10 Best Android Apps for Writing on the Screen

Want to write directly on your Android screen without a keyboard? The Carisinyal team has compiled a list of the best Android apps for you.

In this article, I'll go over the key features of each app, helping you find the one that best suits your needs. These writing apps let you create text effortlessly without relying solely on a keyboard. Curious to see which apps made the list? Keep reading for the full review!

1. Pure Writer

Pure Writer is a popular writing app in its category, designed for fast and efficient plain text management. It offers a variety of free tools and allows you to organize files into separate books for better structure.

One of its standout features is its automation tools, which simplify the writing process with functions like paired symbol completion and deletion. Additionally, the unique “Time Machine” feature acts like an AI assistant, enhancing the writing experience with speed and efficiency.

Things I like about Pure Writer:

• Offers complete features and writing tools, even in the free version.
• Allows easy organization of written files.
• Integrates with AI for premium users.
• Lightweight and doesn’t take up much device memory.
• Clean and simple user interface.

2. Nebo

Nebo stands out for its ability to convert handwritten notes into text. While it also offers a text input feature, you can use the app just like real paper, allowing you to write by hand directly on the screen.

Additionally, Nebo lets you open PDFs and add annotations within the same file, making it especially useful for students who prefer writing directly on their study materials.

Although the app provides plenty of pages, if you love taking extensive notes, you might need even more space. The unlimited pages feature is available in the premium version, which also allows you to sync your Nebo notes with Dropbox or Google Drive.

Things I like about Nebo:

• Converts handwritten notes into text.
• Simple and clean note-taking app.
• Supports image insertion and camera scanning within notes.
• Includes a Dark Mode feature.

Things that could be improved in Nebo:

• The undo and redo buttons are not placed on the same screen as other tools, making them slightly inconvenient to use.

3. Lite Writer

Although it carries the name "Lite," this app offers more than just basic note-taking—it’s perfect for writing articles, stories, and even short memos. Lite Writer also allows you to draft books while inserting a custom book cover.

Designed for a clutter-free experience from the start, Lite Writer automatically organizes files into structured folders. This helps keep different stories separate, preventing them from getting mixed up.

To enhance writing comfort, the app features various themes and a "Switch Mode" that adjusts lighting based on your surroundings. Additionally, it offers a "Light Tone Theme" for a bright background and a "Dark Tone Theme" for those who prefer a darker interface.

Things I like about Lite Writer:

• Supports various writing needs, from long notes and stories to short memos.
• Organizes written files neatly into separate folders.
• Equipped with sufficient basic writing and editing tools.
• Offers background theme options for a more comfortable writing experience.

Things that could be improved in Lite Writer:

• Some users have reported issues when exporting files.

4. Writer Journal

Writer Journal is unique as it offers in-depth insights into your writing. It offers statistical data, allowing you to track not just the number of characters, words, sentences, and paragraphs, but also your typing speed, repeated words throughout the text, content structure, and more.

Does Writer Journal come with basic writing and editing tools? Absolutely! The app can even be used offline. Additionally, with a premium subscription, you can import and export files in various formats, including Docx, Wjdoc, MD, TXT, and PDF.

Things I like about Writer Journal:

• Comes with essential writing and editing tools.
• Can be accessed offline.
• Provides real-time text analysis tools.
• Default background is set to Dark Mode.

Things that could be improved in Writer Journal:

• Document sharing is limited to plain text, while formats like Docx, Wjdoc, MD, TXT, and PDF are only available in the premium version.
• Some bugs are still present.

5. INKredible

INKredible is designed for those who enjoy handwriting. While it does offer a standard text input feature, the app allows you to write using a stylus pen or your finger directly on the phone screen.

You can customize ink strokes by adjusting the color, thickness, wetness level, and even ink effects to suit your preferences.

Beyond handwriting, INKredible also lets you insert elements like shapes, photos, or additional pages into your notes, delivering a writing experience that feels as natural as pen on paper.

However, some tool functions can be confusing due to the lack of usage descriptions. For instance, the glasses icon is actually for the "edit/read-only" feature, and "Palm Rejection" prevents accidental strokes when your hand touches the screen while enabling text mode.

Things I like about INKredible:

• Provides the experience of writing in your own handwriting.
• Customizable pen strokes.
• Allows insertion of various elements with comprehensive options.
• Offers a wide selection of font styles.

