Private by default
Every stroke, page, and notebook stays in the app's sandbox on your device. Nothing leaves until you export it.
For iPhone & iPad
Serious Notebook
A private, offline-first handwriting notebook. Write with Apple Pencil, import PDFs and scanned pages, and keep every notebook on your device — no account, no cloud, no catch.
No ads
No advertising SDKs or interruptions.
No tracking
No analytics, no telemetry, no third-party SDKs.
No AI training
Your notebooks are never used to train AI.
No account
No login, no cloud sync, no subscription.
Why it exists
A notebook, kept serious.
Serious Notebook is built around a single idea: a digital notebook should feel like a real one — private, focused, and entirely yours.
Made for Apple Pencil
Built on PencilKit, with paper backgrounds, smooth ink, and the option to disable finger drawing so palm rests work naturally.
Bring your old notebooks
Import PDFs, planners, worksheets, or scanned paper notebooks as locked backgrounds, then keep writing on top.
Features
Everything you need to take real notes.
Designed around handwriting first, with the tools you reach for every day — and nothing more.
Handwriting and typing
Write with Apple Pencil and add typed text or sticky notes wherever you need them.
Import PDFs and scans
Bring in PDFs, planners, worksheets, or scanned paper notebooks as locked page backgrounds.
Personal book covers
Pick a cover color or use one of your own photos to make your library feel like yours.
Multiple papers
Blank, ruled, grid, or dot grid pages on soft white or soft cream — choose per notebook.
Export to PDF
Share a single page or an entire notebook as a clean PDF whenever you need to.
iPhone and iPad
A native SwiftUI app with a split-view library on iPad and a focused single-pane on iPhone.
One notebook, every use
For study, business, and everyday life.
A space for memories, a place for focused work, and a quick spot for the lists that keep the day moving — all in one library.
Private by design
Your notebooks live on your device.
Serious Notebook does not run analytics, does not work with ad networks, and does not use your handwriting, drawings, typed text, imported PDFs, or images to train AI — ours or anyone else's.
- No analytics, no telemetry, no third-party SDKs.
- No account, no login, no cloud sync.
- Pages and imports are stored in the app's sandbox, encrypted on disk.
- You can opt out of iCloud Backup for the notebook store from settings.
Built for the big screen
Designed for iPad and Apple Pencil.
Bring your old paper notebooks, planners, and worksheets in, and keep writing on top — or start a fresh notebook with the paper and cover of your choice.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
The short version of how Serious Notebook works and what it does with your data.
Does it work offline?
Yes — completely. There's no account and no required internet connection. You can write, import, and export with the app fully offline.
Do I need an Apple Pencil?
An Apple Pencil gives the best handwriting experience on iPad, but it isn't required. You can also type, add sticky notes, and draw with your finger. On iPad you can turn finger drawing off so your palm can rest on the screen.
Can I import my existing notes and PDFs?
Yes. Import PDFs, planners, worksheets, or scanned paper notebooks. Imported pages become locked backgrounds, so you can keep writing, highlighting, and placing items on top without changing the original.
Is my handwriting used to train AI?
No. Your handwriting, drawings, typed text, imported PDFs, and images are never used to train AI — ours or anyone else's. There are no analytics, no telemetry, and no third-party SDKs.
Does it sync across my devices?
There's no built-in cloud sync — notebooks live on the device where you create them. You can optionally include the notebook store in iCloud Backup, or turn that off from settings, and you can always export to PDF to move pages elsewhere.
Can I get my notes back out?
Yes. Export a single page or an entire notebook as a clean PDF at any time, then share or archive it however you like. Because notes live on your device, keeping a backup or export is a good habit.
Start your first serious notebook.
Download Serious Notebook for iPhone and iPad, and keep your pages private — on your device, where they belong.
Support
For help with Serious Notebook, email support@tinyserious.com.
