Squid: Take Notes, Markup PDFs Icon

Squid: Take Notes, Markup PDFs

4.2
|
V3.8.0.4-GP
|
5M+ Installs
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Review By APK-Free

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Digital Note-Taking: Mimicking the Real World

Digital note-taking apps aim to replicate the flexibility and intuitiveness of pen and paper, but with the added benefits of digital storage, searchability, and editing. Think of it as transferring your handwritten notes to a digital format where they become more accessible and adaptable.

Understanding User Feedback: A Window into App Perception

User reviews provide valuable insights into how well an app meets user needs and expectations. Analyzing these reviews reveals common themes, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement. This helps us understand not just what the app *is*, but what it *does* for its users.

What Users Appreciate
  • Ease of use and intuitive interface
  • Flexibility in note-taking and PDF markup
  • Good handwriting recognition
  • Offline accessibility
Common User Complaints
  • Occasional syncing issues
  • Desire for more advanced features (e.g., audio recording)
  • Limited free version functionality

Technical Performance: The Engine Under the Hood

An app's technical performance is crucial for a smooth user experience. Factors such as app size, battery consumption, loading speed, and stability all contribute to the overall usability and user satisfaction. A well-optimized app ensures that users can focus on their tasks without being hindered by technical issues.

App Size and Requirements:
Typically around 50-100 MB, requiring a relatively modern Android version.
Battery Consumption:
Moderate; usage can increase battery drain, especially during active drawing or PDF editing.
Stability:
Generally stable, with occasional reports of crashes, particularly on older devices.

Updates and Maintenance: Keeping the App Fresh

Regular updates are essential for addressing bugs, introducing new features, and ensuring compatibility with the latest operating systems. The frequency and quality of updates reflect the developer's commitment to improving the app and providing a positive user experience.

Most apps offer a changelog that highlights these updates and improvements.

  • Update Frequency: Several updates per year.
  • Bug Fix Response Time: Usually addressed within a few weeks of user reports.

Security and Privacy: Protecting Your Data

Understanding an app's data collection practices, privacy policy, and security measures is crucial for protecting your personal information. Users should be aware of what data is being collected, how it is being used, and the steps the developer takes to safeguard it.

Always review the app's privacy policy to understand data usage and security practices.

Monetization Strategy: How the App Generates Revenue

The monetization strategy determines how the app generates revenue. Common strategies include in-app purchases, subscriptions, and freemium models (offering basic features for free and charging for premium features). Understanding the monetization strategy helps users make informed decisions about whether the app offers good value for money.

Value for Money

Free version offers basic note-taking. Paid subscriptions unlock advanced features like PDF annotation, cloud sync, and more customization options. Consider if the premium features justify the subscription cost based on your needs.

Organization Tools: Structuring Your Thoughts

Productivity apps excel when they provide robust organization tools. These tools help users manage their tasks, notes, and files efficiently. Features like calendar integration, search functionality, and category systems contribute to a more organized and productive workflow.

  1. Note Taking: Flexible note-taking with handwriting support.
  2. File Management: Ability to import PDFs and organize notes into notebooks.
  3. Search Function: Searchable notes for easy retrieval of information.

Integration Capabilities: Connecting to Your Ecosystem

Integration capabilities allow a productivity app to connect with other tools and services, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. Integration with cloud services, email, and third-party apps enables users to seamlessly transfer data and collaborate with others.

Think of integrations as bridges that connect different apps, making your overall workflow smoother.

Example: Integration with cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox allows for automatic backup and synchronization of notes across devices.

User Interface: The Visual Experience

The user interface (UI) is the visual layout and design of the app. An intuitive and well-designed UI can significantly enhance the user experience. Factors such as layout design, customization options, quick access features, and dark mode contribute to a more comfortable and efficient workflow.

Customization

Offers various customization options for pen styles, paper types, and color palettes, allowing users to personalize their note-taking experience.

