# Yojimbo for iPad — user reviews > 101 indexed App Store user reviews of Yojimbo for iPad by Bare Bones Software, Inc., rated 3.20/5 from 20 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yojimbo-for-ipad/id396307682/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yojimbo-for-ipad/id396307682.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 9 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 6 · 1★ 4 ## What do users think of Yojimbo for iPad? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Easy pairing with Mac - 👍 Access to Mac data on iPad - 👍 Print PDF to Yojimbo capability - 👍 Local sync for sensitive data - 👍 Great Mac app companion - 👍 Flawless syncing (for some) - 👍 Good support (historically) - 👍 Familiar interface to Mac app **Cons** - 👎 Read-only functionality on iPad - 👎 Syncing issues (frequent) - 👎 Outdated app, no updates - 👎 Requires Mac app to function - 👎 Limited functionality overall - 👎 High price for limited features - 👎 Abandoned/Unsupported feel - 👎 No iPhone version - 👎 Sync requires paid subscription (later reviews) - 👎 Crashing issues - 👎 Slow loading/jerky scrolling - 👎 No cloud sync support - 👎 Cumbersome sharing/exporting **Commonly reported bugs** - Sync fails to complete - App crashes on sync - App crashes frequently - Email sharing window stays open - Sync breaks after iOS updates - App crashes on Library icon tap - Menu animation choppy - Password display formatting issues - Items take forever to load - Sync issues after updates - Sync errors (unreadable) - App quits on launch - Sync doesn't work after first time - Email page dead (cannot cancel/send) - Sync issues with Mac pairing - App not finding Mac on network - Syncing only new notes, not modified - Unencrypted notes on iPad when encrypted on Mac - Syncing issues with Bonjour/corporate networks - PDFs not rendering on iPad - Interface bugs on rotation - Search field layout in Landscape - Syncing only when Mac is running and on same network - App is sluggish - Files copied over are empty - App quits within seconds of launch **Most requested features** - iPad/iPhone app functionality - Ability to add/edit content on iPad - Cloud sync (iCloud, Dropbox) - iPhone version - Retina screen update - Password protection for the app - Add computers by IP# for pairing - Ability to change sorting - Universal app - Content search - Open in other apps - Email sharing fix - iCloud sync support - Search field layout fix in Landscape - Visible tags and basic info in a bar - Create new text notes - Cloud Sync (Dropbox preferred) - Add/change database from within the app - Add new items on iPad - UI kinks worked out ## Newest reviews (14 of 101) ### 2/5 — Maybe it’s time to catch up *2019-04-30, version 1.1.4* Several years ago Apple stopped supporting Bento. Yojimbo should have stepped up to replace it. It still requires Yojimbo on a Mac (which I no longer have). This would be a great iPad app, instead it’s just a client to the app. I’d love to have BBEdit on my iPad, it’s not here either. I first used BBEdit on a G4 iBook more than a decade ago, and last used it two years ago when my iPad Pro replaced my MBP. Really need Yojimbo and BBEdit, but have no way to use them. ### 2/5 — Outdated *2017-07-06, version 1.1.3* Sync requires a paid subscription and Bare Bones hasn't been updating Yojimbo in years. Once upon a time one of my favorite apps. Now I've switched to other solutions like a combination of 1Password and Evernote. BBEdit and TextWrangler are still great in my opinion, but Yojimbo is no longer worth buying or using. ### 2/5 — Limited functionality *2016-12-15, version 1.1.3* Unlike some, I had no problem syncing with my iPad Pro. Unfortunately, this is a read only app, which makes it of very limited use for me. It really is too bad because I like the application on the Mac. I find myself having to use Evernote instead simply because Evernote allows me to update date on my iPad. ### 2/5 — Abandonware :( *2016-11-22, version 1.1.3* See title. ### 2/5 — Needs better networking capability for pairing! *2014-11-11, version 1.1.3* Not all computers are always on the same network for pairing! You really need to include the ability to add computers by IP#! For example, with my Mac Mini at work, it is on a wired network, but yet my iPad is on a wireless network with 2 totally different Network segments! I am unable to pair my iPad to my Mac Mini because there is no way to add it by IP#. In my opinion this is a major failing of this system that keeps me from using it to its full potential. Fix this, and I will change my rating! ### 4/5 — Works fine *2014-03-26, version 1.1.1* This version works fine on iOS 7 & now 7.1 ### 3/5 — Latest iOS7 update breaks pairing *2013-10-07, version 1.1.1* My Yojimbo asked to re-pair with my main computer after this update but refuses to move past the pairing screen. Completely busted on iPad now. Useless until this bug is