Name: Pencil Planner & Calendar Pro
Rating: 4.67766 (10796 reviews)

User Reviews for Pencil Planner & Calendar Pro

4.68 out of 5

10.8K Ratings

4 years ago, V.143

Can it be free for students?

I’m going to be a freshman in college and I’ve been looking for apps that might help me stay more organized vs having to find them while I’m in college and change my entire workflow. However, I no longer have the luxury of a heavy cash flow to pay for app subscriptions. I wish we could have a free plan for students who desperately need professional tools like this but can’t afford them. Many companies do this and I think this’d be a great way to advertise your app and company. I did buy a physical planner but am not sure how much use it’ll get as I often loose interest in them after a couple months and wanted to try something new on my iPad Pro. However, as cheap as the subscription is I don’t want it slowly chipping away at my monthly allowance. I’m only going to keep this app if we can have a free student plan or a one time purchase plan because in that case I’d DEFINITELY buy this!! The wealth of features and flexibility amazes me and this app definitely seems underrated but my only qualm is the subscription. Please add more subscription and purchase models. Thank you!!

1 month ago, KP-361

Won’t update on synced device

I downloaded this app about a week and a half ago. I first downloaded it to my iPad. It linked my calendars and I was able to write notes on the individual days which is exactly what I wanted to be able to do. I then downloaded the app on my phone and signed in with my account. Everything transferred over that I had entered up to that point. However, I have made changes since then on my iPad and the new info that I put in my iPad won’t update on my phone. I’ve done all of the trouble shooting tips, refreshed the app, closed out the phone and iPad m, restated, even uninstalled the app and reinstalled it. When I signed back in after reinstalling the app on my phone it still only shows the info that had been input at the time I had originally installed the app on my phone. It still won’t update. It’s been over a week. I tried reaching out to the support email within my free trial period and am still waiting for a response. I give this app 2 stars because I really like the design of linking to my calendars and being able to write on it but if it will only work on my iPad and not update to my phone then it’s pointless for me to have this app and I would have cancelled it before the free trial. I’m hoping the app support group will eventually have a solution to fix this at which point I could update my review. Not sure how long their typical response time is for getting back to emails but it’s been over a week so far with no response.

1 year ago, TDog7778901

Need better payment options

This app from the looks of it seems very productive and useful. I also believe that I would easily learn the interface as it seems very clean and organized. With that being said I could not bring my self to using the app. For starters the app isn’t even useable without paying for the Pro version. The app lets you use some things for free but it is so limited without paying that it is basically unusable. It won’t let you plan more than a week ahead. If you are going to offer a free version with so many limitations do not even offer a free version to begin with. I am fine with paying for a powerful app like this but you have to pay for it in a subscription format. These days EVERYTHING wants you to pay for a subscription. Eventually that adds up. I know the subscription price isn’t the worst price out there, but I would much rather pay a one time payment up front. Apps like Procreate and GoodNotes use the one time pay option that lets you have full access to their powerful apps. So in the end I would like to see A. An one time payment option upfront, or B. A less restrictive free version that is actually usable. Consumers shouldn’t be trapped in a subscription cycle to use everything.

2 years ago, Events24

Digital Planning & Apple Calendar Combined

I've been using this for several days and very glad I purchased the pro version. I can make appointments, as well as create Reminders (from Reminders app) and they show up in Pencil Planner app on my iPad and iPhone. I haven't found a search feature on Pencil Planner, but hope that's in the future. For now if I have to search an appointment, I'll use the Apple calendar app. I love that I can write a note to myself for the day using my Apple pencil on the iPad and it shows up on my iPhone app as well. It looks awesome too. The roadmap shows additional features for stickers in August, which will add a little extra fun to planning my day. Drawing on my iPad and seeing on my phone is great as well. Keep up the good work! I'd not heard of this app before joining a digital planning group on FB. I checked out your FB and IG page and seems like your team has decided to not use these two SM options, which seems odd to me. This is a very visual product and using IG would be a great resouce.

4 years ago, CVR_L0S

Wow

Something that I am trying to do is write more reviews and provide some good feedback. Let me start by saying thank you. I was talking to my brother and wife about six months ago for an app like this. I was told that it would not take off and would not work. I was crushed and did not pursue. Let me say that I am extremely proud of how you have integrated apple calendar. I think this is the best blend for people who want to have a dedicated calendar with the use of their Apple Pencil. My only complaint is that this is subscription based. I would have preferred to have the option of a one time payment for life. I would also like to see that for the year option that it may be broken up into blocks perhaps looking on Etsy and some of the digital planners for template or ideas. I think this app has a lot of hope and I am a believer so much that I called my work friend and he bought the app immediately. This app has the opportunity to change peoples lives and it has changed mine. Thank you for the app and cannot wait to see the updates.