Things that could be improved in INKredible:

• Lack of explanations for each tool, which may confuse new users, as I experienced.

6. HandWrite Pro

This app offers smooth and precise zoom capabilities, making it an excellent choice for digital drawing enthusiasts. Additionally, it allows for manual handwriting like a real notebook while still providing a text-typing option for easy input.

A file export feature is also available, enabling you to save notes in multiple formats. HandWrite Pro Note & Draw functions like a note-taking app with tag settings, helping you organize your notes efficiently.

However, in my experience, the app’s interface is not very user-friendly. The overly wide toolbar at the bottom of the screen made it difficult for me to access some tools easily.

Things I like about HandWrite Pro:

• Ideal for both note-taking and precise drawing.
• Supports file export in PDF, SVG, PNG, and JPG formats.
• Tag feature simplifies note organization.

Things that could be improved in HandWrite Pro:

• Interface bugs that make certain tools difficult to use.

7. Bamboo Paper

Bamboo Paper is an app designed to replicate the experience of writing on real paper, turning your smartphone into a digital notebook. Unlike other apps, it does not offer a typed text option—you can only draw or write using your finger or a stylus.

One of its interesting features is the notebook-like interface. Upon opening the app, you're greeted with an illustration of a book. Tapping on it takes you to a blank page, ready for use. The app also allows customization of paper design, stationery type, and stroke color to suit your needs.

Another highlight is that you can share your pages with friends without requiring a premium subscription. This makes Bamboo Paper an excellent choice for those who enjoy drawing or sketching.

Things I like about Bamboo Paper:

• The design closely resembles a real notebook.
• Customizable stroke colors, perfect for drawing.
• Allows photo insertion on pages.
• Supports synchronization across multiple devices using one account.

Things that could be improved in Bamboo Paper:

• No Night Mode or Dark Theme available.
• Lacks a file export feature.

8. JotterPad

If you're a writer, blogger, or screenwriter, JotterPad can simplify your workflow. The app supports Markdown and Fountain syntax, allowing you to focus on writing while it takes care of formatting automatically, even when you're offline.

Upgrading to the premium plan unlocks over 60 pre-designed writing templates. Additionally, JotterPad offers seamless cloud synchronization, ensuring your drafts are securely stored and accessible anytime.

With JotterPad, you don’t need to worry about document layout or structure, just let your ideas flow, and the app will generate a well-organized document effortlessly.

Things I like about JotterPad:

• Automatic formatting with Markdown and Fountain syntax.
• Supports exporting, printing, and direct publishing of drafts.
• Provides detailed yet easy-to-understand text statistics.

Things that could be improved in JotterPad:

• The free version has quite a few limitations.

9. PenCake

PenCake is an Android app designed for writing short stories and novels. Developed by Diffathy, it features a minimalist design and delivers stable performance without lag, even for long-form writing.

One of the interesting features of PenCake is automatic draft recovery. Deleted drafts are sent to the "Trash" section, allowing easy restoration if you change your mind.

Additionally, PenCake offers various writing tools to enhance the storytelling experience, including quotation and ellipsis features.

Things I like about PenCake:

• Clean, minimalist, and distraction-free design.
• Useful writing tools for novel and short story writing.
• Autosaving and version history make it easy to revert to previous drafts.

Things that could be improved in PenCake:

• Limited writing and editing tools, with full access restricted to the premium plan.

10. Writer Plus (Write On the Go)

Designed specifically for note-taking, Writer Plus features a simple and distraction-free interface. This app is perfect for quickly jotting down content ideas, rhymes, essays, novel drafts, and more on Android.

The autosaving feature ensures that all your notes are saved instantly, eliminating the risk of losing drafts.

One of its standout features is Bluetooth keyboard support, allowing for greater flexibility while writing. However, the app lacks built-in text editing tools, relying instead on keyboard shortcuts for basic editing.

Things I like about Writer Plus:

• Minimalist design that keeps the focus on writing.
• Autosaving ensures quick and secure note storage.
• Supports Bluetooth keyboards for added convenience.
• Night Mode enhances user comfort.

Things that could be improved in Writer Plus:

• Lacks basic text editing tools, which can be useful during drafting.

So, have you decided which is the best Android screenwriting app for yourself?