# Pieces of Paper — quick sketch by apple pencil

> Digital note-taking and sketching app for iPad with Apple Pencil. (iPhone/iPad app by Tsuyoshi Nakajima.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pieces-of-paper/id1511690088 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tsuyoshi Nakajima](https://appshunter.io/developer/1511690087)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 468 App Store ratings · 42 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-05-05
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pieces-of-paper/id1511690088/reviews.md

## What is Pieces of Paper?

Using Apple Pencil the way you would write in a paper notebook with a ballpoint pen. That is the experience this note-taking app is built for.

Open it and a blank page is already there. No folder to pick, no New button to tap.
Write a thought down the moment you have it.

・Launch and start writing
・Everything saves itself, to your iCloud or your device
・Organize with tags, tidy up with the archive
・Your notes stay as files
・Export a note as an image and share it

■ Your data is yours

Notes live in your iCloud, or on your device. There is no server of ours and no account to create.
No usage collection, no ads, no tracking. Not a single third-party SDK.
Keep them in iCloud and the same notes follow you across devices.

## Key features

- Note-taking
- Sketching
- Apple Pencil support
- Intuitive operation
- iCloud data storage
- Multi-device availability

## What do users think of Pieces of Paper?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 👍 Simple and minimalist design
- ✏️ Works well with Apple Pencil
- 📝 Perfect for quick sketches and notes
- 🎨 Clean, intuitive interface
- 💡 No unnecessary features or paywalls
- 📤 Export functionality available
- ⚡ Lightweight and straightforward

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing
- 🐛 Writing/drawing input not registering
- 🐛 Files disappearing or not saving
- 🐛 Saved files won't open
- 🐛 App becomes unresponsive
- ⚠️ Lacks stability across devices
- ⚠️ Poor performance and lag
- ⚠️ Limited customization options

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad Pro
- Strokes don't appear until menu toggled
- Files open blank
- Apple Pencil input spotty/unreliable
- Finger input not working
- App stops responding when tools panel minimized
- Pages disappear after saving
- Archived and Inbox folders not restoring after reinstall
- Image rotates when moving iPad

**Most requested features**

- Full-resolution export (PDF support)
- Multiple sheets per file
- White background option
- Grid or shape tools
- Dark mode toggle control
- Tutorial or help documentation
- Image rotation fix

## Recent user reviews (10 of 42)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pieces-of-paper/id1511690088/reviews.md

### 1/5 — love this but saving doesnt work

*2026-01-31, version 3.2.1*

please implement a fix, i will be happy to update my review if i can save my drawings. after clicking save they just disappear. 
error occurs on 
iPad Pro (12,9, 4. Gen)
iPadOS 26.0 (23A340)
tried with icloud turned on and off / autosave turned on and off

### 1/5 — It’s not making a mark

*2024-10-16, version 3.1.0*

I have tried writing with my finger and my apple pen nothing works, I have paid for unlimited use of this app.   How do I write on it?

### 5/5 — worth trying

*2024-10-06, version 3.1.0*

turns out this is and has all that i need, while simultaneously offering me things i didn’t know i needed, thing’s i’ve been missing. i just need a super simple place for ideas, and an effective interface for managing status of those ideas. this does both very well. i also think the export options are… good enough! This is like freeform lite, but a better gallery and less complex

### 1/5 — Instantly Crashes on iPad Pro

*2024-01-10, version 3.1.0*

Can’t get it open.

### 1/5 — Cannot open files

*2023-11-17*

Perhaps this is due to operator error but I can’t open any of my files.  They are work files for a week.  I am in a world of trouble due to this app.

### 1/5 — Dose not work!!!!

*2023-11-06, version 3.1.0*

I try this app and it was so laggy and will not Evan let me type. Do no waste your time with this

### 5/5 — BEST APP ON THE MARKET

*2023-09-22, version 3.1.0*

Within the realm of writing instruments, the humble pencil stands as a stalwart representative of simplicity and reliability. Its unassuming form belies the remarkable functionality it brings to the table. The pencil in question, crafted with meticulous precision, exemplifies the epitome of pencil engineering. From its elegant cylindrical body, meticulously coated in a layer of smooth lacquer, to its finely honed graphite core, this exquisite writing tool radiates an aura of sophistication.

Upon grasping this instrument, one is immediately struck by its balanced weight and ergonomic design. The carefully contoured grip provides optimal comfort, ensuring a pleasurable writing experience even during extended periods of use. The pencil effortlessly glides across the page, leaving behind a trail of impeccable graphite strokes, each line a testament to the pencil's unwavering commitment to precision.

Speaking of precision, the graphite core within this masterpiece of pencil craftsmanship deserves special mention. Whether it be intricate sketches, detailed calculations, or eloquent prose, the pencil's perfectly calibrated graphite core delivers consistent, smooth lines with unrivaled accuracy. Its ability to effortlessly produce varying line weights, from the finest of hairlines to bolder strokes, makes it a versatile companion for any creative endeavor.

