Notability Beginner Guide 2026 | How to Take Notes on iPad, by Paperless Lab on YouTube. 8 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Open Notability and create a new note. Pick a paper template such as lined or grid so your handwriting stays straight and neat.
Fix mistakes with the eraser tool. Use the undo button to step back through recent changes instead of erasing large areas by hand.
Use the lasso tool to circle handwriting, then drag it to move text or resize it. This helps you rearrange notes and fix layout.
Explore the toolbar to switch between pen, highlighter and eraser. Adjust stroke thickness and color for headings versus body text.
Group related notes into notebooks and name them clearly. Use templates to keep each subject or meeting consistent.
Use the search bar to find handwritten words across your notes. Type a keyword and jump straight to the page that contains it.
Turn on split screen to keep Notability beside a textbook, PDF or browser. Drag content between the two apps as you take notes.
Tap the audio record button during a class or meeting. The recording links to your notes so you can replay the moment later.
Add shapes, images and stickers from the insert menu to build diagrams and visual notes. Resize them with the lasso or handles.
Turn on iCloud sync in Notability settings so notes appear on your other devices. Then export or share a note as PDF when you need to submit it.
Tips and common mistakes
Write headings in a thicker pen and body text in a thinner one so pages stay easy to scan.
Record audio only when the class or meeting allows it, and tell people you are recording.
Name notebooks by subject and date so search and sync stay tidy as your library grows.
Check iCloud sync is on before you rely on your iPad alone for important notes.
Questions
Can Notability search my handwriting?
Yes. The search bar finds handwritten words in your notes, so you can jump to a page by typing a keyword.
Does audio recording work without internet?
Yes, recording works offline. Syncing the note to iCloud needs a connection, so upload later if you are offline.
Do I need an Apple Pencil?
No, but a stylus gives much better handwriting. A compatible third-party pencil works for most note-taking.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
