How to use Google Cursive, the Microsoft OneNote alternative
Google Cursive is a simplistic alternative to Microsoft OneNote. The Progressive Web Application (PWA) launched alongside the HP Chromebook x2 11 in 2021, and it comes preinstalled onthe top Google Chromebookswith touchscreen support. At its simplest the Cursive app allows you to use your Chromebook’s stylus to take handwritten notes. With its more advanced features, you could highlight and erase texts, sync notes with your Google account, and export them as a PDF, among other features.
Cursive is limited to Chromebooks, so you may’t use it on a PC or Mac. Non-Chromebook users, however, can get similar and robustnote-taking functionalities in Google Keep. If you want a faster and easier way to create, edit, and organize your notes, here’s how to achieve that with Google Cursive.
How does Google Cursive work?
Google Cursive works similarly to Microsoft OneNote, but its features are basic, and the interface is more user-friendly. Another major difference is Cursive’s limitation to Chromebooks. If you don’t own one, you could’t use the app. On the other hand, OneNote is available on most Android, iOS, and computer devices.
You can create multiple notebooks from Cursive’s Home menu and organize notes within them. When you create a new note, you can access features such as the pen tool for writing on your screen with a stylus. You can always switch if you prefer to use your fingers or don’t have a stylus. The note app supports gestures such as circling text to reposition it, drawing horizontal lines to increase the line spacing, and scribbling over text to delete it. You can also use the eraser to wipe out mistakes, but a quicker method is to tap the undo and redo buttons. If you need to mark specific text, use the highlighter. The pen and highlighter allow you to change text colors and strokes.
The selector tool helps you resize text or move it to a different spot. Selection also works for highlighters and pictures you place in your note. You can insert images from your Chromebook’s local files and duplicate them as many times as needed. If you accidentally swipe or scroll, lock your note in place from Cursive’s menu. This menu also features options for exporting your note as a PDF, changing the background, copying text, and accessing helpful resources.
How to install the Cursive app on your Google Chromebook
Google Cursive is only available to Chromebook users. You can’t get it on other devices. The app comes preinstalled for select Chromebooks, but you can download and install it if it isn’t on your device. If you don’t want the app, access Cursive online via the Chrome browser. If you access it with another device, Google notifies you to switch to a Chromebook for the best experience and opens the web app in read-only mode.
Additionally, Cursive requires an internet connection to sync notes with your Google account, although you canuse your Chromebook offlineto save data. When you turn mobile data back on, Cursive automatically reconnects to your account.
To get the Google Cursive app on your Chromebook, follow the steps below:
How to use Google Cursive on your Chromebook
After you install Google Cursive, open it to begin using your stylus to handwrite, edit, and organize notes. Cursive supports gestures, so you don’t have to click a tool to edit text. Gestures work with the mode Cursive is set to. In Stylus mode, gestures don’t work when you draw them with your fingers.
Create a new note
Edit notes in Google Cursive
Use stylus gestures to edit notes in Google Cursive
Organize your notes with Google Cursive notebooks
How to read Google Cursive notes in Chrome without a Chromebook
Since Google Cursive is designed to work on Chromebooks, you can’t create or edit notes on other devices. Accessing the app with another computer or phone makes your notes available only for reading. You can use third-party devices when you’re away from your Chromebook and need to view your notes.
You might be able to use the Google Cursive app on other devices
Although Google Cursive is limited to Chromebooks, you can trick the Chrome browser into thinking you’re using one to access the app. This way, you have access to all note-taking tools and features. This method requires you to tweak a few settings in Chrome’s Developer Tools and isn’t available for mobile devices.
You’ll need to keep the Developer menu open to use Cursive’s full features. If you close it, Chrome reverts the website to read-only mode. You can adjust the menu if it takes up space on your screen. Also, the setting doesn’t save permanently, and you’ll need to re-do it every time you want to use Cursive on a non-Chromebook computer.
Google Cursive makes handwriting notes simple
Google Cursive is a straightforward app for creating, editing, and managing handwritten notes. The interface gives you everything you need and doesn’t overwhelm you with buttons and menus. More importantly, you can install the app, access it from your Launcher, andpin it to your Chromebook shelf.
While the UI makes it easy to jot while you’re on the go, the framework is limiting. Cursive doesn’t allow you to write on non-Chromebook devices, and you can’t type notes when you don’t want to use your stylus. These capabilities give OneNote a leg up in the competition. If these features are important to you, try theseinteresting alternative note-taking apps.
The note-taking app I should have used all along
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
Smarter watching starts here
Google is still searching for answers
Perfect for all types of devices
What’s new? A lot
