The Squid Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Squid in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Squid
The Insider’s Guide
Handwritten notes and PDF markup for Android and Chromebooks
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among note-taking apps, read from Squid’s own pages.
Made by Steadfast Innovation, LLC · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Squid’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Squid’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 4 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade
Squid is a handwriting app for Android tablets, phones and Chromebooks, made by Steadfast Innovation and first released under the name Papyrus. Notes are written with an active pen, a finger or a capacitive stylus on a vector ink engine, and are stored on the device with no account or sign-in. A Squid Premium subscription adds PDF markup, extra tools, premium paper backgrounds and cloud backup.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Squid, taken from its own pages and our grades.
There's no iPad, desktop or web version, and purchases don't carry across stores.
- 1
Best for handwriting on an Android tablet or Chromebook
Squid is a handwriting app for Android tablets, phones and Chromebooks, with vector ink and no account.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $1.00 - $14.99 per in-app item on Google Play; billing basis not shown.
- 3
There is a free plan
Base features are free with no account: vector ink, blank, ruled and graph paper, the stroke eraser, image import, folders, and export to PDF, PNG, JPEG or Squid Note format.
- 4
It runs on Android
Android.
- 5
Vector ink engine
Strokes stay sharp at any zoom level and can be selected, moved, resized, recolored and reweighted later. A stroke eraser removes whole letters or words at once.
- 6
Active pen support
On devices with an active pen, such as Samsung devices with S Pen, the pen writes and a finger erases, with pressure sensitivity and quick actions on the pen's side button.
- 7
Paper types and sizes
Pages are infinite by default or sized as letter, legal or A4. Blank, ruled and graph paper are free; math, engineering, music, sports and planning backgrounds need Squid Premium.
- 8
A 2.0 GPA, above 4 of 147
That is against the other note-taking apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Your call
A notes app at its plainest is text in folders with a search box.
Squid at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $1.00 - $14.99 per in-app item on Google Play; billing basis not shown
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Android
- Made by
- Steadfast Innovation, LLC, since 2012
- Category
- Note-Taking Apps
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for handwriting on an Android tablet or Chromebook
Squid is a handwriting app for Android tablets, phones and Chromebooks, with vector ink and no account. The free version is bare: the highlighter, true eraser, shapes, typed text, PDF import and cloud backup are all paid, and Google Play only gives prices as $1.00 to $14.99 per item without saying what each is. There's no iPad, desktop or web version, and purchases don't carry across stores.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | C | Nobody publishes a price you can act on. Google Play gives in-app items as $1.00 to $14.99 without saying which is monthly, yearly or one-time, so we can't set Premium against the $6 middle of this category. PDF Import and the Tool Pack can be bought once, and eligible Chromebooks get 6 months free. |
| Free plan and trial | C | Free with no account: vector ink, blank, ruled and graph paper, the stroke eraser, image import, folders and export to PDF, PNG or JPEG. The wall comes fast, though. The highlighter, true eraser, shapes, typed text and PDF import are all held back for Premium. |
| Features | C | It covers handwriting: strokes you can move, resize and recolour later, an active pen that writes while your finger erases, infinite or A4 pages, PDF markup, presentation mode onto a TV. But that's a smaller job than note-taking, and most of the toolbox sits behind Premium. |
| Ease of use | B | No rating on record, so we go by the listing: there's no account and no sign-in at all. You open it and write, with an active pen, a finger or a capacitive stylus. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | One operating system, Android, though that does include Chromebooks with the Play Store. No iPhone, iPad, desktop or web version is offered, and purchases only apply on the platform and app store you bought them on. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Squid is for
- Fits if you write by hand on an Android tablet or a Chromebook
- Works for marking up, grading or signing PDFs with a pen, once you pay for PDF import
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you own an iPad or want your notes on a computer, as it's Android only
- Tight if you're staying free, because the highlighter, shapes, typed text, PDF import and cloud backup are all paid
- Not for you if you want to see the price before you install, since Google Play only gives a $1.00 to $14.99 range
- Watch out: purchases only apply on the platform and app store you bought them on
- Watch out: school bulk licenses are quoted on request, with no published price
Good to know
Good for
- Students and teachers writing by hand on Android tablets or Chromebooks
- Marking up, grading or signing PDFs with a pen
- People who want notes kept on the device with no account
Worth knowing
- Squid is an Android app only. It also runs on Chromebooks that have the Play Store; no iPhone, iPad, desktop or web version is offered.
