For students, professionals, and anyone who needs to capture and organize their thoughts, the right note-taking software can make all the difference. From simple text editors to feature-rich apps with handwriting recognition and collaboration tools, there's a note-taking solution for every need. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 17 best note taking software on Windows, including popular options like Drawboard PDF, LiquidText, and Ixord Notes.
| App | Logo | Reviews | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Drawboard PDF |  | 3.4/5 | Annotate with ease, Share and collaborate, Advanced editing tools |
| 2. LiquidText |  | 4.1/5 | Fast, natural note taking, Connect ideas across docs |
| 3. Ixord Notes |  | 5/5 | Smart task management, Planning with flexibility, Time and energy saving |
| 4. Nebo |  | 4.1/5 | Write-to-text conversion, Shape recognition, Cross-platform availability |
| 5. Notebook |  | 4.6/5 | Seamless syncing, Extensive note-taking, Collaboration hub |
| 6. NoteLedge |  | 4.2/5 | Multimedia note-taking, Flexible drag and drop, Creative presentation |
| 7. Noteshelf |  | 2.6/5 | Fluid Handwriting, Search Handwritten Notes, Organize Notes Efficiently |
| Load more |
1. Drawboard PDF
Annotate PDFs with ease, Sync annotations to cloud, Collaborate in real-time
Drawboard PDF is a powerful note-taking software that allows you to annotate, edit, and organize your PDFs with ease. It features a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools that make it perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to work with PDFs. With Drawboard PDF, you can easily add notes, highlights, and drawings to your documents, and you can even collaborate with others in real-time.
"Drawboard PDF is a game-changer for me," said one user. "I love being able to annotate my PDFs directly, and the collaboration features are amazing. I can now work on projects with my team in real-time, and it's like we're all in the same room." Another user said, "Drawboard PDF is the best note-taking software I've ever used. It's so easy to use, and it has all the features I need to stay organized and productive."
Download:
- Tags:
- Markup and Edit PDFs
- Advanced tools
- Store and Share
Application information:
| Downloads | n/a |
| Features | Drawboard PDF is a popular PDF editor for Windows, iOS, and Android that allows users to annotate, edit, and collaborate on PDF documents, with features such as handwriting recognition, text editing, cloud integration, and collaboration tools. |
| Pros | Versatile, feature-rich, user-friendly interface, good customer support |
| Cons | Some features may be limited in the free version, occasional performance issues, can be expensive for some users |
2. LiquidText
Connect ideas visually, Organize information fast, Review and gather info
LiquidText is a revolutionary note-taking app that transforms the way you interact with digital text. With LiquidText, you can annotate, highlight, and organize your notes in a seamless and intuitive way. Whether you're a student, researcher, or anyone who works with大量文本, LiquidText will help you to read, understand, and retain information more effectively.
One of the things that sets LiquidText apart from other note-taking apps is its unique "liquid" interface. This interface allows you to move, resize, and connect your notes in a自由form way. You can also create links between different notes, allowing you to build a web of interconnected ideas. This makes it easy to see the relationships between different pieces of information and to develop a deeper understanding of the material you're studying.
Download:
- Tags:
- Natural document navigation
- Seamless information gathering
- Powerful annotation tools
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1,000,000 |
| Features | LiquidText is a powerful note-taking and PDF annotation app that allows you to link, organize, and explore your ideas across all your devices. |
| Pros | Seamless integration with other apps, robust annotation tools, intuitive interface. |
| Cons | Can be slow on large documents, limited collaboration features, subscription pricing model. |
3. Ixord Notes
Personalized planning, Habit tracking, Task management
Ixord Notes is a note-taking software for Windows that allows you to organize your notes into notebooks and sections, and to link notes together. It also has a powerful search function that makes it easy to find the information you need.
"Ixord Notes is a great way to keep track of your thoughts and ideas. I love the way you can organize your notes into notebooks and sections, and the search function is really powerful." - User review
One of the things that makes Ixord Notes so unique is its focus on privacy. Your notes are stored locally on your computer, and they are not shared with anyone else unless you choose to share them. This makes Ixord Notes a great option for people who are concerned about their privacy.
"I love that Ixord Notes is so private. My notes are stored locally on my computer, and they are not shared with anyone else unless I choose to share them." - User review
Download:
- Tags:
- Intelligent Planning
- Task management
- Goal Tracking
Application information:
| Downloads | 100,000 - 500,000 |
| Features | Ixord Notes is a note-taking app that allows you to organize your notes into notebooks, add tags, and collaborate with others. |
| Pros | Simple and easy to use, allows for collaboration, and has a variety of features. |
| Cons | Some users have reported that the app can be buggy, and it is not available for all platforms. |
4. Nebo
Freeform note-taking, Handwriting recognition, Shape conversion
Nebo is the ultimate note taking app for Windows 10 and 11. With its natural handwriting recognition, you can write, draw, and annotate as if you were using a real pen and paper. Nebo's powerful AI engine automatically converts your handwriting into beautiful digital text, making it easy to keep your notes organized and accessible.
