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The best note-taking apps for iPad: Digitize your notes

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notability-on-ipad

Did you upgrade from a spiral notebook to an iPad? For many of us, an iPad is the perfect work, school, or personal tech companion to a laptop to level up daily productivity. If you love the tactile feeling of writing notes on paper, or it's your preferred study method, you won't have to sacrifice. The iPad is equipped with a native Notes app, and third-party developers offer tons of specialized, detailed, and upgraded app experiences for taking notes on your Apple tablet. 

Also: The best iPad stylus for your iPad  

But with hundreds of notebook-style apps on the market, it's hard to know which are worth your time or fit your needs. No one wants to waste time testing different apps and jumping ship until finding what works best. That's why we went hands-on with over a dozen note-taking apps for the iPad, keeping in mind cost, functionality, practicality, and design while focusing on apps that level up the hand-written note-taking experience. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy  

What's the best note-taking app right now? 

Our pick for the best note-taking app overall goes to Notability for its tiered plan offerings, multiple pen styles, added format and design tools, and easy-to-use interface. But tons of apps are available for note-taking on your iPad, and some are suited to different wants and needs. See how Notability compares to our other top note-taking apps for studying, tool variability, and more. 

The best note-taking apps for iPad in 2024

  • Supports multiple formats and pen styles
  • Good free version
  • Templates available
  • PDF editing
  • Tiered subscription options, but no one-time purchase option
  • Limited stylus compatibility for use of Ink
  • iCloud sync for subscribers only

Best iPad note-taking app overall

Notability is widely regarded as one of the best note-taking apps for iPad, thanks to a simple interface matched by powerful capability. Notes are no longer just notes when you can add different forms of multimedia, like audio and video. 

Also: The best iPad models you can buy

It melds several different types of note-taking apps for iPad, offering the ability to take notes, create a journal, or utilize special tools like ink and highlighter. It allows not only note-taking but also PDF annotation. This is a convenient additional feature for students and professionals who spend time reviewing and working with PDF documents. 

Francois Gouelo uses Notability to help him in his role as owner of Enso Connect . "I've found Notability to be an invaluable tool in managing my business and helping us take our guest hosting game to the next level," he says, adding that it has significantly streamlined his workflow. "This versatility has been a game-changer in terms of productivity."

When I tested Notability, I immediately preferred it over other options because it was so easy to use. The app is arranged thoughtfully, and all the essential tools needed while jotting down notes are conveniently at the top of the screen. Plus, I appreciated the ability to use templates right away (even with just the free version). It brings the notebook experience to life and makes it fun. 

You can also upload your document or slide to begin. The app is specifically compatible with Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon for specific tools like ink (I tested using the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen). When you first create an account, you'll be limited to the free plan, which offers a decent amount for free, but your note edits are still limited until you subscribe to a paid option if you want access to extended features. While there are several tiered subscription options, though there isn't a one-time payment option, which is a downside compared to alternatives like Goodnotes 6. 

Several users on Reddit said they recommended Notability for note-taking, with one user emphasizing the all-in-one nature of the app. "Notability is better if you will be using the notes app for anything besides just writing (drawings, diagrams, math). The dotted line tool sealed the deal for me; as an engineering student, I use it quite often," one Redditor said. 

As an editor, notes are primarily notes to me, but Notability's multifunctions greatly set it apart from other users. My closest friend is an AP statistics teacher in New Jersey, and she says there's nothing better than making answer keys and worksheets for her classes. She swears by Notability for in-class demonstrations on her projector while student teaching. 

Notability key features:  Price: $5/month or $15/year (other plans available) | Available app for Mac, iPhone, iPad | Templates | Customize notes with images, text, audio, and more | Import and mark-up PDFs and other docs | Store and organize notes | Math Conversion technology

  • Efficient workflow and notes app in one
  • Numerous tiered subscription plans
  • Multi-platform capabilities
  • Good basic note-taking
  • Limited storage under the free plan
  • More costly than other subscription options
  • No focus on handwritten notes, rather overall productivity

Best iPad note-taking and productivity duo app

Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create notebooks to organize your notes and add content like PDFs, sketches, and other multimedia like photos and audio. You can sync your account to your Google calendar, offering full scheduling capability beyond your note-taking abilities. 

You can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote's Web Clipper tool. In addition, you can scan your own handwritten or printed notes with your camera. 

