Papyrus, a note taking app that was featured at the recent Nokia World event, is now available to download from the Windows Phone Store. The app, which is published by Steadfast Innovation, looks to create a digital version equivalent of the traditional note book, with entries made using "natural handwriting" (i.e. using your finger or passive stylus). 

Papyrus is based on a vector graphic engine, which means notes look good at any zoom level and helps keep the size of notes to a reasonable level. As a digital product Papyrus has advantage over the traditional paper notebook including unlimited notes and pages, the ability to undo/redo entries, a cut/copy/paste function that lets you move content between notes and pages, a selection tool that lets you resize items, and much more.

A clean and intuitive user interface makes Papyrus easy to use, with all the key note taking functionality driven from the app's toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Sensible use of gestures (pinch to zoom, two finger scroll) and well though out platform integration (e.g. pinning notes to the Start screen) add to the sense that this is a polished app. 

What's critical with apps of these types is that the on-screen display keeps up with your finger and has reasonable resolution (i.e. smooth curves on the handwritten notes). Papyrus does well here, evidence of the legacy it brings over from other smartphone platforms, but there are limits to how accurate finger touch can be for entering handwritten notes. Using a Lumia device with super sensitive touch (and a stylus) does help, but may not be practical in day to day use, and, even on the Lumia 1520, still isn't close to what the same app offers a device with specialist stylus input (e.g. Samsung Note 3).

There's room for improvement too. For example, there is currently no way to export content, something that is one of the strengths of the Android version of the app. Nonetheless if you're looking for a way to take quick notes on your phone then Papyrus is a good alternative the more usual on-screen keyboard based note taking options.

Windows Phone Store description:

Papyrus is a natural handwriting note-taking app that you use just like paper, but with the flexibility and advantages of modern technology. With Papyrus, you can go beyond paper!

Papyrus allows you to take handwritten notes on your Windows Phone using a passive stylus or your finger. The vector graphics engine keeps your notes beautiful at any zoom level and on any device, while the simple and intuitive user interface allows you to take notes quickly and efficiently!

Papyrus is a free download from the Windows Phone Store.