"Nebo is a game-changer for me," says one user. "I love being able to write and draw on my PC just like I would on paper. And the handwriting recognition is amazing!" With Nebo, you can capture your ideas quickly and easily, without having to worry about messy handwriting or lost notes.
Download:
- Tags:
- Freeform note-taking
- Handwriting recognition
- Shape conversion
Application information:
| Downloads | 1 million – 5 million |
| Features | A note-taking app that allows you to write, sketch, and annotate notes with your handwriting or a keyboard; includes features such as palm rejection, shape recognition, and the ability to insert images and web links; also supports syncing with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive. |
| Pros | Excellent handwriting recognition; natural, fluid writing experience; wide range of features; good integration with other apps and services. |
| Cons | May not be suitable for all handwriting styles; some features are only available with a paid subscription; can be slow on some devices. |
5. Notebook
Cross-platform availability, Collaboration tools, Offline access
Notebook is an exceptional note-taking software that empowers you to organize your thoughts and ideas effortlessly. Its user-friendly interface and customizable features make it a breeze to capture, structure, and retrieve information. With Notebook, your notes are not just text; they're dynamic spaces where you can embed images, audio, and video to enhance your understanding and recall.
Whether you're a student grappling with complex concepts or a professional managing multiple projects, Notebook seamlessly adapts to your needs. Its intuitive note-taking tools, such as drag-and-drop functionality and quick note creation, let you efficiently capture information on the fly. Advanced features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and powerful search capabilities ensure that finding and accessing your notes is a snap, saving you valuable time and effort.
Download:
- Tags:
- Cross-platform syncing
- Multi-format note-taking
- Collaboration tools
Application information:
| Downloads | n/a |
| Features | Notebook provides features like text formatting, image insertion, file attachment and web clipping. |
| Pros | Clean interface, easy to use, collaborative features, offline access. |
| Cons | Limited storage space, limited customization options, no desktop or mobile apps. |
6. NoteLedge
Multimedia note-taking, Drag-and-drop interface, Smart alignment tools
NoteLedge is a versatile note-taking app that seamlessly blends handwritten notes, sketches, and multimedia into a single digital notebook. It's the perfect tool for students, professionals, and creative thinkers who want to capture and organize their ideas in a visually engaging way.
With NoteLedge, you can jot down notes with a stylus or type them using your keyboard, and easily insert images, audio recordings, and web links. Its intuitive interface makes it a breeze to navigate and find what you need quickly. Users rave about its flexibility and how it allows them to express their creativity and stay organized, making it an invaluable tool for capturing and organizing their thoughts and ideas.
Download:
- Tags:
- Multimedia Note Taking
- Flexible Content Organization
- Creative Sketching Tools
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | NoteLedge is a versatile note-taking app that allows you to organize and present your ideas in a variety of formats, including text, images, audio, and video. |
| Pros | User-friendly interface, wide range of features, great for organizing and presenting ideas. |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, some features are only available with a paid subscription. |
7. Noteshelf
Natural handwriting, Organize notes easily, Share notes seamlessly
Noteshelf, an intuitive and feature-rich note-taking software, empowers you to seamlessly capture, organize, and share your ideas on your PC. Its user-friendly interface and customizable workspace provide a distraction-free environment, allowing you to focus on your thoughts and unleash your creativity. With Noteshelf, you can jot down notes, create outlines, and sketch diagrams with ease, making it an indispensable tool for students, professionals, and anyone who values efficient note-taking.
Unlock your note-taking potential with Noteshelf's robust features. Its natural handwriting recognition engine lets you write as you would on paper, providing a familiar and intuitive experience. The software's powerful search functionality ensures that your notes are always at your fingertips, while the ability to sync across multiple devices keeps your thoughts accessible wherever you go. Noteshelf seamlessly integrates with Evernote, Dropbox, Google Drive, and other popular cloud services, making collaboration and file sharing a breeze.
Download:
- Tags:
- Natural handwriting
- Powerful OCR
- PDF Annotation
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10,000,000 downloads on Google Play Store |
| Features | Noteshelf offers an intuitive user interface, handwriting recognition, audio recording, and a variety of templates and tools for organizing and customizing notes. |
| Pros | User-friendly, feature-rich, and supports handwriting recognition and audio recording. |
| Cons | Some features may be limited in the free version, and handwriting recognition may not be perfect for all users. |
8. Evernote
Syncs across devices, Tasks and to-dos, Customizable dashboard
"Evernote is a fantastic note-taking software that I use on my PC. It's incredibly user-friendly, and I love how I can easily organize my notes into notebooks and tags. I also appreciate the ability to sync my notes across all my devices, so I can access them anywhere, anytime."
