Pencil Planner & Calendar Pro Reviews

by Allpossiblenicknamestaken

I really wanted to like PencilPlannerCalendarPro. The concept is great and the design is *excellent*. But PencilPlannerCalendarPro pushes you to buy a subscription immediately, which is very off-putting, and then each time you attempt to test writing functionality, it zooms back out and informs you that feature requires a pro account. I support paying for PencilPlannerCalendarPro , but if I can’t try it out at all before buying (aside from the don’t-forget-to-unsubscribe three-day trial period), why make it free to obtain? Just charge me once a reasonable amount for it and move on.
Worse, though, PencilPlannerCalendarPro doesn’t use iCloud at all: you have to create an account on their service, which it uses for syncing all your data. A quick perusal of the TOS and Privacy Policy show vague hand-waving about protection of your data and a reminder that nothing is 100% secure, and a promise that they’re using third-party services to analyze your data but they’re sure it won’t get re-shared. No opt-out from analytics, no option to keep your own data only on your device or only sync to an iCloud folder. I just can’t encourage developers who do this: it’s time to give us options to keep control of our own data. I hope the devs review this and make improvements: I’d be interested to continue using it if these were fixed!

by J-192837

PencilPlannerCalendarPro recently updated and is NOT WORTH THE MONEY. The schedule on “Day” view will not even show the full day, even when you shrink the schedule height. You have to manually go to the new, microscopic, outdated tool bar and click on the scrolling option to simply view all hours of the day. “Tasks” and “Notes” have been added and are two separate things.. as confusing as that is. So you have to remember what info you put under each category. The “To Do” List is gone and I personally used that every single day. I definitely preferred the “To Do” over the new “Tasks” or “Notes” because it was smaller and appeared right under the (FULL) schedule and visually showed everything for the full day without taking anything from the schedule. The “Tasks” and “Notes” take up more than half of the daily screen and I do not think this is helpful or necessary at all when I am just trying to view my schedule and have to scroll around to see what I’m doing in the day. Would love a refund because this is not what I paid for.

by Brian Sokko

Cool idea and, I hope, someday it will be useful. It’s just too buggy to use now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I draw, it disappears, I draw again and it disappears, all of a sudden all of it show up on top of each other. Sometimes the drawing tools just disappear, only to reappear later. It’s pretty frustrating for a calendar app.

I love the idea but, no disrespect, do you really think that your app is ready enough to be charging a premium app price? I’ll check back again later to see if the bugs get worked out. If this is my only 3 day trial, I guess I’ll never know. You may want to have a 3 day trial, once every few months so that people can figure out if PencilPlannerCalendarPro is working yet?

Worth every penny of the price if you get it working reliably, if not it’s pretty worthless.

by Songs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been searching for an app that allows me to not only keep my events in my calendar but allow me to draw with my pencil instead if I want to write it down instead. PencilPlannerCalendarPro just that, while still allowing me to have my events set, but the subscription plans are lacking. I feel as though many others cannot afford to spend this much on a calendar app, or let alone an app in general. So I propose that the developers could consider adding a lifetime purchase that of course would be a larger sum, but would allow the buyer to have the features for life and not pay monthly if they cannot do so. Yes it's a one time purchase but it's better than nothing, so if you could please consider this, I know many people who would prefer this as well. Keep the subscription based plans but also add a one time purchase plan and let people decide which they want! Thank you!

by A B Cole

You can longer click on a day or week to go to it without toggling modes. You used to be able to write and navigate simultaneously. Now they have a navigate mode and a note mode. It makes no sense as to why they would do this.

There’s a glitch in the new update. If you go straight to the weeks view and select the eraser and then draw in the all day field (the one that syncs with day and month) it will write with the peg on the first stroke. It then carries the bug over to day And month modes. Drawing on the month calendar with the eraser created a pen stroke on the first one before swapping to the eraser function. It does this very each day’s box.

