Saberv1.35.0

Saber is a free and open-source application designed for handwritten notes, suitable for taking class notes with a stylus, annotating PDFs, organizing ideas, or creating digital journals. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, allowing the same notes to be synced across phones, tablets, and computers.

Compared to note-taking software that emphasizes keyboard input, Saber focuses on a genuine writing experience. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0, with source code and releases available on GitHub. The basic app is free to use, the official sync service offers limited free storage, and it also supports connecting to other servers or self-hosting.

Core Features

• Natural Handwriting:Optimized for stylus and finger writing, with adjustable stroke, color, and thickness.
• PDF Import & Annotation:Import handouts, exams, and documents to mark up with handwriting directly.
• Smart Highlighter:Does not darken color on repeated strokes, keeping the text clear.
• Multi-level Folders:Supports unlimited nested folders and quick access to recent notes on the home page.
• Cross-platform Sync:Notes can sync across computers, tablets, and phones, supporting official servers, other servers, or self-hosting.
• Dark Mode:Inverts interface, notes, images, and PDFs for comfortable nighttime reading.

Product Features

Saber’s advantage is its focused functionality—it doesn’t turn handwritten notes into a complex knowledge management system. You can create a new note right after opening the app, with commonly used tools concentrated at the top of the editor, keeping the learning curve low. It also provides end-to-end protection: the official documentation mentions a dual-password system so that even if the server is controlled by others, they cannot directly read user notes.

Note that cross-device sync depends on server and network conditions. For important study materials, it’s still recommended to regularly export or keep local backups. Versions on different platform app stores, GitHub packages, and F-Droid may also have slight update time differences.

Installation & Usage Guide

1. Go to the Saber website or GitHub Releases, choose the Windows installer, Linux AppImage, or Android APK according to your system. Mobile users can also use official app stores.
2. After the first launch, create a local note. If using only one device, you can skip sync configuration for now.
3. Click the new note button to create a blank note, select paper background, pen color and thickness, then start writing.
4. When you need to annotate materials, import the PDF, then add strokes and highlights on the pages.
5. For cross-device use, log in to the official sync service or configure your own server in settings, and first test with a few notes to confirm sync works.
6. Create multi-level folders by course, project, or purpose. Regularly export important notes for backup.

Use Cases

Classroom notes:Record formulas, diagrams, and key points on a tablet, organized by course.PDF annotation:Write directly when reading handouts, papers, or e-textbooks.Work meetings:Quickly record discussion content and flow sketches.Digital journal:Combine handwriting, images, and page backgrounds to organize daily plans.Multi-device users:Write on a tablet, organize and view on a computer.

Free Usage & Open Source License

Saber itself is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Core handwriting, folder management, PDF annotation, and local use are free. The official sync service offers a free quota; additional cloud space may require purchase. Users can also choose other compatible servers or self-host.

User Review

If you’re looking for a more transparent, cross-platform alternative to commercial handwritten note apps, Saber is worth trying. Its features aren’t flashy, but core capabilities like handwriting, PDF, folders, and sync are solid. For users who only need keyboard text and bidirectional links, it may not be better than traditional Markdown note tools. However, in scenarios like classroom handwriting, formula recording, and document annotation, its positioning is clear.

v1.35.0 Release Notes

• Browse pages are sorted alphabetically by default, with the option to adjust sorting via the top button.
• Fixed crash issues on some Android devices.
• Removed the misleading pull-to-refresh gesture.
• Optimized Linux and Windows builds, removed unused code.

Official Resources

• Saber Website
• Saber GitHub Repository
• v1.35.0 Official Release Notes
• F-Droid Download Page