Today, the free version of Notability is best described as a feature-rich demo. Upon downloading the app at no cost, a user gains access to the core mechanics: a basic digital notebook with a limited selection of pens, highlighters, and the ability to type text. Crucially, the free version allows for a finite number of edits—specifically, a user is granted a certain number of "edits" (originally set to a low cap, later adjusted to a monthly limit after user backlash) before the app locks them out, demanding a subscription to continue.
: A progress bar in the settings menu tracks your remaining edits for the month. free version of notability
: Record audio that stays synced with your handwriting. Today, the free version of Notability is best
| Feature Category | Free Tier ("Starter") | Premium Tier (Paid) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Handwriting / Typing | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Basic Shapes | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Library Size | ❌ Max 5 Notes | ✅ Unlimited | | Page Limit per Note | ❌ Max 3 Pages | ✅ Unlimited | | Pen Colors | 🎨 Basic Palette (5 colors) | 🎨 Custom Palette (Unlimited) | | Paper Templates | 📄 Limited (White, Lined, Grid) | 📄 All Templates (Planner, Music, Cornell) | | Audio Recording | 🎵 Playback Only (Cannot record new audio) | ✅ Record & Sync Audio | | Handwriting Search | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | iCloud Sync | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Stickers / GIFs | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Included | | Handwriting to Text (Convert) | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Included | | Theme (Dark Mode) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | : A progress bar in the settings menu