The change to a less streamlined, more inconvenient mode of use combined with the introduction of a bug and no positive features makes me question if a subscription with this company is warranted. I’m leaving it at 4*, even though I think I’m going to abandon PencilPlannerCalendarPro. I can’t help but picture giving them money for a subscription having them rollout more “fixes” that make it less and less usable.

by The Original Beneeny

PencilPlannerCalendarPro seems made for iPad and was just what I’ve been looking for to replace my old method of paper planner. Some obvious benefits over the paper method being able to change pen color, erase with ease and tap on a date in the monthly view to reveal more detail. A few changes for the future I’d like are a feature to move an appointment to a different time slot (tap and drag). Also I synced with my iPhone and have some problems there but it is probably my fault. I use my iPad to write out the plan and use my phone for easy reference. But since the screen is much smaller I have more than once accidentally scribbled on or erased a calendar entry that I was trying to view. With no undo button on my phone I was stuck having to manually fix the mess. Is there a setting for “view-only”? And for some reason my phone would only allow me to view the calendar in portrait mode, no landscape. Overall I love PencilPlannerCalendarPro and will continue to use as well as recommend to others.

by Sec9009

I love PencilPlannerCalendarPro so much and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. The pieces missing are listed on the “Future Roadmap” plans, but seem to take a while to be rolled out..But it’s understandable so development is not rushed and works properly. The most helpful updates I’m looking forward to are Reminders integrations and being able to insert typed text into notes, but I CANNOT WAIT for all of them to be implemented - They will be game changers. Once all of the updates listed in the roadmap are done (and any others they are planning) this will serve very much like a digital bullet journal/planner, which is exactly what I have been looking for and am so excited about. PencilPlannerCalendarPro is so close to being perfect and once those updates are made, I believe it will be the best calendar/planner app on the market. If you are considering the purchase, it’s worth every penny and will be even more worth it in the next few months as more improvements are made!

by Bagellvr9

I really love how PencilPlannerCalendarPro looks and works. They did a great job recreating the planner experience on a iPad. Unfortunately it won’t work for me personally for a couple reasons. 1. I have different calendars synced with my iPad & iPhone so the extra appointments overlap with my written notes (I’m not deducting stars for this because you can limit the number of appointments you see) unfortunately my personal preference is to see all of them which doesn’t really work with the handwriting functionality. And 2. I really need a way to sync with the reminders app in the same way PencilPlannerCalendarPro syncs with calendars. Mostly because I have so many recurring tasks. Please let me know if that ever gets added and I would come back to PencilPlannerCalendarPro.

Also, please note that PencilPlannerCalendarPro doesn’t have stickers, tape etc. I like the minimalist look so this isn’t a deal breaker for me. But thought I would mention it.

by Cafe_Fixie

Something that I am trying to do is write more reviews and provide some good feedback. Let me start by saying thank you. I was talking to my brother and wife about six months ago for an app like this. I was told that it would not take off and would not work. I was crushed and did not pursue. Let me say that I am extremely proud of how you have integrated apple calendar. I think this is the best blend for people who want to have a dedicated calendar with the use of their Apple Pencil. My only complaint is that this is subscription based. I would have preferred to have the option of a one time payment for life. I would also like to see that for the year option that it may be broken up into blocks perhaps looking on Etsy and some of the digital planners for template or ideas. I think PencilPlannerCalendarPro has a lot of hope and I am a believer so much that I called my work friend and he bought PencilPlannerCalendarPro immediately. PencilPlannerCalendarPro has the opportunity to change peoples lives and it has changed mine. Thank you for PencilPlannerCalendarPro and cannot wait to see the updates.

by Es08.

I love PencilPlannerCalendarPro. As an engineer I wanted to fine an app that has a simple design, easy to write/remove information and also many different sections were details about the events can be added or hidden depending on the view page you are in. I love you can also add plans you have for other years. I love PencilPlannerCalendarPro has it all and is accessible in both the Ipad and my Iphone. I wish I could fine the version for Mac but is totally perfect since I can type with the pencil or add events from my devices without any problem and everything is synchronized! Thanks for this outstanding development 💕!

by Y.N.M.

