Nebo: AI Note Taking 4+

For Pen & Paper People

I’ve pretty much tried every notetaking app out there and this is the best one for at least my very specific use case: I like to write my first drafts by hand and then edit the typed text elsewhere. Now I can do an export of handwriting to type on pretty much all the other note taking apps out there, but none of them are as good as this one when it comes to deciphering the hieroglyphs that I pass off as my handwriting and none of them make it as easy to convert an entire document to typed text. In the other apps you have to write your text then choose a lasso tool and select the text that you want to convert to text. If the app is page based, you have to do that for every page making it even more of a hassle. With Nebo you just click convert all and the entire thing is converted to text. Another big plus is that it’s much better optimized than Notes or Freeform, if you’ve ever used those with your Apple Pencil you know how hot the iPad gets and how fast the battery drains, that does not happen with Nebo. I will say that it is simpler and has less features (or bloat depending on your perspective) than other popular apps in the market so try it out first to see if it fits your particular workflow as well as it does mine. Oh and if it matters, this is a European company which means top notch privacy standards something that, at least for me, is increasingly important.

Best note-taking app for iPad!

I have loved this app since I downloaded it several years ago & recommend it to everyone! I appreciate that unlike most apps I’ve tested, this one doesn’t immediately convert handwriting to text but instead allows you to double-tap when you’re ready to convert. I find that much less distracting than other methods! Nebo’s “note” mode has the ability to endlessly scroll in any direction, which is also apparently a rare feature that I needed. The “document” mode works wonderfully when I need to take general notes - sometimes it’s better than I am at deciphering my handwriting - and I love that I can add sections sketches and math amongst the normal text.

I will say I am hoping for an update to PDF editing at some point - Nebo doesn’t seem to “remember” any part of the PDF that isn’t actively onscreen, and those parts have to reload and resize every time you move the PDF around. Not a deal-breaker for me but it’s gotten more annoying as I’ve started taking notes directly on lecture slides. Just hoping that the experience of moving around a PDF will become as smooth as moving around a board.

Overall though, definitely the best note-taking app I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a lot!) and the pro version is a one-time purchase which I really appreciate!! Wish more software still used this model :)

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your support and review!

An update has been released to address the PDF problem; please ensure to update Nebo. As for your second comment, we actively analyze and deeply value every feedback from our users as they drive the future of Nebo. For further assistance, you can visit our support portal at https://app-support.myscript.com/ and click on "Contact Support" at the top of the screen to submit a new ticket.

Our priority is to promptly address and resolve any issues you may have.

Best regards,

Sebastian.

Suggestion about Latex

Not sure if anyone in the fields of math/physical sciences who uses this app has already suggested this, but it would be GREATLY appreciated if nebo was able to provide a mode where the entire handwritten text could be converted to Latex, so that it would be functional for writing proofs, derivations, theorems, laws, etc. As of now there is no app with this capability, which is why it is so crucial for math/physical sciences students to learn Latex typesetting in order to write research papers and longer works that include both natural spoken language and mathematical symbols. However, I feel that Nebo has the potential to fill this space, seeing how powerful the "Math" section that can be added to regular pages already is. While it is very useful and well made, it is limited since ordinary languages like English cannot be recognized in the same section. If Nebo were able to develop a way to recognize and convert hand written mathematical proofs and other similar types of text to Latex, it would absolutely be the primary notes app of choice for EVERY individual studying higher level math, physics, or chemistry. Suggestions aside, Nebo is an amazing app with all of its other features!!

Developer Response ,

You can now convert handwriting to math across boards, PDFs, and notebooks! This is an exciting step forward in realizing the vision you shared in your review. Rest assured, math remains a subject we deeply value and are continuously working to enhance. Stay tuned for more updates!
Best regards,
Nebo support team!