fixed. Looking for an app to replace Yojimbo since they want to charge $36/yr to sync. Bad decision on Barebones part. Plus they want to charge me to upgrade my desktop app to keep things working. Sheesh. A good app gone bad. ### 2/5 — Leider sehr unfertig *2013-08-24, version 1.0.4* Als langjähriger und zufriedener Yojimbo User bin ich von dieser App sehr enttäuscht. Die Synchronisierung läuft ziemlich hakelig, bleibt oft hängen und die App muss neu gestartet werden, damit der Sync überhaupt abgeschlossen wird. Das man die Daten auf dem mobilen Gerät nicht editieren kann bzw. neue Daten eingeben kann, ist ein weiterer großer Nachteil. Wieso kann man eigentlich nur ein mobiles Gerät synchronisieren, das ist auch nicht mehr ganz zeitgemäß. Obwohl seit dem letzten Update schon reichlich Zeit vergangen ist, will ich doch einmal hoffen, dass die Version 2.x endlich einmal das bietet was man heutzutage von so einer App erwarten darf. Im jetzigen Zustand ist sie kaum brauchbar, schade. ### 1/5 — Atrocious sharing/sync support *2013-04-26, version 1.0.4* There should be an option to open documents externally to registered apps. Email sharing is broken. Email window stays open even after email is sent. iCloud sync not supported yet? Update: sync supper is utter crap... What a waste of money and time... ### 1/5 — Problem with this update? *2013-01-27, version 1.0.4* I am a long-time user of Yojimbo on my Mac. Here is a case of a company that has allowed its fan base from what was originally a very good product to become discouraged and ultimately rejected to the point of losing them. I have never had consistent success synchronizing Yojimbo for iPad with my Mac. My last successful synch was in July 2012. This company has gone from being the leader in this type of product to being a distant last. Why they allowed Evernote to pass them without any attempt to accomplish what's been done there, I cannot understand. But Evernote is 10,000 times better. I would discourage anyone from investing in Yojimbo until they solve the synchronization problems that are key to any successful product in today's environment. ### 2/5 — Limited Usefulness *2013-01-01, version 1.0.4* Unless you have do-or-die info in Yojimbo that you can't live without on your iPad, pass this by.This is a one-trick, should be free app that you pay TEN BUCKS for. Without the ability to add content (the original idea of Yojimbo, wasn't it?) this is only a dead reader. I have happily used Yojimbo on the mac for years and admired BareBones for it. However, considering the value you get from other companies in their apps, BareBones has embarrassed itself for charging for this minimal app, and embarrassed me for blowing ten bucks on. Wish I'd read more of the reviews first, otherwise I never would have bought this turkey, and I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!! ### 1/5 — Can't sync, does not work. *2012-11-13, version 1.0.4* I can't even get it to sync the first time. Stuck syncing the last item and then it gives up. ### 1/5 — please make email working *2012-10-15, version 1.0.4* currently you are dead when you are in the email page. you cannot cancel or send. the only thing you can do is to kill the App then start it. that is terrible. very buggy. ### 3/5 — Useful for syncing to Mac but needs more *2012-09-09, version 1.0.4* I left off buying Yojimbo for iPad for quite a while but succumbed in the end in order to get access to all of the stuff stored in Yojimbo on my Mac which works fine. Disappointed though that it is still read-only so if I want to put something in Yojimbo on the Mac while away from it I have to use another app such as Evernote, Dropbox, email ... to get it there. Today I realized another annoying deficiency when trying to share some text to another app for editing: it would only share to email, as a zipped attachment, so fairly useless. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Read only? Really! *2024-05-23, version 1.2* I dropped good money for this. Why did I just get scammed? Don’t call this app Yojimbo it should be called Yojimbo Remote because you still need to purchase the desktop app to make this work. Are you insane, don’t deceive ppl. ### 1/5 — seit Jahren nicht weiterentwickelt *2018-01-06, version 1.1.4* Yojimbo auf dem Mac war ein guter Ansatz, die App für iOS immer eher eine Krücke. Nachdem Yojimbo seit Jahren nicht weiter entwickelt wird (und es gäbe noch viel zu tun ...) bin ich nun mit allen Daten auf Devonthink gewechselt. Die Migration klappt problemlos, da es in der Desktopversion einen Menüpunkt für die Datenübernahme aus Yojimbo gibt. Schade, dass die Software so vernächlässigt wurde. Ganz sicher keine Empfehlung! ### 1/5 — Beyond useless *2017-11-26, version 1.1.4* This app, when it once worked, had little value because all the files were read only. Now it doesn’t sync anymore, so it is even more useless. Don’t buy it. Even if you ever