I purchased this for a trial run last year, and love the accessibility and easy to use features it has throughout PencilPlannerCalendarPro . Do you have the ability to link it with your personal calendars through Apple which is pretty amazing as well as Google.

I’m not going to deduct any stars from this review, but what I would suggest to the developers is to add an option to attach photos or screenshots, or files, to each day. I am an assistant and sometimes I need certain documents saved on the particular day that I use them, rather than having to go back in my photos to look for it. But! Great app, definitely saves me $20 and a bulky planner every year.

by JustJeffCrosby

This is a really good planner app. I love the real time interface with my phone so if I write something into the calendar on the iPad it shows up immediately on the phone as well. That’s huge for me! Love the different tabs for tasks, schedules, reflections, ect. Love tgat it intergrates with my calendar. Love the tasks which stay in place on each day until I take them off. I’m even pleased with the price for the pro version.

My only issues are UI problems. Wish the eraser was able to change sizes. Wish there was a way to select and copy and paste all the content from one day to another. Wish there were more page color options like canary or a tan color.

But overall, this is exactly what I needed. Please keep it alive.

by 999999999099999

I’ve been looking for a planner app like this for a long time. Just started using it and already hooked. Hope the devs keep adding features. I’d suggest a more customizable layout as I find the daily calendar to be a little too zoomed out for my taste. And any other Apple apps that would allow for integrated functionality like the notes app, reminders, etc would be fantastic to have. Otherwise it’s great! Especially the sync across devices. The subscription model is eh but I’d be paying for multiple pages of planners per year so it’s not terrible. Another feature I’d like to see is the option to type in notes rather than just write with the pencil

by Ikandeee

I don't normally leave reviews but PencilPlannerCalendarPro is exactly what l needed, omg! I love that it has daily, weekly, monthly, & yearly planners & that it is synced to all of my devices & calendars. It also has a notes section that is linked to the date which can be used for so much. There’s also a section on daily planning where you can reflect on your goals and even your mood for the day. It’s super easy to use and I think the price is very reasonable!!! The only things I think could be better is having 24 hours on the daily schedule planner and having the option to upload pictures/files and maybe audio memos to the notes section. Thank you for creating PencilPlannerCalendarPro, I’ve been looking for an app like this for a while!!

by Rlm1111100001111

I did a ton of research and testing of a variety of planner apps for iPad when I decided to transition away from using a paper planner. PencilPlannerCalendarPro is by far the best option for people that need to see their own handwriting/checklists to be productive. You can choose any color under the sun, with different boldness levels, highlights, etc. There is a place for your notes, recurring tasks/projects that you just can’t seem to find the time to do, and your daily tasks. The integration with google calendar is also amazing.

My only request would be to add an option to “bookmark” certain pages/days. For instance, there may be a day that I take really important notes that I’ll need to reference at a later date and it would be nice to be able to “bookmark” it for reference later on.

by MichelleOnizuka

I don’t normally write reviews. Ok, like never. But PencilPlannerCalendarPro deserves it. Since the inception of the iPad I have been looking for an app that integrates handwriting and my native phone calendar appointments, tasks, and notes. I have craved an all in one. You know so I can see everything at once. Well, this is it. This has got to be as perfect as it gets. Best part, the features that are lacking are on the roadmap so I know they are working on it. Which makes me hang in there. I can write on my calendar all while the electronic versions are all there. I like how you can write and the writing carries over when you change views. Very well done. I am personally really waiting for the next few updates on the roadmap (very anxiously!! Can I alpha or beta test???? Please????)

