Samsung Notes Basics: Getting Started with S Pen Note-Taking

Tap through the steps in order to see how it works.

  1. Create a new note

    Open the Samsung Notes app and tap the "+" button to start a blank note or choose a formatted template.

  2. Write with the S Pen

    Hover the S Pen near the screen to bring up quick commands, then write or draw directly on the screen with the pen tip.

  3. Switch between pen types as you write

    Use the toolbar to switch between pen, highlighter, and eraser, and adjust thickness and color to suit your preference.

  4. Organize notes with covers and folders

    Assign a cover image to each note and create folders to separate work, study, and personal notes.

  5. Why it's useful

    The S Pen recognizes pressure and tilt for a writing feel close to pen on paper, and your notes sync automatically between your Galaxy phone and tablet.

Built for a stylus-first workflow

Samsung Notes is designed around the S Pen's pressure and tilt sensitivity from the ground up, which is why handwriting in it feels noticeably closer to a real pen than typing-first note apps that added stylus support later.

Folders keep a growing note collection usable

Notes pile up fast once handwriting is this easy, so setting up a small number of folders early β€” before you have hundreds of notes to sort β€” saves a lot of searching later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Samsung Notes without an S Pen?

Yes, you can write and draw with your finger as well, though the pressure and tilt sensitivity that make handwriting feel natural are specific to using an actual S Pen.

What happens if I lose the S Pen?

You can still use the app normally with touch input, and a replacement S Pen for your specific device model can typically be purchased separately.