Are handwritten notes better than typing?

Asked by: Megane Skiles  |  Last update: August 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

What the Research Says on Writing vs Typing Notes. The research is clear: the better way to cement knowledge in your brain is to write your study notes by hand rather than type them. A simple change can make things easier to recall on test day.

Is it better to handwrite notes or type them?

In short, the psychologists showed that students learn better when they handwrite their notes instead of typing them. Because handwriting is slower than typing, students taking written notes must think more about what they are writing.

Are handwritten notes effective?

Handwritten note-taking is believed to enhance information processing and retention because it forces students to summarize and rephrase information in their own words. This process leads to a deeper understanding and better recall of the material.

Is writing better for the brain than typing?

Handwriting may boost brain connections more than typing does. Using a pen or pencil to write boosts brain connectivity, which suggests handwriting might help with learning.

What are the disadvantages of handwritten notes?

What are the disadvantages of handwritten notes?
  • Inefficiency: Writing by hand is generally slower than typing, which can be a hindrance in fast-paced environments.
  • Storage and Organization: Physical notes can accumulate, become disorganized, and are susceptible to damage or loss.

Typing vs. Handwriting: Which Is Better for Your Memory?

32 related questions found

Do you learn better by writing or typing?

In adults, taking notes by hand during a lecture, instead of typing, can lead to better conceptual understanding of material. "There's actually some very important things going on during the embodied experience of writing by hand," says Ramesh Balasubramaniam, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Merced.

Is it better to take notes digitally or physically?

There are other studies that show how more areas of the brain are activated when we're writing by hand than when we're pressing down the keys of a keyboard. Additionally, it seems like our personal handwriting on paper engages us more and is a better trigger for our memory.

What are the benefits of writing by hand instead of typing?

After recording the brain activity of university students, researchers in Norway determined that writing by hand may improve learning and memory. Typing may be faster than writing by hand, but it's less stimulating for the brain, according to research published Friday in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.

Does handwriting improve memory?

Writing by hand has been proven to enhance memory and learning. Recognizing the unique cognitive benefits of handwriting empowers students to thrive in an increasingly digital world while honouring the timeless art of penmanship.

Does taking notes actually help?

Taking good notes in class is an important part of academic success in college. Actively taking notes during class can help you focus and better understand main concepts. In many classes, you may be asked to watch an instructional video before a class discussion.

Why do people like handwritten notes?

“Sitting down with a piece of paper and pen, you come with an intention of 'I'm not only going to think these thoughts or tell you these thoughts, but I'm going to write them down. ' The power of that physical act makes it more personal rather than a thought,” Rodrigues said.

How many times should I write something to remember it?

Research (see sources) suggests that we need to see information between five to seven times for it to transition from short-term to long-term memory.

Do you prefer typing or handwriting?

What is more popular; typing or handwriting? Nowadays, typing is far more popular than handwriting as it is much easier and faster to send a message via phone or tablet than a note or letter. In fact, I think that writing is dying out among young people as they have grown up using technology.

What are the disadvantages of typing?

Disadvantages of typing notes

Since it is a faster method of taking notes, you tend to passively listen and type everything you hear and so your mind does not go through the process of summarising the important information or aid in conceptual understanding. Technology-based products can be expensive.

Is it better to write or type thoughts?

Comparing handwriting vs. typing, you're more exposed to critical thinking when you write by hand than when you type. Handwriting allows you to think more thoroughly about the information you're recording. It encourages you to expand upon your thoughts and form connections between them.

Should I take notes by hand or computer?

Studies on the effects of writing on paper as opposed to typing on a laptop, such as the one conducted in 2021 by Ihari et. al., show that writing leads to higher rates of retention. Another 2021 study from the University of Tokyo suggested that even writing on a tablet is less effective than paper and pen.

Is handwriting related to IQ?

Is Handwriting Related to IQ: Dysgraphia, a term describing poor spelling and handwriting, often identified at school, is commonly linked to a lack of intelligence. But on the contrary, untidy handwriting can actually suggest above-average intelligence. This is despite academic deficits in other areas.

Is handwriting better than typing for the brain?

Clinical relevance: New research indicates that writing by hand, as opposed to using a keyboard, enhances learning and memory. The study suggests that brain connectivity patterns during handwriting are more elaborate and crucial for memory formation and encoding new information.

How to memorize faster and not forget?

17 memorization strategies
  1. Write it out. Taking the time to handwrite the information you wish to retain can increase your ability to recall information. ...
  2. Reread your notes. ...
  3. Make flashcards. ...
  4. Visualize information. ...
  5. Recite the information out loud. ...
  6. Teach what you've learned. ...
  7. Use spaced repetition. ...
  8. Use acronyms.

Is it better to write notes or type them?

Research indicates that physically writing notes on paper is the clear winner. Yes, writing by hand is a slower task, but it makes it so that students have to be more selective in what they're writing.

Does writing slow cognitive decline?

The connection between creative writing and cognitive health isn't just theoretical. Research supports this claim, showing that seniors who engage in writing activities demonstrate improved memory function, better mood states, and a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Why are handwritten letters better than texting?

One of the most significant advantages of letters is they're an incredibly personal way to communicate. Handwritten notes have that “human touch” that's often lacking in online interactions. They're an excellent way to express gratitude and show someone you care about them.

Why are handwritten notes better?

Although typing notes can be useful and even faster for some note-takers, ultimately it does not have the cognitive, tactile, memory, or visual cognitive effects that people can get when they write by hand. Typing notes can be good, but it won't make it easier to remember what was said later on.

Is taking notes on an iPad as effective as paper?

University students who wrote on paper scored slightly better and also had higher activations in memory-related brain regions when asked to remember details from what they wrote compared to the tablet group.