From my experience with Notability, I found it excels at integrating handwriting, typing, and audio recording into a single, fluid note-taking experience. The audio sync feature is particularly valuable for students and professionals who want to revisit lectures or meetings with precise context. While the app is limited to Apple devices, its seamless syncing and AI-powered handwriting search make it a top choice for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. However, the subscription pricing and lack of cross-platform support might be a drawback for casual or multi-device users. Overall, if you need a powerful, versatile note-taking app on iOS or macOS, Notability delivers excellent functionality.
Notability AI Note-Taking App with Handwriting and Audio Sync Features
Notability is an AI-enhanced note-taking app for Apple devices that combines handwriting, typing, audio recording, and PDF annotation with AI-powered handwriting search and syncing features.
- Best for
- Academic Note-Taking
- Key capability
- Handwriting and Typing
Do you recommend this tool?
What is Notability?
Notability is a versatile note-taking app designed for iOS and macOS devices that combines handwriting, typing, audio recording, and PDF annotation into a single seamless experience. It leverages AI to enhance productivity by enabling smart search, handwriting recognition, and organization features. Users can capture ideas, lectures, and meetings efficiently with synchronized audio and notes.
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
- Limited to Apple ecosystem (no Android or Windows support)
- Subscription pricing may deter casual users
- No web or cross-platform app available
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
Create or Import Notes
Start a new note by typing, handwriting, or importing PDFs and documents.
- 2
Record Audio
Record lectures or meetings while taking notes; audio syncs with your handwriting or typed text.
- 3
Annotate and Organize
Highlight, draw, and add comments to notes or PDFs; organize notes into subjects and dividers.
- 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.
Notability Plus
$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
No, Notability is currently only available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices.
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.
Sign in to review this tool.
Sign In to ReviewNo reviews yet
Be the first to share how this tool worked for you.
Ask about pricing, limits, or how it compares — or answer someone else.
Sign In to AskNo questions yet
Have a question about using or paying for this tool? Be the first to ask.
Featured on TiorAI
Alternative Tools
Explore similar AI tools that might fit your needs
Free
Evernote
Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking app that helps users capture, organize, and collaborate on notes, tasks, and projects with multi-format support and powerful search.
More AI Education & Learning Tools tools
Other tools in the same category, for when this one is not quite the fit.
Free
bentolingo
BentoLingo is an AI-driven language learning platform that provides personalized speaking practice and real-time feedback to help users improve fluency in multiple languages.
Free Trial
Testnut
Testnut is an online exam platform that enables secure, scalable assessments with remote proctoring, automated grading, and detailed analytics, suitable for education and corporate use.
Freemium
Testbook.ai
Testbook.ai is an AI-driven platform offering personalized study plans, mock tests, and live classes to help students prepare effectively for competitive exams.
Free
AICamp
AICamp is an AI education platform offering project-based learning to teach AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects and community mentorship.
Free
KidTales
KidTales AI is an online tool that generates personalized, age-appropriate stories for children to support creativity and learning.
Freemium
Mi Cuento Digital
Mi Cuento Digital is an online platform that lets you create personalized digital storybooks for children by adding names, photos, and custom details to engage young readers.
Free
Kidgeni
Kidgeni is an AI-powered tutoring platform designed to provide personalized learning and homework help for children, focusing on core subjects like math and reading through interactive sessions.
Freemium
flAI
flAI is an AI-driven language learning app that provides personalized speaking and writing practice with real-time feedback to help users improve fluency and confidence in multiple languages.