New Goodnotes features for iPad note-taking!

Goodnotes just launched their BIGGEST update yet. With new features like text documents and whiteboards plus a smarter AI note-taking assistant, there’s a lot to uncover in the world of iPad note-taking.

I plan to do a deep-dive into these features over on YouTube but for now, you can check out my interview with the CEO of Goodnotes to get the inside scoop on how this update came to be and what it means for the future of digital note-taking!

#digitalplanning #digitalnotes #ipadproductivity

2025/9/26 Edited to

... Read moreAs an avid iPad user, I’m constantly looking for ways to boost my productivity, and Goodnotes has always been at the top of my list. This latest update has truly expanded its capabilities, making digital note-taking even more powerful. Let me share some personal insights into how I'm leveraging these new features, especially for areas like flashcards, handwritten notes, and even the audio recording feature, which many might not realize how potent it is! First off, for those wondering about Goodnotes flashcards, while the update doesn't introduce a dedicated 'flashcard' tool, the new AI note-taking assistant has revolutionized how I approach studying. I can now create my lecture notes or study guides and then use the AI to 'quiz myself' directly from my content. Imagine writing out key concepts and then having the AI generate questions to test your recall – it’s an incredibly effective way to learn! You can also quickly create text documents with questions on one side and answers on another, using the new text features to format them neatly. Next, let's talk about handwritten notes and search. Goodnotes has always excelled here. I adore the freedom of writing naturally on my iPad, and the handwriting recognition search feature is a true lifesaver. I can instantly find any word or phrase I’ve scribbled across countless notebooks. This is invaluable when I need to quickly reference something from a past meeting or lecture. The new AI assistant can even summarize my handwritten notes, saving me so much time when reviewing. One feature I find indispensable, especially for students, is the Goodnotes audio recording feature. It's so seamlessly integrated! When I'm in a lecture or a brainstorming session, I simply tap the microphone icon. What’s amazing is that as the audio plays back, my notes highlight in sync, showing me exactly what I wrote at any given moment. This Goodnotes audio recording interface makes reviewing incredibly efficient and ensures I don't miss any crucial context. The Goodnotes whiteboard feature has also been a revelation for visual thinking. It's not just a blank canvas; it’s a dynamic space for mind mapping, brainstorming, and diagramming. I've used it to lay out complex project plans and even visualize my weekly tasks. The new diagramming options make it intuitive to create professional-looking flowcharts and concept maps that truly bring my ideas to life. Finally, the refreshed Goodnotes toolbar is more than just a cosmetic change. Its floating design and contextual adaptation mean my workspace is cleaner, and the tools I need are always at my fingertips. I've customized it to quickly switch between my favorite pens and highlighters, streamlining my workflow significantly. These enhancements truly elevate the Goodnotes app for iPad note-taking, making it an even more robust tool for productivity and learning.

6 comments

SimplySavannah1's images
SimplySavannah1

I was part of the beta for this, I absolutely hate this update 😔 I felt like it makes absolutely everything so much more difficult to use

See more(4)
Mompreneur's images
Mompreneur

I agree! Especially that diagramming part 😭 🤦🏾‍♀️

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