Top MrWriter Alternatives for Digital Notetaking and Lectures
MrWriter is a versatile application designed to replace traditional pen and paper for handwritten note-taking and serve as a digital blackboard for lectures. Highly inspired by Xournal/Xournal++, MrWriter focuses on platform independence and note-taking efficiency. While it excels in its niche, users often seek MrWriter alternatives for diverse functionalities, specific operating systems, or advanced features like PDF annotation and robust organization tools. This guide explores the best options available to enhance your digital writing and lecturing experience.
Top MrWriter Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free, open-source solution, advanced PDF annotation capabilities, or multi-platform compatibility, these MrWriter alternatives offer compelling features to meet your needs.
Notezilla
Notezilla is a colorful and powerful sticky notes app that stands out as a MrWriter alternative, especially for those who appreciate robust organization and reminders. It's a commercial application available across Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and iPad, offering features like reminder alarms, attachment to websites/documents, folder/tag organization, and cloud sync. Its comprehensive suite of features, including checklists, encrypted notes, and real-time collaboration, makes it a strong contender for managing information beyond just handwritten notes.
xournal
Xournal is a free and open-source MrWriter alternative for notetaking, sketching, and journaling with a stylus. Available on Linux and Windows, it's particularly known for its strong handwritten notes capabilities and PDF annotation. If you're looking for a direct, feature-rich replacement that mirrors MrWriter's core functionality for digital ink, Xournal is an excellent choice, especially with its support for Wacom Tablets.
Stylus Labs Write
Stylus Labs Write is a free word processor designed primarily for tablets with an active stylus, making it a powerful MrWriter alternative for handwritten notes. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPad. This application combines vector drawing functionality with a focus on handwriting, offering features like an undo/redo wheel of memory, functioning eraser tools, and PDF export, perfect for those who prioritize a fluid handwriting experience across multiple devices.
Jarnal
Jarnal is a free and open-source MrWriter alternative for notetaking, sketching, journaling, presentations, and document annotation, including PDF. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Jarnal offers a comprehensive set of tools for digital ink, similar to MrWriter's core use case. Its open-source nature makes it a great choice for users seeking flexibility and community support.
Vov Sticky Notes
Vov Sticky Notes is a freemium software for Windows that allows users to add digital stickers to their desktop and create reminders. While not a direct MrWriter alternative for comprehensive handwritten notes or blackboard replacement, it serves as an excellent tool for quick reminders and visual organization on your desktop, complementing other note-taking applications.
NoteLab
NoteLab is a free and open-source MrWriter alternative that brings digital note-taking to Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and Solaris. It aims to replicate the experience of writing with a pen on real paper, offering features like handwritten notes, journaling, and sketching. NoteLab is a solid choice for users looking for a cross-platform, open-source solution for ink-based note-taking.
gournal
Gournal is a free and open-source note-taking application specifically designed for Tablet-PCs and usage with a stylus, making it a niche MrWriter alternative for Linux users. It focuses on journaling and sketching functionalities, catering to those who prioritize a stylus-driven experience without relying on a mouse or keyboard.
Windows Journal
Windows Journal is a free personal application designed for Tablet PCs, allowing users to handwrite notes and draw. As a built-in MrWriter alternative for Windows, it offers basic but effective handwritten notes and notetaking capabilities for those who prefer native Microsoft solutions. While it may not have the advanced features of other options, its simplicity makes it accessible.
MrWriter_PDF
MrWriter_PDF is a free and open-source fork of MrWriter, offering enhanced capabilities, particularly the ability to annotate PDF files. Available on Windows and Linux, this version serves as a direct upgrade and a strong MrWriter alternative for users who need PDF annotation alongside the core handwritten notes and notetaking features they appreciate in the original MrWriter.
Choosing the right MrWriter alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's multi-platform support, advanced PDF annotation, robust organization, or simply a free and open-source solution. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your digital note-taking and lecturing workflow.