Anyway great app! Keep it up. Definitely worth paying for.

by Quanni30

I really love this planner. I’ve been more drawn towards digital planners because I’m a mom who really doesn’t like having to carry around a paper planner. I always have my iPad with me, and I love knowing that I will always have my planner there when I need it.

PencilPlannerCalendarPro is really well-designed, with areas for tasks, daily reflection, and daily goals. I love that I am able to use my Apple Pencil to write directly on it and that it also syncs with my other calendars so that I don’t miss anything. I would love if the developers could offer other colors and themes so that we could customize it for a more upbeat look, but honestly it’s the best planner app I’ve used. And the only one I’ll be using from now on. I can’t wait to see the new changes that get added over time.

Thank you for creating such an intuitive and practical planner app!

by Brandonmwms

I’ve tried a LOT of different organization apps. Usually, I just regress back to email and calendar (Outlook) with an occasional Reminder or Alarm. I have to work between iOS and Windows environments, my MacBook Pro is from 2013 (still works though!).

I like OmniFocus, but its hard to capture the big picture with a keyboard… I need to write, sometimes draw. I need color and arrows. I need to circle things, highlight things, and erase things (sooo satisfying). I need to check off a box (as in draw a “check” in red pencil (not pen), not click a button.

But I need to track tasks from one day to the next and to keep my monthly priorities in view. Sometimes, I need to jot down some notes in a meeting or reminders.

Pencil planner does (almost) all of this in a very elegant and intuitive way (isn’t that why we use Apple products?).

There is not a better planner application, in my estimation. There is not a better productivity tool. I am cofounder of a software company. My focus stretches from “overturning industry” view, to “create an invoice” view multiple times a day (or hour). Pencil Planner is my essential tool. I start my day with it. I check it regularly (but not frequently - like Outlook) to keep on course.

I write this long review to give you a realistic use-case for this product. I also write it to congratulate the developers on creating something truly useful and elegant — well done and thank you!

by The Caro

I love love love PencilPlannerCalendarPro, especially all the customizable options and intuitive interface. It’s honestly the planning app I’ve always dreamed about. I’ve used pen/paper planners with similar layouts to this for my whole adult life, but sometimes it’s just not feasible to carry around a notebook and a bunch of pens/pencils/markers etc. So PencilPlannerCalendarPro satisfied my love for handwritten notes and schedules, while still catering to the streamlined ability to have a comprehensive planner with me wherever I go. I also like how the iPhone and iPad apps are synced and how if I update something in one place, it automatically updates with the other.

My one and only criticism is that there’s no option to enter anything in text, it’s handwriting or nothing. This is fine for the iPad with the Apple Pencil or similar writing implement, but on the phone it’s just ungainly and somewhat tedious. Please add an option to be able to input new events/make notations etc using a text box or something I can type in.

by ZZ R.

I absolutely love PencilPlannerCalendarPro! I have always wanted to go to a digital planner but in the past they’ve never quite worked out. Mostly because you can either find one that you write on or that you type in. Never both!

This one does it all! I love that it syncs with my calendar and that I can see all of my appointments in the monthly view. I use it for my notes, daily task list, goals, deadlines, and all of my events. PencilPlannerCalendarPro is full of helpful features but I think I’m most excited that the company shares their future roadmap, which showcases the new features they plan on adding to PencilPlannerCalendarPro, and let me tell you so many great things are coming. If you’re hesitating at all on the purchase, this is your sign not to wait one more second!

by Cuemommy

While this is a novel app utilizing the use of the Apple Pencil with a calendar. I was originally excited to see this Cal app but to my disappointment it does not support typed text. I’m not enthused by the idea of using two or three calendars on my iPhone. iCal, google, plus PencilPlannerCalendarPro. Also, it’s not clear if it converts to typed text to sync with google cal or iCal. It’s a poorly executed app without text utilization. What if I’m at work or out and about and don’t have an Apple Pencil handy? I’m not interested in using my finger, that’s a no go for a small iPhone screen.

