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Highlights vs Microsoft Journal

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Highlights icon
Highlights
Microsoft Journal icon
Microsoft Journal

Highlights vs Microsoft Journal: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Highlights: Highlights is a PDF annotation and note taking app for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. It allows users to highlight, underline, strikethrough, add text notes, shapes and freehand drawings to PDF documents. Key features include organization of annotations by color category and easy export of notes.

Microsoft Journal: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Highlights Microsoft Journal
Sugggest Score — —
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity

Product Overview

Highlights
Highlights

Description: Highlights is a PDF annotation and note taking app for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. It allows users to highlight, underline, strikethrough, add text notes, shapes and freehand drawings to PDF documents. Key features include organization of annotations by color category and easy export of notes.

Type: software

Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal

Description: Microsoft Journal is a digital notebook app developed by Microsoft for Windows that allows users to handwrite or type notes which are stored digitally. It has capabilities including freeform inking with a stylus, text typing, inserting images and clippings, and basic note organization features.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Highlights
Highlights Features
  • Highlight text
  • Add text notes
  • Draw shapes
  • Strikethrough text
  • Organize annotations by color
  • Export notes
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal Features
  • Freeform inking with a stylus
  • Text typing
  • Inserting images and clippings
  • Basic note organization

Pros & Cons Analysis

Highlights
Highlights
Pros
  • Intuitive interface
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Useful annotation tools
  • Syncs annotations across devices
Cons
  • Limited free version
  • No OCR text search
  • No collaboration features
Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
Pros
  • Intuitive handwriting and sketching
  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Variety of pen and highlighter options
  • Easy to insert images and screenshots
Cons
  • Limited formatting options
  • No collaboration features
  • Windows-only
  • Discontinued by Microsoft

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Learn More About Each Product

Highlights
Highlights
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Microsoft Journal
Microsoft Journal
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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