Goodnotes Cloud makes it easier to keep your notes and documents in sync across all your devices, so you can access them smoothly no matter which device you're using.
How is Goodnotes Cloud Different from iCloud?
Goodnotes Cloud Sync - Goodnotes' own cloud sync service that works across all platforms (including non-Apple devices). When enabled in Goodnotes, it offers cross-platform synchronization. Goodnotes Cloud syncs your library to your Goodnotes account, so you can access the same library when you log in to Goodnotes on any device with the same Goodnotes account.
iCloud Sync - Apple's cloud storage service that automatically backs up and syncs app data across Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). When enabled in Goodnotes, it keeps your notes synchronized between all your Apple devices. It uses your iCloud storage, which is shared with other Apple apps. By choosing Goodnotes Cloud, you can save space on your iCloud storage.
What kind of content is synced with Goodnotes Cloud?
You can sync all your folders and notebooks and access them on any supported platform. Some content, like custom templates, custom elements, and stickers from the marketplace, might behave differently, but they’re not lost. We’re working on making everything accessible across all platforms soon.
Features like Time Keeper, and Study Sets are also not yet present on Goodnotes for Android, Windows, and Web, but we’re working on it!
Can I switch back to iCloud Sync if my account is using Goodnotes Cloud?
Yes, please open Goodnotes menu > Cloud & Backup and choose Switch back to iCloud.
Notes: Once you're back to iCloud sync, you can't switch to Goodnotes Cloud for 6 months.
Am I eligible for Goodnotes Cloud Sync if I purchase a plan from the Apple App Store?
Currently, the following plans are available through the Apple App Store:
- Special Edition: This plan (formerly Apple One-time Payment) is tailored for those primarily using Apple devices and does not include the full version for Android, Windows, or Web users. If you’ve purchased this plan, Goodnotes Cloud Sync is not available. However, you can still share documents with non-Apple platforms.
- Goodnotes Essential (formerly All Platforms Yearly): Please note that Goodnotes Cloud is not included with this plan.
- Goodnotes Pro: You will have access to Goodnotes Cloud.
To check if Goodnotes Cloud is available for you, just head to the Goodnotes menu > Cloud & Backup and look for an invitation like the following and choose Get started. Once you make the switch, all your devices linked to the same iCloud account will seamlessly transition to Goodnotes Cloud. You'll still be able to access your documents during the switch.
Why am I eligible for Goodnotes Cloud but not seeing the option to migrate?
There's a common reason the migration banner might not appear even if you're eligible.
Step 1: Fully sync with iCloud first
If you have documents stored in iCloud, Goodnotes requires your iCloud library to be fully synced — with no errors — before the migration invitation appears. Make sure iCloud sync has completed successfully before proceeding, by doing either of this:
- Choose Cloud & Backup Status icon near the top-right corner of the library view > Sync Now (under Cloud Sync).
- Go to device Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > See All (next to Saved to iCloud) > disable Goodnotes. This completely disables iCloud Sync.
Step 2: Relaunch the app
Once iCloud is fully synced (or disabled altogether), close and reopen Goodnotes. Wait a few seconds on the Library screen. If you're a Pro subscriber, a banner inviting you to migrate to Goodnotes Cloud should appear.
Step 3: Check Sync Settings
If you've seen the migration banner before but dismissed it, you can access the migration option anytime via Goodnotes menu > Cloud & Backup.
Still not seeing Goodnotes Cloud?
If you've completed all the steps above and the option still isn't showing, contact our support team with your diagnostic data so we can investigate further.
What does the "Goodnotes Cloud Sync Disabled" alert mean?
This alert means that you’re already using Goodnotes Cloud but have local iCloud documents, so your Goodnotes Cloud library can’t sync to this device. For instance, if one device is syncing with iCloud and another with Goodnotes Cloud, the device with iCloud data will continue to sync with iCloud, and you’ll see this alert.
What happens if I delete my Goodnotes account?
Deleting your Goodnotes account will also delete any associated Goodnotes Cloud data and your local files. Once deletion is confirmed, this action is irreversible, so please exercise caution before you proceed.
See more questions in Goodnotes Cloud FAQs
See also: Sync Goodnotes documents between iPhones/iPads/Macs