4 years ago, Allpossiblenicknamestaken

Purchases and Privacy

I really wanted to like this app. The concept is great and the design is *excellent*. But the app pushes you to buy a subscription immediately, which is very off-putting, and then each time you attempt to test writing functionality, it zooms back out and informs you that feature requires a pro account. I support paying for the app, but if I can’t try it out at all before buying (aside from the don’t-forget-to-unsubscribe three-day trial period), why make it free to obtain? Just charge me once a reasonable amount for it and move on. Worse, though, the app doesn’t use iCloud at all: you have to create an account on their service, which it uses for syncing all your data. A quick perusal of the TOS and Privacy Policy show vague hand-waving about protection of your data and a reminder that nothing is 100% secure, and a promise that they’re using third-party services to analyze your data but they’re sure it won’t get re-shared. No opt-out from analytics, no option to keep your own data only on your device or only sync to an iCloud folder. I just can’t encourage developers who do this: it’s time to give us options to keep control of our own data. I hope the devs review this and make improvements: I’d be interested to continue using it if these were fixed!

3 years ago, The Caro

Love this app

I love love love this app, especially all the customizable options and intuitive interface. It’s honestly the planning app I’ve always dreamed about. I’ve used pen/paper planners with similar layouts to this for my whole adult life, but sometimes it’s just not feasible to carry around a notebook and a bunch of pens/pencils/markers etc. So this app satisfied my love for handwritten notes and schedules, while still catering to the streamlined ability to have a comprehensive planner with me wherever I go. I also like how the iPhone and iPad apps are synced and how if I update something in one place, it automatically updates with the other. My one and only criticism is that there’s no option to enter anything in text, it’s handwriting or nothing. This is fine for the iPad with the Apple Pencil or similar writing implement, but on the phone it’s just ungainly and somewhat tedious. Please add an option to be able to input new events/make notations etc using a text box or something I can type in.

4 years ago, A B Cole

This is good, but they removed a function I found useful

You can longer click on a day or week to go to it without toggling modes. You used to be able to write and navigate simultaneously. Now they have a navigate mode and a note mode. It makes no sense as to why they would do this. There’s a glitch in the new update. If you go straight to the weeks view and select the eraser and then draw in the all day field (the one that syncs with day and month) it will write with the peg on the first stroke. It then carries the bug over to day And month modes. Drawing on the month calendar with the eraser created a pen stroke on the first one before swapping to the eraser function. It does this very each day’s box. The change to a less streamlined, more inconvenient mode of use combined with the introduction of a bug and no positive features makes me question if a subscription with this company is warranted. I’m leaving it at 4*, even though I think I’m going to abandon this app. I can’t help but picture giving them money for a subscription having them rollout more “fixes” that make it less and less usable.

3 years ago, brandonmwms

2 Year Update Review

I’ve tried a LOT of different organization apps. Usually, I just regress back to email and calendar (Outlook) with an occasional Reminder or Alarm. I have to work between iOS and Windows environments, my MacBook Pro is from 2013 (still works though!). I like OmniFocus, but its hard to capture the big picture with a keyboard… I need to write, sometimes draw. I need color and arrows. I need to circle things, highlight things, and erase things (sooo satisfying). I need to check off a box (as in draw a “check” in red pencil (not pen), not click a button. But I need to track tasks from one day to the next and to keep my monthly priorities in view. Sometimes, I need to jot down some notes in a meeting or reminders. Pencil planner does (almost) all of this in a very elegant and intuitive way (isn’t that why we use Apple products?). There is not a better planner application, in my estimation. There is not a better productivity tool. I am cofounder of a software company. My focus stretches from “overturning industry” view, to “create an invoice” view multiple times a day (or hour). Pencil Planner is my essential tool. I start my day with it. I check it regularly (but not frequently - like Outlook) to keep on course. I write this long review to give you a realistic use-case for this product. I also write it to congratulate the developers on creating something truly useful and elegant — well done and thank you!

2 years ago, Vonheim

Planner vs Notes

UPDATE: This app is now feature complete for practically anything you need to plan and execute your day, week, or month. There are great views for individual areas such as calendar, tasks, notes++. The overviews (wide) are excellent. This app puts it together for me and is my tool to plane, prepare, record and evaluate the day. I give it 5 stars now in recommendation of you trying it out. From here forward this app should just need fine-tuning, updates for OS features, and dedicated device features when available. Recommended! ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: I use PencilPlanner as my time management solution, and have built my habits around this and general note taking apps. I have tried Craft and Agenda, amongst others, and find these focus on executing the day, not planning it. In PencilPlanner I can do both. I very much appreciate the great flexibility with Apple Pencil and planning at all time horizons. Daily, weekly, monthly, and even annually is facilitated in Pencil Planner. The others mentioned focus on one meeting or one day at a time, Pencil Planner provides a simple and powerful way to prepare you plan and execute it over time. The app had value from the first version, when I joined, and the journey along with the development of this app is on the right path and gaining traction. Highly recommended if you plan your day, week, month, quarter, year, or plan to achieve something in the set timeframe. Highly recommended!

3 years ago, MichelleOnizuka

Best. Calendar. App. Period.

