Goodnotes
An app that turns your iPad into a paper notebook.
What Goodnotes does
Goodnotes is a handwriting app built around digital notebooks. You write with a stylus on an iPad (or Android tablet, or Windows device), mark up PDFs, record audio, and search your handwriting later. There is a free plan with 3 notebooks, and paid plans start at $11.99 a year.
Goodnotes feels like a shelf of paper notebooks that never runs out of pages. You pick a paper style (blank, ruled, Cornell, planner), write with your stylus, and move or recolor your handwriting after the fact. Import a PDF, like lecture slides or a planner, and write right on top of it.
Your handwriting is searchable, so you can find a word you scribbled weeks ago. You can record audio that lines up with what you wrote, turn notes into flashcards, and use AI tools for math help, quizzes and meeting summaries. Newer additions include an endless whiteboard and typed text documents.
It started on iPad and that's still where it shines. There are now apps for Android, Windows and the web too, but syncing between the Apple version and the others is still rolling out, so check that before you switch devices. The free plan is fine for a test run. If you stick with it, Essential is cheap for a full year.
Alternatives to Goodnotes
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who mostly type quick notes on their phone. Anyone who needs smooth syncing between iPad and Android or Windows today.
Pricing
Free planYou can start free with 3 notebooks, 100 MB of storage and 20 minutes of audio per notebook. Essential is $11.99 a year and removes those limits. Pro is $35.99 a year and adds real-time collaboration and more AI. Both have a 7-day free trial. Prices can vary by country.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Handwriting feels natural and stays searchable
- Paid plans are cheap for a full year
- Strong PDF markup for slides, textbooks and planners
- Now available beyond Apple devices
Watch out for
- Free plan stops at 3 notebooks, with tight storage and audio limits
- Syncing between Apple and other platforms is still rolling out
- Best features need an iPad and stylus, which cost money
Want a notebook that fits how you study? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “a simple notebook app where I handwrite class notes with my stylus, sort them by subject, and turn key points into flashcards”
Questions people ask
Is Goodnotes free?
There is a free plan with 3 notebooks and some limits. Paid plans start at $11.99 a year in the US.
Is Goodnotes good for iPad?
Yes. It was built for iPad and Apple Pencil, and that is still where it works best.
Does Goodnotes work on Android or Windows?
Yes. There are apps for Android tablets, Windows and the web. Syncing those with the Apple version is still rolling out.
Can Goodnotes record audio?
Yes. Recordings line up with what you write. The free plan allows 20 minutes per notebook.