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Microsoft Forms vs Pencil Journal

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

Microsoft Forms icon
Microsoft Forms
Pencil Journal icon
Pencil Journal

Microsoft Forms vs Pencil Journal: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Microsoft Forms: Microsoft Forms is a survey, questionnaire, and quiz tool included in Microsoft 365. It allows users to easily create forms, polls, and quizzes and distribute them to others. Results and analytics are provided.

Pencil Journal: Pencil Journal is a free and open-source journaling app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It allows keeping a digital journal or diary with rich text formatting, photos, tags and more. Pencil Journal emphasizes privacy and does not collect personal data.

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 Microsoft Forms Pencil Journal
Sugggest Score — —
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms

Description: Microsoft Forms is a survey, questionnaire, and quiz tool included in Microsoft 365. It allows users to easily create forms, polls, and quizzes and distribute them to others. Results and analytics are provided.

Type: software

Pencil Journal
Pencil Journal

Description: Pencil Journal is a free and open-source journaling app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It allows keeping a digital journal or diary with rich text formatting, photos, tags and more. Pencil Journal emphasizes privacy and does not collect personal data.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms Features
  • Create surveys, quizzes and polls
  • Distribute forms via links or embed in websites
  • Collect responses in real time
  • View analytics and summarize results
  • Grade quizzes automatically
  • Customizable themes
  • Accessibility support
  • Integration with other Microsoft 365 apps
Pencil Journal
Pencil Journal Features
  • Rich text editor for journal entries
  • Insert images, audio and video
  • Tag journal entries
  • Search and filter by tags
  • Cross-platform - available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms

Pros

  • Free and easy to use
  • Good for basic forms and surveys
  • Real-time response collection
  • Automatic grading for quizzes
  • Analytics and summary views
  • Mobile-friendly forms
  • Good for education and business use cases

Cons

  • Limited customization options
  • No advanced logic or branching
  • Only basic analytics and charts
  • Limited integration capabilities
  • No API access
  • Must have Microsoft 365 subscription to use
Pencil Journal
Pencil Journal

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Emphasizes privacy - does not collect user data
  • Customizable interface
  • Syncs journals across devices
  • Good selection of formatting options for entries

Cons

  • Limited template options
  • No collaboration features
  • No analytics or statistics
  • Basic interface may turn off some users

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms
  • Not listed
Pencil Journal
Pencil Journal
  • Open Source

Related Comparisons

Learn More About Each Product

Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Pencil Journal
Pencil Journal
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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