I don’t normally write reviews. Ok, like never. But this app deserves it. Since the inception of the iPad I have been looking for an app that integrates handwriting and my native phone calendar appointments, tasks, and notes. I have craved an all in one. You know so I can see everything at once. Well, this is it. This has got to be as perfect as it gets. Best part, the features that are lacking are on the roadmap so I know they are working on it. Which makes me hang in there. I can write on my calendar all while the electronic versions are all there. I like how you can write and the writing carries over when you change views. Very well done. I am personally really waiting for the next few updates on the roadmap (very anxiously!! Can I alpha or beta test???? Please????) Anyway great app! Keep it up. Definitely worth paying for.

2 years ago, jwilcher8591

Overall a great hybrid planner

I have been an avid paper planner user for most of my life. Lately I had been searching for a digital alternative that gave me a paper planner like feel. For me typing something into an app and writing it down just don’t help me remember things in same way or as well. This app does a great job of allowing you to merge your digital planner and allow you write make notes etc. like a paper planner. The only reason I did not give a five star review is because they have not kept to the projections on their road map nor kept users informed on the progress of these features. The pending features will only improve the app and cause me to like it even more. I hope to see the features projected to have launched in August of 2022 will be available soon for user enjoyment. Highly recommend if you commit things to memory better by writing it down vs typing but want the ease of accessing your digital calendar and convenience of scheduling repeated events.

2 years ago, LokiXIII

Used to be great, but seems to no longer be updated

I used to use this app daily—I really liked the ability to hand-write all of my notes and stuff for the day. Middle of the year they pushed an “update” that broke so many things; some were more quality of life, some are pretty substantial. Switching from the eraser to the pencil would cause things to disappear the first time you wrote after the update. Many of the views are completely broken on the “new” (there has not been an update in months, but V2 is still marked “New” after being out even longer than that) version of the calendar—some of which make it where you can’t even see the full day, which kind of defeats the purpose of a scheduling app. There are plenty of other issues, just scroll through the more recent reviews. Shame is, it was a really solid app, just kind of garbage to try and use now. Was really hoping more updates would come, but at the writing of this there hasn’t been anything in over 3 months, and those didn’t address the more glaring issues.

3 years ago, Sec9009

SO CLOSE TO BEING PERFECT - Worth Every Penny!

I love this app so much and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. The pieces missing are listed on the “Future Roadmap” plans, but seem to take a while to be rolled out..But it’s understandable so development is not rushed and works properly. The most helpful updates I’m looking forward to are Reminders integrations and being able to insert typed text into notes, but I CANNOT WAIT for all of them to be implemented - They will be game changers. Once all of the updates listed in the roadmap are done (and any others they are planning) this will serve very much like a digital bullet journal/planner, which is exactly what I have been looking for and am so excited about. This app is so close to being perfect and once those updates are made, I believe it will be the best calendar/planner app on the market. If you are considering the purchase, it’s worth every penny and will be even more worth it in the next few months as more improvements are made!

4 years ago, The original Beneeny

Great tool! Saves trees

This app seems made for iPad and was just what I’ve been looking for to replace my old method of paper planner. Some obvious benefits over the paper method being able to change pen color, erase with ease and tap on a date in the monthly view to reveal more detail. A few changes for the future I’d like are a feature to move an appointment to a different time slot (tap and drag). Also I synced with my iPhone and have some problems there but it is probably my fault. I use my iPad to write out the plan and use my phone for easy reference. But since the screen is much smaller I have more than once accidentally scribbled on or erased a calendar entry that I was trying to view. With no undo button on my phone I was stuck having to manually fix the mess. Is there a setting for “view-only”? And for some reason my phone would only allow me to view the calendar in portrait mode, no landscape. Overall I love the app and will continue to use as well as recommend to others.

9 months ago, King Be

I Love This App—But it Doesn’t Work

This app has everything I could ever want. It has an annual, monthly, weekly, and daily calendar; it has an hour by hour daily breakdown with notes on the side so I can organize my thoughts and then schedule my to-dos for the day; it has a great note page where I can essentially keep notebooks worth of notes and sketches; it even syncs with my phone! This app is perfect, or at least it would be, if it actually worked. There have been dozens of times where I took extensive notes in the notes section, only to come back a couple hours later and everything is gone. The app just forgot everything that I wrote and drew. It is so horribly unreliable. It also sporadically syncs to my phone, and there’s no way to get it to sync manually, so sometimes I go months at a time without having the information on my phone that’s on my iPad. And I pay $20 a year to use premium! i’ve paid for it every year for the past three years! At this point, I’m looking for a new app.

3 years ago, J-192837

Latest Version (2.0) is a Nightmare!

This app recently updated and is NOT WORTH THE MONEY. The schedule on “Day” view will not even show the full day, even when you shrink the schedule height. You have to manually go to the new, microscopic, outdated tool bar and click on the scrolling option to simply view all hours of the day. “Tasks” and “Notes” have been added and are two separate things.. as confusing as that is. So you have to remember what info you put under each category. The “To Do” List is gone and I personally used that every single day. I definitely preferred the “To Do” over the new “Tasks” or “Notes” because it was smaller and appeared right under the (FULL) schedule and visually showed everything for the full day without taking anything from the schedule. The “Tasks” and “Notes” take up more than half of the daily screen and I do not think this is helpful or necessary at all when I am just trying to view my schedule and have to scroll around to see what I’m doing in the day. Would love a refund because this is not what I paid for.

