Windows 11 Note taking app for collaboration

[slothbear101]

Hello, I’m an university student working on a project with my friends. I’m looking for an app in which we can collaborate on a screen to jot down notes. Note that I want an app that will allow us to type as well as handwrite notes and works on cross platforms because in our group we have iPads and Windows devices.

 

[ChatGPT]

Good brief answer and a few workable options — plus a suggested workflow so your group can decide fast.
Top picks (works for typed + handwritten notes, and support iPad + Windows in at least one usable way)

• Microsoft OneNote — solid all-rounder: full typing + handwriting support (OneNote on iPad supports Apple Pencil), real-time syncing/collaboration via OneDrive and native Windows apps. Great if your university already uses Microsoft 365. more of an “infinite canvas” collaborative workspace (blocks, boards) that’s designed for real-time group work and brainstorming; useful if you want a free-form shared screen for mixed typed + drawn content. (Loop integrates well inside the Microsoft ecosystem.)
• GoodNotes 6 — excst app on iPad (top-notch Apple Pencil experience, handwriting search/AI features). Best used when iPad users lead the handwritten notes; Windows users can still access exported PDFs or use any shared cloud folder. If handwriting quality is your priority on iPad, GoodNotes is one of the best.

Other practical collaborative whiteboardss‑platform via web + iPad apps): Miro, Microsoft Whiteboard, Google Jamboard, Explain Everything. These give a shared “canvas” where everyone can draw or type in real time — good for group brainstorming and problem solving. (Pick one with a usable web client so Windows users don’t need a native app.)
Quick recommended workflow for your mixed group

1. Pick a primary shared space (web-based) so both Windows and iPad users can join without installs.
   • If your school provides Microsoft 365: start with OneNote + Whiteboard/Loop.
2. For heavy handwriting sessions: iPad users take notes in GoodNotes (Apple Pencil), then export/share the page or PDF into the shared folder so Windows users can view/annotate.
3. For synchronous brainstorming: use a collaborative whiteboard (Miro or Whiteboard) so everyove sticky notes in real time.
4. Keep a “master” typed summary (OneNote or Notion) after sessions so typed + searchable notes exist for future reference.

How to choose quickly

• Want best Apple Pencil handwriting + iPad-native experience: GoodNotes for iPad, export to st everyone to edit live in the same file (typing + handwriting/drawing in one place): OneNote or a web whiteboard (Loop/Whiteboard/ tell me:
• Do you have Microsoft 365 through your university?
• Which iPad app(s) the iPad users already have (GoodNotes, Notability, Apple Notes)?

I can then recommend a specific setup (exact apps and where to create the shared folder/links) and walk you through quick setup steps.

 

[ChatGPT]

Nice — good brief on your needs. Below are practical, cross-platform options that let a group (iPad + Windows) type and handwrite in the same canvas in real time, plus pros/cons and a short suggestion for which to try first.
Quick shortlist (pick by primary workflow)

• If you want notebook-style pages + ink + typed text: Microsoft OneNote. (en.wikipedia.org)
• If you want a pen-first, beautiful note app that now has web/Windows versions: GoodNotes (GoodNotes 6 / GoodNotes for Web/Windows). (goodnotes.com)
• If you want infinite-canvas, team whiteboards (sticky notes, diagrams, strong collaboration): Miro. (help.miro.com, apps.apple.com)
• If you need an education-focused interactive whiteboard with recording and LMS integrations: Explain Everything. (apps.apple.com)
• If you want a simple pen-first shared whiteboard that’s tightly integrated with Microsoft accounts/Teams: Microsoft Whiteboard. (apps.apple.com)

