10 Best Surface Pen Apps for Windows

by David Trounce

The Surface Pen is a handy tool that lets you do cool things on your Surface PC. You can use it as a mouse and a keyboard. By default, your pen will act as a mouse.

As one of Microsoft’s more recent features, the Surface Pen adds a layer of productivity that you don’t have access to on a traditional desktop or laptop computer.

Table of Contents

    Who Benefits From Using Surface Pens?

    <a href=httpswwwmicrosoftcomen uspsurface pen8ZL5C82QMG6B7X3Tsource=googleshoppingef id=Cj0KCQjwl8XtBRDAARIsAKfwtxCeeKLqHqYfK cYHzCQljNPYSfVxjWQGDUbi 79UD5hNAFbz1rknvcaAlpYEALw wcB3aG3ass kwcid=AL42493357170572065g877554253877OCID=AID2000007 SEM Cj0KCQjwl8XtBRDAARIsAKfwtxCeeKLqHqYfK cYHzCQljNPYSfVxjWQGDUbi 79UD5hNAFbz1rknvcaAlpYEALw wcB3aG3ascl vend=googlecl ch=shoppingcl camp=2043119023cl adg=72955857515cl crtv=357170572065cl kw=cl pub=googlecomcl place=cl dvt=ccl dvm=cl pos=1o1cl mt=cl gtid=pla 877554253877cla pla=8ZL5C82QMG6B 7X3Tcl tac=placl dim0=Cj0KCQjwl8XtBRDAARIsAKfwtxCeeKLqHqYfK cYHzCQljNPYSfVxjWQGDUbi 79UD5hNAFbz1rknvcaAlpYEALw wcB3aG3asinvsrc=searchactivetab=pivot3aoverviewtab target= blank rel=noreferrer noopener aria label=Source opens in a new tab>Source<a>

    There are several features built into the tool, including:

    However, there are so many more things you can do with it. To add functionality to your pen, third-party developers have created innovative apps.

    To maximize what your Surface Pen can do for you, look at the following free Surface pen apps:

    Plumbago

    Plumbago is a digital notebook Surface pen app that enables you to use creative calligraphy styles, add pictures with annotations, and organize your notebook.

    With Plumbago, you can:

    Autodesk SketchBook

    Autodesk SketchBook is a sketching and drawing app with a large selection of tools, surfaces, and brushes that anyone can use.

    Creative people use sketching to work out an idea. With Autodesk SketchBook, you can use the powerful tools to take a concept to a fully finished piece of artwork.

    Built for designers and graphic artists, Autodesk Sketchbook is a pro-level drawing program. Graphic professionals will get greater control over their artistic projects.

    Bamboo Paper

    Turn your device into a paper notebook with Bamboo Paper. Sketch, draw, and take notes anywhere at any time with this app.

    Some of the additional benefits of Bamboo Paper are:

    Paint 3D

    Bring your ideas to life and unleash your creativity with the Paint 3D Surface pen app. Produce and construct 3D objects with your pen instead of 2D flat illustrations.

    Even if you are not a designer or an artist, you can have fun trying out some of the features such as:

    CollaBoard

    CollaBoard is a digital whiteboard app where users can transform their way of working by bringing real-time capabilities to any Windows device.

    Some of the functions you can perform with CollaBoard are:

    Fresh Paint

    If you want to explore the drawing capabilities in Windows 10, Fresh Paint is a Surface pen app that will walk you through the process.

    Turn photos into stunning paintings, create original artwork, or use an activity pack to get started quickly. Create anything with Fresh Paint’s features including:

    Index Cards

    Get organized with double-sided Index Cards. Create an unlimited number of cards that can be marked up with your pen. 

    There is a zoom function that enables you to include a lot of information on each card.

    Take ink notes and organize them in stacks just like you would with regular index cards. If you want advanced pro features such as group folders, card shuffling, or enhanced navigation, you can try the upgrade for a 14-day free trial.

    The upgrade is a one-time lifetime fee of $19.99.

    Journalist

    Chronicle your experiences through writing with Journalist. Use a free-form canvas with several paper choices, rulers, and two-dimensional shapes to keep a digital journal.

    Take advantage of some of the robust features such as:

    Xodo

    Edit, view, and annotate PDF files in Xodo’s PDF Reader. Fill out forms easily, highlight anything, write on any PDF file and save it as a new file.

    Some of the other features of Xodo include:

    Zen

    Escape from the real world, leave your worries behind, and relax with Zen: a digital coloring book for adults.

    Zen is a free Surface pen app, but you can purchase additional books if you want access to more projects.

    Try using some of the suggested apps above. Which ones are best for you will depend upon your specific needs. From filling out forms to taking notes, using apps will get the most out of your Surface Pen.

    Exit mobile version