8 months ago, kaylers

Missed MVP

While the idea of the app is great...but a real missed MVP on what users would need - stability. It is a waste of money because it took over 3 days of use to really test it out and figure out the amount of bugs this thing has. The biggest issue I have with the app overall is for the pages to load instantly. Espcially as it pertains to anything with written information. However, I've listed all of the issues I identified in 5 days of use: - written information delayed in showing on a page, approximately 6 seconds. Regardless of page or position - Notes delayed on showing, and a disjointed display of notes as it pertains to each folder - Notes in full screen in portrait mode, unable to exit entirely. Must turn the device (I've been using my iPad) horizonatal to exit out. - Ruler is a PITA to change direction and takes multiple attempts, if I can get it to work at all. This becomes increasisly difficult in pages there there are multpile sections and the ruler would show up in each on f the company could find a way to fix all of this.... add planner sticker -> They would be unstoppable as they would provide a differentiator that other 'digital planners' don't offer at a reasonable price. Unfortunately at this time, it's so unusable in it's current state that they would need to have a real focus on the user experience to make it worthwhile for anyone really using the features and capabilities.

4 years ago, bagellvr9

Great app but wish it had reminders integration or recurring tasks

I really love how this app looks and works. They did a great job recreating the planner experience on a iPad. Unfortunately it won’t work for me personally for a couple reasons. 1. I have different calendars synced with my iPad & iPhone so the extra appointments overlap with my written notes (I’m not deducting stars for this because you can limit the number of appointments you see) unfortunately my personal preference is to see all of them which doesn’t really work with the handwriting functionality. And 2. I really need a way to sync with the reminders app in the same way the app syncs with calendars. Mostly because I have so many recurring tasks. Please let me know if that ever gets added and I would come back to this app. Also, please note that this app doesn’t have stickers, tape etc. I like the minimalist look so this isn’t a deal breaker for me. But thought I would mention it.

4 years ago, rlm1111100001111

Great app for paper planner transitioning

I did a ton of research and testing of a variety of planner apps for iPad when I decided to transition away from using a paper planner. This app is by far the best option for people that need to see their own handwriting/checklists to be productive. You can choose any color under the sun, with different boldness levels, highlights, etc. There is a place for your notes, recurring tasks/projects that you just can’t seem to find the time to do, and your daily tasks. The integration with google calendar is also amazing. My only request would be to add an option to “bookmark” certain pages/days. For instance, there may be a day that I take really important notes that I’ll need to reference at a later date and it would be nice to be able to “bookmark” it for reference later on.

4 years ago, Quanni30

I’ve been using it daily!!

I really love this planner. I’ve been more drawn towards digital planners because I’m a mom who really doesn’t like having to carry around a paper planner. I always have my iPad with me, and I love knowing that I will always have my planner there when I need it. The app is really well-designed, with areas for tasks, daily reflection, and daily goals. I love that I am able to use my Apple Pencil to write directly on it and that it also syncs with my other calendars so that I don’t miss anything. I would love if the developers could offer other colors and themes so that we could customize it for a more upbeat look, but honestly it’s the best planner app I’ve used. And the only one I’ll be using from now on. I can’t wait to see the new changes that get added over time. Thank you for creating such an intuitive and practical planner app!

2 years ago, Thaliac16

Update after extensive use

Update 2022: Ive used this app for more than a year and I didn’t renew my subscription this year. I have transitioned out of this app, after extensive use of it because I can’t get over the bugs it has and the fact that its simple things that have been over looked. I also don’t like that the graphics are very pixelated when you zoom in. Makes it feel very cheap and honestly not worth the money. I have now transitioned to notion and I’m trying out a few other apps as well that have proven to be better. ———————————————————————————————— This is one of the better note taking apps I’ve used. I love it’s versatility and the different note tabs and how the calendar is set up. The only gripes I have with this app that I hope the developers fix in the next updates would be the following - there’s a bug when you use the Apple Pencil when you use the select all tool to move text around that it glitches out and when you move something to one spot it moves it to another. - The menu for pens pencils and highlighters etc… has been showing blank when you click it. Those are my only complaints just tiny little bugs that I can live with but they’re just annoying. *** it would be great if we could get some seasonal themes or more ways of customizing our notebooks like maybe adding pictures or stickers or like a different colored sticky notes. Stuff of that sort***

3 years ago, ZZ R.

Wonderful productivity app - more features to come

I absolutely love this app! I have always wanted to go to a digital planner but in the past they’ve never quite worked out. Mostly because you can either find one that you write on or that you type in. Never both! This one does it all! I love that it syncs with my calendar and that I can see all of my appointments in the monthly view. I use it for my notes, daily task list, goals, deadlines, and all of my events. This app is full of helpful features but I think I’m most excited that the company shares their future roadmap, which showcases the new features they plan on adding to this app, and let me tell you so many great things are coming. If you’re hesitating at all on the purchase, this is your sign not to wait one more second!

