# Calligraphy Tracing vs Simple Handwritten Note

The clearest difference is rating: Simple Handwritten Note at 5.0 against Calligraphy Tracing's 4.2. Simple Handwritten Note also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Calligraphy Tracing's advantage is ratings volume (741 vs 1) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calligraphy Tracing sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Simple Handwritten Note asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Handwritten Note holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Calligraphy Tracing has 741 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Calligraphy Tracing's written reviews are positive against 50% of Simple Handwritten Note's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Calligraphy Tracing ships an update monthly, Simple Handwritten Note every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calligraphy Tracing | Simple Handwritten Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (741 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calligraphy-tracing-flourish/id1491334566/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-handwritten-note/id1660363609/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **741** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **58.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 36 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Frosby Designs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/470948182) | [Ryouhei Azuma](https://appshunter.io/developer/1353297781) |

## What reviewers say

### Calligraphy Tracing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calligraphy-tracing-flourish/id1491334566)

Learn cursive handwriting and lettering art with this app. Practice tracing letters, add decorative flourishes, and experiment with different pen styles. Save and export your creations as high-resolution images.

**Highlights:** Alphabet tracing letters, Calligram practice, Add flourishing loops, Choose background textures, Traditional ink pens, Flat head marker pens, Save designs to gallery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Flourish PRO | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎨 Helpful for practicing calligraphy
- 🚀 Great for beginners
- 💡 Fun and creative
- 😊 Enjoyable experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free content
- 💰 Paid features required
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔍 Lack of customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Typing issues with capitalization
- Locking up and freezing
- Inability to go back to home screen

**Requested features**

- More font/brush options
- Ability to type own words
- Layers and canvas controls
- Pressure sensitivity support
- More calligraphy styles


### Simple Handwritten Note

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-handwritten-note/id1660363609)

This app allows users to jot down notes and sketches using a black pen. It functions as a simple memo pad or notebook for quickly capturing ideas or communicating through writing. The core features include writing, erasing, and saving.

**Highlights:** Handwritten note-taking, Drawing and sketching, Memo pad functionality, Quick idea capture, Writing, erasing, and saving

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calligraphy Tracing free?

Calligraphy Tracing is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Simple Handwritten Note free?

Simple Handwritten Note is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Calligraphy Tracing or Simple Handwritten Note?

Simple Handwritten Note is rated higher. Calligraphy Tracing averages 4.2 out of 5 from 741 ratings, while Simple Handwritten Note averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Calligraphy Tracing or Simple Handwritten Note have ads?

Both Calligraphy Tracing and Simple Handwritten Note show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calligraphy Tracing or Simple Handwritten Note?

Calligraphy Tracing ships an update monthly, and Simple Handwritten Note every 3 months. Most recently, Calligraphy Tracing was updated on October 24, 2026 and Simple Handwritten Note on October 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*