Handwritten notes: native-quality pen input and cross-device integration
Summary
“Users want native-quality handwriting in Obsidian because existing plugins (Excalidraw, Ink) are useful but fall short of the smooth experience of apps like Samsung Notes. People use plugins or external apps as workarounds but still want better cross-device integration and pen input fidelity.”
Pain
Obsidian lacks native handwritten note support and users miss the smooth, integrated handwriting experience they have in apps like Samsung Notes.
“Does Obsidian support hardwritten notes? ... I've been using Samsung Notes for a month, despite feeling natural to write in it, it lacks integration with others notes and others devices than a samsung one (such as desktop linux).”
View sourceWorkaround
Users rely on community plugins like Excalidraw, Ink, and external apps (xournal++) to capture handwriting inside or alongside Obsidian.
“Natively no, Through community built plugins you have Excalidraw and it's really good.”
View source“there are a few plugins, the best one that I've ever used in terms of handwriting is a plugin called Ink, which is a bit low in features but it is pretty smooth, simple and straight forward.”
View sourceResistance
Community plugins exist but are imperfect; users note they are "not nearly as nice as drawing in Samsung Notes," indicating a quality gap versus native apps.
“Exacalidraw, but it's not nearly as nice as drawing in samsung notes (Don't kill me)”
View sourcePersona
Users who prefer pen input or come from device-native handwriting apps (e.g., Samsung Notes) and who want cross-device integration with Obsidian.
“I've been using Samsung Notes for a month, despite feeling natural to write in it, it lacks integration with others notes and others devices than a samsung one”
View sourceDesire
A smooth, integrated handwriting experience (pen input, responsive drawing, cross-device sync and editing) comparable to native mobile note apps but embedded in Obsidian.
“Ink is the solution. It is not perfect but good enough.”
View source