Goodnotes
Digital handwritten note-taking with AI-powered search, organization, and math and handwriting recognition
- Best for
- Digital handwritten note-taking with AI-powered search, organization, and math and handwriting recognition
- Pricing
- Free Trial
- Free plan
- Yes
- Platforms
- iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows
- Category
- Notes & Summaries
What is Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is a digital note-taking app that keeps the feel of handwriting on a tablet while adding AI features like handwriting-to-text search, notebook summaries, and math equation recognition that can solve equations you write by hand. It also doubles as a strong PDF annotator for readings and slide decks. A limited free version is available, with a subscription needed for unlimited notebooks and the full AI feature set.
How students can use it
- Taking handwritten lecture notes that stay searchable later
- Annotating and organizing PDF readings and slide decks
- Solving and reviewing handwritten math equations
Key features
- Handwriting-to-text search across notes
- AI-assisted summaries of notebook content
- Math equation recognition and solving
- PDF annotation and organization
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines the feel of handwritten notes with searchable, AI-organized digital notebooks
- Strong PDF annotation for readings and slides
- Math recognition is handy for STEM notes
Cons
- Best used on a tablet with a stylus for handwriting features to shine
- Full feature set requires a subscription
- Less useful on devices without pen input
Is Goodnotes free?
Yes — there is a free plan you can use without paying.
A free version with limited notebooks is available; a Goodnotes subscription unlocks unlimited notebooks and full AI features.
How to use it well
Use consistent notebook and folder naming so AI search and organization work well as your notes pile up
Try the math recognition feature to double check handwritten calculations while studying
Limitations to know about
Full experience depends on a tablet and stylus
Subscription needed for unlimited notebooks and full AI features
Alternatives to Goodnotes
Automatically joining calls to record, transcribe, and summarize discussions with searchable highlights
An all-in-one workspace with AI built in for writing, summarizing, and searching across your notes, docs, and connected apps.
Automatically transcribing and summarizing lectures, meetings, or study group discussions in real time
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