Since our original publication in November 2024, the landscape of the best journal app for iPad has evolved with exciting new developments. AI integration, enhanced multimedia capabilities, and mental health-focused features have become increasingly prominent in the best journal app for iPad options. In this updated guide, we’ve added information about emerging trends, new apps like Rosebud, and the latest pricing details to help you find the perfect digital journaling companion.

What’s New in Digital Journaling for 2025

AI-Powered Journaling

The integration of artificial intelligence has transformed how we approach self-reflection. When selecting the best journal app for iPad in 2025, consider how AI features can enhance your experience. Apps like Rosebud now offer personalized prompts based on your previous entries, emotional insights, and pattern recognition that can help identify mood trends over time. According to findings presented at CES 2025, 72% of users reported improved emotional well-being through AI-assisted digital journaling.

Enhanced Multimedia Experience

Today’s best journal app for iPad goes beyond text. The latest updates to apps like Day One and Diariumhave expanded their multimedia capabilities, allowing for seamless integration of photos, videos, audio recordings, and even location data to create more vivid, contextual memories in your digital journal.

Mental Health Focus

With increasing awareness of mental wellbeing, the best journal app for iPad now often includes mental health tracking features. Apps like Daylio and WorryTree have gained popularity for their specialized mental health journaling features. These apps offer CBT-based techniques, comprehensive mood tracking, and therapeutic writing prompts developed by mental health professionals.

Eco-Conscious Journaling

For those concerned about screen time but wanting digital backup, hybrid solutions are emerging among the best journal app for iPad options. Apps like Zinnia offer the tactile experience of handwriting with the convenience of digital storage, appealing to environmentally conscious users who want to reduce paper usage without sacrificing the analog journaling experience.

The Complete Guide to iPad Journaling: Features, Benefits, and Top Apps

Ever tried scribbling your life away in a diary, but the tech monster in you craved something cooler? Well, today’s your lucky day because iPads have rocked the journaling scene, making it easier and way more fun. We’re diving into some top-notch best journal app for iPad that are impressing folks all over.

Cracking open a journal isn’t just for neglected dreams or teenage angst. According to those brainy folks at The My Therapy Journal, jotting down your life actually messes with your brain—in a good way! It slashes stress and depression, and gives mood swings the boot. Basically, moods get a lift, behavior isn’t as sneaky, and depression? It’s like it never called in the first place (The Sweet Setup). The perk? It works no matter how your personality leans.

Now, the iPad isn’t just for doodling or playing Candy Crush. Its easy-peasy design makes it a star for digital journaling. Imagine keeping a diary that holds photos, videos, and more while keeping tabs on your feelings. The right journaling app can turn this little device into your personal therapist. We’ve lined up thirteen seriously good best journal app for iPad you’ll want to check out—they each pack their own punch.

Why Choose a Journal App for iPad?

Think about it—your life compacted into one snazzy gadget! With the perfect iPad app, scribbling out thoughts, chucking in photos, and sorting out entries becomes second nature. Plus, top apps come with cloaking tech for your secrets. Want detective-level encryption? They’ve got it with the best journal app for iPad!

Some of these apps are practically your life coach, like the MindDoc app, which is cooked up by real psychologists to keep track of how you’re feeling (Kristi Hines).

With oodles of apps flashing their features like peacocks, picking just one can feel a bit like playing roulette. But fear not! We’re breaking down the top ten iPad journal apps so you can choose without breaking a sweat.

Whether you seek something basic for your musings or a powerhouse of an app packed with bells and whistles, our guide’s got you covered. Dive in and find the app that matches your vibe as you make your best journal app for iPad journaling journey all yours.

Choosing a Journal App for iPad

Hunting for the perfect iPad journaling app? Let’s figure out what tickles your fancy. Here’s a rundown to help you snag the right one for your scribbling adventures.

User Interface and Experience

Getting around the app should feel like a breeze. An app that’s a head-scratcher ain’t worth your time. It should be easy-peasy, pleasant to look at, and should avoid looking like a cluttered junk drawer.

Synchronization Across Devices

Got gadgets galore? Make sure your app plays well on all of them. Day One is practically a legend here, making it a cinch to jot down thoughts whether you’re on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac (The Sweet Setup). Stay in flow, no matter where you are.

Multimedia Integration

Journaling isn’t just about words these days. Check if your app can handle photos, videos, and even throw in a weather report for spice. Day One, for example, lets you fill your entries with all sorts of goodies.