You can sync all your devices with the number of devices determined by your subscription plan. Your plan also controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

"I've come to like Evernote," says Tina Grant, quality assessor for Aerospheres with 17 years in the aviation industry. "The fact that it's a multiplatform tool helps, as I use a Windows computer at work. This means I can take notes on my iPad and then later access them directly in my browser on the PC. The fact that there is a built-in organization system that allows you to set up categories and tags also really helps to keep things in order."

I previously used Evernote as a high school student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it's gotten a lovely facelift in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized, especially if you need help to be the neat. 

That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you're looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may better suit your needs. Plus, the accessible version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of overall storage, note size, and more. 

Many Redditors said they like Evernote's features, organization, and workflow. Still, recently, some users said they ditched the platform for more simple, decluttered productivity apps and to escape "annoying" ads or pop-ups. 

Evernote f eatures: Price:  Starting at $15/month or starting at $130/year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices 

  • Supports file storage on several platforms
  • Templates included
  • Several paid plan options
  • PDF note-taking supported
  • Can purchase outright
  • If purchased outright, you don't get the latest upgrades as they come out
  • No monthly or 3-month plan

Goodnotes 6

Best alternative ipad note-taking app.

While embarking on this journey to test note-taking apps, I've discovered that the Goodnotes vs. Notability lure runs deep. Much like you're either Team Edward or Team Jacob from Twilight, you're either Team Notability or Team Goodnotes. 

The pitting of the two against each other is for good reason. They offer many of the same features, have cult followings, and are Apple Editors' Choice-awarded apps. 

GoodNotes also syncs across your devices for easy access, no matter where or what device you use. You can adjust and change your handwriting or use different colored inks with included tools, like Shape, Lasso, and Elements, that allow you to import photos and diagrams. Plus, it's perfect to use in conjunction with the Apple Pencil. You also have the option to work with PDFs and document outlines, housing them in an unlimited number of folders and subfolders for better organization. From handwritten notes to typed ones, your notes, files, and folders are all easily searchable. 

When I tested Goodnotes 6, I liked the three notebooks provided while using the free tier. I found the app easy to use, intuitive, and similar to the Notability experience. Ultimately, the deciding factor between the two came down to the subscription options. While Goodnotes can be purchased outright and Notability can't, the latter offers monthly and quarterly subscription options, which is excellent for students or those who know they will only use the app periodically or for one semester. A subscription model ensures that you'll always have access to the most up-to-date app version. 

Several Redditors said they would recommend Goodnotes 6 over Notability or other apps, with many saying it's well worth the cost to upgrade to the paid plan. Some said the one-time purchase option of Goodnotes makes it more cost-effective than other note-taking apps. However, other Redditors said that purchasing the software outright limits any future upgrades without having to pay and that the developer never lets customers know when a new version will be available.

"Only the current version you buy is forever, so if you buy GoodNotes 6, you will continue to benefit from it 100%, but once they release GoodNotes 7, you will have to buy that to stay up to date. If you don't, your current version will not continue to receive updates, and they will bombard you with ads telling you to move to the next version," one Redditor wrote. 

Goodnotes 6 key features: Price: $10/year or a one-time fee of $30 | Free starter plan with three notebooks (paid plans include unlimited notebooks) | Compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud | Paper Templates and customizable sizes for notes | Add, create, or import stickers | Supports audio notes | AI support

  • More affordable
  • Great handwriting recognition
  • Easy to use
  • Useful tool panel for control while writing
  • Lacks some features competitors have
  • No subscriptions

Best iPad note-taking app for handwriting recognition

Nebo offers full stylus support when you have an Apple Pencil you are itching to use on your new note-taking app for iPad. It uses leading AI technology to provide the option of handwritten notes, or you can annotate where you see fit. Nebo works with 66 languages, converting your scrappy hand-scribbled notes into lovely notes. 

Also, How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil 

If you pick up where you left off, you can import a file because the app is compatible with PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. Regardless of your choice, you can easily transition from handwriting to text to dictation, even in the same word, to make transcription a breeze, regardless of your preferred method. It can even handle math equations and diagrams, available as LaTeX or image.

Nebo also offers a companion app called Nebo Viewer, which allows you to access read-only versions of your notes anytime on your iPhone. Before seeing your notes, you must create a free MyScript account and access cloud sync.

