So I checked out the new native iOS Journal app. I have always been fond of analog journals for my reflections and daily ramblings, so I always approach journal apps with skepticism. I had seen a lot of people posting about this app being launched so I figured I would try it out and see what it was all about.

Let me just start by saying that I don’t think there will be a digital app that will be able to completely get me away from writing with pen and paper. My problem has nothing to do with the app or the design, it has everything to do with my ability to actually limit the distractions and focus.

The Pros

With that being said, I think this app is pretty cool.

1. I love the simplicity of the design and the fact that it is native to iOS. I think the app is very well designed

2. I love the fact that it is free.

3. I think the best thing about the app is the built in prompts that help you get started with writing. I have done a childhood memory prompt that was well phrased and with a simple tap I was able to open it up in a journal entry and start writing.

4. I like how it could make it easier to journal on the go. I always have my phone with me, so I could easily open up the app and start writing.

The Cons

1. Again, this is not a knock on the journal app, but the problem has everything to do with my ability to actually focus and relax enough to write in a digital journal.

2. No ability (that I can tell) to have different notebooks and organize them. I would love to have a notebook for my daily reflections, a notebook for my work notes, and a notebook for my personal notes. I tend to go overkill with my organization, and have multiple notebooks for different journaling purposes (ideas, poetry, longform writing, etc).

Summary

Overall, I think it is a cool app that I will use for on the go journaling purposes.