Security and Privacy

Since journals are often like little vaults of secrets, it’s gotta lock up tight. Look for an app with strong security features – passwords, encryption, the works. Dive into our article on the most secure journaling apps for the full scoop.

Customizability

Make it yours! Hunt for apps that let you play around with themes, fonts, and layouts to jazz things up a bit.

Additional Features

Some extras can give your journaling a nice kick:

• Templates: Handy if you’re stuck staring at a blank page.
• Prompts and Suggestions: Nudge your creativity when it feels like napping.
• Voice Journaling: Let your voice do the typing. More details in our best voice journaling apps.
• Cross-Platform: Get a flexible app that’s got legs and runs everywhere (cross platform journal apps).

Cost

So, will it break the bank? Some apps are a steal with optional extras, others might demand a premium or a pocket-sized fee. Weigh what you’re getting against what you’re shelling out.

With these pointers, you’re set to pick an iPad journaling app that gets you. For more options, give our best digital journaling apps list a glance. If you’re more into niche picks, peek at articles about mental health journaling apps and cross platform journal apps.

1. GoodNotes for Journaling

GoodNotes has made a name for itself as one of the top digital journaling apps for iPad, mixing an easy-to-use design with robust features that make it a great pick for journaling. Below, let’s check out what sets GoodNotes apart for iPad users.

Nifty Features of GoodNotes

GoodNotes packs a bunch of features that pump up your journaling game. Here’s what you can get:

• Handwriting Magic: You can tweak your handwriting, switch up ink colors, and play around with various pen types to make each journal entry feel truly yours (ZDNet).
• Mix and Match Multimedia: Want to spice up your journaling? This app lets you toss in photos, diagrams, and even your own sketches, making your entries pop with life and personality (ZDNet).
• PDF Wizardry: GoodNotes is boss at letting you scribble on PDFs, awesome for when you need to add notes or docs to your journal.
• Keeping it Tidy: With the option to make folders and subfolders, your journal’s an organized haven, no messy piles of notes in sight (ZDNet).

What It’s Like to Use

GoodNotes on iPad keeps it simple but doesn’t skimp on power, earning its spot as one of the best digital journaling apps. Its user-friendly vibe means even newbies can jump in without stress.

How It Measures Up

To see how GoodNotes fares, here’s a straight-up comparison of some key features with other popular journaling apps:

Sweet Extras

• Cloud Magic: GoodNotes hooks up with iCloud to sync your stuff, so you’re always in tune, no matter your gadget.
• Smart Searching: The search tool is top-notch, making it easy to track down entries, even those scribbled in your own handwriting.

If security’s your jam, check out the most secure journaling apps for peace of mind. GoodNotes strikes a sweet balance between powerful features and ease of use, making it a solid choice for iPad journaling enthusiasts.

GoodNotes steps up as a flexible, sturdy choice for anyone aiming to maximize their digital journaling on iPad. Its blend of personal tweaking, multimedia fun, and organization skills puts it among the best voice journaling apps and beyond.

2. Day One for iPad

Day One by Automattic is a nifty journaling app that’s caught plenty of eyeballs for being one of the best iPad journaling apps. This app rolls out the red carpet when it comes to features, making writing in your journal a breeze on your Apple gadgets.

Kicking it up a notch, Day One lets you spice up your entries with photos, videos, your current whereabouts, and even the weather. This means every journal entry can be a vivid snapshot of your day (The Sweet Setup).

Key Features

• Multimedia Goodies: Snap in photos, videos, and location info.
• Journaling Boosts: Gives a nudge with prompts to keep you writing.
• Buddy Journals: Share the journal space with pals or family and write together.
• End-to-End Encryption: Keeps your scribbles under lock and key.

Security Measures

Feeling as safe as houses is what Day One promises. It shields your entries with end-to-end encryption, Face ID, passcode locks, and encrypted photo/video storage (The Sweet Setup). Plus, with the Concealed Journal feature, keep some entries extra hush-hush.

User Experience

Day One is all about keeping it smooth and easy. The app is tidy and simple to get around, syncing effortlessly across your Apple gadgets, so your journals are always right at your fingertips, whether on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It’s the best journal app for iPad if you’re looking for simplicity with style, especially when you want a seamless experience.