"I operate in a sphere where time is precious, and managing day-to-day operations can be a Herculean task," explains Athina Zisi, Chief Operations Officer of Energy Casino . "This is where Nebo comes in with its meticulously designed features. Whether I'm jotting down notes during a high-stakes meeting or capturing action points during an operations review, Nebo handles it with aplomb."

Plus, Nebo's latest AI updates up the ante. Now, Nebo AI can be utilized for PDFs, empowering users to summarize content, clarify complex concepts, engage in quizzes, or interact with an AI assistant directly within their PDF documents. English users can enjoy improved quiz questions with Nebo's AI Quiz tool. 

When I tested Nebo, my favorite features were the lasso tool and the handy toolbar, which made it easy to switch colors and writing tools, change size and weight, and customize my note-taking. It's also easy to teach yourself the Nebo interface, which makes it a good pick for a beginner or student. 

Redditors said that they liked Nebo's handwriting-to-text feature, which some emphasized was better and more practical than that of Goodnote 6. Users said it has some of the best handwriting recognition across the note-taking app space but lacks some features of other competitors, like synching and audio notes. 

Nebo key f eatures:  Price: $9 for full version |  Artificial intelligence technology | Compatible with PDFs | Freeform canvas for unique note-taking control | Writing to text conversion | Lasso tool for maximum control | Add photos, sketches, and math | Create and edit structured notes | Solve simple math 

  • Free to use
  • Automatic save feature
  • Already built into your iPad
  • Rather basic features
  • No fancy extras
  • Only syncs on other Apple devices

Apple Notes

Best native ipad note-taking app.

A handy addition to any iPad, the Notes app is Apple's signature note-taking app. Its straightforward functionality makes it our best basic note-taking app for iPads. If you own an iPad, you probably already have the Apple Notes app installed on your home screen. 

It is one of the easiest ways to take notes, but the app can be used for more than note-taking. It can also handle other media types, like images, checklists, and sketches. 

"I freely admit to Notes being a complete lifesaver for me on more than one occasion," shares Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool . "In business, you can have unexpected conversations and need to be able to remember pertinent information. Having Notes has helped me save important information easily during those unexpected conversations."

I use the Apple Notes app for many things, from checklists to grocery lists to to-do lists. I wouldn't recommend trying to complete detailed educational notes on this app because there are much better options for in-depth note-taking, but the app is great for everyday jotting and reminders. 

It also works with handwritten notes or scanned documents that you need to keep at the ready. You can lock your notes with passwords or scan paper documents using the built-in scanner. The app is based on iCloud, so you can access your notes on any of your Apple devices. 

"It's easy to use, save, and already included on your iPhone," says Portillo. "Wins all around."

Apple Notes key features:  Price: Free | Simple to use | Share notes with others | Native to Apple ecosystem | Already installed on your iPad

  • Ultimate research review and annotating capabilities
  • Multi-platform sync
  • Student discounts available
  • Shareable files
  • Several subscription options
  • Limited traditional notebook experience
  • More catered to PDF and document annotating

Best note-taking app for annotating PDFs

LiquidText was named the "Most Innovative iPad App of the Year" by the Apple App Store, and it's not for nothing. LiquidText offers a quick and easy way to review, gather, and organize information across tons of documents and web pages and then apply your findings to writing, studying, prepping, and more. You can pull out key facts and connect them, squeeze a document to compare sections, draw a line to connect ideas in different documents, comment on multiple pages, build upon your thoughts, and more.

When I tested LiquidText, I was impressed with its capabilities and was honestly quite mad that this was the first time I had found something like it before graduating from college. This would have been the perfect tool to have on hand throughout my graduate studies because it makes it so easy to take and connect ideas through files like PDFs, which traditionally are pesky to work with, especially when dealing with scanned copies of class readings, etc. This would've been great while writing my master's thesis, but lucky for you, I'm telling you about it now in this list. 

If you're looking for a solid note-taking app specifically for research, PDFs, and detailed annotating, LiquidText is a good pick. LiquidText users on Reddit said they liked the layout, app structure, and easy editing and note-taking on documents and files. Some said they would prefer something other than the subscription offerings or the synching capabilities. Still, many Redditors found it a better option than other note-taking apps for seamlessly annotating things like PDFs. 