- PDF import, the highlighter, true eraser, shapes, typed text, premium backgrounds and cloud backup are all paid features.
- Google Play gives in-app prices only as a range of $1.00 to $14.99 per item, without saying which is monthly, yearly or one-time.
- Purchases are tied to the app store account used to buy them and apply only on the same platform and app store.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$1.00
To start. There is a free plan too
Squid has a free plan. Paid plans start at $1.00 - $14.99 per in-app item on Google Play; billing basis not shown.
Nobody publishes a price you can act on.
Squid
$0
Base features with no account: vector ink, blank, ruled and graph paper, stroke eraser, image import, folders and export to PDF, PNG or JPEG.
Squid Premium and in-app purchases
$1.00 - $14.99
per item on Google Play (US); billing basis not shown
Covers the monthly or yearly Squid Premium subscription and the one-time PDF Import and Tool Pack purchases. The listing does not price each item.
Education bulk license
Custom
Discounted bulk Squid Premium licenses for Google Workspace for Education accounts, quoted on request and assigned in the Google Admin console.
The free plan
Base features are free with no account: vector ink, blank, ruled and graph paper, the stroke eraser, image import, folders, and export to PDF, PNG, JPEG or Squid Note format.
Read from play.google.com on Oct 9, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Education
Discounted bulk licensing for schools
Squid's help center offers discounted bulk licensing of Squid Premium for Google Workspace for Education accounts, by quote, with a trial available on request.
Stated on help.squidnotes.comAnnual discount
Discounted yearly subscription
Squid Premium is sold monthly or yearly, and the help center describes the yearly option as the discounted price. It does not state the amounts.
Stated on help.squidnotes.comOther savings
6 months of Squid Premium on eligible Chromebooks
Eligible Chromebooks get 6 months of Squid Premium free through the Chromebook Perks page, redeemed against the monthly subscription option on Google Play.
Stated on help.squidnotes.com
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Android
Handwritten notes and PDF markup for Android and Chromebooks. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: local-first, notes, whiteboard.
But that's a smaller job than note-taking, and most of the toolbox sits behind Premium.
- Vector ink engine
- Strokes stay sharp at any zoom level and can be selected, moved, resized, recolored and reweighted later. A stroke eraser removes whole letters or words at once.
- Active pen support
- On devices with an active pen, such as Samsung devices with S Pen, the pen writes and a finger erases, with pressure sensitivity and quick actions on the pen's side button.
- Paper types and sizes
- Pages are infinite by default or sized as letter, legal or A4. Blank, ruled and graph paper are free; math, engineering, music, sports and planning backgrounds need Squid Premium.
- PDF markup
- A premium feature that imports a PDF as a note to annotate, fill in or sign, then exports the result as a new PDF. It is also sold on its own as an in-app purchase.
- Presentation mode
- Casts a note to a TV or projector so a tablet works as a virtual whiteboard, or shows imported slides that can be written on during a talk.
- Export and cloud backup
- Notes export to PDF, PNG, JPEG or Squid Note format. Squid Premium adds backup at set intervals and bulk PDF export to Google Drive, Dropbox or Box.
Where it runs
- Android
What it works with
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Box
- Google Classroom
Squid is made by Steadfast Innovation, LLC, and has been around since 2012.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
4/147
Other note-taking apps it is graded above
Squid's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 4 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade, and level with 7.
It stands best on ease of use (B, above 47 of 147) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 148 note-taking apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Squid’s own letter is outlined.
- CValue for moneyAbove 16 of 147
- CFree plan and trialAbove 7 of 147
- CFeaturesAbove 2 of 147
- BEase of useAbove 47 of 147
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 147
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Your call
A notes app at its plainest is text in folders with a search box.
You could make the core of Squid for yourself: notes. What you would give up is listed below. Whether that is worth the price is your call.
What you could make
- Notes: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- An endless canvas that stays smooth with hundreds of things on it.
- A real app for Android. Something home-made would be a web page.
- Hooks into the device itself: handwriting.
What this rests on. Squid’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Samsung Notes, Noteshelf, Notewise, Notein and Flexcil
The 5 tools Squid is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.2GPA
Samsung Notes
Free
Samsung's free note app for Galaxy phones, tablets and Galaxy Book.
