Saber review
A focused handwritten-notes app with encryption, sync, and broad device support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Saber is an open-source note-taking app centered on handwritten notes rather than text-first documents. It provides a canvas for writing, multiple pages per note, highlighter rendering, images, PDFs, nested folders, recent-note access, and dark mode that inverts notes, images, and PDFs. The app runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it a fit for users who move handwritten work between phones, tablets, and computers.
Its storage plans are organized around the official Saber Nextcloud server. The Free plan includes 5 GB, Standard provides 10 GB, Premium provides 50 GB, and Hoarder provides 100 GB. These options change server storage capacity rather than the core note-taking experience. Saber also supports synchronization through another server or a self-hosted setup, giving technically capable users more control over where synchronized notes are stored. Encryption applies to note storage and synchronization.
The strongest reason to choose Saber is its narrow focus on encrypted handwritten notes with broad platform coverage. PDF and image support, PDF export, unlimited nested folders, and consistent highlighter overlap rendering add useful depth for study notes, sketches, annotations, and document-focused work. However, Saber lacks note sharing and integrations, so it is less suitable for collaborative workspaces or workflows that depend on connected productivity services. Choose it when handwriting, encryption, open-source availability, and cross-device access matter most; choose a broader note platform when collaboration or integrations are central requirements.
Questions about Saber
Does Saber have a free plan? Yes, there is a free plan.
What does Saber run on? Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It runs in the cloud, self-hosted, as a desktop app and as a mobile app.
Who is Saber built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
Saber pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Handwritten canvas notes with multiple pages and highlighter support
- Encrypted synchronization across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Open-source app with nested folders, PDF/image support, and PDF export
- Where it doesn't
- Does not provide note sharing or real-time collaboration
- No integrations are included in its feature set
- Official server storage options top out at 100 GB
Saber fact sheet, pricing and score →
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