Element Note

I found this app by complete happenstance, but the writing is so buttery smooth and the writing tool variety is really expansive without being overwhelming. In no time I left behind the last writing app I’d been using loyally for the last year to buy Element Note in its entirety LOL. Just a few quick UI tips/asks: I understand tagging notes with the folders that they’re in while you’re in the ‘All Notes’ view, but can it be removed when you’re in their designated folder? It can be a bit redundant. It would also be quite nice if the editing settings on your notes (page foreground and background colours, ink colours etc.) wouldn’t change with the UI when it switches to dark mode, or if there at least existed some sort of toggle or option to opt out without having to commit to light mode entirely. Lastly, could we have some more colours for our folders? None of these are dealbreakers and the app is so yummy to use even so, just some features that I thought would be nice. SO worth the purchase!

I tried LOTS of note taking apps and deleted them quickly after finding they didn’t have a very responsive and natural writing experience with Apple Pencil. This one, I was immediately impressed and bought the full version. I had previously been taking some notes using Procreate but wanted a separate app specifically for notes and lists. Element Note has enough brush options to customize your writing tool, but is not as overwhelming as Procreate can be when it comes to brush options. The options are simple, but all the brushes feel great and natural for writing. My favorites are the Art Brush, Marker, and Fountain Pen. The color gradients are also really cool. I really appreciate the app doesn’t collect data too. I have two suggestions that would make Element Note even more perfect: The ability to freely rotate your page (I usually tend to write on paper at a diagonal angle but it’s not always convenient to have the iPad itself angled), and the ability to have Layers. But even without these features I’m just thrilled to have found this app.

I usually don’t write reviews, so when I do it’s because I really REALLY like an app. I have tried every single note taking app on the App Store (like literally I downloaded each one and tested them) and I have even paid for subscriptions for some of them, yet I still keep finding myself coming back it Element. Number 1 it’s Free, Number 2, the pen. The most important thing when taking notes is what you are writing with, so when I was testing different apps, I fell in love with the fact that Element comes with pen stability. I don’t have the best handwriting, especially when quickly taking notes, so this was a lifesaver. Also you can’t forget you can write in gradients! It’s so fun and makes your notes come to life with that pop of color. Of course Element doesn’t have a lot of things other apps have but it’s simplicity is one of it’s perks, and it’s somewhat new so hopefully more features come out in the future. I HIGHLY recommend this app to anyone who is taking notes and using them to study.