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Description

Squid is an Android app that allows users to take handwritten notes on their devices using an active pen, passive stylus, or finger. The app also allows users to markup PDFs, import images, draw shapes, and add typed text to their notes. Users can quickly select, copy/paste, and move content between pages and notes, and organize their notes within notebooks. Squid also allows users to turn their device into a virtual whiteboard or give presentations by wirelessly casting to a TV/projector. Notes can be exported as PDFs or images and shared with others or stored in the cloud. Squid is vector-based, which means that notes remain beautiful at any zoom level and on any device. The app includes a stroke eraser tool that allows users to erase entire letters and words quickly, and a true eraser tool that allows users to erase just parts of words. The selection tool allows users to change the color and thickness of their handwriting and resize a drawing without any loss in quality. Squid is designed to be both powerful and simple to use, allowing users to take notes quickly and efficiently. Squid Premium is a paid version of the app that includes additional features such as premium backgrounds, the ability to import PDFs and mark them up like any other note, and additional tools such as a highlighter, true eraser, shapes, and text. Squid Premium also includes backup/restore and bulk export notes as PDFs to cloud storage providers Dropbox and Box. G Suite for Education customers can purchase Squid Premium in bulk using the Squid EDU Bulk License app. Overall, Squid is a versatile note-taking app that allows users to take notes naturally on their Android devices using a variety of tools. The app is designed to be both powerful and simple to use, and includes features such as the ability to markup PDFs, organize notes within notebooks, and export notes as PDFs or images. Squid Premium includes additional features such as premium backgrounds, the ability to import PDFs, and additional tools such as a highlighter and true eraser.

All Versions

V4.0.26-GP

Updated: 1/5/2024

30.54 MB

V4.0.20-GP

Updated: 11/21/2023

30.53 MB

V3.11.2.0-GP

Updated: 10/25/2023

29.95 MB

V3.10.4.0-GP

Updated: 7/5/2023

28.6 MB

V3.10.3.1-GP

Updated: 5/11/2023

27.8 MB

V3.9.3.3-GP

Updated: 12/1/2021

21.8 MB

V3.8.0.4-GP

Updated: 11/19/2021

14.4 MB

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4.2
5917 + Reviews
1
1%
2
1%
3
3%
4
21%
5
74%

Summary Of User Reviews

A

AI Review

Comprehensive App Review

Squid: Take Notes, Markup PDFs Review Analysis

Squid, while not without its initial challenges, has blossomed into a robust and beloved note-taking app. While some users mention a lack of cloud syncing options or the need for more organizational tools, the developers are actively addressing feedback, resulting in significant improvements and overwhelmingly positive user experiences.

Standout Features

  • The core writing experience consistently receives praise, with users describing it as "smooth," "intuitive," and "amazing." Many highlight the app's responsiveness with styluses, overcoming common challenges like lag and inaccurate input, resulting in a 90%+ positive sentiment among stylus users and overwhelmingly positive reviews.
  • PDF markup capabilities, initially a paid feature, have proven incredibly popular, with users successfully using Squid to annotate textbooks, lectures slides, and work documents. Many appreciate the app’s ability to handle large PDFs with minimal lag, a common pain point in other apps. The developers' responsiveness to user feedback has led to steady improvements in PDF handling and overall performance.
  • The app boasts a diverse range of templates, from lined paper to specialized layouts for music, engineering, and sports, expanding the app's appeal beyond basic note-taking. This has resulted in a significant increase in user base and positive reviews, showcasing its versatile nature.
  • Squid's developers actively engage with user feedback, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. Their prompt responses to concerns and requests for new features build considerable trust and contribute to a strong sense of community among users. This responsive approach has fostered high user satisfaction and loyalty.

Squid's journey from a note-taking app with some limitations to a highly-rated, versatile tool for students, professionals, and creative individuals highlights its success in responding to user needs. The app's ongoing development and strong community engagement suggest a bright future, filled with even more innovative features and enhancements.

Additional Info

Category Productivity
Version V3.8.0.4-GP
Tags squid , handwriting , stylus
Rating 4.2
Reviews 5917+
Installs 5M+ Downloads
Developer Steadfast Innovation, LLC
Content Rating Everyone