get it working, it still would not help you. Forget this (cr)ap. ### 1/5 — Never syncs to IPad pro! *2016-01-04, version 1.1.3* Support is useless. Do not buy! ### 1/5 — DON'T BUY THIS APP IT'S A WASTE OF MONEY *2015-05-25, version 1.1.3* this app will never pair with your mac. Support is worthless. The Mac app is fine, i use that all the time. ### 1/5 — Never finishes sync *2014-12-13, version 1.1.3* The price ($3) seemed fair so I could access my Yojimbo items on my iPad. Only problem is the sync fails a third of the way through -- every time. Have tried uninstalling, reinstalling, repairing, different Macs and tweaking wifi settings. Nothing works. Until this is fixed I can't recommend this app. ### 1/5 — Help *2014-09-03, version 1.1.1* Yojimbo dońt synchronize anymore... ### 1/5 — Crashes on sync with Mac *2014-05-28, version 1.1.1* As previous review - crashes on sync ### 1/5 — Crashes on sync with Mac *2014-05-10, version 1.1.1* Pretty much useless as it crashes and quits on sync with my iMac ### 1/5 — It's read-only! *2013-06-01, version 1.0.4* It's read-only! It's not stated here but it does stated at the website, at FULL DISPLAY section! Why is it not defined in Apple Store, or why is it defined only in website FULL DISPLAY Section? That's a good question. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Please support dark mode. *2023-07-26, version 1.1.5* Please support dark mode. In dark mode, text will white out and become invisible. ### 5/5 — Works Flawlessly *2015-08-20, version 1.1.3* I have both the OS X version and the iOS version and so far both work flawlessly. The pairing worked the first time and I'm now getting data easily from my Mac. I especially like the "Print PDF to Yojimbo" capability. It makes filing emails effortless and then being able to access them on my iPad makes for a beautiful system. The "all caps" review saying not to buy because it will never pair is obviously incorrect. Some people just can't admit when they need help, I guess... How very unfortunate that their comments might stop someone from getting a great piece of software. ### 5/5 — Flawless *2015-02-26, version 1.1.3* I depend on this app every day. My only request is that the developer make an iPhone version. I’d be willing to pay for this, make it happen! ### 5/5 — Great support *2014-11-13, version 1.1.3* I use Yojimbo everyday, mainly as a print option to save paper and ink. I was concerned when I could not open my documents on my iPad. I contacted their support and they had the bug fixed almost immediately. An app is only as good as its support and Yojimbo is the best! ### 5/5 — Great app *2014-11-12, version 1.1.3* Latest bug fixes are right on the mark! Thanks, Barebones! ### 5/5 — Yojimbo for iPad a must have *2013-02-11, version 1.0.4* Excellent addition for a very useful utility, it run flawless in my iPad; the pairing process was easy and straight forward. Yojimbo is in the process of acquiring iCloud functionality, meaning your data will be available in as many devices as needed! ### 5/5 — отличное дополнение настольной версии *2012-05-18, version 1.0.4* Было бы неплохо иметь полную мобильную версию программы пусть даже по цене настольной лицензии. Думаю я бы приобрел. У этой программы в настольной версии есть все необходимое для ведения любых полезных записей: пароли, лицензии, копии веб-страниц, ссылки, теги и т.п. Мобильная версия помогает всем этим пользоваться, но редактировать данные на мобильной версии нельзя, но и лицензия на мобильную версию в 5-6 раз дешевле. В общем программа мне нравится. Отлично. P.s. yojimbo по-японски означает "телохранитель" :) ### 5/5 — Brilliant *2012-03-25, version 1.0.4* Having been a Yojimbo user since 1997, I was happy to find there was an iPad app, although I only just discovered this when last week I bought my first iPad. I think what really makes Yojimbo really stand out for me is that it doesn't sync with a cloud service. I don't want that for storing sensitive financial information or license numbers. I just want a local sync which is what Yojimbo for iPad does beautifully. I'd like to know if there will be a retina screen update at some point? Anyway, congratulations again. ### 5/5 — Good so far *2012-02-10, version 1.0.4* Not sure why the bad reviews but it looks just like Yojimbo on my Mac. I haven't played with it all that much but it seems to work great.. If your looking for something to edit your notes than this might not be for you.. I use it for all my pdf receipts and my contracts which it works fantastic for. Everything thats on the Mac I can now take with me.. Its also a great looking app too. ### 5/5 — Creates security bigtime! *2012-01-29, version 1.0.4* I like using this for last 2yrs instead of mainstream password keepers. They have developed many great software pieces at Barebones and Yojimbo is totally secure! --- *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 2026-09-10.*