Shared Journals

For those who love team efforts, Day One’s shared journals are a gem. Premium members can open up a journal to someone special, allowing both to jot down experiences, comment, and store shared memories safely (The Sweet Setup).

Noteworthy Benefits

Journaling with Day One isn’t just a hobby—it’s a wellness boost. Regular users often find their stress levels dip, moods lift, and those pesky depression signals ease up. Doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or a seasoned journal-keeper, Day One makes putting your thoughts down fun and beneficial (The Sweet Setup).

With its fantastic features and tight security, Day One is a top pick if you’re planning to dive into journaling with your iPad. For more options, check out our list of the best digital journaling apps.

3. Notability

Notability shines as one of the finest iPad journaling apps; it’s praised for its handy features and ease of use. Known for getting things done efficiently, Notability is a solid choice for both jotting down thoughts and keeping a journal. It’s perfect for those who want a blend of quick notes and detailed entries in one smooth app, making it the best journal app for iPad.

With Notability, users can easily mix in pictures, voice notes, and handwritten scrawls. It’s a great pick for folks who like to add a bit more flavor to their journaling by spicing it up with various media. Plus, handling PDFs? A breeze. It’s a hit with professionals who juggle countless business papers (ZDNet).

Key Features of Notability

These tools amp up productivity and let users create lively, interactive entries.

Benefits of Using Notability

• Get Stuff Done: Users say Notability helps them organize tasks and streamline work.
• Media Goodies: Throwing in different media types makes journaling a richer experience.
• PDF Ease: Smoothing out PDFs is a cinch, making handling documents a snap.

If you’re curious about keeping your thoughts under lock and key, check out our rundown of the most secure journaling apps. Notability stands out with its handy features and simplicity, remaining a go-to for folks boosting their digital journal game on the iPad.

Want to learn about apps that work well across devices? Look into our piece on cross platform journal apps. If chatting to your journal is more your speed, our picks for the best voice journaling apps are sure to give you some pointers.

4. Journey

When you’re hunting for the best iPad journaling apps, Journey pops up as a go-to choice with its user-friendly features. It’s a solid pick for anyone eager to start a digital journal without a hitch.

Features of Journey

Journey is like your personal diary that gets your busy life. It lets you toss in photos, videos, audio clips, and even your health stats from Apple Health. Perfect for those who like to keep a vivid log of their lives, melding together different aspects of their daily hustle, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Key Features:

• Multimedia support: Add your pics, clips, and voice notes.
• Integration with Apple Health: Link those fitness stats right in.
• Cloud sync: Keep your journals safe across devices with Google Drive.
• Mood tracking: Track your feelings and see patterns forming.
• Calendar view: Jump back to past entries with ease.
• Daily prompts: Get nudges to kick-start the writing.
• End-to-end encryption: Lock up your entries with top-tier security.

Usability and Interface

Journey sports a simple setup that makes journaling a breeze. The clean look means you’re not swamped by clutter, helping you get your thoughts down smoothly. The dashboard’s organized, so you can find everything with no hassle, and the daily prompts are great for beating writer’s block, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Pricing

Journey offers a mix of free and paid options. The free bits cover most stuff you’d need, but if you pay a bit, you get more goodies like extra multimedia support and extra security via end-to-end encryption.

iPad-Specific Features

Journey fits right in on the iPad, making the most of that bigger screen. If you’re into handwriting, Apple Pencil’s your buddy here, and split-screen helps you multitask like a pro. Plus, no internet? No problem. It works offline, so you can journal anytime, anywhere, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Comparison with Other Apps

Among its rivals like Day One and Notability, Journey shines with its seamless multimedia options and fitness tracking. But, if your focus leans more towards mental health journaling, Day One might take the cake with features centered on emotional well-being.

All in all, Journey stands tall in the iPad journaling world, blending versatility and security. Curious about which app suits you best? Check out our full lineup of best digital journaling apps.

5. Penbook

Penbook is a bit of a chameleon when it comes to scribbling, doodling, and jotting down your deepest secrets on your iPad. It’s got some bells and whistles that make it a top pick among iPad journaling apps.