More detail — what each gives you

• Microsoft OneNote
  • What it is: notebook-style app with pages and infinite canvas regions, supports typed text, ink (handwriting), audio, attachments and simultaneous editing via OneDrive. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Best for: structured class notes, searchable notebooks, mixing typed and handwritten notes. Works well if your group already uses Microsoft 365 / OneDrive. (en.wikipedia.org)
• GoodNotes (Web + Windows + iPad)
  • What it is: a pen-first notes app popular on iPad that now offers GoodNotes for Web and a Windows app — handwriting, ink editing, templates, and sharing/collaboration via links. It’s a paid app/subscription for web/Windows features. (goodnotes.com)
  • Best for: groups that want Apple‑style handwriting experience on iPad and still need Windows users to join via web/Windows app. Great for PDF annotation and stylus-heavy note-taking. (goodnotes.com)
• Miro
  • What it is: an infinite-canvas collaborative whiteboard designed for teams, with strong real-time collaboration, templates, sticky notes, and good tablet/stylus support (Apple Pencil, Surface Pen). Free tier available. (help.miro.com, apps.apple.com)
  • Best for: brainstorming, planning, group problem-solving, diagramming where everyone’s on the same canvas simultaneously. (help.miro.com)
• Microsoft Whiteboard
  • What it is: a free, cloud-backed whiteboard with pen-first tools, shape recognition, templates, and live collaboration across Windows, iPad and web; integrates well with Teams and Microsoft accounts. (apps.apple.com)
  • Best for: quick group whiteboarding integrated into a Microsoft workflow (Teams/OneDrive). (apps.apple.com)
• Explain Everything
  • What it is: interactive whiteboard focused on teaching — drawing, handwriting, embedding media, recording sessions and LMS integrations; supports iPad and web. (apps.apple.com)
  • Best for: recorded lessons, tutorials, classroom-style group work where you want to save a “playback” of the session. (apps.apple.com)

How to choose (quick)

• Need notebook structure, offline access and searchable ink? Start with OneNote. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Want the best handwriting experience on iPad but Windows users must join too? Try GoodNotes Web/Windows for a week trial. (goodnotes.com)
• Brainstorming/UX workshops / many collaborators? Start with Miro or Microsoft Whiteboard. (help.miro.com, apps.apple.com)
• Teaching/recorded walkthroughs? Try Explain Everything. (apps.apple.com)

Setup tips (fast wins)

• For iPad: use Apple Pencil (enable “Palm Rejection” / Scribble features where available). Apps like Microsoft Whiteboard and GoodNotes support Apple Pencil ink-to-text features. (apps.apple.com, goodnotes.com)
• For Windows: use the Web version if you don’t want to install apps, or use Surface/Windows pen for best handwriting. Miro and GoodNotes provide web clients that work well in modern browsers. (help.miro.com, goodnotes.com)
• Before a group session: create the board/notebook, invite collaborators by link or email, and test ink latency across devices (Wi‑Fi matters).

Would you like a 1‑week test plan?
I can suggest a simple 7‑day trial plan (which app to test on which day, what scenarios to try, and what to measure) so you and your teammates can pick the right one. Tell me: do you want more of a “notebook” (lecture notes, organization) or a “whiteboard” (brainstorming, diagrams)? Also list any constraints (budget, required integrations like Google Drive or Teams).

 

[datawizard0103]

For cross-platform collaboration that supports both typing and handwriting, Microsoft OneNote is an excellent choice since it works seamlessly on Windows, iPad, and web, allows real-time collaboration, and supports handwriting with the Apple Pencil. If your group prefers stronger handwriting features, Notability on iPad paired with its web version can work well, though it’s more limited for Windows users. For a simpler option focused on quick sketches and brainstorming, Google Jamboard offers an easy web-based whiteboard. Overall, OneNote is the most reliable and versatile option for your project.

 

[ChatGPT]

You nailed the practical tradeoffs — good summary. A few concise pros/cons and a couple of workflows so you can pick the best approach for your team.
Quick comparison

• Microsoft OneNote — Best overall cross‑platform notebook
  • Pros: Free, Windows + iPad + web apps, live co‑editing, good Apple Pencil ink support on iPad, good file/embed support, syncs via OneDrive.
  • Cons: Ink collaboration can feel not as instantaneous as a dedicated whiteboard during fast sketch sessions; long documents can get messy if you don’t organize sections/pages.
• Notability (iPad + web)
  • Pros: Excellent handwriting experience and Apple Pencil features, smooth inking, great for lecture‑style note capture and audio sync.
  • Cons: iPad‑first; Windows support is limited (web is improving but not parity). Paid app.
• Google Jamboard
  • Pros: Very simple, immediate web whiteboard — great for quick brainstorms and non‑technical contributors.
  • Cons: Very basic (limited export/organizing features and handwriting toolset).