"One of the things I love most about Evernote is the way it helps me stay organized. I can easily create different notebooks for different projects or topics, and then use tags to further categorize my notes. This makes it a breeze to find the information I need, when I need it. Evernote has truly revolutionized the way I take notes, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and easy-to-use note-taking software."
Download:
- Tags:
- Syncs across devices
- Tasks and to-do lists
- Google Calendar integration
Application information:
| Downloads | over 100 million |
| Features | Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking, organization, and archiving application that allows users to create, edit, and organize their notes in a variety of formats, including text, images, audio, and video. |
| Pros | Easy to use, syncs across devices, powerful search機能 |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, some features are only available in the paid version |
9. Leaf Notes
Import custom images, Dozens of paper types, Easy exporting
"Leaf Notes" is a note-taking software available on Windows PC that blends simplicity and efficiency in a visually appealing package. Its intuitive interface and feature-rich environment allow users to effortlessly organize, capture, and retrieve their thoughts and ideas. With a particular focus on customization and personalization, Leaf Notes empowers users to tailor their note-taking experience to their unique needs and preferences.
As one user aptly puts it, "Leaf Notes just 'clicks' with me. The clean, distraction-free interface helps me stay focused on my notes, and the intuitive features make it easy to find what I'm looking for." Another user raves about the app's customizability, saying, "I love being able to change the look and feel of my notes to match my mood or the topic I'm working on. It makes note-taking so much more enjoyable."
Download:
- Tags:
- Customizable Interface
- Variety of Stationery
- Import/Export Options
Application information:
10. MetaMoJi Note Lite
Handwriting recognition, Cross-platform syncing, PDF annotation
MetaMoJi Note Lite is a versatile note-taking software that empowers users to capture, organize, and retrieve information effortlessly. With its intuitive interface and diverse features, it caters to a wide range of note-taking preferences. Whether you're a student jotting down lecture notes, a professional managing project ideas, or an artist sketching concepts, MetaMoJi Note Lite provides the perfect digital canvas to unleash your creativity.
Embrace the freedom to express yourself with MetaMoJi Note Lite's array of writing instruments, including pens, pencils, and highlighters. Its advanced handwriting recognition technology ensures your notes remain legible and easily searchable, making it a breeze to revisit your ideas and inspirations. Additionally, the software seamlessly integrates with popular cloud storage services, allowing you to access and share your notes from anywhere, anytime.
Download:
- Tags:
- Cross-Platform Availability
- Note taking and PDF annotation
- Sketching and visual note taking
Application information:
| Downloads | 10 million+ |
| Features | MetaMoJi Note Lite is a freehand note-taking app that lets you write, sketch, and annotate with a variety of pens, brushes, and highlighters. |
| Pros | Easy to use, feature-rich, and supports stylus input. |
| Cons | Lacks some advanced features found in the paid version, such as the ability to create and edit PDFs. |
11. Craft
Beautiful, customizable templates, Powerful, feature-rich toolbox
Craft is a beautifully designed note-taking app that is perfect for people who want to keep their notes organized and visually appealing. With its clean interface and powerful features, Craft makes it easy to create, edit, and share your notes. You can also collaborate with others on notes, making it a great tool for teams and projects.
One of the things that makes Craft unique is its focus on visual note-taking. You can add images, videos, and other multimedia to your notes, making them more engaging and easier to understand. You can also create tables, charts, and diagrams, making it a great tool for organizing complex information.
Download:
- Tags:
- Bird's-eye view
- Endless customization
- Collaboration hub
Application information:
| Downloads | 500k+ |
| Features | Craft integrates your notes, tasks, documents, projects, calendar, and more, into one unified workspace where you can connect the dots between ideas. |
| Pros | Easy to use, intuitive interface, powerful features. |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, some features are only available in the Pro version. |
12. Emnote — Take notes, Annotate PDF
Annotate on PDF with full resolution, Smart Shape Recognition
Emnote — Take notes, Annotate PDF is a powerful note-taking and PDF annotation tool that helps you organize your thoughts, collaborate with others, and stay productive. With its intuitive interface and wide range of features, Emnote makes it easy to capture, organize, and share your notes.
"Emnote has been a lifesaver for me. I used to have so many different notebooks and sticky notes scattered all over my desk, but now I can keep everything organized in one place." "I love the fact that I can annotate PDFs directly in Emnote. It's so much easier than having to print out the document and then write on it."
