The best iPad note app with real Apple Pencil support
Apple Pencil deserves an app that uses it. Noteshik supports pressure, tilt, palm rejection, and 120 Hz coalesced events — your strokes feel like ink. Plus handwriting → typed text, on-device.
Strokes that feel like ink
We render every Apple Pencil sample at 120 Hz using Pointer Events with coalesced sub-frame data. Lines are smooth, pressure varies thickness organically, tilt shades when you angle the pen.
Palm rests on screen, doesn't draw
Built-in palm rejection: when the Pencil is the active pointer, touch input is suppressed. Hand on screen, no phantom marks.
Free, unlike GoodNotes 6
GoodNotes 6 is $9.99/year subscription. Notability is $14.99/year. Noteshik's free tier covers unlimited notes and 500 MB — Pro at $3.99/mo only adds AI and bigger storage.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Noteshik (iPad) | Other iPad note apps | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil pressure | Yes — varies stroke width | Some apps don't | Yes |
| Palm rejection | Built-in (pen blocks touch) | Some require gloves mode | Built-in |
| Tilt shading | Yes | Few apps support | Yes |
| Handwriting → text | On-device, free | Often Premium-only | Free in core |
| 120 Hz / Pro Motion | Coalesced events for smooth lines | Drops samples | Smoother |
| Split View / Slide Over | Full multi-window | Some don't support | Yes |
| Hover preview (M2 iPad Pro) | Yes | Inconsistent | Yes |
| Free tier | Unlimited notes, 500 MB | Most cap or paid | Real free tier |
| Subscription | $3.99/mo | Notability $14.99/yr; GoodNotes $29.99 once | Comparable |
Common questions
Does it work with Apple Pencil 1, 2, and Pencil Pro?+
All three. Pressure, tilt, double-tap, and squeeze (Pencil Pro) are all wired up. Hover preview works on M2 iPad Pro.
Does it convert handwriting to typed text?+
Yes, on-device — free. Tap a handwritten note, choose 'Convert to text.' Apple's Vision framework runs locally so your handwriting never leaves the iPad.
Does it sync to my Mac and iPhone?+
Yes. Same notes everywhere, automatic sync, full offline editing on every device.
Can I import from Notability or GoodNotes?+
PDF import works for both. Drop a Notability or GoodNotes PDF and it becomes an editable Noteshik note with the handwriting layer preserved.
Ready to switch?
Free to start. No credit card. Move your existing notes in 60 seconds.
Get Noteshik on iPad →