How do I use Notion for handwritten notes?

While Notion doesn't currently support native handwriting with styluses like the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen, you can still integrate handwritten notes into your workspace through several practical workarounds. The most effective approach involves using third-party apps that specialize in handwriting, then importing or embedding your notes into Notion. Though this requires an extra step, it opens up flexible possibilities for combining the tactile experience of handwriting with Notion's powerful organizational capabilities.

The most seamless method uses apps like NoteDex, which allows you to create handwritten note cards with your stylus and then embed entire stacks directly into Notion pages. This creates a dynamic connection where your handwritten content updates automatically in Notion. Alternatively, you can use popular apps like GoodNotes 5 or Notability to write your notes, then use their selection tools to copy handwritten portions and paste them as images into your Notion documents.

For those who prefer physical handwriting, scanning remains a reliable option. Mobile scanning apps like Microsoft Lens or Adobe Scan can convert your handwritten notebooks into PDFs or images that you can easily drag into Notion pages. This method works particularly well for archiving lecture notes or meeting minutes, though you'll lose the ability to edit your handwriting once it's digitized.

The main advantage of these approaches is flexibility – you can combine typed text with handwritten diagrams, sketches, or notes in the same Notion page. However, there are some limitations to consider. Handwritten content embedded as images isn't searchable within Notion, which can make finding specific information more challenging. Additionally, the workflow requires switching between apps, which may feel less streamlined than native handwriting support.

To get the best results, organize your handwritten notes using Notion's database features with properties like date, subject, and tags. Keep handwritten segments concise for better performance when importing, and consider using split-screen multitasking on tablets to work simultaneously in your handwriting app and Notion. While we're working toward native handwriting support in future updates, these current methods provide solid solutions for integrating your handwritten notes into your Notion workflow.