NOTESHELF 2

CAN IT RIVAL APPLE’S IMPROVED NOTES? $14.99 | noteshelf.net Noteshelf 2 has tools for marking PDFs, lets you add photos, and handles typed and handwritten notes. However, there is a limitation to the handwritten content (which we’ll go into in just a sec). You get a choice of two pen tools, a pencil, a highlighter and intelligent shape tools. It can even record audio as you jot or type, although you can’t link your jottings to locations within the soundtrack. Noteshelf 2 lacks the handwriting recognition of the native Notes app, so you can’t search entries with Spotlight, and when you export a handwritten page, it will transfer as a PNG or PDF. If you want to export in a more usable format, try Nebo. Notes are synced between iOS devices through iCloud, but there’s no macOS version. The app also integrates with third-party cloud services like Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, OneDrive and Box. Version 2 introduces numbered lists, bookmarks, bulletpoints and checkboxes, and you can now group notebooks. There are three new paper sizes — A4, ‘mobile’ and 12.9 inches. Noteshelf 2 is affordable, but it’s missing a couple of features. Its compatibility with Evernote and other third-party cloud services is tempting, and plugs the gap of a missing macOS edition, but there are more flexible options if you look around.