Key Features of Penbook

Penbook isn’t just a pretty face; it offers all sorts of paper backgrounds – think grids, lines, and dots, so there’s something for everyone’s scribble style. You can pimp out your journal with different covers and page looks, making it as custom as you want. With Apple Pencil, it feels just about as smooth as putting pen to paper, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Benefits for Creative Expression

Got a creative streak worth showcasing? Penbook’s got you covered, highlighting its freewheeling note-taking style that fits the bill whether you go for wordy entries, vivid doodles, or anything in between. It’s a hit for artists and writers tracking their creative evolution using both words and artwork, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Cloud syncing keeps your memories safe and sound, connecting you with your entries wherever you go. Kiss the fear of losing your digital diary goodbye, as everything’s neatly saved.

Want to keep prying eyes at bay? Penbook’s got password protection options, so go ahead and jot down your private musings with confidence. It’s right at the top of the secure journaling app pack.

Pricing and Subscription

Penbook will set you back just $9.99 – that’s it, one-time deal, no sneaky subscriptions popping up. It’s a steal for folks wanting a complete journaling tool without the never-ending payments.

When you look at the price of others, like Day One at a year or Penzu ranging from to yearly, Penbook looks like a real bargain.

Wanna know more about picking the right journaling app? Check out our guide on the best digital journaling apps.

6. Notebook

Zoho’s Notebook shines as a top iPad journaling app for folks who love simplicity and a well-organized digital life. With its user-friendly design, it helps capture thoughts, ideas, and life’s moments like a breeze.

Key Features

• Card Layout: Notebook uses cards to sort out your notes, each entry getting its own visually cool space. Flipping through past musings is simple and keeps your journal looking sharp.
• Multimedia-Friendly: Add words, snaps, voice notes, and even sketches to your entries. This means you can capture memories in all sorts of ways, from writing a quick note to doodling a masterpiece.
• Sync Across Devices: Keep your journal up-to-date across your gadgets, which is perfect if you jot down thoughts on both your iPad and, say, your phone. No need to stress about losing a moment!
• Security: With Zoho’s top-notch measures, your personal scribbles stay safe and sound, making it one of the tightest apps around for keeping journal entries private.

Pricing

Notebook comes at you free of charge with an extra option for more cloud storage if that’s your cup of tea. The no-charge version packs in most key features, great news for budget-conscious folks.

Comparison Table

Check out how Notebook stacks up against other journaling champs below.

User Experience

Users dig how smooth and customizable Notebook is. The card setup gets a lot of love for its knack at keeping entries tidy and easy to find.

Feel like exploring other digital diary options? Take a peek at our picks for best voice journaling apps and cross platform journal apps.

Zoho’s Notebook stands out with its mix of flexibility, ease, and strong features, making it a go-to for iPad journaling.

7. ZenJournal

ZenJournal is a simple app designed for folks who love to keep things easy and stress-free when jotting down their thoughts. It’s perfect for people who aren’t into all those flashy features and just want a plain, smooth journaling experience, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Features of ZenJournal

ZenJournal shines with its calm, easy-to-use design, letting users really concentrate on what they’re writing and feeling. Check out what makes ZenJournal tick:

• Minimalist Design: This app’s clean look keeps distractions at bay, so your focus stays on your journal.
• Daily Prompts: Need a nudge? Daily prompts help you keep that journaling habit going strong.
• Mood Tracking: Noting your mood? This app helps you see how you’re feeling over time.
• Search Functionality: Find old notes lickety-split with a super handy search bar.
• Cloud Syncing: Hop between devices without missing a beat; your entries are always a tap away.

Comparison with Other Journaling Apps

Stacked up against other picks in our top iPad journaling apps, ZenJournal shines for keeping it simple and easy. Unlike apps loaded with gadgets like Day One or Notability, ZenJournal sticks to the basics, for those who like it that way.

If keeping tabs on moods and mental health is your jam, ZenJournal is worth a look. Though, if you’re after a more detailed approach to mental health, Reflectly might be more up your alley (ClickUp link). For locking down your journal with solid security, check out our piece on secure journaling apps.

ZenJournal is the go-to for folks who want a no-fuss journaling app minus all the bells and whistles. Curious about other ways to journal digitally? Browse through our links on cross-platform journal apps and mental health journaling apps to find what clicks best for you.

8. Five Minute Journal

The Five Minute Journal app is your go-to if you want a fast, no-fuss way to jot down your thoughts. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android, it’s a favorite in the best iPad journaling apps thanks to its simplicity and punch.

Key Features

With morning and night questions, this app helps you make journaling a breeze. Every day, there’s a handy motivational quote and a space to ponder life’s little moments—perfect for sharing on social media if that’s your thing. Plus, it nudges you with reminders, so journaling stays in your routine, making it the best journal app for iPad.

