The Pencil tool in Goodnotes is remarkably adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. This feature allows users to engage in various activities, from simple note-taking to intricate sketching.
Common use cases
Writing: The Pencil tool is perfect for taking handwritten notes. Whether you're jotting down lecture notes, creating to-do lists, or writing down ideas, the precision of the Pencil tool allows for clear and legible writing. You can adjust the thickness of your strokes to match your personal preference.
Underlining: Another useful application of the Pencil tool is underlining text. This can be particularly helpful when you want to emphasize important points in your notes. Simply draw a line beneath the text you wish to highlight, and you can easily create a visual distinction between different sections of your notes.
Decorating: The Pencil tool can also be used for decorative purposes. You can add doodles, borders, or illustrations to your notes to make them more visually appealing. This is especially useful for creating aesthetically pleasing planners or journals, where personal expression is key.
Shading: If you want to add depth to your drawings or notes, the shading feature of the Pencil tool can be utilized. By varying the pressure applied to the stylus, you can create gradient effects and shadows, enhancing the overall look of your work.
Drawing Realistic Pictures: The Pencil tool is not just for writing and annotating; it can also be used to create detailed drawings. With practice, you can draw realistic images, whether they are simple sketches or complex illustrations. The precision and control offered by the Pencil tool make it an excellent choice for artists and hobbyists alike.
Use the Pencil
Tap the Pencil tool icon next to the Pen icon and start drawing:
Change Pencil color and thickness
Set stroke thickness
- Tap one of the stroke slots in the contextual section located on the right-hand side.
Set stroke color
- Tap one of the color slots in the contextual section located on the right-hand side.
Customize the selected stroke or color slot
- Tap the slot again.
- Make customizations.
Add another color slot to the toolbar
You can add up to 12 color slots, allowing for easy switching between them as needed.
-
Tap the Add Color Slot icon at the end of the scrollable contextual section:
-
Choose a color for the new slot.
Configure the Pencil
Tap the Pencil tool twice, then "Draw and Hold" to access its settings.
- Draw and Hold: By default, the Pencil tool allows you to draw shapes by holding your stylus at the end of a stroke. If you prefer to disable this feature, you can do so easily. Simply tap on the "Draw and Hold" option in the pop-up menu, and then turn off the first option. This will allow you to draw freely without any automatic shape recognition.
- Snap to Other Shapes: The Pencil tool has a useful feature that lets you snap to other shapes. When you draw a line or curve and keep your stylus near the endpoint of another, they will connect automatically. This is especially helpful for making structured layouts like tables or closed shapes. After creating a shape, you can easily adjust and move it as a single unit, giving you more flexibility in your designs.