Penly

Paid#18 of 18 in Handwritten Notes Software

Penly: A paid Android app for stylus notes, PDF annotation, and digital planners. Ranked #18 of 18 in Handwritten Notes Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Paid; best for android users who want planners and PDF markup.

7.0/10★★★★☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  7.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Paid
• Best for
  Android users who want planners and PDF markup
• Free plan
  No
• Handwriting to text
  Yes
• Facts checked
  24 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Annotate imported PDFs and export documents as PDFs.
  • Includes hyperlinked digital planners and paper templates.
  • Converts handwriting to text and syncs through Google Drive.

• Where it doesn't

  • Available only on Android.
  • Requires a paid purchase; there is no free plan.
  • Google Drive syncing is limited to Android devices.

Our verdict on Penly

Penly is an Android app for handwritten note-taking, journaling, and digital planning, aimed at people who want to write with a Bluetooth stylus and work with planner pages or PDFs. It supports handwriting and typed notes, with controls for pen color, thickness, and style. Highlighting, underlining, and a smart eraser cover common markup needs, while automatic handwriting-to-text conversion offers another way to work with written notes. The app is a fit for individual Android users; it is not positioned for people who need a desktop or cross-platform notes workspace.

Planning and document markup are central to Penly's scope. Included hyperlinked digital planners and paper templates can be used alongside imported PDFs, which users can annotate and export. Links can point to pages or websites, and folders and subfolders help organize documents. Stickers and images can be imported, organized, and reused, supporting more visual planner layouts. This combination makes Penly broader than a basic handwriting pad, though its focus remains personal notes and planning rather than collaborative work.

Penly is paid-only, with a single plan named Penly that includes full app access; there is no free plan. Google Drive sync is available between Android devices, and support channels include email and community. The published description says the app is sold as a one-time purchase through Google Play and advertises a seven-day refund window. Choose Penly if you use Android and want stylus writing, PDF markup, and planner tools in one app. Consider another product if you need access beyond Android or a free tier.

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Penly pricing

All 1 Penly plans and prices →

Penly fact sheet

Penly integrations

Penly lists 1 integrations on its own site.

• Google Drive

Alternatives to Penly

• GoodnotesA flexible digital notebook with offline editing, collaboration, and AI features.9.2
• NotabilityA handwriting and study workspace with synced audio, AI tools, and collaboration.9.0
• MyScript NotesA flexible handwriting app for notes, math, diagrams, and annotated PDFs.8.8

See all Penly alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Penly is listed in our Handwritten Notes Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update