The best apps should make it easy for you to open a note, start typing, and access editing tools as needed. Note-taking software shouldn’t be any different.

Design: There’s a reason sticky notes have been the go-to note-taking device for decades-they let you write down your information fast and they don’t get in the way.And it wouldn’t hurt for these apps to offer PDF annotation, palm rejection, and the ability to convert handwritten text to typed text. Ideally, they should also have a handwritten text search function, so you can search for keywords or phrases and find them when you need them most.

Handwriting Support: The best apps allow you to use a stylus like the Apple Pencil in addition to a keyboard, so you can take notes the way that feels most comfortable to you.

So before we start looking at them, here’s what to expect: While these note-taking apps are all under $10, no two apps are alike in their functionality or the way they look. Honorable Mention: Qrayon Cardflow+, Google Keep, and Microsoft OneNote

What to Look for in Note-Taking Apps for the iPad

Iphone writing pad