LiquidText key features:  Price: Starts at $10/month | Easily organizes research | Review and annotate PDFs | Import from email, Dropbox, and more | Cross-platform synching | Backup on cloud | Share files easily 

What is the best note-taking app?

The best note-taking app for iPad is Notability and for several reasons. It works with the different types of media that you want to add to your notes, plus you can organize all of your notes into neat notebooks that are easy to access. Notability is also free to use, but you can upgrade for a minimal fee should you want access to the bonus features. 

Below is a look at the standout features and rating of the best note-taking apps we chose:

Which note-taking app is right for you?

Finding the best note-taking app is personal. It really depends on what you're looking for and what features are most important to you. So many iPad apps offer a lot of the same capabilities, so here's a breakdown of the standout features and our recommended best use case for each app we've rated to help you make the right note app choice for your iPad. But remember, it's going to come down to your personal preferences, and perhaps even some trial and error. 

Factors to consider when choosing a note-taking app for iPad:

If you're on the hunt for a good note-taking app, here's a few key features we think would be good to consider when searching for an app that fits your needs: 

  • Interface: We looked for note apps that offer a clean, streamlined interface that is not too cluttered or distracting from your work. It's going to be key to decide what overall interface and design style suits your lifestyle, skills, and needs -- you're not going to want to take notes on an app that you struggle to find the tools on. 
  • Tools: When it comes time to write, you want to be sure that there are the right tools to help you get the job done. We looked at features like the type of writing, dictation, presentation, and editing tools available with each of the best note-taking apps. Be sure to consider if you need a multitude of writing tool types, fonts, colors, and more artistic features, or if you just need the basics. 
  • Continuity : If you want to be able to take notes on your iPad, but pick up where you left off on your Mac, you're going to need to look for apps which offer continuity between your device ecosystem. Most apps make it incredibly easy to access your notes from another device, but keep in mind that some apps may require a subscription or fee to do so. 
  • Use: Narrowing down your use case for an iPad note-taking app will make it easier to find the perfect app for you. Do you need an app that can handle educational notes, to-do lists, reminders, and more? Will this app just be for school or work notes? Consider what you'll be using the app for the most and go from there. 
  • Note-taking style : While all note-taking apps are designed to take notes, some are catered to different styles of note-taking. If you're looking to type your notes, or are looking to have your written text turn into text, you may need to pay closer attention to app descriptions before downloading tons of apps. Most "note-taking" apps on iPad are optimized for written notes using a stylus. 
  • Cost: Budget is critical, so we considered how much each app costs and what each purchase gives you, and think you should too. 

How did we test these note-taking apps for iPad?

ZDNET went hands-on with every note-taking app recommended on this list, using a 2022 iPad Air. I spent time during using this app during my own daily activities to test out tool options, design or layouts, continuity and security, ease of use, user appeal, and most importantly, writing capabilities -- not just for a day or two, but over the course of a few weeks to really get a feel for an app's add-in value. That is, can you "add-in" this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that's too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off? 

We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that's why this list, as well as our other advice, is tailored to your needs, wants, and your budget, and why our picks are expert-tested and expert-vetted. 

Why should I use a note-taking app for iPad?

Note-taking apps offer far more than you may expect. In addition to storing your notes and bright ideas, they also can offer many other support features, including converting handwriting to digital notes, templates to choose from, and even adding different forms of media like video and audio. 

And they're great for organizing ideas on the go. Whether you're scribbling your own ideas or collaborating with friends or colleagues, you'll have a central hub to access your notes easily. 

What can I use to take notes on my iPad?

If you plan on using a keyboard to type out your notes on your iPad like on a computer, you won't need to worry about a stylus. However, if you want a true pen-and-paper-like experience on your iPad, a stylus will be the best way to replicate that. ZDNET's top pick for an iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) -- especially if you can grab it while it's on sale, or the Apple Pencil Pro, depending on what iPad model you own. We also have tested and liked options from Zagg, Logitech, and more. 

Also: The best iPad stylus you can buy

And if you're really committed to the notebook bit, there are even paper-like screen protectors designed for various iPad models to offer users a similar tactile experience to real paper. 

Also: The best iPad screen protectors of 2024

Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

Logitech crayon, paperlike 2.1 screen protector for ipad 10.9-inch, apple pencil pro, what is the highest-rated note-taking app for ipad.