What you get with the Five Minute Journal:

• Morning Prompts: Kick off the day setting a positive vibe.
• Evening Prompts: Wrap your day with some thoughtful reflection.
• Daily Quotes: Start every morning with a nugget of inspiration.
• Reminders: Keeps you in the journaling groove.
• Social Sharing: Inspired to share? Go for it!

User Experience

Users love how quick and effective this app is, letting them jot down thoughts without burning loads of time. For just $4.99, the Five Minute Journal is a solid deal, pairing smart prompts with an easy-peasy interface (ClickUp). It’s nearly a rockstar on both Google Play Store and iTunes, boasting tons of five-star ratings from over 10,000 fans (Friday).

Comparison Table

Looking for the best fit? Check out how the Five Minute Journal squares up against other iPad journaling apps:

Want more secure options? Peek at our most secure journaling apps. Or if you’re into jumping between different gizmos, check our list of cross platform journal apps for some cool choices.

To sum it up, the Five Minute Journal app is perfect if you’re all about keeping life simple but cool, with prompts, inspiration, and reminders making sure you always pause to reflect.

9. Bear: A Standout Among the Best Journal App for iPad Options

Bear keeps it simple and classy for those who prefer a no-nonsense way of jotting down their musings. It’s like having a digital version of a Moleskine notebook on your iPad, except it won’t run out of pages. Plus, when we say distraction-free, we mean less is definitely more. And the way Bear handles words—with its fancy Markdown tricks and all—is why it’s on our list of top-tier iPad journaling apps, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Features of Bear

Bear isn’t just any note-taking app. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Markdown Magic: Markdown support for those who know how to dress up text
• Tag Power: Putting tags to work so you can find what you wrote yesterday or three months ago
• Note Connections: Like a spider web of thoughts, link notes to get the full picture
• Themes & Tinkering: Make Bear your own by choosing from different looks
• Share & Care: Save your nuggets of wisdom in formats like PDF, HTML, and DOCX
• Lock It Down: Keep things hush-hush with encryption and FaceID or TouchID

Key Features Table

Usage Scenario

Bear caters to the folks who love nitty-gritty details without chaos. Markdown is your buddy when it comes to laying things out neatly, and the tagging system makes finding that random thought from last month a breeze. And if you’re a security hawk, Bear has you covered, ensuring your secrets remain just that—secret, making it the best journal app for iPad. No worries about prying eyes here, so Bear is a safe haven among the most secure places to keep your notes.

What Makes Bear Special in 2025

Enhanced Markdown Capabilities

Bear’s implementation of Markdown remains unmatched, allowing writers to format text naturally without pulling their hands from the keyboard. The 2025 update brings expanded Markdown features, including table support, footnotes, and custom syntax highlighting for code blocks—perfect for developers documenting their work.

Focus Mode

The new Focus Mode introduced in early 2025 dims everything except the current paragraph or sentence, creating a distraction-free writing environment that helps maintain flow state during journaling sessions.

Cross-Note Linking

Bear’s wiki-style linking system has been improved, letting you create a personal knowledge graph of your thoughts and memories. Cross-referencing between journal entries has never been easier, with automatic backlinks showing you connections between related thoughts.

Improved Tag Hierarchy

Bear’s nested tags system continues to be one of its standout organizational features. The 2025 update introduces tag visualization tools that display your tag hierarchy as an interactive mind map, giving you new insights into how your thoughts and experiences connect.

2025 Updates

Comparison with Other Apps

Bear isn’t playing around—it’s sleek and loaded with handy features. While Day One throws in extras like media bells and cross-device whistles, Bear’s all about that smooth writing groove and tight formatting controls.

Why Writers Consider Bear the Best Journal App for iPad

Bear’s minimalist aesthetic doesn’t sacrifice power. Writers seeking the best journal app for iPad particularly appreciate:

• Distraction-free environment: No cluttered toolbars or excessive options
• Typography focus: Beautiful font options and text rendering
• Markdown-first approach: Format as you write without menu-diving
• Flexible organization: Tags instead of folders for more fluid categorization
• Apple Pencil support: Annotate entries with handwritten notes or sketches

For journaling specifically, Bear excels at creating an environment where thoughts can flow naturally. When evaluating the best journal app for iPad, many users cite how Bear gets out of your way, allowing you to focus on reflection rather than fiddling with features.

