# Samsung Notes handwriting to text with the S Pen

To convert handwriting to text in Samsung Notes, tap the Clean up handwriting icon, then Convert to text, select your writing and tap Convert[1]. For a whole note, save it as a PDF and upload it to LoreAI, which returns an editable Word file with every page typed out.

## How to convert S Pen handwriting to text

1. **Write with the S Pen.** Open Samsung Notes, create a note and write[1].
2. **Tap Clean up handwriting.** The icon looks like a pen with a wand. Then tap the Convert to text icon[1].
3. **Select the writing.** Drag the arrows up or down to cover the lines you want[1].
4. **Tap Convert.** Samsung Notes changes your handwriting into text. Tap Copy instead to paste it somewhere else[1].

If Samsung Notes shows No text to recognize, Samsung says the writing was not legible enough[1]. To change the handwriting language, open the menu, go to Settings and choose Handwriting language[1].

## Translate S Pen notes with Note Assist

On phones and tablets with One UI 6.1 or higher, Samsung's Note Assist shows the converted text in a pop-up box, where you can tap Add to, copy it, or open Note Assist to translate it[2]. Samsung lists Note Assist for select devices running Android 14 with One UI 6.1 or higher[2].

## Turn a full Samsung note into Word

Convert to text works on the lines you select. When you want a lecture, a planner or a set of meeting notes as one document to edit or send, export the note and upload it.

1. **Save the note as a PDF.** Open the note, tap More options, then Save as file, then PDF file, and choose a folder[3].
2. **Upload the PDF to LoreAI.** The free tool here reads page 1. The [LoreAI app](https://www.loreai.org/app) reads every page of the note.
3. **Download Word.** Your handwriting comes back as typed text, with headings, lists and hand-drawn tables in the order you wrote them.

You can also tap the Share icon to turn the note into a PDF and send it[3], for example to your own email, then upload it from a computer. Your first document in the app is free, up to 3 pages and 3 MB.

## Paper notes on a Galaxy phone

For handwriting on paper, such as a notebook, a form or a recipe card, take a photo with the Galaxy camera and upload it to the tool on this page. LoreAI reads print and cursive handwriting and returns text to copy and a Word file.

- **S Pen writing in Samsung Notes**: Convert to text in the app[1]
- **A whole Samsung note**: Save as PDF[3], then LoreAI for one Word file
- **A photo of paper notes**: LoreAI, straight from the photo
- **Notes in another language**: LoreAI app, into one of 105 languages

On an iPad instead, see [iPad handwriting to text](https://www.loreai.org/ipad-handwriting-to-text). For a stack of paper notes, see [how to digitize handwritten notes](https://www.loreai.org/digitize-handwritten-notes).

## Questions people ask

### How do I convert S Pen handwriting to text?

In Samsung Notes, tap Clean up handwriting, then Convert to text, select the writing and tap Convert[1].

### Why does Samsung Notes say No text to recognize?

Samsung says the message appears when the handwriting is not legible[1]. Check the handwriting language in Settings and write a little larger.

### Can I export Samsung Notes handwriting to Word as text?

Save the note as a PDF[3], upload it to LoreAI and download a Word file with the handwriting typed out.

### Does it work on a photo of handwriting?

Yes. Upload the photo to the tool on this page and download the text or a Word file.

## Sources

1. [Samsung US Support: Use Samsung Notes handwriting functions with your S Pen](https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10003634/), accessed November 6, 2026
2. [Samsung US Support: Use Note Assist with Galaxy AI on Galaxy phones or tablets](https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10000941/), accessed November 6, 2026
3. [Samsung US Support: Import and export PDFs with Samsung Notes](https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002404/), accessed November 6, 2026

By Matt Mountain · Updated November 6, 2026