# ZenJournal: Minimalist Log — user reviews > 69 indexed App Store user reviews of ZenJournal by Shaomeng Zhang, rated 4.50/5 from 81 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenjournal-minimalist-log/id1399816360/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenjournal-minimalist-log/id1399816360.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 61 · 4★ 10 · 3★ 4 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 1 ## What do users think of ZenJournal? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Simplicity and ease of use - 🚀 Fast and quick to open - 💡 Minimalist design - 📝 Great for jotting down notes - 💡 Great for brain dumps and idea capture - 💡 Streamlined and distraction-free writing - 💡 Hashtag feature for organization - 🔒 Double-tap to hide timeline for privacy - 💡 Chat/Twitter-like layout - 💡 Local storage, no cloud required - 💡 Beautiful aesthetics - 💡 Responsive developer **Cons** - 🐛 Data loss after update - 🐛 App crashes when adding pictures - 🐛 Dark mode issues (resets to light mode) - 🐛 Lock feature not working - 🐛 Long entries not fitting on screen - 🐛 Text box made for shorter entries - 🐛 No auto-save feature - 🐛 Subscription model not preferred by some - 🐛 Difficulty with daylight savings time - 🐛 Support only via X (Twitter) - 🐛 Limited features in free version - 🐛 No edit option for past entries **Commonly reported bugs** - Lost all writing after update - App crashes when adding pictures - Dark mode resets to light mode - Lock feature not working - Long entries not fitting on screen - Text box made for shorter entries - No auto-save feature - Difficulty with daylight savings time - Support only via X (Twitter) - Limited features in free version - No edit option for past entries - UI errors with long entries - Not showing date of entry **Most requested features** - Ability to edit past entries - Sync between devices (iPad and iPhone) - Export by hashtag - Per-entry word count - Basic formatting (italics, bold) - Search by date - Desktop app - Auto-backup - Prompt function with push notifications - Option to remove logo on entry screen - Ability to write higher up (for Apple Pencil) - One-time payment option - Ability to reply to previous thoughts - Display photos in discreet mode as gray blocks - Auto-spacing between entries - European time format - Option to select another font - Strike-through option - Ability to increase UI Elements and Text size - Focus mode or visual separation of current entry - Opening app without showing previous entries (swipe down to see timeline) - Add tags to comments after hitting enter - Option to set add entry using return key - Customization options (background color, font style) - Larger font size setting - Star entries and filter by starred entries - Add photos to entries - Ability to choose date and time for an entry - Basic formatting (italics, bold) - Search by date - Desktop app - Auto-backup - Prompt function with push notifications - Option to remove logo on entry screen - Ability to write higher up (for Apple Pencil) - One-time payment option - Ability to reply to previous thoughts - Display photos in discreet mode as gray blocks - Auto-spacing between entries - European time format - Option to select another font - Strike-through option - Ability to increase UI Elements and Text size - Focus mode or visual separation of current entry - Opening app without showing previous entries (swipe down to see timeline) - Add tags to comments after hitting enter - Option to set add entry using return key - Customization options (background color, font style) - Larger font size setting - Star entries and filter by starred entries - Add photos to entries - Ability to choose date and time for an entry ## Newest reviews (12 of 69) ### 4/5 — Very cool!.. but right off the bat I noticed an issue. *2026-05-11* Hi! I’m writing this review to say that I think this app is very cool. I found it being talked about on Reddit when looking for a Social media type journaling app. If you’re also looking for the same thing, I 100% recommend this app. In fact, I look forward to when I’m able to afford the premium (which you don’t really need to use the app, a for sure positive.) However, as the title states, there was a feature I noticed was immediately missing.. editing. When you send a “message” so to speak, there is no way to edit it after. I’m glad you can copy and delete them, but being able to edit said “messages” after sending is very vital. I hope to developer adds this at some point, or at least adds it to the list after seeing this review! Thanks for reading, Em 🩷 **Developer response:** Your wish has been granted. Edit feature finally available. Thank you for your review! ### 4/5 — Is there a synch feature? *2025-03-26* Just started using the app and so far I'm enjoying the simplicity. I also use Workflowy for a more "outline" structure with indented tabs, etc. But I like the single time line with this app, it's great for mind dumps and idea captures. My only concern: can I synch between my iPad and