iOS 9 Notes vs. Notability: Which one will YOU be using in the classroom?

by Sarah Amorin 2016

iOS 9 is here - and we're loving the new features! Between the new application split screen, iCloud Drive, and the lowercase keyboard with a fresh new font, we just can't decide which one is our favorite. One of the surprising upgrades to the iOS interface is to the Notes application, which now includes sketching, folders, and the ability to load a PDF in a note. So, the question is, will Notes now be in the running for the best note taking app alongside Notability? Which one is best for the school environment? In this blog post, we're going to explore the features of both and compare the two.

First - let's compare the aesthetic quality of the two. If you prioritize organization as much as I do, you're going to prefer the Notability setup over Notes. Both applications provide you folders, but Notability allows for color coding, better folder organization, and different preferences for your folders. 

Second - which app loads in documents/PDF's smoother? Surprisingly, Notes does allow the user to load documents into the app, just as Notability does. Unfortunately in Notes, your PDF displays in a smaller space and, to the best of my ability, I was not able to draw or add text to my PDF! If you are able to, the option to do so is incredibly hard to find and therefore not very good. What's the point if we can't draw on it?! Notability takes the prize for this category.

  

Third - our favorite part: the features! It takes a lot of time and practice to learn the features of both applications and, in Notability, we always seems to learn more and more. In the case of features, it seems that Notes has more colors than Notability:

Notability:

Notes: 

In drawing features, both applications have highlighters, color options, undo buttons, drawing, and picture integration. Notes has an interesting drawing feature that allows the user to add a ruler and draw straight lines. It's handy, but Notability allows you to make your own straight lines (and other shapes) in the app as well. Notes also has a thin marker feature, which is no match against Notability's option of changing utensil tip size. And, if we're honest, the pencil feature in Notes simply just isn't very impressive. With Notability, you have a TON of features for your notes. Notability is able to match the features of Notes and include more. Notability also has a better erasing options, different fonts, text boxes, the scissor feature, and different backgrounds of lined paper, graph papers, or colors.  

Notability: NOTICE THE FONTS!

Notes: 

Overall, I love both applications. Whether you're using Notes or Notability, both applications are user-friendly and always backed up by either iCloud or Google Drive. In my opinion, I think Apple did a fantastic job of upgrading Notes and making it better (and more relevant). I am a true fan of Notability, but even I will admit that Notes does put up some tough competition. In terms of school work, I stand with Notability. Notes is fantastic, but seems like it will always be an app to go to when you need to make a quick note or sketch. When it comes to creative use, organization, and long term note-taking, Notability certainly wins.