Powerful Features for Every Learner

From beginners to advanced learners, Hanzi Writer provides all the tools you need to master Chinese handwriting.

Interactive Writing Practice

Draw directly on your screen with our precision handwriting engine. Every stroke is validated in real-time against the correct stroke order and direction. Get instant visual feedback — wrong strokes are highlighted, missing strokes are indicated, and correct strokes are confirmed. This immediate correction loop builds accurate muscle memory faster than any textbook.

  • Real-time stroke validation
  • Correct stroke order guidance
  • Instant visual feedback
  • Build muscle memory naturally

Scientific Spaced Repetition (SRS)

Our Anki-compatible SRS algorithm intelligently schedules your review sessions based on how well you know each character. After each practice, rate your confidence — Again, Hard, Good, or Easy — and the app calculates the optimal interval for your next review. This evidence-based approach ensures you spend time on what you need most, locking in characters for long-term retention.

  • Anki-compatible algorithm
  • Confidence-based scheduling (Again/Hard/Good/Easy)
  • Optimal review intervals
  • Long-term retention focus

Privacy-First OCR Scanner

Point your camera at any Chinese text — signs, menus, textbooks, or handwriting — and instantly identify characters. Our OCR engine runs entirely on your device using Google ML Kit. No images are uploaded to any server. No cloud processing. Your photos stay on your device, always. Identified characters are automatically added to your practice list for immediate handwriting practice.

  • On-device AI recognition (Google ML Kit)
  • Zero cloud processing
  • Instant character identification
  • Auto-add to practice list

Printable PDF Worksheets

Generate professional A4 practice sheets in one tap. Each worksheet includes model characters with pinyin, stroke-by-stroke decomposition guides, and tracing grids. Print them for traditional pen-and-paper study — perfect for classroom use, homework assignments, or offline practice sessions. Customize density, character size, and grid style to match your learning needs.

  • Professional A4 PDF format
  • Pinyin and stroke guides included
  • Customizable layout
  • Perfect for classrooms

Anki Deck Import

Already invested in Anki? Import your .apkg or .colpkg decks directly into Hanzi Writer. Your existing character collections are instantly converted into interactive handwriting practice sessions. No need to rebuild your vocabulary from scratch — bring your decks and start writing.

  • Import .apkg and .colpkg files
  • Instant conversion to writing practice
  • No vocabulary rebuilding needed
  • Seamless Anki integration

AI-Powered Topic Generator

Type any learning goal — 'Business Mandarin', 'Travel in Beijing', 'Food & Cooking' — and our AI instantly generates a curated vocabulary list. All AI-generated content is vetted for accuracy before being added to your practice queue. Your data stays private with secure encryption, and your inputs are never used to train AI models.

  • Natural language topic creation
  • AI-vetted vocabulary lists
  • Privacy-protected (no model training)
  • Instant custom word lists

Animated Stroke Order

Watch every character come to life with smooth, detailed stroke animations. See exactly how each stroke flows — direction, order, and proportion. Adjust playback speed to match your learning pace. Master the structure and rhythm of characters visually before you pick up your pen.

  • Smooth stroke animations
  • Adjustable playback speed
  • Visual structure mastery
  • Learn before you write

Secure Cloud Sync

Your progress follows you everywhere. Encrypted cloud backup syncs your review data, practice history, and custom vocabulary across all your devices. Switch from phone to tablet seamlessly. Restore your progress anytime — never lose your learning journey.

  • Encrypted cloud backup
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Restore anytime
  • Progress never lost

Ready to Start Writing?

Download Hanzi Writer and experience all features firsthand.