Moleskine Smart Notebook Extra Large Ruled Soft Cover - Instant

In this review the Moleskine Smart Notebook is judged as a tool for people who prefer the tactile feel of paper but need an instant digital backup. The biggest reason to buy is its special paper that works with the companion Smart Pen and the Notes App, so everything written by hand appears on a device in real time. This notebook is for sketchers, writers and professionals who want an archival digital copy without changing their handwriting routine.

Key Features

• Soft cover and elastic closure: keeps pages protected and compact in a bag while the elastic prevents accidental opening during transport.
• Smart paper for pen syncing: the paper is specially designed to capture strokes from the Moleskine Smart Pen so notes and sketches appear in the Notes App instantly.
• Ivory 100 g/m2 ruled paper: provides a warm writing surface that reduces show-through and supports both notes and light sketching.
• Opens flat at 180 degrees: makes writing or drawing across the spread comfortable and keeps the page steady without hand strain.
• Expandable inner pocket and flyleaf notice: stores loose papers and includes an in case of loss notice printed on the flyleaf for recovery of a misplaced notebook.

Who It's For

The Smart Notebook suits creative professionals, note-takers and students who rely on handwriting but also need a searchable digital archive. If you already use the Moleskine Smart Pen and the Notes App, this notebook makes digitizing seamless and keeps your analogue workflow intact.

Those who do not plan to use the Smart Pen or prefer purely digital note apps with typing and cloud-first collaboration may want to look elsewhere, since the core benefit is the paper-to-digital capture pairing rather than standalone cloud features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Paper and pen system lets users keep the tactile writing experience while creating instant digital copies.
• High-weight 100 g/m2 paper feels substantial and limits ink bleed-through for most pens.
• Soft cover, rounded corners and elastic closure make it travel-friendly and durable for daily use.
• Opens flat so both left- and right-handed users can write comfortably across the spread.

Cons

• Requires the Moleskine Smart Pen and Notes App to unlock the smart features; without them it is a premium ruled notebook.
• Extra large format increases portability trade-offs compared with pocket sizes.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Moleskine Smart Notebook is a strong choice for anyone who values handwriting but needs an easy path to digital files. It pairs very well with the Smart Pen to make a reliable paper-to-digital system, and the high-quality 100 g/m2 paper and travel-friendly soft cover add everyday practicality. It represents good value for users who will use the smart capture features regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this notebook digitize notes on its own?
The notebook requires the Moleskine Smart Pen and the Notes App; the paper is designed to capture strokes when used with that pen.

What size and paper weight is used?
It is Extra Large at 7.5 in x 10 in with ivory, acid-free 100 g/m2 ruled paper.

Can the notebook hold loose pages or cards?
Yes, it includes an expandable inner pocket in the back for loose papers and small items.