1 year ago, Salimi95

Does the job

I've been using this planner app on my iPad, and I find it to be rather straightforward and uncomplicated. There are no extravagant bells and whistles to it, but in its simplicity lies its strength. It offers a unique service in a very user-friendly interface, something that isn't readily available elsewhere in the app market. Despite its ease of use, I feel there's room for improvement when it comes to functionality. For instance, the app could benefit from better recognition of written inputs. Currently, when I write something, the app only registers it as a "drawing", which hampers my ability to manipulate the text as I might in other apps, such as copying and pasting it to different days. Additionally, there have been instances when I've attempted to use the app in new or diverse ways, only to find that the functionality isn't as versatile as I would have liked. A few tweaks here and there could really amplify the overall user experience. Despite these minor points of critique, the app does what it's intended to do - offer a handwritten planner on an iPad - and it does so quite well. The pricing is quite reasonable, and, overall, it's a good application that serves my needs. With some enhancements, it could easily become a go-to app for many others seeking similar features.

3 years ago, ikandeee

Exactly what I needed!!

I don't normally leave reviews but this app is exactly what l needed, omg! I love that it has daily, weekly, monthly, & yearly planners & that it is synced to all of my devices & calendars. It also has a notes section that is linked to the date which can be used for so much. There’s also a section on daily planning where you can reflect on your goals and even your mood for the day. It’s super easy to use and I think the price is very reasonable!!! The only things I think could be better is having 24 hours on the daily schedule planner and having the option to upload pictures/files and maybe audio memos to the notes section. Thank you for creating this app, I’ve been looking for an app like this for a while!!

6 months ago, MarcusARoyus

Nice app, when it doesn’t glitch out. Some improvements suggested.

I like many things about this app, including calendar access, reminders integration, the ability to jot directly with the Pencil in various ways, sync across my devices, and the various timeframes of day, week, month, and year(s). I really like that the whole process doesn’t require me to manually enter dates and organize a planner. I wanted something that would handle the dates automatically and be usable right away. Pencil Planner Pro fits the bill. What I don’t like is the inability to customize more features (i.e. display a habit tracker, weekly goals, etc). Please let me know if I overlooked these. But, what is most obnoxious is that every time I am on the daily tab, and I try to switch back and forth between schedule and tasks tabs, the app crashes. I open it back up and it does the same. I restart the app and same. I delete, restart, reinstall, and restart again.. same. I don’t get glitches with other apps, so I don’t think it’s my iPad. So, not sure why many others don’t appear to be having problems. I’ve included some technical details of my iPad so that the developers might be able to help resolve the issue. (I’ll update my review accordingly). iPad Pro 12.9” M2 Model: MP5Y3LL/A A2764 iOS 17.4.1

3 years ago, JustJeffCrosby

Really Good App

This is a really good planner app. I love the real time interface with my phone so if I write something into the calendar on the iPad it shows up immediately on the phone as well. That’s huge for me! Love the different tabs for tasks, schedules, reflections, ect. Love tgat it intergrates with my calendar. Love the tasks which stay in place on each day until I take them off. I’m even pleased with the price for the pro version. My only issues are UI problems. Wish the eraser was able to change sizes. Wish there was a way to select and copy and paste all the content from one day to another. Wish there were more page color options like canary or a tan color. But overall, this is exactly what I needed. Please keep it alive.

4 years ago, Songs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome concept, poor plans

I have been searching for an app that allows me to not only keep my events in my calendar but allow me to draw with my pencil instead if I want to write it down instead. This app just that, while still allowing me to have my events set, but the subscription plans are lacking. I feel as though many others cannot afford to spend this much on a calendar app, or let alone an app in general. So I propose that the developers could consider adding a lifetime purchase that of course would be a larger sum, but would allow the buyer to have the features for life and not pay monthly if they cannot do so. Yes it's a one time purchase but it's better than nothing, so if you could please consider this, I know many people who would prefer this as well. Keep the subscription based plans but also add a one time purchase plan and let people decide which they want! Thank you!

3 years ago, tara_patton1

Do not waste your time and money

I am a nursing student and I read good reviews on this so I decided to try it out. I had 3 pages of notes written out in the note portion and even after “saving” them I watched my handwritten notes disappear right in front of my eyes. I spent and hour and a half writing them out and even by pressing the back button they would not reappear. This has to be fixed. There should be a way to upload them and have the, recovered. It seems to be some kind of bug but it has ruined my notes and leaves me with no way to get the, back so I have to spend another hour and half rewriting notes I have already taken . Such a shame and waste of money and time that I cannot get back.

