How to Convert Handwriting to Text
Microsoft OneNote and GoodNotes are digital planner apps that can convert handwriting to text, along with several other options. Here’s a breakdown of these two and a few additional apps and devices that offer this functionality:
- Microsoft OneNote: OneNote supports handwriting-to-text conversion on devices with touch capabilities. You can write notes using a stylus or finger, then use the “Ink to Text” feature to convert your handwritten notes into typed text. To do this, go to the “Draw” tab, select the “Lasso Select” tool to circle your handwriting, and click “Ink to Text.” This feature works best on the desktop version but is also available on some mobile versions, depending on the device. OneNote is versatile, syncing across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it a great choice for cross-platform users.
- GoodNotes: GoodNotes, primarily designed for iPadOS, iOS, and macOS, excels at converting handwriting to text. Using the “Lasso Tool,” you can circle your handwritten notes, tap “Convert,” and select “Text” to transform them into typed text. The app uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, and its accuracy is highly regarded, especially with clear handwriting. GoodNotes is popular among iPad users for its note-taking and digital planning features, though it’s more Apple ecosystem-focused compared to OneNote.
Other Apps That Convert Handwriting to Text
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- Notability: Another strong option for iPad users, Notability allows you to convert handwritten notes to text using its lasso tool. After selecting your handwriting, tap “Convert” and then “Text.” It’s similar to GoodNotes in functionality but offers additional features like audio recording, making it a favorite for students and professionals.
- Nebo: This app is specifically designed for handwriting recognition and uses AI to convert notes into digital text with high accuracy. It’s available on iOS, Android, and Windows, and it supports real-time conversion as you write, which can be a time-saver for organizing notes or planners.
- Apple Notes: On iOS devices with an Apple Pencil, the built-in Notes app supports handwriting-to-text conversion via the “Scribble” feature. Write with your stylus, and the app can automatically convert it to typed text in any text field. It’s a simpler option but integrates seamlessly with Apple devices.
These apps vary in platform compatibility and features, so your choice might depend on your device (e.g., iPad for GoodNotes, cross-platform for OneNote) and specific planning needs. OneNote and GoodNotes are particularly robust for digital planning due to their organizational tools and handwriting conversion capabilities.
Here’s how you can convert handwriting to text on both the reMarkable and Supernote devices, based on their built-in features as of March 24, 2025. Both are e-ink tablets designed for note-taking, but their processes differ slightly.
reMarkable Device
The reMarkable (both 1 and 2 models, with the same firmware) offers a handwriting-to-text conversion feature powered by MyScript’s recognition engine. Here’s how to do it:
- Write Your Notes: Use the stylus to write your notes on any page in a notebook. The device’s paper-like feel makes it intuitive for handwriting.
- Select the Text:
- Tap the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Choose the Lasso Tool (a dotted circle icon).
- Circle the handwritten text you want to convert by dragging the stylus around it.
- Convert to Text:
- After selecting, tap the “Convert” button (usually a “T” icon or labeled “Convert to text”) that appears in the toolbar.
- The device processes the selection and adds the typed text as a new page at the end of your notebook, keeping the original handwritten version intact.
- Edit or Share:
- You can’t edit the converted text directly on the device. To save or share it, tap the Share icon (an arrow or export symbol) and choose “Send by email” or “Export as PDF with text” (requires a Connect subscription for full functionality). The text is emailed as a .txt file or embedded in the PDF.
- Tips for Success:
- Write clearly in block letters for better accuracy—cursive or rushed handwriting may confuse the OCR.
- An internet connection is needed for conversion, as it relies on cloud processing.
Note: The reMarkable doesn’t save converted text directly on the device without exporting it, which some users find limiting. Accuracy has improved with firmware updates, but it’s not perfect for complex layouts or poor handwriting.
Supernote Device
The Supernote (e.g., A5 X, A6 X, or newer models) also supports handwriting-to-text conversion, introduced with the Chauvet 2.7.21 update in 2023 and refined since. It’s more flexible than reMarkable in some ways. Here’s the process:
- Write Your Notes:
- Open a note from the sidebar by tapping New Note, or write in an existing note or Word document (Supernote supports both formats).
- Use the stylus to jot down your text.
- Select the Text:
- Tap the Handwriting Recognition icon (often an “A” or text symbol) in the toolbar.
- Use the lasso tool to circle the handwriting you want to convert, or enable real-time recognition (see below).
- Convert to Text:
- For manual conversion: After selecting, tap “Convert to Text” (or a similar option depending on the firmware). The handwritten text transforms into typed text on the same page or a new one, editable directly on the device.
- For real-time conversion: Create a “Real-Time Recognition Note” from the sidebar (tap New Note > Real-Time Recognition). As you write, the device converts it to text instantly below your handwriting—no lasso needed.
- Edit and Export:
- Edit the converted text on-screen using the keyboard or stylus.
- Export it via Export options (e.g., PDF, TXT, or sync to cloud services like Dropbox or Supernote Cloud).
- Tips for Success:
- The first use requires an internet connection to activate, but it works offline afterward.
- It supports over 60 languages—check the settings to match yours.
- Clear, separated handwriting improves results; avoid overlapping text.
Key Differences
- Real-Time Option: Supernote offers real-time conversion, while reMarkable requires manual selection.
- Editing: Supernote lets you edit text on-device; reMarkable doesn’t—you must export it.
- Export Flexibility: Supernote integrates with more cloud services natively; reMarkable leans on email or a Connect subscription.
- Accuracy: Both use MyScript tech, but Supernote’s implementation often feels more polished for varied handwriting, based on user sentiment.
Both devices work well for converting handwriting to text, but Supernote might edge out for flexibility, while reMarkable keeps it simpler. If you’re using either with a planner like Key2Success, the process fits nicely into daily workflows—just write, convert, and organize!
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/PDF Shop
Visit the Samsung Notes Shop
Visit the Nebo Shop
Visit the Penly Shop
Visit the Amazon Scribe Shop
Visit the reMarkable Shop (or Paper Pro Shop)
Visit the Onyx Boox Shop
Visit the Noteshelf Shop