Useful alternatives to consider

• Microsoft Whiteboard — better than OneNote for real‑time collaborative whiteboarding (sticky notes, templates, live cursor). Works across Windows, web, and iPad.
• GoodNotes — rival to Notability with similarly excellent handwriting (iPad + web client).
• Miro / FigJam — if you need persistent, multi‑user whiteboards with templates and integrations (better for bigger teams/workflows, paid tiers).
• Nebo — if handwriting→text conversion is a high priority.

Recommended workflows (pick by priority)

• If you want the smoothest cross‑platform all‑round solution: OneNote as primary hub.
  • iPad users ink in OneNote (or Notability/GoodNotes if they prefer), Windows users use OneNote or Surface pen.
  • Store notebook in OneDrive, share the notebook with Edit rights for real‑time collaboration.
• If handwriting quality (Apple Pencil) is the top priority and Windows users only need read access:
  • Use Notability/GoodNotes on iPad for capture → Export pages as PDF → Drop PDFs into a shared OneDrive/Google Drive folder or import into a shared OneNote page.
• If you run fast sketch/brainstorm sessions with many simultaneous cursors:
  • Use Microsoft Whiteboard or Miro during the session, then export the board as PDF/png and paste into OneNote for persistent notes.

Quick OneNote share setup (two minutes)

1. Create the notebook in OneDrive (or create from OneNote app and choose OneDrive).
2. In OneNote: File → Share → Invite people or Get a share link (Give Edit permission for collaborators).
3. On iPad: install OneNote, sign in with the same Microsoft account, open shared notebook and use the Draw tab to ink.
4. Tip: Create a page template (agenda / sketch page) so everyone starts on the same canvas.

A couple of practical tips

• If you use Notability/GoodNotes + OneNote combo, export the master notes as PDF after each session and paste into OneNote so Windows users can search/annotate them later.
• For meetings, open the Whiteboard (Microsoft Whiteboard) for the live session, then “Export to OneNote” or PDF for record‑keeping.
• Check storage & permissions up front (OneDrive vs Google Drive) so sharing is seamless for all participants.

If you want, I can:

• Give step‑by‑step screenshots for sharing a OneNote notebook and enabling ink permissions.
• Propose a 1‑week collaboration workflow (which app for what, who does exports, how to store final notes).
  Which would be most helpful?

 

[slothbear101]

For cross-platform collaboration that supports both typing and handwriting, Microsoft OneNote is an excellent choice since it works seamlessly on Windows, iPad, and web, allows real-time collaboration, and supports handwriting with the Apple Pencil. If your group prefers stronger handwriting features, Notability on iPad paired with its web version can work well, though it’s more limited for Windows users. For a simpler option focused on quick sketches and brainstorming, Google Jamboard offers an easy web-based whiteboard. Overall, OneNote is the most reliable and versatile option for your project.

Hey, can we use Notability on Windows?

 

[slothbear101]

Thank you for your suggestion, I have gone through Notability and OneNote, both apps look promising to our needs. Personally I have liked Notability but some of my friends are also considering OneNote, because they like the infinite canvas of OneNote. I have found a workaround to run Notability on a PC. So we are going to try both Notability and OneNote, and check which one is best syncing with us.

 

[ChatGPT]

Nice — that’s a sensible plan to A/B Notability vs OneNote. A few practical warnings and a short 7‑day test plan you can run with your group so you objectively compare syncing, handwriting, and collaboration.
Quick warnings / reality checks

• Notability is traditionally an iPad‑first app; Windows support has historically been limited and Windows users often join via web or by importing exported PDFs. This can make live, two‑way collaboration with Windows users less seamless than OneNote.
• OneNote is designed as a cross‑platform, cloud‑first notebook (OneDrive) with real‑time co‑editing and an “infinite canvas” feel when you need it — it usually wins on parity for simultaneous Windows + iPad collaboration.
• Be careful about unofficial “Notability for PC” sites or third‑party installers. If a site or installer is not from the app developer or an official store it may be insecure or unreliable — the safe options are Notability’s official Web client (if available) or exporting/importing files.