- Only Samsung Notes lists a Windows app.
- Squid also covers whiteboard.
- Samsung Notes also covers templates.
- 2.8GPA
Noteshelf
Free plan · from $7.99 one-time
Handwritten note-taking and PDF annotation for stylus devices.
- Only Noteshelf lists iOS, macOS and Windows apps.
- Noteshelf can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Squid also covers whiteboard.
- 2.2GPA
Notewise
Free plan · from $2.42/mo
Handwriting canvas and AI notes for iPhone, iPad and Android.
- Only Notewise lists an iOS app.
- Notewise can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Notewise also covers meeting notes and transcription.
- 2.2GPA
Notein
Free plan · from $5.99
Handwriting notes, PDF markup and linked notes for Android tablets.
- Notein also covers linked notes and templates.
- 2.2GPA
Flexcil
Free plan · from $8.99
PDF reader and handwriting notebook built around pen gestures.
- Only Flexcil lists an iOS app.
- Squid also covers whiteboard.
- Flexcil also covers templates.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Squid free?
Squid has a free plan. Base features are free with no account: vector ink, blank, ruled and graph paper, the stroke eraser, image import, folders, and export to PDF, PNG, JPEG or Squid Note format.
How much does Squid cost?
Squid lists 3 plans. Squid: $0.
What platforms does Squid work on?
Squid is available on Android.
Does Squid offer any discounts?
Squid publicly lists the following: Discounted bulk licensing for schools; Discounted yearly subscription; 6 months of Squid Premium on eligible Chromebooks.
Does Squid have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Squid is listed for Android.
Does Squid have a Windows app?
No Windows app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Squid is listed for Android.
Is Squid open source?
Squid is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 9, 2026.
What does Squid integrate with?
Squid's listing names Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Google Classroom.
Does Squid have a student discount?
Discounted bulk licensing for schools. Squid's help center offers discounted bulk licensing of Squid Premium for Google Workspace for Education accounts, by quote, with a trial available on request.
Who makes Squid?
Squid is made by Steadfast Innovation, LLC. It dates from 2012.
What are the alternatives to Squid?
The closest alternatives to Squid in our directory are Samsung Notes, Noteshelf, Notewise, Notein and Flexcil.
How does Squid compare with other note-taking apps?
Squid's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 4 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade, and level with 7.
Could I make my own version of Squid?
A notes app at its plainest is text in folders with a search box. You could make the core of Squid for yourself: notes.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Squid’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Squid's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-04-27.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Steadfast Innovation, LLC. Prices change, so check squidnotes.com before you buy.
- squidnotes.com/
- squidnotes.com/about
- squidnotes.com/edu
- play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.steadfastinnovation.android.projectpapyrus&hl=en_US&gl=US
- help.squidnotes.com/article/697-what-is-squid-premium
- help.squidnotes.com/article/702-is-subscribing-to-squid-premium-the-only-way-to-get-the-premium-features
- help.squidnotes.com/article/622-tool-pack
- help.squidnotes.com/article/628-pdf-import
- help.squidnotes.com/article/623-cloud-backup
- help.squidnotes.com/article/718-license-squid-for-my-classroom-school-district-or-organization
- help.squidnotes.com/article/743-how-do-i-redeem-the-squid-premium-chromebook-perk
- help.squidnotes.com/article/630-do-i-have-to-purchase-the-premium-features-for-each-of-my-devices
- help.squidnotes.com/article/710-is-squid-compatible-with-chromebooks-chrome-os
- help.squidnotes.com/article/775-is-squid-compatible-with-windows
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Squid, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/squid
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Squid: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/squid
Know someone choosing between note-taking apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/squid/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded note-taking apps after Squid, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Note-Taking Apps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 148 note-taking apps we grade, compared
- Microsoft OneNote Insider's GuideMicrosoft's free digital notebook for typed, inked and audio notes3.8 GPA
- Goodnotes Insider's GuideHandwritten notes, PDF markup and whiteboards with an AI assistant3.6 GPA
- Joplin Insider's GuideOpen source Markdown notes with sync through a service you choose3.6 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Squid’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Squid is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Steadfast Innovation, LLC. Prices and plans change: check squidnotes.com before you buy.