PencilDiary vs SelfLock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PencilDiary
This app provides a daily handwritten journal experience with a new page automatically generated each day, organized by date. It offers seamless light and dark mode adaptation with smart color inversion for optimal readability and a minimalist design for focused reflection.
- New page generated daily, organized by date
- Automatic light and dark mode with color inversion
- Pure handwriting input with Apple Pencil support
- Minimalist and distraction-free interface
- Ideal for personal growth and reflection
- No manual sorting or folder management
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Pencil Diary is the only handwritten journal app that gives you a new page every day, automatically organized by date. Whether you're jotting down daily reflections, tracking your moods, ADHD, every note is instantly saved and accessible by date—so you never have to manage folders or files. With seamless light and dark mode adaptation, your notes automatically invert colors to match your iPad’s theme. This ensures that your handwritten text remains readable and aesthetically consistent, no matter when or where you write. If you love writing by hand with an Apple Pencil, Pencil Diary is your perfect digital alternative to a traditional journal. KEY FEATURES: 1. New Page Every Day, Organized by Date - Automatically starts a fresh blank page every day—just like a real notebook. - No need to create or sort notes—your entries are stored by date for easy browsing. - Go back and review past notes without clutter or folders. 2. Auto Light & Dark Mode With Smart Color Inversion - When switching modes, your handwritten notes automatically adjust, ensuring perfect contrast - In light mode, notes appear on a white page in dark mode, they seamlessly invert for a comfortable nighttime writing experience 3. Pure Handwriting —No Typing, No Distractions - Write naturally with Apple Pencil —no keyboards, just a real pen-on-paper feel. - Perfect for journaling, planning, mood tracking, or creative sketching. - Supports freehand drawing, doodling, and note-taking. 4. Minimalist & Aesthetic Design - A clean, distraction-free interface to help you focus on your thoughts. - Inspired by artful agendas, aesthetic planners, and mindful journaling techniques. 5. Ideal for Personal Growth & Reflection - Use it as a gratitude journal, mood tracker, self-care planner, or time management tool. - Great for stoic journaling, mental health tracking, and personal development. - WHY CHOOSE PENCIL DIARY? Most journaling apps rely on templates, stickers, or typing. Pencil Diary is different. A fresh page every day — just open the app and start writing. No manual sorting — everything is saved by date. Automatic light & dark mode — your notes adapt perfectly. Handwriting only — for a truly paper-like experience on iPad. No clutter — just a simple, elegant space for your thoughts. If you love handwriting, daily journaling, and a clean, distraction-free experience, Pencil Diary is the perfect app for you. Start Your Journaling Journey Today!
SelfLock
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Master Your Mind. Lock in Your Future. Do you find yourself starting goals but losing momentum? Are you ready to stop wishing and start becoming? Welcome to SelfLock, the ultimate companion for those who value discipline, focus, and true transformation. Unlike generic habit trackers, SelfLock is built on the power of Identity-Based Growth. We believe that to change your life, you first have to change who you believe you are. Whether you want to become a world-class engineer, a professional athlete, or simply a more focused version of yourself, SelfLock gives you the tools to "lock in" that identity. KEY FEATURES: Identity-Based Goal Setting: Define exactly who you want to become. Set your "Future Identity" and let it drive every action you take. Core Pillar Selection: Focus on what matters most right now. Choose between Focus, Discipline, Calm, Energy, or Confidence. Daily Motivational Reminders: Stay on track with personalized notifications that remind you of your "Future Identity" throughout the day. Progress Tracking: Visualize your journey from where you are to who you want to be. Mastery Journey: Complete your plan and reach the "Final Mastery" stage, celebrating your transformation and consistent discipline. WHY SELFLOCK? SelfLock isn't about temporary fixes; it's about lasting mental shifts. By combining modern psychology with a sleek, intuitive interface, we help you build the "SelfLock" mindset—where discipline isn't a chore, it's who you are. Stop the loop. Start the Lock. Download SelfLock today and begin your journey to unshakeable discipline.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SelfLock at none against PencilDiary's 2. SelfLock also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PencilDiary sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. SelfLock asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | PencilDiary | SelfLock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (41 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 18 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 212 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | RABBITEYE LAB LLP | Talha Rehman |
In-app purchases
PencilDiary
- Premium$19.99
- Premium$49.99
SelfLock
No in-app purchases









