Derive Notes is a canvas-first note-taking app for math, science, and engineering students. Write by hand, and let AI recognition and an on-canvas tutor help you work things out. Need a hand? We're happy to help.
Get help
Email matt@derivenotes.com and we'll get back to you. Including your device model, iPadOS or iOS version, and a short description or screenshot of the issue helps us respond faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is Derive?
A canvas-first note-taking app for math, science, and engineering students. Write equations and notes by hand, and Derive recognizes your handwriting and offers step-by-step tutoring right on the canvas.
Which devices does it work on?
Derive runs on iPad and on desktop. An Apple Pencil gives the best writing experience on iPad, but you can also write with your finger. No special hardware is required.
How do I turn AI recognition and the tutor on or off?
You can turn handwriting recognition and the tutor on or off at any time in the app's settings. Derive shows you a screen explaining the AI features when you first set up, and AI is part of how the app works rather than something you opt into separately. If you would rather your handwriting was not sent to an AI provider, turn the features off in settings and do not use the tutor. Our AI disclosure sets out exactly which providers receive what.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your notebooks are private to your account by default, and sharing is invite-only. There is no public feed. See our Privacy Policy for the full details on what we collect and how it's handled.
How do I delete my account or data?
You can delete your account from within the app, in Settings → Account. That removes your account and your notebooks. A few records are kept for a period afterwards, such as billing records we have to keep for tax, and some records used to improve handwriting recognition. The Privacy Policy sets out exactly what survives deletion and for how long. If you need help, email matt@derivenotes.com.
How do I cancel a subscription or free trial?
When paid plans are available, subscriptions are billed through your Apple ID. To cancel a subscription or a free trial before it converts, open the Settings app on your device, tap your name, then Subscriptions, select Derive Notes, and cancel. Cancel at least 24 hours before the trial or period ends to avoid the next charge. Refunds for App Store purchases are handled by Apple. See our Terms of Service for details.
I found a bug or have a feature request.
We'd love to hear it. Email matt@derivenotes.com.