AI Note Taker

Goodnotes

Goodnotes is a tablet-first note-taking app for handwriting, typing, PDF annotation, collaboration, and AI-assisted organization.

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Goodnotes

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What is Goodnotes?

Goodnotes is a cross-device note-taking and document annotation app designed for tablet, phone, and laptop workflows. It supports handwriting, typing, sketching, PDF markup, collaboration, and AI features for organizing and transforming notes into usable work.

Goodnotes vs Similar AI Tools

Pricing ModelFree, FreemiumFreeFreeFree, Freemium
Free Credits
Key Features
  • Handwriting and typing in one app
  • Tablet-optimized writing experience
  • PDF annotation and markup
  • On-device text extraction from screen without saving screenshots
  • Semantic search by meaning, not just keywords
  • Commitment detection with due-date reminders
  • Capture timestamped notes on any video
  • Search across all notes and jump to exact moments
  • Export notes to Markdown
  • Live voice-to-map conversion
  • Dynamic reshaping of thoughts as you speak
  • Automatic card linking and chart generation
Pros
  • Strong handwriting experience on tablets
  • Supports notes, PDFs, sketches, and typing
  • Fully on-device processing ensures complete privacy
  • Free and open source with no subscription
  • Easy to use with automatic timestamps
  • Searchable library of all notes
  • Transforms voice into visual maps instantly
  • Dynamic board reorganizes as thoughts evolve
Cons
  • Some features may depend on device or plan
  • Best experience appears centered on tablets
  • Mac-only, requires macOS 15+ and Apple Silicon
  • Permission re-authorization needed after updates (macOS limitation)
  • Only available as a Chrome extension
  • Limited to video/audio content
  • Free tier limited to 15 minutes per month
  • No detailed pricing available for paid plans
Best For
  • Professionals who take handwritten notes
  • Teams collaborating on shared documents
  • Individuals who want to remember everything they see on their Mac
  • Professionals and students needing to track commitments and changes
  • Students watching online courses
  • Researchers taking notes on video content
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Visual thinkers

How to use Goodnotes?

  1. 1Create a notebook or workspace for your project, client, or class.
  2. 2Write, type, sketch, or record ideas using the input method that fits your workflow.
  3. 3Import PDFs and annotate them, search notes, and organize content into sections.
  4. 4Use collaboration and sharing tools to work with teammates in real time.
  5. 5Access your notes from supported devices to continue work wherever you are.

Goodnotes Key Features

  • Handwriting and typing in one app
  • Tablet-optimized writing experience
  • PDF annotation and markup
  • Cross-device sync across tablet, phone, and laptop
  • Real-time collaboration
  • AI tools for turning notes into clearer outputs
  • Workspaces for organizing clients, teams, or projects
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance

Goodnotes Use Cases

  • Meeting notes and staff feedback capture
  • Annotating contracts, briefs, and reports
  • Team collaboration on shared documents
  • Organizing project notes and reference files
  • Field work and on-site communication
  • Medical, engineering, and consulting workflows
  • Personal knowledge management across devices

Goodnotes Pricing & Free Credits

Goodnotes currently operates on a Free, Freemium model.

This tool is completely free to use

App Access

Free / Paid plans available

Goodnotes offers a free tier and paid plans with additional features and usage options.

Goodnotes Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong handwriting experience on tablets
  • Supports notes, PDFs, sketches, and typing
  • Syncs across multiple devices
  • Useful for collaboration and team workflows
  • Includes AI-assisted organization features

Cons

  • Some features may depend on device or plan
  • Best experience appears centered on tablets
  • Pricing details are not fully listed on the homepage

What is Goodnotes best for?

  • Professionals who take handwritten notes
  • Teams collaborating on shared documents
  • Students and researchers organizing study materials
  • Engineers, consultants, and healthcare workers
  • Anyone who wants a tablet-first note-taking app

Goodnotes FAQ

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