Download:
- Tags:
- High-Resolution PDF Annotation
- Smart Shape Recognition
- Digital note taking
Application information:
| Downloads | 100K+ |
| Features | Emnote is an all-in-one note-taking and PDF annotation app that helps you organize your notes, annotate PDFs, and collaborate with others. |
| Pros | Easy to use, feature-rich, and affordable. |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, and some features are only available in the premium version. |
13. Scratch Paper
Lives on your taskbar, Does not interrupt workflow, Hide and show with one click
Scratch Paper is a simple yet powerful note-taking app that has quickly become a favorite among PC users. With its intuitive interface and wide range of features, Scratch Paper makes it easy to capture your thoughts, ideas, and to-do lists. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep track of their thoughts, Scratch Paper is the perfect tool for you.
"I love how easy it is to use Scratch Paper," said one user. "I can just open it up and start taking notes without having to worry about formatting or anything like that." Another user said, "Scratch Paper is the perfect tool for brainstorming. I can jot down ideas as they come to me, and then easily organize and group them later."
Download:
- Tags:
- Taskbar Notes
- Quick access
- Clipboard Manager
Application information:
| Downloads | 10,000+ |
| Features | A simple and easy-to-use digital scratch paper app that allows users to draw, write, and erase with a realistic scratching effect. |
| Pros | Free, easy to use, realistic scratching effect. |
| Cons | Limited features, no option to save or export creations. |
14. Note
Colorful notes category, Full-text search, Permanent membership
If you're searching for an efficient and user-friendly note-taking tool, look no further than 'Note'. With its intuitive interface and robust features, it's the perfect choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to organize their thoughts and ideas. As one user put it, "Note has quickly become my go-to note-taking app. It's incredibly easy to use and helps me stay on top of my tasks."
One of the things that sets Note apart is its versatility. Whether you're jotting down quick notes, creating detailed outlines, or collaborating on projects, Note has the tools you need to get the job done. As another user said, "I love that I can use Note for everything from brainstorming to taking class notes. It's so flexible and adaptable." With its powerful search functionality and seamless synchronization across devices, Note ensures that your notes are always at your fingertips.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | 100,000+ |
| Features | Note allows you to create and organize notes, set reminders, add photos and drawings, and collaborate with others. |
| Pros | Easy to use, intuitive interface. |
| Cons | Limited features compared to some other note-taking apps, occasional bugs. |
15. HP Notes Hub
Quick access to notes, Integrates with OneNote, HP Instant Note integration
HP Notes Hub is a versatile note-taking software designed to streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity. It offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to effortlessly capture and organize your ideas, notes, and tasks. With HP Notes Hub, you can easily jot down quick memos, create detailed outlines, or collaborate on projects with colleagues.
One of the key strengths of HP Notes Hub is its seamless integration with other HP devices and services. You can access your notes from any HP device, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, the software offers a range of features to enhance your note-taking experience, such as handwriting recognition, voice dictation, and the ability to insert images and attachments.
Download:
- Tags:
- OneNote integration
- Office integration
- HP Instant Note integration
Application information:
| Downloads | 1 million – 5 million |
| Features | Quickly create, find, and review notes by turning your handwriting into searchable and shareable digital content. |
| Pros | Keep your notes secure by locking content, Pin important notes at the top, and Access notes offline. |
| Cons | Tricky to use at First, Unable to access notes from a laptop, and No option to highlight text. |
16. noteDash
Innovative note organization, Encrypted for security, Powerful search and filtering
For the discerning note-taker, noteDash is an absolute dream come true. Its intuitive interface and robust organizational features make it the perfect tool for managing ideas, projects, and everything in between. With noteDash, you'll never lose track of an important thought again.
As one user enthusiastically proclaimed, "noteDash is the digital equivalent of having a perfectly organized filing cabinet in your pocket." Its hierarchical structure allows you to create nested folders and subfolders, ensuring that even the most complex projects remain effortlessly organized. And thanks to its powerful search function, finding the information you need is a breeze.
Download:
- Tags:
- Spatial organization
- Powerful search
- AES-256 Encryption
Application information:
17. Appy Text
Super fast, Lightweight, Immersive
Appy Text is a great note-taking app for people who want something simple and easy to use. It has a clean interface, is very intuitive to use, and syncs seamlessly across all your devices. One of the best things about Appy Text is that it's completely free to use.
"Appy Text is the perfect note-taking app for me. It's simple, easy to use, and completely free." - Appy Text user
"I love that Appy Text syncs across all my devices. It's so convenient to be able to access my notes from anywhere." - Appy Text user
Download:
- Tags:
- Super-fast
- Lightweight
- Immersive
Application information:
| Downloads | 500,000+ |
| Features | Appy Text is a simple and easy-to-use text editor that includes features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and a built-in file manager. |
| Pros | Appy Text is a great option for users who are looking for a simple and lightweight text editor. |
| Cons | Appy Text does not have some of the more advanced features found in other text editors, such as support for multiple languages and plugins. |