But let us not overlook the pencil's unassuming eraser, tucked away at the end of its slender body. This small yet mighty appendage stands ready to correct any missteps or mistakes, allowing the user to seamlessly refine their work without interruption. The eraser's gentle touch effortlessly lifts unwanted marks, leaving behind no trace of its intervention, preserving the integrity of the page.

In conclusion, this pencil, a masterpiece of thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship, is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking the pinnacle of writing precision. Its elegant form, ergonomic grip, and flawless graphite performance combine to create an unparalleled writing experience. With each stroke, this pencil effortlessly captures the essence of creativity, making it a worthy companion for artists, writers, and professionals alike.

### 2/5 — HuH?

*2023-06-10, version 3.1.0*

I need a tutorial.

### 2/5 — Program stopped working!!!

*2023-05-12, version 3.1.0*

Needs an update. Loved the program when it worked, but none of the functions are working, things aren’t saving and for a while when I opened certain files the program just shut down. Did an Uninstall and redownloaded and now nothing saves, and the program file is always empty and didn’t re download with all of the sub files “Archived” “Inbox” etc.

### 5/5 — Good

*2023-03-19, version 3.1.0*

Good

## Frequently asked questions about Pieces of Paper

### What is Pieces of Paper?

Pieces of Paper is a note-taking and sketching application designed for iPad. It aims to provide a user experience similar to using a physical pencil and paper, enhanced by the capabilities of the Apple Pencil.

### How does the app protect my privacy and data?

User data is stored on iCloud. This ensures your privacy is protected and allows for seamless multi-device use, as your notes and sketches are accessible across your Apple devices.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the application is free to use. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, offering a completely free experience for all users.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for use with an iPad and is optimized for the Apple Pencil. Data synchronization via iCloud means it can be accessed on multiple Apple devices.

### What are the main use cases for this app?

This app is ideal for quickly jotting down notes, creating spontaneous sketches, or brainstorming ideas digitally. Its intuitive interface makes it suitable for students, artists, and anyone who prefers a paper-like digital experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0.0 — 2026-07-27

■ Your notes are files now

Notes use their own file format now, so the Files app can work with them directly.
Each one appears as a thumbnail of your own handwriting, and a tap opens it here for editing.

■ Canvas

・The buttons now sit in an overlay above the canvas, so showing and hiding them no longer shifts your drawing
・You can draw with a finger on iPad. Turn it on from Draw with Finger in the drawing tools' ⋯ menu
・[Important] While finger drawing is on, tapping to hide the controls is unavailable, because a tap is treated as drawing

■ Also new

・Choose System, Light or Dark appearance
・Rename existing tags and change their color at any time
・The list stays responsive as your notes pile up
・iCloud problems are told apart, and a toolbar icon shows when storage has fallen back to your device
・The share sheet names the note, and opens as a popover on iPad

■ Please note

・This version requires iPadOS 18 / iOS 18 or later
・[Important] The note file format changes in this version. If you use Pieces of Paper on more than one device, please update all of them to 4.0.0. A device still on the older version shows an empty list, but nothing is lost — its notes reappear once it is updated

### 3.3.0 — 2026-02-05

- Added support for Liquid Glass display
- Fixed scroll-to-bottom functionality
- Requires iOS 17.0 or later

### 3.2.1 — 2025-04-23

Fixed an issue where the canvas size did not widen when loading existing notes

### 3.2.0 — 2025-01-27

Long time no see. I apologize for the lack of updates.
This version has no fundamental functional changes but addresses several longstanding issues:

- Bug fixes
- Toolbar improvements
- Tags below notes are now tappable
- Added tutorial
- Added path to data folder

### 3.1.0 — 2022-05-29

- Now, you can pInch in/out on a note
- Improved display logic for a canvas
  - Do not re-use a canvas, regenerate a canvas each time
  - Therefore a canvas avoid an effect of last note size

## Apps similar to Pieces of Paper

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Find My Bluetooth Pencil](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/find-my-bluetooth-pencil/id1540155061) | 1.0 (15) | Free | Utilities |
| [FlooPen](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/floopen/id1636861716) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Utilities |
| [Calligraphy Master: Cursive](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calligraphy-master-cursive/id1598691036) | 4.3 (2,405) | Free | Utilities |
| [Calculator Plus v2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calculator-plus-v2/id1181465428) | 4.7 (131) | Free | Utilities |
| [Metapen](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metapen/id1673718694) | 1.8 (18) | Free | Utilities |
| [Whiteboard Note](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whiteboard-note/id1384251818) | 2.6 (28) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Tsuyoshi Nakajima

- [WristCounter Watch App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wristcounter-watch-app/id6448880587)
- [M-1 Timer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/m-1-timer/id6474502299)

All apps by Tsuyoshi Nakajima: https://appshunter.io/developer/1511690087

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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 2026-09-01.*