Also, in the trial one, there’s no way to test how it works with Apple Pencil or see if it converts to text as an option. The free one is extremely restricted and practically non functioning.

by AggyEC

I just got an iPad and wanted to try digital planning without spending hours creating my own agenda on other note apps that let you hand write or buying a really expensive template. PencilPlannerCalendarPro has been a great solution, but can you throw in some blank pages somewhere?!

I’m a teacher and like to write out my ideas for lessons and then break them into smaller steps before I schedule when I’m going to work on them. I can’t do that with PencilPlannerCalendarPro because there’s not enough space and I miss the blank pages at the end of my paper agenda for doing this 😔

by HKTunes

I am a high school assistant principal and PencilPlannerCalendarPro has finally helped me make the switch to digital planning. I still have to switch to a note taking app once the daily notes page runs out of space (happens nearly every day), and I would like to be able to search my handwriting (like I can in OneNote), but these are the only things keeping it from being my one stop shop. Extra note pages are on the roadmap, along with other excellent looking features.

by Ray J McGee

I am a nightclub musician and recording studio owner. I was really excited about the dark mode and great looking UI. I purchased a subscription and went to set up my planner. I didn’t get anywhere.
The latest I can set the planner to “start my day” is 8 am? And the latest I can “end my day” is midnight? Why would there be a restriction? I should be able to plan from noon to 3 am if that’s my day. Four stars because I don’t want to discourage anyone else from buying it, it’s a cool app if you’re a 9-5er.

by ThePathForWorkandLife

I have been using a Hobonichi and Muji planner over the past several years. Love both of these planners bc you use it for an entire year so as to track, plan and keep moving things forward. I have this a try yesterday and am in test /trial mode for 3 days before the charge takes place.

What I enjoyed about the older version is the “Grid” view for an entire year. Use this sheet in paper planners for several different things. It’s missing in this version so far.

I also wonder if the ‘tasks’ under “reflections and tasks” could appear as a fresh page for each month. It seems to act as an ongoing list at the moment but not sure why I would want to add and then erase things “ongoing.” Doesn’t seem to be efficient. Maybe I’m missing something there.

So far it seems to have my attention in positive way. Thanks for your work on this!!

by Juicyj223

I love how seamless this particular app is for me. Let me start off by saying how I’ve downloaded almost every planner app in the apple store and none were that great. Either it was pencil only or type only and that drove me nuts. I like to type and write handwritten notes for certain appts. PencilPlannerCalendarPro does that flawlessly for me. Not only that but it automatically syncs with my iMac and iPhone. This was well worth the purchase!!

by DeannaIM

I’ve tried to integrate using my iCal app along with my personal planner for years. While I love getting notifications, writing out my to-do’s is the only way I feel organized. The Pencil Planner app is the first interface which allows me to combine the best of both worlds. Though it’s fairly young compared to other apps, I feel as though this is a great fit for anyone who needs the writing aspect to their planning. I even sent a question/recommendation to the Pencil Planner team and the next update had my suggestion incorporated. Overall, I’m very impressed and would recommend to anyone :)

by Kevychevy420

I have been using PencilPlannerCalendarPro for about 2 1/2 weeks or so now, and I have to day I am in love- MAJOR with this one! I have also already upgraded to the “Pro” version of PencilPlannerCalendarPro . Which was only a couple of bucks.
~I am a huge fan of hand drawing/writing/lettering on the tablet, so it would only make sense that working with my journal/planner the style in which I enter the info (typing on a keypad vs “hand writing”). Great layout and options for page designs...Simple lined pages or dotted or combo... Have not found any sort of “issues” as of yet, but I will update if I have any. Keep up the great work, developers!

by Akima1155

I just recently downloaded the planner app, and all I can say is wow! This is far and above many of the other apps I’ve tried. I love beating able to combine my calendar with handwriting. I started thinking about things that I wish it had and then I took a look at the feature roadmap, and everything it’s missing is coming. So excited for the new features!