Whether you’re considering downloading Nebo for the first time or you’re a new user looking for a useful guide on how to get started, the steps provided below will help you navigate Nebo's features and settings so that you get the most out of the app.
1. Installing Nebo and onboarding
Nebo is available on compatible Android, iPadOS, and Windows devices. Before installing Nebo on your device, check that your device is compatible with the Nebo app. If you do not see your device listed in the relevant article, check that it meets the minimum specifications requirements to run the app. See here for compatible devices and specification requirements: Nebo compatible devices
Installing Nebo and onboarding for iOS
To read about using Nebo on your compatible iOS and Mac device, please see here for more details: Installing Nebo on your Apple device
Once you have installed the app, you will need to follow the onboarding steps presented to you, page by page. Using your Nebo compatible pen, or finger, repeat the steps presented to you in the animation. This will allow you to move to the next step in the onboarding process.
2. Creating a MyScript account
Now that you have completed the onboarding process, you are ready to create your MyScript account. You do not need a MyScript account to use Nebo, but if you want to sync your notes with the cloud (or access beta features on the iOS platform) you will need one. You can sign in to your MyScript account using an Apple, Google or Microsoft account.
See here for more details: Creating a MyScript account
Your MyScript account is not a cloud service, and we as a developer do not have access to your personal data, in accordance with GDPR (European General Data Protection Regulations), so it is strongly advised that you regularly back up your Nebo library using the Backup feature.
3. Installing your preferred language
Nebo will automatically offer users the option to create notes in English or Chinese, but Nebo offers 66 note-taking languages in total, and 11 supported interface languages. If you want to create notes in one of these languages, you will need to download the required language pack. See here for: Supported languages
4. Creating your first notebook
Once you have installed the language pack that you want to create your notes in, you're ready to create your first notebook. When creating the notebook, you will need to set it to the desired language before you can begin creating your notes. See here: Create your first notebook
5. What type of page to begin with
Nebo offers three page types, documents and notes, which you can select from the page type options, and PDFs, which you can import into Nebo before adding annotations. For more about these different page types, see here: Nebo features by page type
6. Working on a Note
A note page lets you write and draw freely on a boundless canvas. You can also add and annotate photos. The page automatically expands to fit your content. You cannot create math or diagram objects in a note page. For more information about note pages, see here: Note page
Text conversion is currently not available in note pages, but this is in development and will be available in a future update.
7. Working on a Document
A document page allows you to create a structured document with a more finished feel, that will remain fully editable until you are ready to export it. This page will allow you to convert your handwriting to typed font, add math objects, diagram objects, and sketch objects. You can also add note sections, which offer the same structureless note-taking capability as a note page.
8. Working on a PDF
You can import a PDF into Nebo from two start points: Nebo itself or another app or tool. If you are not able to import a PDF directly from its location, try importing it to the device and then into Nebo.
Imported PDFs retain their original format (for example; A4, A5, or US letter) and orientation (portrait or landscape) Nebo also supports the imported mixed-format, mixed-orientation PDFs. PDFs are imported with all their pages and are automatically named the same as the source file. You can edit an imported PDF's name within the Nebo in the same way you would edit the name of a document or note.
For more information about PDF management, see here: Importing and navigating PDFs
It is currently not possible to convert your handwritten text into typed font in PDFs, but this is in development and will be available in an upcoming update.
9. Importing documents into Nebo
It is possible to import PDFs, PowerPoint, and Word documents into Nebo, these will be imported as PDFs. See section 9 above for more details on how you can manage and navigate imported documents in Nebo. For more details, see here: Importing PDFs, and here: Importing Word and PowerPoint files as PDFs
10. Exporting notes out of Nebo
Nebo has multiple export options available. Your notes can be exported in the full notebook or as individual pages. Your own notes can be exported as Text, PDF, Word, or as a .nebo file. Files that you import can be exported as PDFs or .nebo files. For more export details, see here: Export a notebook, and here: Export a single page or multiple pages
11. Text blocks, and sketch, math, and diagram objects
When working on a document, your written text will automatically be created within a text object. This allows you to adjust both the space the text exists in on the page and where it is situated on the page. You can manipulate the text object by tapping the text once with your pen or finger and then adjusting the shape of the object, or its position on the page.
If you want to add sketch, math, or diagram content to the page, you can double tap anywhere on the page or select the + in the top right corner and then select Sketch, Diagram, or Math. These will allow you to add the chosen content to the page, adjust the size of the object and move it around the page. See here for more information about objects:
12. Ink gestures
For details about the available ink gestures that can be used when managing and editing your page content, see here: Nebo ink gestures
13. Handwriting conversion
On a document, it is possible to convert your handwriting, whether your content is text, math, or a diagram, double-tap anywhere on your block or object, or tap the three-dot menu option in the top right corner of the screen, and select Convert all. See here: Convert handwriting to digital text
14. The difference between syncing and backing up
Syncing and backing up are two very different processes, and confusing these two things should be avoided.
- Backing up is a process by which data is copied from one location to another for storage purposes. This stored data can then only be changed if the user opens the storage location and actively changes or deleted the data. When backing up Nebo notes, you can back up a single note, a notebook, or your whole Nebo library. We strongly recommend that you make regular backups of your Nebo library.
- Syncing means that changes made to data stored in one location will be immediately reflected across all the devices or locations where that data is accessible. For example, if you change or delete content on your iPad and then sync, that change will be reflected in the cloud, and then all other devices connected to that cloud account.
15. Syncing across your devices
Nebo is available on Windows, iPadOS, and Android platforms, and allows cross-platform syncing. Still, these platforms will require you to purchase Nebo from their own respective app stores for use on their individual operating systems. You will need to be signed in to the same MyScript account and cloud account on each device, you will need to have Wi-Fi sync and sync by cellular activated, and you will need a strong and stable connection between your device and the network you are connected to. For more about syncing, see here: Sync your notes
16. Troubleshooting sync issues
There are many variables that can affect the syncing process, so this support article provides an extensive step-by-step guide to what to check for if you are having trouble syncing: Troubleshooting sync issues
17. Viewing your notes on non-Nebo compatible devices
If you do not have another Nebo-compatible device, you can still share your notes with any tablet, computer, or phone that has access to a web browser via the internet. All you need to do is use the Create link feature in Nebo and sign in to your nebo.app account page on the device you want to use as a view-only option. For more about the Create link feature, see here: Create link for notes with Nebo
18. Contacting the Nebo support team
The support team will always be happy to assist you if you contact us, but we recommended that you refer to the support site before submitting a support ticket. From supported languages, managing your notes, to tips and tricks on using the app's features and settings, the answer you are searching for maybe just a few clicks away, and you might find the help you need much more quickly than submitting a support request. You can always contact us here: Submitting a ticket