Noteastic
Noteastic delivers the digital handwriting experience Windows users deserve. Engineered natively for the platform, it combines responsive pen input with an intuitive interface that doesn't get in your way.
Whether you're annotating research papers, capturing lecture notes, or sketching project ideas, Noteastic provides the tools you need without the bloat you don't. The app prioritizes performance — smooth inking, instant tool response, and efficient system resource usage set it apart from browser-based alternatives.
PDF workflows are seamless. Import documents, annotate with precision tools, and export marked-up versions to share with colleagues or classmates. The organizational library keeps your notebooks structured and accessible.
Key Features:
- Responsive pen, highlighter, and shape tools
- PDF import and annotation capabilities
- Notebook library with flexible organization
- Multiple paper styles and background options
- Native Windows performance (not a web app)
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Kilonotes
Kilonotes is a digital note-taking and PDF reading app designed to support students and professionals with an intuitive handwriting experience and versatile study tools. It allows users to record class notes, mark up PDFs, complete exercises, study online lessons, and organize reading notes in one place, positioning itself as a reliable study partner. The handwriting function mimics the natural feel of writing on paper, while customization options let you personalize notebooks and layouts. Kilonotes also includes a variety of photo editing tools and a split-screen function so you can take notes while watching videos or lectures. Its recording feature makes it easy to capture spoken content alongside notes for later review, and the app provides tools to quickly extract key points from study material. A unique card-based learning mode allows users to transform notes into flashcards to reinforce knowledge retention.
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Notability
Combine handwriting, photos and typing in a single note to bring your projects to life. Use a wide range of note-taking and sketching tools to capture every detail. You can even add and annotate PDFs in Notability. It’s the perfect place to create and organize work, school, and life's information!
Experiment with different tools to create beautiful, hand-crafted notes and sketches. Continue to scale, rotate, and recolor your ideas and sketches until your notes are just how you want them. Once you're done, organize your notes with ease so you always know where to find what matters most.
Zoom in on the specifics, or explore the big picture by combining sketches, outlines, and type. Now you are ready to share your notes with colleagues or study partners through Google Drive, AirDrop, Email and Dropbox.
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CollaNote
CollaNote is a versatile note-taking and PDF markup app available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac that blends handwriting, sketching, collaboration, and AI tools in one environment. You can choose from over 25 pens and brushes, stabilize handwriting for smoother writing, and use infinite paper with customizable templates. CollaNote supports importing and annotating PDFs, slides, images, and documents, exporting notes to PDF, and backing up via iCloud for seamless syncing. It includes translation tools (for over 90 languages), flashcard creation with media, real-time collaboration across users, and password-protected notes. AI-powered features include a built-in AI calculator for handwritten notes, smart drawing tools (auto shapes), AI sticker generation, and writing assistance. The app also supports audio recording synchronized with handwriting, enabling you to replay lectures or meeting moments in context.
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