Notability AI Note-Taking App with Handwriting and Audio Sync Features

Notability is a note-taking app with handwriting, audio and AI features, available on Android as well as iOS and macOS.

Best for
Academic Note-Taking
Key capability
Handwriting and Typing
Screenshot of Notability AI note-taking interface

What is Notability?

Notability is a note-taking app with handwriting, audio and AI features. It is available on iOS and macOS, and since 2026 on Android through Google Play.

Screenshot of Notability AI note-taking interface

Key features of Notability

Notability offers multi-modal note-taking with handwriting and typing, audio recording synced to notes, PDF annotation, AI-powered handwriting search, and seamless cloud syncing across Apple devices.

Handwriting and Typing

Combine handwritten notes with typed text in a flexible, easy-to-use interface.

Audio Recording with Playback Sync

Record audio while taking notes; tap any word to hear what was said at that moment.

PDF Annotation

Import PDFs and annotate with highlights, drawings, and text.

AI Handwriting Recognition

Search handwritten notes quickly using AI-powered recognition technology.

Cloud Sync and Backup

Sync notes across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud for seamless access.

Pros and cons of Notability

Pros

  • Intuitive interface combining handwriting, typing, and audio
  • Powerful audio sync feature for lectures and meetings
  • Robust PDF annotation tools
  • AI-powered handwriting search improves productivity
  • Seamless syncing across Apple devices

Cons

  • Subscription pricing may deter casual users

Key use cases for Notability

Academic Note-Taking

Students can take handwritten or typed notes, record lectures, and sync audio with notes for better study sessions.

Professional Meeting Notes

Professionals can annotate PDFs, organize meeting notes, and share them easily with teams.

Creative Brainstorming

Users can sketch ideas, combine handwriting with typed text, and organize thoughts visually.

Document Annotation

Annotate PDFs and documents with highlights, drawings, and comments for review or collaboration.

How Notability works

  1. 1

    Create or Import Notes

    Start a new note by typing, handwriting, or importing PDFs and documents.

  2. 2

    Record Audio

    Record lectures or meetings while taking notes; audio syncs with your handwriting or typed text.

  3. 3

    Annotate and Organize

    Highlight, draw, and add comments to notes or PDFs; organize notes into subjects and dividers.

  4. 4

    Search and Share

    Use AI-powered handwriting recognition to search notes; export or share notes in various formats.

Who is using Notability

Students and educators
Business professionals
Creative professionals
Researchers
Anyone needing advanced note-taking on Apple devices

Notability pricing

Free

$0

Basic note-taking features with limited access to advanced tools.

Lite

$11.99/year

Full access to all features including unlimited notes, audio recording, and PDF annotation.

Plans and prices are as published by the vendor and can change. Check the official site before you buy. Open the pricing page (opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions about Notability

Yes, Notability is available on Android as well as iOS and macOS.

Yes, Notability uses iCloud to sync notes across your Apple devices automatically.

Yes, it uses AI to recognize and search handwritten notes.

Yes, you can record audio that syncs with your notes for playback.

Yes, it can help with that use case depending on how you configure it and what features are available. You’ll get the best results with clear inputs and a defined goal.

It depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the tool. The official website and documentation are the best sources for the latest details.

Yes, it can help with that use case depending on how you configure it and what features are available. You’ll get the best results with clear inputs and a defined goal.

Some tools offer a free plan or trial with limited features. Availability can vary, so confirm on the official website.

Conclusion

Handwriting, typed text and audio recording sit in the same note, and a tap on any word lets the user hear what was said at that moment. PDFs can be imported and annotated with highlights, drawings and text. Handwritten notes are searchable through AI-powered recognition.

Apple hardware is no longer the only option: since 2026 the app has also been available on Android through Google Play, alongside iOS and macOS. On Apple devices, notes sync automatically through iCloud. A free tier covers basic note-taking features, and the paid plan at $11.99/year is called Lite. Students and educators, researchers and business professionals are the main groups it serves.

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Screenshot of the Evernote interface
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