out different formats. I like the idea of Pencl notes and the writing algorithm is decent enough not to have serious lag. The app itself is organized quite nicely and i like the background color of the home menus with all the notes.

Few things i would like to see in the future :
- Better copy and paste; being able to copy parts of an uploaded image or file easier
- Smoother transition when opening documents; I’ve noticed a sluggish feel to it
- Search feature of course that highlights the searched word in a noticeable color; preferably some sort of lavender
- Ability to add pictures to specific pages easier; I’ve noticed I have to scroll to the absolute bottom of a page i want the image on or it will add it to the previous page instead
- Maybe an automatic fit to page when zooming in or out just to make the process more convenient

Personal things i would like:
- Voice recording integration
- Ability to move images between pages without having to re add the image; simply being able to drag it over to the next page would be great

Overall the app is pretty dope and i can see it taking off more in the future as a good mix between notability and Good notes. I definitely will recommend this app more when some of these features are added, good luck to the developer and his team!
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Response from developer

Hi Jguyy815, thank you for your detailed review! Glad you like the new update. Some of the features that you mentioned are already on my todo list. Regarding the images: I made a little correction to the algorithm so images should now be added to the correct page without having to scroll to the absolut bottom of the page. Contact me anytime if there’s anything I can do! Best regards