As one user noted in a recent App Store review: “Bear is like a beautiful blank notebook that somehow always knows how I want to organize my thoughts before I do. It’s undoubtedly the best journal app for iPad I’ve ever tried.”

Bear’s got that minimalist charm with a side of Markdown smarts, keeping you in the zone while journaling. Check out more of what the digital realm has to offer with our guides on journal apps that work everywhere and those tailored for supporting your mental health.

Knowing what puts Bear in a class of its own helps you decide on the perfect app match for your iPad journaling needs.

10. Diarium

Diarium’s got a real fan base when it comes to iPad journaling apps. It’s the kind of app that makes you want to jot down every little thing that happens in your day because it’s just that simple to use and packed with neat features. Think of this digital diary as your go-to buddy for capturing life in all its messy glory, offering goodies for every style of journal-keeping you can think of, making it the best journal app for iPad.

The cool thing about Diarium? You can throw in photos, voice memos, or even videos into your entries. It’s like turning your journal into a multi-sensory road trip through your life. Plus, you can tack on extras like where you were when you wrote something or what the weather was up to, painting a fuller picture of your memories, making it the best journal app for iPad.

One major win for Diarium is that it can hang with the big kids on various devices. So, if you’re into hopping from an iPhone to an Android tablet and over to a Windows laptop, you’re covered. Entries follow you, no matter where you are, which is a big bonus if you like to journal on the move.

Want to keep your diary on the down-low? Diarium’s got your back with password locks and fancy encryption. Your secrets are sealed tighter than a jar of pickles, making it a solid pick for folks serious about privacy. Check out more on keeping your journal under wraps.

Feeling forgetful? Diarium won’t judge. It’s got daily nudges to remind you to capture your day, which is perfect for turning journaling into a habit you actually keep. Plus, if you’ve ever stared at a blank page not knowing what to write, Diarium throws some ideas your way, kickstarting that reflective thinking without making it a chore, making it the best journal app for iPad.

Not just a pretty face—Diarium lets you shuffle your thoughts around, too. You can export entries as PDFs or Word docs, so if you fancy taking a walk down memory lane, it makes it super easy. Importing from other diary apps? No sweat—Diarium’s all about helping you make that switch without a hitch, making it the best journal app for iPad.

For those watching their mental health like a hawk, Diarium’s mood tracking and graphs give insight into what’s shaking in your brainspace. It’s a thoughtful tool if you aim to keep tabs on your mental vibes through wellness journaling.

Let’s break it down with a quick side-by-side, comparing how Diarium measures up against the usual suspects in the journaling app scene:

Diarium’s a smooth blend of powerful features and ease of use, making it a must-check-out on your list of iPad journaling apps. For more epic journaling options, have a peek at our roundup of best iPad journaling apps.

New Apps Worth Considering for the Best Journal App for iPad in 2025

Since our original roundup of the best journaling app for iPad options, several noteworthy journaling apps have emerged or gained significant traction. Here are some newcomers worth exploring when searching for the best journal app for iPad:

11. Rosebud – The AI Journaling Assistant

Rosebud has quickly become a standout contender for the best journaling app for iPad thanks to its innovative AI capabilities designed to deepen self-reflection.

Key Features of Rosebud

• AI-Powered Prompts: Receives personalized writing prompts based on your previous entries and current mood
• Emotional Insights: Analyzes your entries to identify emotional patterns and provides gentle insights
• Voice Journaling: Records and transcribes your spoken thoughts with remarkable accuracy
• Themed Templates: Offers specialized templates for gratitude, goal-setting, and personal growth
• End-to-End Encryption: Provides military-grade security for your most private thoughts

User Experience

Rosebud’s clean interface belies its sophisticated technology. The app excels at creating a judgment-free space where users can explore their thoughts with AI-assisted guidance that feels surprisingly natural and insightful, making it a strong contender for the best journal app for iPad for those seeking AI assistance.

Pricing

• Free version with basic journaling features
• Premium: $12.99/month or $107.99/year for full AI capabilities

12. Daylio – Micro-Journaling Meets Mood Tracking

For those who find traditional journaling overwhelming, Daylio offers a more accessible approach through micro-journaling combined with comprehensive mood tracking, potentially making it the best journal app for iPad for mental health tracking.

