Flow: Sketch, Draw, Take Notes

Learn from 53, Flow team. Once upon a time there was an app called Paper, by 53. It failed to improve and progress the way it’s users needed it to and now it’s a piece of crap. You guys are riding a very thin line with having minimal tools and options while still remaining relevant and having a very elegant app that’s a joy to use. As long as apps like Procreate exist, where you only pay once and can be as “pro” or as basic as you want with it, Flow is going to be a challenging sell. You’re riding on brand and aesthetics and that may not carry you forever. But I get the vision of Flow and I personally love it. I’m a graphic designer, so it’s nice having a digital space to draw and think while not worrying about layers or being too granular with my sketches. Flow gives me permission to be messy, and I like that. The paper formats are nice, I’ve found myself using the ruled format from time to time to take notes since Flow has my favorite interface (and sounds!) of any drawing app...so why not? Tools are great, I love the color picker and lack of total freedom while still having a TON of options. I don’t feel restricted with color. I’d be wary with adding much in the way of functionality, but new tools from time to time would be fun. I’m looking forward to the app getting better at what it already does as opposed to becoming more feature-heavy.

I fell in love with the beautiful UI and clean aesthetic of this app during my demo, and will definitely be willing to pay the reasonable $12/yr to keep enjoying it (please just don’t bump that price back up to $30). The sight of my digital notebook spreads looking just like my physical ones is super satisfying; it truly does make me want to keep writing and writing, whether it’s journal entries, work notes, or sketches. There are still some visible rough edges, though. Resolution gets very blurry when you scroll through pages of a single file, and there’s no way to zoom out and view the whole thing. The minimal interface is a selling point so they shouldn’t clutter it, but certain organizational features and customization options (ex. better file management, the ability to save default page setups) are absent, and sorely missed. I expect quality from Moleskine and think, especially since this not just a paid app but part of a subscription service, they still have work to do. Assuming they continue to refine the app though I will gladly comes back to renew my subscription.

I use Procreate and GoodNotes for when I need to get really in depth with my notes or drawing. I’ve been craving an app that has a beautiful, intuitive interface and is simple enough for me to quickly open and use it. Flow is inviting for someone somewhat unartistic as me to use, but I can also see its implications for more detailed sketching. I consider that this app is freshly made and so many features are on the way, and the team of developers is attentive to community suggestions although it is a small team. You can tell a good app by its developer response, so I have a lot of hope for the future of this one. I’m going to use the app more as it evolves, but I’m very pleased now. As to anyone who claims the app is too expensive—$12 once a year is not too much to pay if you pay about that much for a notebook you use in your hands from a bookstore. This app is a well executed attempt to emulate that personal experience with a paper notebook. That’s not easy, but it’s one of the reasons I purchased my iPad Pro with pencil. And if you’re a user that has the same intent as me, who’s already spent $900 or so on an iPad and pencil for that experience, another $12 every year is well worth it for the value returned. Thank you!

I love this app! While apps like ArtStudio Pro, Infinite Painter and Procreate are the go to’s for mobile professional level concept, illustration and sketching, this app offers a completely unique and wonderful experience! No fuss, just iteration and ideation...just like a real sketchbook. The infinite pages is amazing for concepting hundreds of ideas without settings and layers getting in the way. If you are looking for a professional painting app, look at the other big players. But if you want to DESIGN, without worry, just you and your page, uninterrupted, this app is definitely for you. I will be recommending this heavily to my peers in Film and Games, especially those working on new projects during the visual development and world building phase. The way that exporting works is fantastic! I half want a ruler and eclipse tool, but a real sketch book doesn’t have those things (though I will use a straight edge regularly in mine)..so I also think I am ok without them. My only real complaint is that I wish the markers didn’t blend so hard, especially as they are the primary feature of the app. But overall this is a win. Glad I discovered it. I will use it daily in a professional and personal capacity.

Whenever I see something featured in the design awards I know it will be fantastic. When I see it has such split reviews it is rarely because the product is only half as good, and nearly always because customers don’t understand things. Like apparently people don’t understand the cost of developing and upkeeping apps. (For that I would like to challenge anyone who complains about an annual fee being less than half the cost of a nice notebook?? Go ahead and make your own app. I’ll wait.) The color function alone makes this worth more than $12 a year. My friend is in interior design and loves all apps that can successfully combine pretty functions with usefulness. Other things I love : The super customizable toolbar. I can’t wait to create my perfect set for quick doodles. Every color has a name. That is so thoughtful and a lovely nice touch. (The intuitive and beautiful way you change colors is also top tier) You can just keep scrolling. I have sketches pro and procreate and I love them but when you work with layers there is this... need? To make everything perfect. I find myself overusing undo instead of just going. I already love the way this allows you to just keep designing. I can’t wait to see how this app will get better and better and am delighted to have this on my device. Please keep up the amazing work 💕⭐️💕