GoodNotes

Active

Country: Hong Kong (HK)
Founded: 2011
Developer: GoodNotes (Hong Kong-based company)
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Web

Indexes

Note-Taking Planners

Overview

Goodnotes is a note-taking application that supports handwritten notes, text input, and audio recording synced to notes. It targets students, professionals, and users needing digital notebooks, planners, and whiteboards, with features like searchable handwriting and AI tools distinguishing it from basic note apps.¹²

Key Features

Handwritten Notes - Take searchable, handwritten notes directly on lecture slides or PDFs.
Audio Sync - Record audio that syncs with notes for review.
Pen Gestures - Circle to select or scribble to erase handwriting.
Handwriting Spellcheck - Automatic spellchecking for handwritten text.
Math Conversion - Convert handwritten math to LaTeX with AI assistance.
Smart Flashcards - Turn notes into interactive flashcards.
Colored Folders - Organize notebooks with custom icons and colors.
Shape Recognition - Automatically perfect drawn shapes.
Laser Tool - Point to specific parts of notes during presentations.
Sticky Notes - Add movable sticky notes to pages.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	Free	Basic note-taking features, limited notebooks.
Goodnotes Unlimited (Subscription)	Subscription-based	Unlimited notebooks, AI features, Marketplace access, full tools across platforms.

Platforms & Requirements

Available on iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Web. Requires account login with Google, Apple, or Microsoft for cross-device sync. Subscriptions managed per platform; Android/Windows/Web support collaboration and sharing.⁴⁵

Integrations & Ecosystem

Google login
Apple login
Microsoft login
PDF import/export
Notebook templates
Automatic backups
Collaboration sharing
Marketplace templates

Alternatives

App	Difference
Notability	Stronger audio recording focus but less AI math tools.
OneNote	Free cross-platform with better cloud sync but weaker handwriting recognition.
Nebo	Advanced handwriting-to-text but fewer planner features.
Noteshelf	Similar digital planning but limited to fewer platforms.

Reputation

Goodnotes is recognized as a leading note-taking app for its handwriting recognition and student tools like exam practice.² Users praise the UI updates, pen gestures, and cross-platform access in Goodnotes 6 over GoodNotes 5.²³ Criticisms include platform-specific subscription management and limited free tier features.⁴⁵

Sources (8)