Drafts vs Bamboo Paper

This app helps one get a lot done on the iPad (or iPhone) that wouldn't be possible otherwise---even the free version. Paying a subscription has been worth it too. You just have to try it to see how it might be useful to you personally and if that justifies the price. I do less with the tag and workspace features than I perhaps could because I tend to use Bear for reference. Fortunately, there are users who know how to script and have come up with actions to make Drafts play well with Bear. Ditto other apps, including email. In the end, Drafts is kind of like a work environment in which one can begin all work with text. It's also good for cleaning up text from other sources. I have loved this app through several versions. One reason, I suspect, is because it continues to test the boundaries of what is possible in iOS. And one can actually customize one's work environment a bit. In other words, the app takes both the operating system and the user seriously. The subscription model has also led to a viable business plan, it seems, whereas I've seen other solid apps go neglected or get killed off for lack of ongoing funding and attention in a constantly changing computing environment and app market.

- Mark Stoneman

I’ve been using drafts since version 4 came out. It changed the way I work, and I love using it to enter and manipulate text. I’ve been playing around with Drafts 5 and the app is amazing. There’s so much power in the free app, and the pro subscriptions adds some great options for power users. Thing is, I’m not a power user, but I’m more than willing to pay for the features I use. My biggest issue is that I dislike and avoid app subscriptions. I like that when I pay for an app, even if the company disappears tomorrow, I can continue to use the app for years to come. I’m also not thrilled that dark mode is behind the subscription wall, I’d pay a few dollars to have a dark mode, I find it much easier on my eyes, but can’t justify the subscription just for dark mode, since it’s the only tool I would use from the subscription. Fortunately, I can continue using drafts 4 with its dark mode. Sure, I’ll miss out on all the new features in the free app, but that’s how much I dislike day mode. Just writing this review is burning my eyes. But my issues say nothing about the app itself which is wonderful. Definitely give the free mode a spin, and if you like scripting and having full control and aren’t opposed to renting apps, the sub is a great value. But for me it’s less than ideal as it’s currently set up. Hopefully down the line, the developer will consider making dark mode an optional in app purchase for those that don’t or can’t subscribe.

- budexxon

I never thought I needed an app like this, then I hear them talk about it all the time on Mac Power Users and Automators podcast so I thought I would give it a try. It seems overwhelming at first with all of the options but once you configure a few actions you’ll never go back. There is enough free to the app that you could use it without the IAP - I wouldn’t recommend it though, the customizable nature of the app is unlocked when you subscribe. Also, this dude is an indie dev so there isn’t multi unicorn level of funding keeping this product alive - you’re literally making this viable for him, so hit subscribe - you’ll thank me later. Also, the quick dictate function on the watch is a GAME CHANGER. Tap the complication, tap the microphone and record your thought. Then when you have time to process, open the app on your iPhone/Mac and manipulate the text with the actions. It literally lets you dump what you’re thinking into an app with the least amount of friction. The best part is the text isn’t stuck in this app, which is the whole point. Give it a go!

- Kguy18

I love bamboo paper and the format. The pens are nice and ic accurately matches my handwriting and works well with my stylus but it’s very sad that I can’t use it much because for school I mainly have to annotate text not write blank notes. This is frustrating for me because I love using bamboo paper but I have to resort to using a sub par app like zoom notes lite which has the features I want ie pdf annotation support and a ruler kit for my math classes. If your using strict blank notes bamboo paper is the best app you will find. I have tested hundreds of apps and this does its job amazingly. I just wish it could support my needs so I can use its great handwriting imitation and feel more often. Also zoom notes lite isn’t bad but compared to bamboo paper everything is subpar.

- YurboTaxy

Using the iPad Air 2 with the Adonit Dash 3 pen and this app in combination is excellent. Good-writing, palm rejection works great 99% of the time. Otherwise you can buy a cheap handwriting glove if you wish. It works by Bluetooth. Make sure you turn the pen on along with the tablet's Bluetooth. The Adonit Dash3 in combination with Bamboo paper is the best most consistent writing experience on the iPad Air 2 which doesn't support any of the Apple Pencils BTW. There is a new electro pen with a copper pen tip that has just been released. It has potential with Bamboo Paper but could use a bit of fine tuning. That pen is not Bluetooth but palm rejection is a bit more hot or miss.. Bamboo paper is great for writing and journaling which is what I mainly use it for. On the iPad Air 2, I would recommend the Adonit Dash 3 pen to use Bamboo Paper.

- darkdragon9967

I’ve been using Bamboo Paper App since 2014 and over the years I’ve been wanting several features add it to make the work flow better and more productive. Bamboo Paper is a great because it integrates with your work flow and provides you with the capabilities of sharing your work with others. The ability to be able to share your work across other platforms and syncing your work makes it possible to work from almost anywhere. I gave it five stars but because of the following I will rate it 4.9 stars. This leaves room for the following: I wish that there were other choices in the type and color of lines to format the pages, that there was the ability to type on each page and that there was a better way to control files, and manage your notebooks. More pens and productivity tools. This app has been around for a long time and from the beginning it has been a tool to go to when I’m teaching. I strongly recommend this App if you are a presenter, teach take notes or just like to doodle. Start using it today! I will be looking forward more tools integrated into the page and better file managements.

- LariosOnBass