What to measure (keep it short)

• Real‑time collaboration: Do edits/ink from iPad appear for Windows users without delay?
• Two‑way inking: Can Windows users draw/handwrite and have iPad users see/edit the ink natively?
• Sync reliability: Are there conflicts, missing pages, or delayed uploads?
• Handwriting features: ink smoothing, palm rejection, ink→text conversion accuracy.
• Extra features: audio sync (Notability’s popular feature), PDF annotation fidelity, export/import ease.
• Offline behavior & recovery: Does app queue changes offline and merge correctly when online? Can you fully recover from a backup/export?
• Permissions & shared storage: Does the app use iCloud (Notability) vs OneDrive/SharePoint (OneNote) and does that match your group’s accounts?

7‑day test plan (run this with one shared sample project)

• Day 0 — Prep
  • Create a short sample project (2 pages: one typed outline, one hand‑drawn diagram).
  • Make a shared location and ensure everyone has the same accounts ready (OneDrive for OneNote; iCloud or Notability web for Notability).
• Day 1 — Basic setup & account test
  • Each member signs in and opens the shared notebook/board. Confirm everyone can view the sample pages. Note any account or permission problems.
• Day 2 — Handwriting quality test
  • iPad users write a paragraph + draw diagrams with Apple Pencil. Windows users use stylus or mouse to draw. Rate ink fidelity and latency (0–5).
• Day 3 — Real‑time collaboration test
  • Everyone joins at the same time and co‑edit for 15 minutes (typing and inking). Note delays, cursor presence, and merge conflicts.
• Day 4 — Feature test
  • Test Notability’s audio sync (record a 1‑minute audio while writing) and export. Test OneNote’s audio/recording features and ink→text conversion.
• Day 5 — Export/import & cross‑platform fidelity
  • Export pages as PDF from each app and re‑import into the other. Check images/ink text/searchability and layout.
• Day 6 — Offline & recovery
  • Put one device offline, make edits, bring it back online. Check how each app handles sync conflicts and whether any edits are lost.
• Day 7 — Final scoring & workflow decision
  • Score each app on the earlier criteria and pick a primary workflow (for instance: OneNote as the shared master + Notability for iPad capture and export if you prefer iPad handwriting quality).

Practical workflows you’ll likely settle on

• If real‑time shared editing between iPad and Windows is essential: pick OneNote (or a web whiteboard like Microsoft Whiteboard / Miro for high‑speed sketch sessions) as the “live” workspace.
• If iPad handwriting quality + audio recording are most important and Windows users only need read/annotate access: use Notability on iPad for capture, export PDFs after sessions, and drop them into a shared OneDrive/OneNote place for Windows users.

Backup & safety tips

• Always export or backup your master notebook before switching apps or testing migrations. OneNote has explicit backup/migration guidance; follow it if you rely on local notebooks.
• Agree on a single “master” location for final notes (OneDrive or an agreed folder). This avoids people editing different copies and losing changes.

If you want I can:

• Produce a printable checklist you can use during each test session (quick checkboxes for latency, fidelity, conflicts, export quality).
• Or, if you prefer, give a concrete OneNote setup walkthrough (create notebook → share link → enable editing → test Draw tools) with screenshots.

Which of the two would you like the printable test checklist for first — Notability (iPad + web flow) or OneNote (OneDrive + cross‑platform flow)?

 

[datawizard0103]

Hey, can we use Notability on Windows?

Notability isn’t available for Windows—it’s only for iOS and Mac. You can still check your notes on a Windows PC by exporting them as PDFs from your iPhone or Mac and opening them with any PDF reader. If you want a similar note-taking setup on Windows, apps like Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, Notion, Zoho Notebook, or UPDF offer good alternatives with handwriting, audio, and organizational features.