Free/Low cost Note-Taking Recommendations

Free/Low cost Note Taking Options

We have Livescribe Echo Smart Pen's available to ASC students with note taking accommodations throughout the semester on a first come first serve basis, this serves students very well who need digital note taking assistance. You can drop by the ASC to check one out at no cost if available. 

Capture.PNG

What is a Livescribe Echo Smart Pen? 

A Livescribe Echo Smart Pen is a smart pen that records audio and links it to your handwritten notes, allowing you to replay audio directly from your notes.

 

image.png

Good Notes 6

  • AI Tools: Math help, spellcheck, word completion and Q&A
  • Colored folders, customizable template to promote study habits
  • Exam Prep: AI hints and practice materials
  • Extras: Audio recording (limited with free version) and notebooks for real time note taking

Free version available but Subscription is $1 per month ($11.99 for the year)

https://www.goodnotes.com/ Links to an external site.

 

image.png

Notability

  • Note-Taking: Typing, Handwriting, and Audio
  • AI Tools: Summarizes, quizzes and flash cards
  • Organization: Planners, worksheets and subject folders
  • Advanced Audio: Record and Link audio to notes
  • Works on iOS and macOS ONLY

Free version available but Subscription is $14.99 per year for Notability LITE, $19.99 per year for Notability PLUS and $99.99 per year for Notability Pro

https://notability.com/ Links to an external site.

 

image.png

Messenger Pigeon

  • Capture & Organize: Record, transcribe, and take notes in one app.
  • AI Study Assistant: Generates summaries, keywords, and quizzes.
  • Paid Services: Access note-takers and captions.
  • Works on mobile, desktop, and web.
  • Boosts engagement, retention, and accessibility.

 

Free version available but Subscription is $19.99 per month

https://www.messengerpigeonapp.com/ Links to an external site.

 

image.png

Ever Note

  • Note-Taking: Add text, images, PDFs and website clips
  • Organization: Notebooks, tags, and search
  • Works across multiple devices
  • Study tools such as, task management and sharing
  • Premium plan allows for more advanced AI tools

 

Free version available but Subscription is $14.99 per month

https://evernote.com/ Links to an external site.

 

image.pngimage.pngimage.pngCapture-1.PNG

Microsoft One Note / macOS Notes / Google Docs / Google Keep

  • Microsoft One Note: Notetaking, organization, real time collaboration if needed and handwriting recognition on tablet devices.
  • macOS Notes: Handwriting across handheld devices, smart folders for organization, supports attachments, real time collaboration across devices and voice typing.
  • Google Docs: Real time collaboration, voice typing, accessible anywhere and saved on a cloud not the device, supports attachments, rich formatting and version history tracking.
  • Google Keep:  Create text, lists, images, voice notes, organize notes, set time based reminders, share and collaborate with others and easily integrates with google services like calendar, docs and drive.

MS OneNote Links to an external site.

macOS Notes Links to an external site.

Google Docs Links to an external site.

 

Who do these note taking options benefit? 

These note-taking tools benefit a wide range of learners, especially:

  • Students with accommodations, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders, who benefit from flexible, multimodal learning. 

  • Students who miss class due to illness, scheduling conflicts, or other reasons.

  • Auditory learners who benefit from listening back to lectures.

  • Students who need support with organization and retention, especially in fast-paced or content-heavy courses.

  • Any student looking to enhance study efficiency with tools like summaries, flashcards, and searchable notes.

 

For any questions or assistance regarding alternative media formats, please contact Bianca Hernández, the Alternate Media Specialist, email: bihernan@cabrillo.edu. Who can provide guidance and support for all inquiries related to alternate media resources at the Accessibility Support Center.