Writing by hand feels personal. But storing handwritten notes or using them for digital tasks can be a challenge. That’s where handwriting-to-text apps help. These apps take what you write by hand—using a stylus, Apple Pencil, or even your finger—and turn it into typed, editable text.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who prefers writing by hand, these tools save time and improve productivity.
In this guide, you’ll find the best apps to turn handwriting into text, with options for both Android and iPhone users.
Quick Comparison Table
| App Name | Platform | Free Plan | Cloud Sync | Stylus Support | Offline Mode | Languages Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Keep | Android, iOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Multiple |
| Apple Notes | iOS | Yes | Yes (iCloud) | Yes | Yes | Multiple |
| Nebo | Android, iOS | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | 66+ |
| GoodNotes | iOS, Android | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | 20+ |
| Microsoft OneNote | Android, iOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Multiple |
| Pen to Print | Android, iOS | Limited | Yes | No | Yes | Multiple |
| Evernote | Android, iOS | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Multiple |
| MyScript Calculator | Android, iOS | Paid | No | Yes | Yes | Math expressions |
| Notability | iOS | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Multiple |
1. Google Keep
Platform: Android, iOS
Free: Yes
Google Keep is a simple note-taking app with a handwriting recognition feature. You can draw notes using your finger or stylus, and then use Google’s OCR to extract the text. The best part—it syncs across your Google account, so your notes are available on all devices.
Key Features:
- Handwriting and drawing input
- Converts handwriting to editable text using OCR
- Syncs with Google Drive
- Easy interface for quick notes
Why Use It: Ideal for short notes, reminders, and extracting text from handwritten images.
2. Apple Notes
Platform: iOS
Free: Yes
Apple Notes has evolved into a powerful tool, especially with Apple Pencil. You can write freely and then convert handwriting to text with a tap. The conversion is smooth and retains formatting.
Key Features:
- Apple Pencil support
- Tap to convert handwriting to text
- Organize notes in folders
- Works offline and syncs with iCloud
Why Use It: Perfect for iPhone and iPad users who want a built-in, reliable note app that turns handwriting into searchable, editable text.
3. Nebo
Platform: Android, iOS
Free Version: Available with limitations
Nebo is one of the most powerful handwriting-to-text apps. It’s designed for stylus use and supports over 60 languages. Nebo can convert both cursive and print handwriting in real time.
Key Features:
- Converts handwriting to text instantly
- Supports diagrams, math equations, and notes
- Exports to Word, PDF, and HTML
- Works offline and online
Why Use It: Great for professionals, engineers, and students who take extensive notes with a stylus.
4. GoodNotes
Platform: iOS, Android (Beta)
Free Version: Limited
GoodNotes combines digital notebooks with handwriting recognition. It supports Apple Pencil and turns handwritten content into typed text with high accuracy.
Key Features:
- Converts handwriting, shapes, and math
- Digital notebook interface
- Search handwritten text
- iCloud sync
Why Use It: Ideal for students, especially on iPads. The interface feels like writing in a physical notebook.
5. Microsoft OneNote
Platform: Android, iOS
Free: Yes
OneNote supports ink-to-text conversion using Microsoft’s OCR. Write with a stylus or finger, then convert sections of handwritten notes into editable text.
Key Features:
- Full integration with Microsoft 365
- Multiple notebooks and tags
- Ink-to-text support
- Cloud sync with OneDrive
Why Use It: Best for users already using Microsoft apps. Works well for collaborative note-taking.
6. Pen to Print
Platform: Android, iOS
Free Version: Limited
Pen to Print scans handwritten notes and converts them into digital text. Unlike other apps, it works well with pen-and-paper notes via camera input.
Key Features:
- OCR engine trained for handwriting
- Scan notebook pages and convert
- Supports many languages
- Share and export text
Why Use It: Useful for digitizing old notebooks or handwritten homework.
7. Evernote
Platform: Android, iOS
Free Version: Limited
Evernote supports image scanning with handwriting detection. While it doesn’t have live handwriting-to-text conversion, you can scan pages and search or extract text later.
Key Features:
- OCR search for handwritten notes
- Organize by tags, notebooks, and tasks
- Web clipping
- Sync across devices
Why Use It: Best for those who write notes on paper but want to store and search them digitally.
8. MyScript Calculator
Platform: Android, iOS
Paid: Yes
This app turns handwritten math equations into accurate digital calculations. You write an equation, and the app instantly solves it.
Key Features:
- Handwriting recognition for math
- Smart gesture editing
- Works offline
- Intuitive interface
Why Use It: Ideal for students who write math problems by hand and want instant results.
9. Notability
Platform: iOS
Free Version: Limited
Notability lets you take handwritten notes and then convert them to text. It also supports audio syncing, which is useful for lecture or meeting notes.
Key Features:
- Audio + handwriting sync
- Handwriting-to-text conversion
- Organize by subjects
- Search across handwritten notes
Why Use It: Best for college students and professionals using an iPad.
How These Apps Work
Most handwriting-to-text apps use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or AI handwriting recognition models. When you write with a stylus or upload an image of handwriting, the app analyzes strokes, spacing, and shape to identify letters and convert them into digital text.
Some apps like Nebo and GoodNotes offer real-time handwriting recognition, while others like Pen to Print work after scanning.
Why Use Handwriting-to-Text Apps?
- Saves time: No need to type long notes again
- Searchability: Turn paper notes into searchable content
- Better storage: Store, back up, and organize digital versions
- Accessibility: Share and sync across devices
- Productivity boost: Especially useful for students and remote workers
Related Tools You May Like
If you’re also interested in converting typed text into handwriting style for assignments or visual content, check out:
These tools help you make digital notes look handwritten, which is handy for schoolwork, visual content, or creative projects.
Tips for Accurate Conversion
To get the best results from handwriting-to-text apps:
- Write neatly if using a stylus or finger
- Avoid cursive if the app does not support it
- Use compatible devices (e.g., iPads with Apple Pencil)
- Adjust pen size or angle if needed
- Test the app with a short note before using it on full projects
Final Thoughts
Handwriting-to-text apps improve productivity by making handwritten notes editable and shareable. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, there’s an app that fits your workflow.
For iPad users, GoodNotes, Notability, and Apple Notes offer smooth handwriting conversion. For Android users, Google Keep, OneNote, and Nebo are top choices. If you’re working with physical notebooks, Pen to Print is a reliable scanning tool.
By using the right app, you can keep the natural feel of handwriting and enjoy the benefits of digital text.