iPhone? So far it looks like I can only use it separately on each device. I'm constantly bouncing between the two and would like to capture and combine notes from both. Is this a current feature or maybe something that might happen in the future? **Developer response:** Hi thanks for your positive review. Yes I will be working on an Apple exclusive version that will have iCloud sync. But don’t hold your breath as I may introduce a quick merge feature first before that’s available. So you can merge between your separate journals across devices first. Hi! Our sync feature is now available! Thanks for the request! ### 4/5 — Great app! *2025-01-07* I’ll be using this app for a bit, I like having one unified space for my brain vomit and being able to tag it logs with things like #thankful or #remember or #todo to quickly recall them later if the timeline gets filled. I also love that you can double-tap to hide the entire timeline except what you’re currently writing for privacy if you’re in public. I do wish that there was some sort of auto-spacing between entries; right now I’m adding a break after every log to get around this but sometimes I forget and my entries end up all clumped together when they shouldn’t be, because the option to edit also seems to be missing (unless I’m missing it). **Developer response:** Thanks for the review! Yes I use the manual spacing occasionally as well. I didn’t add different block spacing because I want to keep the blocks flowing as sometimes a session can last for a few blocks. I’ll prioritize the editing feature. 🙏 ### 4/5 — Some technical issues *2024-08-06, version 3.6.1* The general features are great and I love the hash tag features and submitting like text messages. Extracting text and classifying has also been pretty easy with some coding. I guess it would be nice if you could export by hashtag. The main problem I’ve had since adding pictures is that now the app often crashes immediately when I open it. Sometimes it works again when restarting my phone. I think I’ll next try deleting the pictures, but that’s a shame. Yes, deleting the pictures worked. I’ve got one suggestion for a feature: export by hashtag, so you only get the relevant entries. ### 4/5 — Love it but *2024-05-05, version 3.6.1* I really like it because it invites me to write without some many distractions that lots of apps have, but would love it to have edit function. Right now I have to delete the note and rewrite it if there's a typo or something I forgot to write and it's not very convenient. ### 4/5 — this rocks *2023-07-23, version 3.6.1* i love the layout because its like a chat/like twitter and i can finally get a mass amount of thoughts out without getting distracted by other things ### 5/5 — Awesome!! *2022-07-26, version 3.3.0* Such a great app, just perfect. Have been using for months now. It’s the only journal I stick with. ### 5/5 — 能不能加一个编辑的功能 *2022-05-28, version 3.3.0* 有时候打错一个字，或者少打一句话，编辑功能会很实用！不然每次都要删掉上一句话，重新发一次，真的很麻烦！ ### 4/5 — Use it everyday, but.. *2022-03-14, version 3.3.0* I can’t figure out how to change it to daylight savings time and back. If that’s even a feature at all. ### 5/5 — I love the concept, awaiting the execution *2021-08-24, version 3.0.1* 10/10 concept 5/10 execution It’s a very stream of consciousness experience. However, not everyone is into that. Just imagine if the app was exactly the same way it is right now, but each entry is its own little zen journal app. Instead of everything getting dumped together, It’s neat little pockets of dumps. Would be 10/10 💯 ### 5/5 — Thanks for making this! *2021-08-11* Thank you for making this app so I don't have to. Some of the aesthetics around tagging and searching are quite brilliant too, and... it's a chat journal, which is lovely. PLEASE allow for restore with merging for working on two devices (iPad & iPhone). If two entries have a conflict, just lose one. **Developer response:** Thank you for the kind words! Restore with merging is definitely high on my list, considering it's the best way to support manual syncing without going online. ### 5/5 — Brilliant *2021-04-19, version 2.3* ZenJournal is my new favourite app. A linear but perfectly searchable notepad. I have no idea if I’m using it as intended but I keep both important memories, progress reports and mundane notes side-by-side, because why not? I don’t want the overhead of managing a notes app, I just want to get my thoughts down and timestamped. ZenJournal does exactly that. Wishlist for the future: nothing! Well, a desktop app and auto-backup would be amazing, but in terms of features, it’s just the right level of Zen. Nothing else needed. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Subscription hit! *2020-04-29, version 2.2* Nasty subscription! You should have give a one time purchase option to those who supported you first by downloading and using your app. ### 2/5 — Lost all my writing *2026-05-10, version 5.1.0* I wrote to my son on this app for months now and it’s all gone since update. My son died from cot death and I was told it helps to write and now I’ve lost it all. ### 2/5 — Good but needs work *2025-04-18, version 3.6.1* Firstly I tried to contact Support and the only option that is provided is using X and that’s just not okay as a lot of us might not use that app so maybe they will see my feedback here? Difficult to use, lack of features on the free version. I only used a few times then deleted and went elsewhere Do not recommend ### 2/5 — No iCloud Sync? *2024-02-01, version 3.6.1* I’d like to use it on my iPad mini and iPad Air with them syncing between the two. But it doesn’t appear to sync. Tried to contact developer through “X” but did not get a reply. ### 2/5 — Wanted to use Apple Pencil *2021-12-02, version 3.1.0* Also looking for a basic free journal this is free for basic then for ”pro” they charge ### 2/5 — Zen journal *2019-10-31, version 1.6.3* Not showing date of entry ### 3/5 — Good but needs work *2025-01-12, version 3.6.1* Firstly I tried to contact Support and the only option that is provided is using X and that’s just not okay as a lot of us might not use that app so maybe they will see my feedback here? I can’t figure out how to do more than one post a day . How do you edit a post? I’m on iOS latest version on iPad by the way. And looks like you can only put one photo with a post. It really is extremely basic which I don’t mind and I’m on the three month trial and then I will revert to because I don’t want to pay for something that really doesn’t offer anything extra with the pro option. I don’t know if this is just a glitch with the iOS version and not to do with the app provider but it is frustrating not being able to edit your journal entries. ### 3/5 — Great app, but no way to edit *2024-10-03, version 3.6.1* Great app, would be nice if there was the ability to edit the content and time of past messages. Also having issues with dark mode - the app resets to light mode every time I open it, even if the toggle in settings is set to dark mode. ### 3/5 — I love this app but… *2022-08-30, version 3.3.0* I’ve been using this app for a couple of years and it’s the only app that really invites me to write with no distractions. However I’m missing that you can choose the date and time for an entry. I have texts all over the place, sometimes I want to add something it happened a couple of days ago and I would like to have it in the right place. Please look into changing this and I’ll give 5 stars 💛 ### 3/5 — Scribble support *2022-01-17, version 3.3.0* I have to admit that I am new to using scribble. I think it would be easiest for me to have the text entry field in the middle of the screen so my palm can be on the screen when writing. Also, I would like the buttons to add paragraphs and search et cetera to be on the main keyboard rather than just above it so my fingers could more quickly type them ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great app for simple note taking *2026-05-14, version 5.2.0* Great app, like how simple it is for just jotting down notes. I previously rated 3/5 because of no edit and light mode issues but those are fixed in the latest update. ### 5/5 — Perfect for journaling *2025-01-17* I used to write everything in the Apple Notes app, but found it to be sort of tedious. This app is extremely straightforward. It makes writing easy. Well done! ### 5/5 — Great app! *2025-01-09* I’ll be using this app for a bit, I like having one unified space for my brain vomit and being able to tag it logs with things like #thankful or #remember or #todo to quickly recall them later if the timeline gets filled. I also love that you can double-tap to hide the entire timeline except what you’re currently writing for privacy if you’re in public. I do wish that there was some sort of auto-spacing between entries; right now I’m adding a break after every log to get around this but sometimes I forget and my entries end up all clumped together when they shouldn’t be, because the option to edit also seems to be missing (unless I’m missing it). Update: updating my review because I’ve been using this app for three days and I completely understand the spacing now. My thoughts are grouped by time of day and spaced sort of like discord; if enough time has passed a new timestamp will create a line break. I know the editing feature is coming so I’ll proactively add a star for that lol **Developer response:** Thanks for the review! Yes I use the manual spacing occasionally as well. I didn’t add different block spacing because I want to keep the blocks flowing as sometimes a session can last for a few blocks. I’ll prioritize the editing feature. 