Many of our picks for best note-taking apps have high App Store ratings. Goodnotes 6, OneNote, Notability all have a 4.7/5 star rating. Few apps, like CollaNote and " Old Notepad ", have an even higher rating of 4.8/5. 

Does iPad have a free note-taking app?

It is possible to use a free note-taking app for iPad. The best free iPad note-taking app is Apple Notes, since it comes pre-installed and could not be easier to use. However, there are other options available to you, too. 

What's the difference between a smart notebook and a note-taking app?

A smart notebook (often called a digital notebook) is essentially a digital version of a traditional notebook, designed specifically for note taking and writing tasks. They often offer cloud services, storage, and different upload options. An iPad, like other tablets, runs on an operating system and can offer a wider range of function such as browsing the web, multimedia, gaming, and other tasks. With an iPad, you can download specific applications designed for note taking to provide a notebook experience, while also using it for a multitude of other things. A smart notebook is only designed for note-taking, and not for other activities. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy

Where are my notes stored when I use a note-taking app?

Where your notes are housed will ultimately differ from app to app, but most offer options to additionally export files to alternative storage places or automatically update to the cloud. This makes your notes easy to share and find, no matter what device you choose to access them on. Of course, you can access your notes directly from each app, too. If you plan on taking many digital notes, we recommend ensuring you have ample storage space and a proper cloud system . Nothing is worse than losing notes you worked hard on before a big test or meeting. 

Also: The best cloud storage services for secure file keeping

Do I need a stylus to take notes on my iPad?

No, you don't absolutely need a stylus to take notes on your iPad. Some note-taking apps are designed to better suit typing your notes, so a stylus wouldn't be required. But if you're looking to replicate the feel of paper and pen, a stylus is the easiest way to do so and works much better than your fingers. The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro, and Logitech Crayon are some great stylus options , though we've tested others you can consider, too. 

Also: The best stylus for your iPad

Other note-taking apps we've tested:

While searching for the best note-taking apps, we came across other apps that may work for your needs. Here are a few other note-taking apps to look into. 

Best Apple Notes alternative

Bear gives your notes a personalized flair by allowing you to add sketches, themes, and formatting options. It also has sync and encryption capabilities. Its layout is basic, clean, and easy to follow, making it an excellent option for those who want no-fuss note-taking and easy functions.

Best note-taking app for Microsoft fanatics

Microsoft onenote.

Suppose you're an iPad user who doesn't want to let go of the Microsoft experience. In that case, OneNote is available for iOS devices, and is a great alternative note-taking app that offers seamless integration with the Microsoft system. Plus, since it's multi-platform supported, you can jump between several different devices and still have access to your notes. 

Best note-taking app for journaling

Zoho notebook.

When I tested the Zoho Notebook, I liked how easy it was to use and setup, and that it mimicked an overall feel to Apple's native notes app. It's easy to insert pictures, text, and more into pages on a Zoho notebook, and I really enjoyed even being able to edit photos, too. It's pretty basic, but I think it would be a great option for class notes or even journaling!

Best free note-taking app

CollaNote combines note-taking, PDF markups, and daily planning all in one. It offers similar features as Notability, including templates and designed files that allow you to easily take notes or write to-do lists -- even as a beginner. Plus, CollaNote features 25 different writing tools, much more than any other app I tested. It's also mostly free, and offers comparable and (even better) free features than other apps. 

Best note-taking app for studying

Marginnote 3.

If you're using your iPad for educational notes and want to level up their functionality, MarginNote 3 allows users to create flashcards and other study aids that give them a true 3D note experience. Now, you can write notes and study all in one app, and as someone who has spent many hours making Quizlet sets over the years, I know how game-changing this can be. 

ZDNET Recommends

best ipad presentation notes

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best ipad presentation notes

iGeeksBlog

Best presentation apps for iPad and iPhone in 2024

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Presentations are a handy tool for students,  teachers , and professionals. Moreover, you can also use them at parties and events because gone are the days of boring slides that fail to retain your audience’s attention. Today, you can quickly create captivating slideshows that communicate your message effectively and engagingly. So, check out these best presentation apps for iPad and iPhone, no matter what kind of project you’re working on in the classroom or the boardroom.

Best presentation apps for ipad and iphone

  • Google Slides
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Slideshow Creator
  • Adobe Spark Video
  • Prezi Viewer

canva iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

Although Canva is well-known as a graphic design app , it can also help you create spectacular slides for a presentation that will wow your audience. There are tons of professionally designed templates that you can customize according to your needs.