9 months ago, gingercookies1121

Good idea, poor execution

I like having a digital calendar that I can write like it’s an actual paper planner…but it’s glitchy. Glitchy in ways that make it so I can’t use it for the way it’s intended. For instance, if I pick a color for a pen that isn’t one of the presets, as soon as I use that pen, I can no longer open the menu to change it again…I have to close it out and reopen in order to change that specific pen again. I also tried using the notes section to create a habit tracker… the notes don’t load, it’s difficult to select and move things you’ve drawn, and when you copy the content, it doesn’t go to the same spot on the new page. Even once you select everything and manually recenter, it doesn’t save that way. So if you close the app and reopen, everything is shifted back. There are other things, but they are less of a hindrance than those two.

3 years ago, Y.N.M.

Perfect for those who need a great planner for their iPad

I purchased this for a trial run last year, and love the accessibility and easy to use features it has throughout the app. Do you have the ability to link it with your personal calendars through Apple which is pretty amazing as well as Google. I’m not going to deduct any stars from this review, but what I would suggest to the developers is to add an option to attach photos or screenshots, or files, to each day. I am an assistant and sometimes I need certain documents saved on the particular day that I use them, rather than having to go back in my photos to look for it. But! Great app, definitely saves me $20 and a bulky planner every year.

1 year ago, Miller2597

Best Calander App Ever

This is the only app I ever ever left a review for on the app store, and simply because this app has changed my life. When i purchased my ipad and apple pencil i wanted to make the most of it and find a calander app that would allow me to use my apple pencil. This app does just that, and allows me to organize my day efficiently. My favorite features are the V1 calander look, because it shows your calander imported from your device, a section to write you main goals and to do list, and one for notes. Althought there are 8 other calander looks and set ups to chose from. I hope that more people download it, because it deserves attention! Best app ever.

2 years ago, Krissy Bernie

I still have to choose between two worlds…

The app initially lured me in because its description literally says that you do not have to choose between the handwriting world and the typed world. That’s exactly what I want. However, it seems to be only for the “looks.” This feature is very limited. The only time both handwritten and typed text shows their presence at the same time is the integration from your calendar and you add your doodles. You cannot open a text box and type in text “over” the bounded text from your calendar integration. Sometimes I do not want to handwrite. I want to type my notes/scribbles over the bounded text. Even more so, this limitation is worse in the notes section. I want to be able to open a note where I can alternate between typed text and handwritten doodles & scribbles. It looks like I cannot do that because when I try to make a new note, it asks me which I want to do — a “pencil note” or “a text note.” Why cannot it be just a regular note and then I can do both inside it, something like GoodNotes and Notability can do? I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology so I do have background knowledge on how this limitation can be easily (and quickly) addressed.

1 year ago, foreverluvd

It has the potential to be absolutely amazing!

This program is an AMAZING idea with the way it integrates my Apple Reminders, all my calendars, and allows me to write on it, like a paper planner. It's a little tough to use at times; the buttons don't always accept my finger input, and I have to switch to my pencil. Also, it seems pretty basic and could use a few more features to make it really compete with other digital planners, like the one I've created in GoodNotes. For example, some improvments to basic functionality might include: - the ability to copy and paste things WITHIN the program AND from outside the program. - the ruler being able to turn, so it's not at a diagonal. - better ways to link the notes to scheduled events. (If I accidentally delete the link from an event to a note, I can't reattach it, only to the day.) - to combine text and pencil notes, so I can type AND write on the same note. Things you could add that would make me want to pay the yearly price: - the ability to CHOOSE which sections I put in which view. Some sections are amazing but aren't in the same view as another that I HAVE to have. - ways to make it prettier (like stickers).

2 years ago, Bolus bear

Love this

I’ve been using this app for a couple of years. I like it very much. It still has small glitches here and there but still a very helpful useful app. I do wish for there to be more features. One of them having it to be available on a desktop . The mobile version isn’t That great. The iPad version is best. In addition, I wished that the “tasks” under the “day” had the option to rollover or Not instead of it having a default of it rolling over every day. Please keep this app alive forever, I am a huge planner person and I’ve tried a lot of them and this one fits the majority of my needs. Def give it a try. Worth every freaking penny.

4 years ago, Es08.

I love this app, perfect for organization and professional life!

I love this app. As an engineer I wanted to fine an app that has a simple design, easy to write/remove information and also many different sections were details about the events can be added or hidden depending on the view page you are in. I love you can also add plans you have for other years. I love this app has it all and is accessible in both the Ipad and my Iphone. I wish I could fine the version for Mac but is totally perfect since I can type with the pencil or add events from my devices without any problem and everything is synchronized! Thanks for this outstanding development 💕!

2 years ago, chelmcand

Meets my needs, great planner for Apple

I do not often write reviews, but for this planner, I thought I should. I have used various digital planners through the years, but most of them were too complicated for what I needed to do. Pencil Planner makes use of the existing Apple calendar and reminders, which is what I use the majority of the time. Now I can use them in conjunction with my Apple Pencil and see my entire day week or month laid out before me. Great blend of digital and analog worlds. I only wish the updates would come a bit faster and it had a search tool for notes. That being said the note feature meets my basic needs for this application.