🙏 Update: thanks for the added one star. Happy new year! ### 5/5 — Perfect minimal journal! *2023-11-17, version 3.6.1* I’ve never been interested in all the scrapbooky side of journaling. As I start to get more into journaling, what I wanted was a simple, elegant, minimal, open and go, no frills journal app. This app delivers just that plus a few handy tools (like the hashtags to organise ideas and the discrete feature is great too) It’s a joy to use! I look forward to many more brain dumpy stream of conscience entries in the future! (Ps. Feature idea: It would be fun to be able to keep the journal synced between multiple devices, although I understand that means dealing with accounts and I totally get if you don’t want to do that) ### 5/5 — Great Daily Journaling App. *2023-03-12* I love this app. It’s so streamlined and pretty. I like having a constant flow of entries, and not breaking everything up into individual notes. Great idea. I will absolutely continue to use. Some features that I would love to see added are: A per-entry word count. Basic formatting (italics, and bold) The ability to search by date. That’s really it. Highly recommend this app. Cheers ### 5/5 — Simple, efficace *2022-12-20, version 3.4.0* Comme l’indique très bien le développeur dans sa présentation sur son site, tellement d’applications existent pour tenir un journal, mais souvent l’écriture devient vite fastidieuse à cause de l’interface. Ici c’est simple, efficace, et en local. Bravo et merci. ### 5/5 — onetime payment preferred *2022-11-17, version 3.4.0* 很方便使用，不过既然是离线应用，能否有一次买断的选项呢？ ### 5/5 — :) *2022-10-13, version 3.4.0* Fav micro journaling tool ### 5/5 — 5 stelle, ma non per tutti *2022-09-23, version 3.4.0* TL/DR: ha un approccio molto “nazista” e non consente al momento di cambiare niente delle voci passate (solo di cancellarle). Questa è la caratteristica di base, deve piacere altrimenti non la consiglierei. Per il resto la realizzazione dell’app è esteticamente riuscita, e funziona benissimo. Prima voce di diario: ——— Mi piace molto l’idea alla base di questa app. Non si possono aggiungere voci datate al passato, né si possono modificare quelle presenti (inserite tramite questa app). Tutte le voci vengono presentate una dopo l’altra, e ci si trova sempre in fondo dopo di esse. Si possono anche rendere momentaneamente illeggibili le voci precedenti, forse non tanto per nasconderle a qualcuno vicino in un posto affollato, quanto per nasconderle a te stesso quando stai scrivendo del presente. Mi ricorda una specie di fiume (o “stream”) che non potrai mai più modificare davvero, esattamente come è il passato. È molto limitante rispetto alle altre app che ho provato (o anche un foglio di carta), tanto che pensavo di copiare questo approccio replicandolo in un’altra app, ma poi ho cambiato idea. La tentazione di “modificare il passato” rimane sempre, e le altre app prive di questo approccio ti permettono tutte di tornare indietro, di ravanare nel passato “ordinandolo” in diversi cassetti, o cambiare i cassetti e ricominciare da capo. Anche inserendolo in un sistema di “Zettelkasten” avrebbe avuto lo stesso significato, e forse ancora di più con le visualizzazioni a grafo che facevo in Obsidian, o le idee di data analysis che ogni tanto emergevano, come se potessi trattare il mio diario allo stesso modo delle mie tasse, o files qualunque. Zenjournal non consente nemmeno di correggere errori grammaticali o scelte di parole non esattamente fortunate. Se si sbaglia a inviare una voce, l’unica soluzione (al momento) è quella di copiare l’intera voce, incollarla e modificarla per continuare a scrivere. Naturalmente però la data e l’ora saranno a quel punto quella del nuovo invio. Quindi è una cosa da fare solo se si sbaglia nel “momento presente”, non ripescando voci passate. Ti spinge molto di più a rileggere quello che stai scrivendo, prima di “inviarlo”. Della possibilità di inserire foto forse me ne faccio poco, ma c’è. L’esportazione è possibile, in un .json “proprietario” per il quale credo al momento servirebbe forse uno script Python per cambiarne il formato. Ma uno semplice, e ovviamente è umanamente leggibile in formato di puro testo. ### 5/5 — Best minimal writing app *2022-08-31* This app is pure perfection. Open and type thoughts with no distractions, no need to enter titles or navigate somewhere. By the time I open another app and get to writing, I’ll have forgotten what I was going to write. This app makes it so easy to write thoughts down more often. My only request is to display photos in discreet mode as gray blocks. I haven’t purchased the subscription because the preview shows a sunset photo as a bright blurred orange square and I’d find that incredibly distracting to the otherwise elegant mostly monochromatic design of the app. Also, looking forward to the edit feature! Would love to correct small typos or add a tag to a previous thought. One suggestion is the ability to reply to previous thoughts. “Hindsight” or “reflection” essentially. Editing previous thoughts to add tags somewhat resolves this but replying to your own thoughts would be awesome for retrospectives! **Developer response:** Thanks for the 5 stars! Will definitely looking to add the edit feature. Also thank you for the idea for replying to previous thoughts, I was thinking about nested threads vs quoting previous logs. Definitely prefer the linear nature of the latter. --- *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 2026-09-07.*