Moreover, you can add your own brand elements like logos and images to create a unified look. The best part is that it is incredibly easy to use, yet gives you impeccable results. You can add your original pictures, illustrations, and text, or choose from the extensive database of design elements that it offers.

Price : Free (In-app Purchases start from $0.99)

2. Google Slides

google slides iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

Creating top-notch presentations with Google Slides is a breeze. It has a highly intuitive user-interface that makes your work easy. Further, the real-time collaboration feature lets you work with your friends and colleagues. You can add and rearrange slides, format text, and shapes with ease.

Further, you can also open and edit PowerPoint slides right from this app. Another notable feature is that it lets you work even offline. So, if you ever find yourself without an internet connection, your work won’t hit a roadblock. Lastly, Google Slides supports several languages, such as English, German, Italian, Japanese, and more.

Price:  Free

3. Microsoft PowerPoint

microsoft powerpoint iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

Across the world, PowerPoint has been synonymous with presentations for decades. In recent years, this tool has come a long way. So what better way to get creative than with this official app from Microsoft. It features a range of powerful and customizable slides and templates that will make you stand out.

Moreover, you can use a new AI tool called Presenter Coach that will help you practice your presentation and get real-time suggestions to adjust your pacing, avoid “umms” and speak confidently. Finally, there is seamless syncing with OneDrive that ensures your projects stay consistent across devices.

Price:  Free (In-app Purchases start from $6.99)

4. Notability

notability iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

This is a renowned note-taking app for your iPad , but it doubles up as an excellent way to share presentations with others and keep your audience engaged. It has a lot of useful tools like ink, highlighter, text, and audio. If you’re working on a compatible iPad, you can even handwrite and sketch with Apple Pencil to bring your projects to life.

Further, the laser pointer makes it easy to direct attention to specific parts of your work. There’s also a multi-note feature that lets you view another note on your device that stays hidden from the audience whom you are presenting to. Not surprisingly, this is a bestselling paid app on the iPad App Store

Price : Free (Offers in app purchase $4.99)

5. Slideshow Creator

slideshow creator iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

If you want to make a more casual presentation for family gatherings or parties, check out this easy-to-use iPad and iPhone presentation app. It offers various slideshow styles for everything from birthdays and graduation to sports events, invitations, and more.

You simply have to select the style you want, select the photos, videos, and music you want to collate, add text and captions, and then export it into a video that you can share through social media or project on a big screen.

Price : Free (In-app Purchases start from $4.99)

keynote iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

Here’s the app that Apple itself uses to present brilliant creations to the world. It’s the most powerful app to present your ideas on an iPhone or iPad. In addition to all the basic features, there are advanced options like animated charts and cinematic transitions to add that extra flair with ease.

Further, Keynote Live allows you to present a slideshow that your audience can follow on their Apple devices or online on iCloud.com. Finally, with the built-in real-time collaboration feature, it lets you work with your team seamlessly. Thanks to the Keynote for iCloud, even Windows PC users can collaborate.

7. Adobe Spark Video

adobe spark video iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

This one’s a video editor app that also lets you create professional presentations. Within minutes, you can put together compelling video stories replete with professional images that highlight your message. You can even select the soundtrack that you like best, and the app will compile everything with beautiful cinematic motion.

Whether you want to inform, persuade, or inspire, your presentations can make an impact with this app. You can even access, edit, and share your video from a browser using Adobe Spark. All this functionality for free is a pretty sweet deal.

Price:  Free (Spark Subscription Monthly – $9.99)

8. Prezi Viewer

prezi viewer iphone and ipad presentation app screenshot

This iOS presentation app makes sure that you outshine everyone else. It’s intuitive and innovative, with stunning animations that draw your audience’s attention to precisely where you want it. You can even access and showcase your work offline if you need to.

When presenting, you don’t need to keep looking behind you because you can see your work on your phone screen too. Moreover, your iPhone or iPad acts as a clicker too! This neat app also supports multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, and Japanese.

Summing Up!

So, when are you making your next presentation with one of these apps? Let us know your favorite in the comments below.

