Zishu
Zishu is a free iOS app for practicing Chinese character handwriting.
What Zishu is
Zishu is a free iOS app for practicing Chinese character handwriting. It compares strokes with authentic stroke-order data and guides each character through tracing, outlining, and writing from memory. Detection allows flexibility in position and size while checking direction and requiring hooks. Practice can use a calligraphy ink brush, Classic style, or Invisible style that hides strokes during memory work. Daily Review schedules spaced repetition at 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Content includes HSK 1–6 sets, radicals, frequency lists, custom sets, and a dictionary with definitions and pinyin. The interface supports English and Chinese. Zishu works offline after download, stores learning data locally, and states that it collects no personal data or tracking information. There are no ads or accounts, and all features are included. Data can be exported and imported; optional tips do not unlock features.
Good
- Authentic stroke-order comparison
- Tracing, outlining, and memory modes
- HSK 1–6 and custom study sets
- Spaced repetition review schedule
- No ads, accounts, analytics, or tracking
Watch out
- Requires iOS 15 or later
- Available only on iPhone and iPad
- Optional tips do not add features
Who it suits
Zishu suits iPhone and iPad users learning Chinese handwriting, from beginners through HSK-focused learners. It requires iOS 15 or later and supports offline study.
Verdict
Zishu offers structured handwriting practice with stroke feedback, review scheduling, and broad study sets. Its offline design and local data storage suit learners who want a free, account-free app.
Plans and prices
From Zishu's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | No ads · No accounts · Works offline · All features included |
The facts
Each one read from Zishu's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Analytics and tracking
- The privacy policy says the app has no analytics, advertising, or tracking services and works offline once downloaded.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Backup
- Users can export their data to a file and import it later; the export happens on the device.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Brush styles
- The app includes a calligraphy ink brush, a Classic style, and an Invisible style that hides strokes while writing from memory.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The app interface is available in English and Chinese.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Optional tips
- The optional tip jar uses Apple’s in-app purchase system, and tipping does not unlock app features.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Practice modes
- Learning mode guides each character through tracing, outlining, and writing from memory.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says Zishu collects no personal data and stores learning data locally on the device.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Zishu teaches Chinese character handwriting by checking strokes against authentic stroke order data.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Review
- Daily Review uses spaced repetition intervals of 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Stroke feedback
- Stroke detection is lenient about position and size but checks direction and requires hooks.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Study content
- The library includes HSK 1–6 sets, radicals, frequency lists, custom sets, and a built-in dictionary with definitions and pinyin.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites users to email Archer Morrison with ideas, bug reports, or questions at [email protected].checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Device requirements
- The maker says Zishu requires iOS 15 or later and is for iPhone and iPad.checked 7 Oct 2026
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