Key Features of Daylio

• Mood Tracking: Log your mood with simple, colorful icons
• Activity Tracking: Record daily activities that influence your mood
• Statistics and Patterns: View detailed charts showing your emotional trends
• Achievement System: Earns badges for consistent journaling to build habits
• Minimal Writing Required: Perfect for those who prefer quick entries over long-form writing

User Experience

Daylio has gained popularity for its low-barrier approach to journaling. Rather than facing a blank page, users select moods and activities, with the option to add brief notes if desired. The resulting data creates a fascinating visual representation of your emotional life over time.

Pricing

• Free version with core features
• Premium: $3.99/month or $29.99/year for advanced statistics and unlimited entries

13. Zinnia – Digital Meets Handwritten

Zinnia bridges the gap between traditional and digital journaling, offering beautiful templates that can be used with Apple Pencil for the authentic feel of handwriting with the convenience of digital organization. This approach makes it potentially the best journal app for iPad users who appreciate artistic expression.

Key Features of Zinnia

• Handwriting-Focused: Optimized for Apple Pencil with natural writing experience
• Artistic Templates: Includes decorative borders, stickers, and layouts for creative expression
• Mixed Media Support: Combines handwriting, typing, photos, and drawings in one entry
• Journaling Courses: Offers guided journaling programs for specific goals like stress reduction
• Export to PDF: Preserves your handwritten entries in shareable format

User Experience

Zinnia shines for creative journalers who miss the aesthetic pleasure of paper journals but want digital benefits. Its interface mimics beautiful stationery while offering digital flexibility, potentially making it the best journal app for iPad users with an artistic bent.

Pricing

• $8.99/month or $59.99/year with 14-day free trial
• One-time purchase option: $149.99 for lifetime access

2025 Updated Feature Comparison

As the journaling landscape evolves, here’s how the top apps now compare with recent updates and new entrants included:

Core Features Comparison

Additional Apps Comparison

Specialized Use Cases

For Clean, Distraction-Free Writing

• Best Overall: Bear – For its elegant interface and Markdown support
• Runner-up: ZenJournal – For its minimalist approach

For Mental Health Support

• Best Overall: Rosebud – For its AI insights and therapeutic prompts
• Runner-up: Daylio – For mood pattern recognition and minimal friction

For Creative Expression

• Best Overall: Zinnia – For mixed media and artistic templates
• Runner-up: GoodNotes – For sketching and handwriting flexibility

For Privacy-Conscious Users

• Best Overall: Day One – For established end-to-end encryption
• Runner-up: Bear – For clean interface combined with good security

For Multimedia Journaling

• Best Overall: Day One – For seamless photo, audio, and location integration
• Runner-up: Diarium – For extensive media support across platforms

Wrapping It Up: Finding the Best Journal App for iPad in 2025

The digital journaling landscape continues to evolve, with new technologies like AI assistance, enhanced multimedia integration, and specialized mental health features transforming how we capture our thoughts and experiences. When searching for the best journal app for iPad, it’s important to consider which features matter most to you.

In 2025, the best journal app for iPad depends largely on your specific needs:

• For clean, distraction-free writing: Bear offers an elegant interface with excellent Markdown support, making it ideal for writers who want a focused, beautiful environment without distractions.
• For comprehensive features with security: Day One remains the gold standard with its polished interface, robust privacy features, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
• For AI-powered insights: Newcomer Rosebud offers innovative personalized prompts and emotional pattern recognition to deepen your self-reflection.
• For mental health tracking: Daylio provides accessible mood and habit tracking with minimal writing required.
• For creative expression: Zinnia brings the beauty of handwritten journals to the digital realm with artistic templates and Apple Pencil support.
• For academic or professional use: GoodNotes and Notability continue to excel with their powerful handwriting and PDF annotation capabilities.

Bear stands out for those who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing power. Its clean design, powerful tagging system, and excellent Markdown support make it a favorite among writers, programmers, and anyone who values an uncluttered journaling experience. And with its cross-device sync between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, your thoughts are always accessible across your Apple ecosystem.

Remember that the most effective journal is the one you’ll actually use consistently. When choosing the best journal app for iPad, we recommend downloading a few options that align with your preferences to discover which interface and feature set keeps you coming back day after day.

Have you tried any of these journaling apps? Which features do you think make the best journal app for iPad? Let us know in the comments below!

Last updated: March 2025