You may also like to read these:

  • Best Document Scanner Apps
  • How to convert Keynote Presentation to PowerPoint on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • Document Creation Apps
  • Best Project Management Apps
  • iPhone Apps

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How to Write on PowerPoint Slides on an iPad

best ipad presentation notes

In this blog article, we‘ll explain how you can write on PowerPoint slides on your iPad instead of having to print them out.

No matter if you’re at school, university or at the office, PowerPoint presentations are ubiquitous.

Students, in particular, will receive lecture slides in form of PowerPoint presentations from their professors, often uploaded to a shared cloud storage or available for download through an intranet. If you want to take notes on PowerPoint slides, there used to be two options:

  • Printing out hundreds of pages and having to deal with the downsides of managing analog paper, or
  • Saving the PowerPoint file as PDF and using comment fields to add notes, which is highly inflexible and makes it almost impossible to review them later.

Now, with the iPad and Apple Pencil, you have far more options.

With Goodnotes , annotating PowerPoint presentations right on the iPad is fast and convenient. You can highlight key points, write directly on top of slides, and even insert other images or diagrams.

What’s more, importing slides into Goodnotes is as easy as pie. Here’s how you can do it.

Sending PowerPoint presentations to Goodnotes from other apps

  • Start by opening the PowerPoint presentation you want to annotate on your iPad in another app or in your browser.

best ipad presentation notes

2. Next, look for the Share Icon and tap on it

3. In the list of apps, you should see a button with the Goodnotes app icon. reading “Copy to Goodnotes” or “Open in Goodnotes”.

best ipad presentation notes

4. If you tap that button, Goodnotes should then open automatically!

best ipad presentation notes

Now, you can freely highlight, annotate, and write all over your PowerPoint slides.

Hint: If you already opened an existing document in GoodNotes, you can choose to add the presentation before or after the open page – or even append it to the end. This works great for keeping all your notes on a particular subject together in a single notebook.

Read more: Check out our guide to Digital Planner stickers .

Importing PowerPoint presentations from within Goodnotes

Tap the New … icon (large plus icon) in the Documents tab and choose Import, then tap a file to start the import!

The Files app conveniently keeps all cloud storages (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and more) in one interface, and you can always add another cloud storage to Files.

Hint: Adding a PowerPoint slide to an existing notebook also works from within Goodnotes. Tap the + button in the toolbar and choose “Import”.

As you can see, it is easy and fast to annotate PowerPoint slides on the iPad. We hope that this tip helps you to be better organized and to keep your important information in a single place.

Get Goodnotes to Annotate your PowerPoint slides

Goodnotes is one of the most popular note-taking apps for handwritten notes on the iPad, and functions as a PDF reader and PowerPoint slide annotator as well! With Goodnotes you can:

  • Take handwritten notes and search them afterwards
  • Annotate your PDF or PowerPoint lecture slides or articles
  • Easily organize your notes into notebooks, folders, and keep everything synced across your iPad, Mac, and iPhone

Get Goodnotes today, and start taking more effective notes .

IMAGES

  1. My Top iPad Note-taking and Study Tips & iPad Study with Me

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  4. How I Take Notes on My iPad Pro with GoodNotes (2021) + Free Template

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  6. How To Present Notes And Slides Using iPad (Pro) Only

COMMENTS

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    While there’s no “correct” way to write your notes, one of the things you’ll have to decide early on is whether you should handwrite or type them. Based on the research we’ve seen, data suggest that taking no…

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  4. 8 Things I’ve Learned Using an iPad for Presentations

    On the iPad, the presenter display options only give you a “two out of three” option, between current slide, next slide, and presenter notes. I begrudgingly pick Next Slide and Presenter …

  5. ‎Keynote on the App Store

    Keynote is the most powerful presentation app ever designed for a mobile device. Start with an Apple-designed theme and add text, images, charts, tables, and shapes with just a few taps. Draw and write with Apple Pencil on iPad, or use …

  6. 9 Best Note-Taking Apps for iPad With Apple Pencil in 2024

    Microsoft OneNote: Best for cross-platform collaboration. Noteful: Best for layering notes. Collanote: Best for annotating PDFs for free. NoteShelf: Best for zooming into …

  7. How to Write on PowerPoint Slides on an iPad

    With Goodnotes, annotating PowerPoint presentations right on the iPad is fast and convenient. You can highlight key points, write directly on top of slides, and even insert other images or diagrams. What’s more, importing slides into …