Write a digital diary with Journal

Log your days and inner thoughts

- ALEX BLAKE

PEOPLE HAVE BEEN keeping journals for thousands of years, and even Roman emperors like Marcus Aurelius famously got in on the act. It's no wonder, as a good writing habit can help you process your thoughts, plan for the future, and get a better understanding of your day — all valuable additions to the stresses and strains of modern life.

There are plenty of great diary apps, but there’s no need to search the App Store when Apple’s own Journal app is readily available for free. This isn’t just some low-effort side project; it actually has a lot of great features.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the app to create journal entries, add photos and other media, and gain insights into your writing. We’ll also reveal some of the hidden tips and tricks to enable you get even more from Apple’s app. That will help you quickly build a journaling routine that will last you long into the future.

HOW TO Start writing and add media

Add an entry

Open the Journal app, and tap “+” to add a new entry. Type in a title — here, we’ve got “Vacation plans” — and add some thoughts. When you’re finished, tap the tick in the top-right corner to add the entry to your journal.

Attach media