3 years ago, levelupginger

The best app of its kind

I have tried every, and I do mean every, note taking, planner and calendar app available that works with the pencil. This one, by far is my favorite! I have been looking for something like this since the first Apple pencil came out! It’s been like 4+ years of jumping between note apps and planners (and buying a stupid amount of Esti planner templates) and rewriting my calendar into my planners by hand… The fact that is pulls my digital calendar in is what has been missing from all the others! I am seriously in love! And I design digital tools for a living- so no app ever checks all the boxes for me! The only thing I wish it had was the ability to bring in images like stickers or screen shots. Or import PDFs for notes. It would also be cool if it could import tasks from outlook or Monday or something- totally not needed as it’s already better then anything else I used but if you need a new feature that would also be a game changer! Thank you for helping me stay on track!

2 years ago, rainynightz

broke my ipad

At first launch the app looked great! had everything i needed and was easy to use. while trying to log some events in i noticed some bugs. the pen size option bar stopped showing up when i clicked into it so i couldn’t edit the pen. eventually, i tried color picking a color and the app froze. i exited out the app by swiping out and the eyedropper was stuck frozen onto my ipad home screen. i tried to swipe out of the app and remove it from my recents but it wouldn’t let me. i turned off and on my ipad and my ipad home screen was frozen in place. i tried to turn off my device entirely but i couldn’t slide to power off because it froze my ipad. I was initially going to consider paying for this app because it looked like everything i needed, but it broke my ipad entirely for doing a simple task it claims it can do. i don’t recommend. too buggy.

3 years ago, Brian Sokko

Has a lot of potential….

Cool idea and, I hope, someday it will be useful. It’s just too buggy to use now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I draw, it disappears, I draw again and it disappears, all of a sudden all of it show up on top of each other. Sometimes the drawing tools just disappear, only to reappear later. It’s pretty frustrating for a calendar app. I love the idea but, no disrespect, do you really think that your app is ready enough to be charging a premium app price? I’ll check back again later to see if the bugs get worked out. If this is my only 3 day trial, I guess I’ll never know. You may want to have a 3 day trial, once every few months so that people can figure out if the app is working yet? Worth every penny of the price if you get it working reliably, if not it’s pretty worthless.

10 months ago, ..Ken..

Should Be In Beta

I wanted to like this app. I actually do like it except it is too buggy. It causes my iPad to randomly shutdown and restart. Other times it doesn’t display my hand written notes in month view unless I advance to the next month and back again. Sometimes I have to shut the app down and restart it. It also will randomly stop recognizing my Apple Pencil, or at least it appears to stop recognizing it at which point it will either crash my iPad or I will need to kill the app. When started back up there will be scribble marks where the pencil was writing yet not showing before the crash/restart. It also is no longer syncing with my iPhone. These are issues needing to be addressed before a premium subscription price is required. I will cancel my subscription and use a bug free and cost free excel calendar instead.

4 years ago, Ole ole

Anxious for updates. Best planner!

I love this app. I'm sooo anxious for the road map items! I upgraded to the pro version right away because of how great it already is. As soon as the updates come in, this app will be #1 for planner lovers. I know how important honest reviews are, so I wanted to do my part and share my opinion. I purchased some digital journals/ planners prior to discovering this app and I'm sad I lost that $$ because since downloading this app, I have not gone back. I was looking for something similar to a physical journal where I could write and decorate and express myself, but at the same time use my digital calendar equally. This is exactly that! I love it!

1 year ago, hanankh2

Has potential, needs more frequent updates

One of the few apps that provided what I am looking for in pencil enabled planner. Love that it imports from calendar and reminders. Would love to see additional features added regularly though. They have a list of features they are working on which is cool but updates are slow. As a planner, I would love the ability to add tabs and additional templates or PDFs. It is on their timeline but would love to see it soon. I also suggest intervention with other todo apps if possible. As I said, great potential, needs more frequent updates and additional features if I am to continue paying for a subscription.

1 year ago, jelkotbeid

Stop deleting my notes

I actually love this app. It’s great amazing cool, i use it all the time for all of its calendar uses and stuff but it’s so frustrating when i write notes on a date, and i finish writing the note, exit out of the full screen, and literally all the pages except for the first one have been deleted. It’s so frustrating, like how am i supposed to rewrite everything i just wrote? Why can’t it save?? I think it’s when i add a title to the note in the full screen, then exit full screen, is when i notice it tends to delete. But why?? It’s just so annoying and it just happened right now too. Like can y’all pls fix that! Thank you

5 days ago, Shuree G.

Sporadic Data Loss and Nonexistent Customer Service

I waited to write this review to see if customer service would respond to my recent issues, but unfortunately that didn’t happen so here we are. Over the last few weeks, my written planner notes just disappear and do not return including in my daily calendar and ALL of my saved individual notes. I’ve had previous issues with the app that have also been met with no response from customer service but this is the final straw and I will no longer be using the app. It just renewed, and given they do not answer support requests, I’m sure my request for a refund of my recent renewal will also be met with no response but it’s not worth it to me to continue to lose my information when that is the main purpose of the app. Don’t waste your money.

