PencilIQ Learner Guide

0.1 · The "Why": Beyond a Digital Notebook

PencilIQ exists to move beyond passive note apps. It is a cognitive ecosystem that turns handwriting, sketching, and brainstorming into a living knowledge system tuned for active study.

0.2 · Our Core Learning Principles

Every feature is anchored in proven cognitive science:

• Writing is Thinking — Handwriting and sketching deepen processing and memory.
• Active Creation over Passive Consumption — Creating notes/cards is the first round of review.
• Active Recall is Non-Negotiable — Study sessions force retrieval to strengthen neural pathways.
• Spaced Repetition, Tuned — Reviews are scheduled right before forgetting for maximum efficiency.
• Habit Design is Learning Design — Reminders, streaks, and low-friction flows keep momentum.
• AI as a Partner — Intelligence augments your thinking rather than replacing it.

1.1 · Welcome to PencilIQ

PencilIQ blends handwriting, drawing, and learning science into a single canvas so ideas can be captured and retained in the same workflow.

1.2 · Installation & First Launch

Search for "PencilIQ" on the App Store, tap Get, and launch the app. The welcome flow walks you through permissions and the initial subject setup.

1.3 · Creating Your Account

Sign in with Apple ID for secure sync, or use existing credentials. Accounts back up your notebooks, decks, and analytics across devices.

1.4 · Navigating the Dashboard

The dashboard starts minimal—prompting you to create a Subject. As you capture and study, it progressively reveals insights, streaks, and shortcuts.

2.1 · Subjects

Subjects are the highest-level container for a topic, project, or area of study. Creating one automatically provisions its first Notebook and Deck while unlocking subject-level analytics.

• Use subjects such as "Quantum Physics" or "Studio Briefs" to unify content.
• Add additional notebooks/decks as the topic expands.
• Review progress via subject analytics before deep work sessions.

2.2 · Notebooks

The universal canvas embraces handwriting, diagrams, and mixed-media thinking.

• Handwriting Power — Capture freeform text and sketches with Apple Pencil and edit with digital flexibility.
• Snippets & Detection — The DetectionEngine finds structured blocks so ideas stay modular.
• Tagging — Inline tags like #chapter3 weave a searchable knowledge graph.
• Snippet → Card — Convert any snippet into a flashcard in one tap.
• "My Notes" Notebook — A safe default home for orphaned notes.

2.3 · Decks

Decks turn captured snippets into active recall sessions tuned by spaced repetition.

• Use Focus Today to review every due card across subjects.
• Run targeted drills within a single deck before tests or meetings.
• Leverage SR-2+ scheduling so each card resurfaces right before you forget it.
• "My Cards" is a permanent deck that safeguards orphaned flashcards.

2.4 · Organizing Your Thoughts

Subjects, tags, notebooks, and decks form a connected knowledge graph—making it easy to see relationships, move snippets, and continue building on earlier work.

3.1 · Dashboard

• Progressive Disclosure — Starts minimal, then unlocks deeper metrics as you engage.
• Learning Metrics — Track streaks, cards reviewed, and retention at a glance.
• Habit Tracking — Monitor note frequency and study rituals.
• Quick Access — Jump into due decks or recent notes immediately.

3.2 · Universal Editor & Canvas

• Create new notes from any notebook and expand your subject structure.
• Use pressure-sensitive pens, highlighters, lassos, and erasers from the floating toolbar.
• Combine text, sketches, and rearranged snippets on the same infinite canvas.
• Tag ideas inline so they remain discoverable everywhere.
• Lean on the immutable "My Notes" notebook as a safety net.

3.3 · Deck & Content Management

• Create, duplicate, or reorganize decks per subject or workflow.
• Move cards across decks and edit snippet-backed flashcards without friction.
• Use search, filter, and sort to find notes, snippets, and cards by tag, type, or recency.

3.4 · Learning & Study Sessions

• Start reviews from the Dashboard’s Focus Today or from an individual deck.
• Sessions revolve around active recall plus spaced repetition.
• Analytics summarize accuracy and due cards after every session.

3.5 · Learning Sessions (In Development)

• Search and filter by tags to gather related snippets.
• Visualize knowledge in freeform, outline, or mind-map views.
• Synthesize new notes by dragging snippets into a fresh canvas.

3.6 · Analytics & Insights

• The Learning Insights Engine maps strengths, gaps, and recommendations.
• Charts show study streaks, card mastery, and weekly time on task.

4.1 · Exporting Notes & Data

Export notebooks or decks for archiving, sharing, or advanced analysis.

4.2 · Calendar Integration (In Progress)

• Sync study sessions with your device calendar for automated review prompts.
• Receive post-class synthesis nudges to create cards while context is fresh.
• Connect habit tracking to real-world schedules for consistent pacing.

4.3 · Customizing Settings

• General — Language, region, appearance, translation.
• Study — SR-2+ intervals, session caps, AI + motivation toggles.
• Notifications — Daily reminders and smart alerts.
• Calendar — Choose calendars, durations, and scheduling defaults.
• Accessibility — High-contrast, reduced motion, dynamic type, gesture tweaks.
• Export — Default formats, backups, and privacy filters.
• Performance — Power vs. sync tuning plus data management.
• Import/Export Settings — Save your configuration to JSON for portability.

4.4 · Securing with Biometrics

Protect sensitive knowledge with Face ID / Touch ID before opening notebooks or decks.

4.5 · Study Groups (Future Upgrade)

Shared decks, collaborative comments, and group analytics arrive in upcoming releases.

5.1 · Frequently Asked Questions

Browse common install, sync, and study questions inside the in-app FAQ hub.

5.2 · Contacting Support

Email team@penciliq.com for human help or to escalate urgent issues.

5.3 · Providing Feedback

Share feature requests and research insights directly from the app so we can shape the roadmap with you.