PencilTime FAQ · Version 1.11.0 and later
How to use Note page templates in PencilTime
Choose a useful layout for study, work, personal planning, home and money, or creative projects, then change the background later without moving your content.
What is a Note page?
A Note page is a full portrait canvas for information that does not need to be tied to a planner date. It supports handwriting, typed text, stickers, links, files, shapes, reminders, and tags.
Which templates are included?
PencilTime 1.11 includes 26 bundled templates across seven categories:
- Paper
- Study
- Work
- Productivity
- Personal
- Home & Money
- Creative
Examples include Blank, Lined, Dot Grid, Grid, Cornell Notes, Meeting Notes, Daily Focus, Habit Tracker, Expense Log, and Sketch Notes.
How do I choose a template for a new Note page?
- Open the Notes browser and tap +.
- Enter a title.
- Tap Page Template.
- Select a category and tap a large template preview.
- Tap Choose, then Create.
The template browser fills the screen so more layouts can be compared at once. On iPhone, swipe the category row horizontally to see additional categories.
Can I change a Note page's template later?
Yes.
- Open the Note page.
- Tap the overlapping rectangles template button in the top toolbar.
- Select a category and preview.
- Tap Apply.
The TopBar button always uses the same overlapping-rectangles icon. It does not change to the icon for the selected category or template.
What happens to my content when I change templates?
Only the passive page background changes. Handwriting, typed text, stickers, links, files, shapes, reminders, and tags stay in place.
Can I create or edit templates?
No. PencilTime 1.11 provides bundled templates for selection only. It does not include a template creator or template editor.
Can I import or export templates?
No. Template-definition import and export are not included in this version.
This is different from sharing, printing, or exporting a completed Note page. Page output remains available and includes the selected template background.
Can I create my own template categories?
No. The seven categories in this release are managed by PencilTime. User-defined categories may be considered for a future release.
Can I type on the structured templates?
Yes. Full-page typed text works with every bundled Note template. While editing text, the Page Template control can temporarily hide or show the selected background without changing the template or deleting page content.
Do templates have separate iPad and iPhone versions?
No. The template and page content share one standard portrait canvas and scale together for the device. This keeps handwriting and other objects aligned with the background on both iPad and iPhone.