2 years ago, Njones611

Looking Forward to Utilizing this App!

Downloaded today. So far so good.. does glitch a little and I have to close and open the app occasionally but I'm going to still give this app a try. It does what I need it to as far as creating a calendar/planner and Utilizing my ipad more rather than using a physical pen and paper agenda. And it syncs with my other devices (iPhone) so I can be on top of my entries and schedule and revise on the go. The apple pencil works great with the app too. I gave it one less star out of the 5 because of the issue with me having to close and open the app, but it is fast isn't a burden..yet. Looking forward to creating more entries with it.

11 months ago, ggjskskaooshbsxzoak

Love this app

I absolutely love this app, I have ADHD and this is the longest I’ve ever been able to commit to a planner so it’s been extremely helpful. I created stickers for myself in the notes tab and use that to color and personalize my calendar. The reason for the four stars is that 1. A whole page of stickers got deleted once, it just disappeared I don’t know why. 2. Sometimes maybe the calendar has too many stickers in it but lines will sometimes go missing. So I’ll have partial pictures instead. Otherwise, I love this app and buying the subscription is so so worth it because I’ve been able to be committed to it

4 years ago, Kevychevy420

One of the better ones I’ve tried!

I have been using this app for about 2 1/2 weeks or so now, and I have to day I am in love- MAJOR with this one! I have also already upgraded to the “Pro” version of the app. Which was only a couple of bucks. ~I am a huge fan of hand drawing/writing/lettering on the tablet, so it would only make sense that working with my journal/planner the style in which I enter the info (typing on a keypad vs “hand writing”). Great layout and options for page designs...Simple lined pages or dotted or combo... Have not found any sort of “issues” as of yet, but I will update if I have any. Keep up the great work, developers!

2 years ago, JamieRanae

LOVE

I honestly love this planner. I was searching for something that I had more freedom with than the standard google calendar on the iPhone. I needed something I could be more organized with and see on multiple devices. I love that I can jot down a quick not about an employee having a day off or a task that should be done on a certain day without having to create a formal event. I love that it connects to my email calendar so all my meetings and zoom calls are there, I can see everything including my handwritten notes I made on my iPad on my phone. It’s been a game changer for me!

3 years ago, aom_3

Love it but…

I’m on the edge of subscribing (currently on the trial period). I have been using Notability for years for note taking and planning, and wished I could take note with live calendar capabilities, this app is exactly that! I love the linked notes that can link to multiple days, and love the functional linked calendars, tasks, and daily notes view. However, I insert images a lot in my notes and this is not capable yet in this app. On a less minor note I also miss the option of saving my own pen colors to conveniently use. Overall this app is the right direction in iPad planners, I hope also to have at least a viewer option on my Mac.

Description

Combine your daily digital calendar with your paper planner! Now you no longer have to choose between typing and handwriting your schedule, events and reminders. Pencil Planner Pro is the best of both worlds as you can write directly over the events that come from the Calendar app using your Apple Pencil. Take your paper agenda into the digital world! Plan daily, weekly, monthly and yearly with this handwritten bullet journal, agenda, and diary. VARIOUS CALENDAR INTEGRATIONS & DEVICES * Connect with you Calendar from all sources that the Calendar app supports * Sync between devices, including iPad and iPhone * Screen adapts to portrait and landscape * Integration with the Reminders app! BEAUTIFUL CALENDAR NAVIGATION * Main events written on the month view show up in the day and week * Schedule written in the week view shows up in the day * Tap on titles to quickly navigate * Full screen or split screen with other apps * Beautiful pages for day, week, month, year, and year grid LIKE ON REAL PAPER - NATURAL WRITING EXPERIENCE * Fluent, precise, and completely natural writing experience * Write with the Apple Pencil, Logitech Crayon, or with many capacitive styluses * Select and customize your pen color, thickness, and style (fountain pen, colored pencil, highlighter) * Easily switch between pen, highlighter, and eraser PLANNING YOUR AGENDA IS A BREEZE * Several writing tools and many different styles * Swipe left/right to go between dates * Dark mode and light mode * Zoom in & pan * Draw with pencil, finger, or other stylus BETTER THAN YOUR PAPER AGENDA * Select and move your handwriting * Undo & Redo * Powerful & smart eraser tool: Choose to erase the entire stroke or only parts of it. Set it to "Erase Highlighter Only" to leave the ink intact * Pinch to zoom and write more precisely * Sync to iPhone for your calendar on the go! PRO ACCESS Pencil Planner Pro Access is a subscription that unlocks all of the features available in Pencil Planner Pro shown below. Pro Access is available as a monthly ($4.99 USD) and a yearly ($24.99 USD) subscription. Try out all of Pencil Planner's features with a 3 day free trial. * Unlimited entries * Unlimited storage * Unlimited devices * Cloud backup & sync * Incredible planning experience! QUESTIONS * Reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or requests. We are always happy to help. Terms of use: https://pencilplanner.app/terms-of-use/