Yes, you can use a Bluetooth mouse, wired mouse, or trackpad to navigate, annotate, and take notes in Goodnotes across iPadOS, Windows, Android, and macOS.
While an active stylus (like the Apple Pencil) offers pressure sensitivity and handwriting precision, using a mouse or trackpad provides a comfortable alternative for typing, precise drawing, highlighting, and document editing.
Connect Your Bluetooth Mouse
Ensure your pointing device is connected to your tablet or computer before opening Goodnotes.
For iPad (iPadOS):
Open Settings on your iPad and select Bluetooth.
Turn on Bluetooth and place your mouse or trackpad into pairing mode.
Select your device under Other Devices to pair. Optional: Adjust tracking speed and scrolling direction under Settings > General > Trackpad & Mouse.
For Windows Tablets & PCs:
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
Turn on Bluetooth and click Add device > Bluetooth.
Select your mouse or trackpad from the list.
For Android Tablets:
Open Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device.
Select your Bluetooth mouse from the list.
Prepare for Mouse Annotation
If you previously used an Apple Pencil or another active stylus, disconnect or toggle stylus mode in Goodnotes to prevent input conflict or accidental palm rejection blocks:
Open any notebook in Goodnotes.
Tap the Pen tool icon in the top toolbar to expand tool options.
Select Pen Settings.
Tap Disconnect Stylus (or disable stylus input mode).
Start Annotating
Once connected, your cursor replaces touch input for drafting, drawing, and selecting tools.
Draw & Highlight: Left-click and hold to draw strokes or highlight text.
Select & Edit: Use the Lasso Tool with a left-click drag to select handwriting, diagrams, or images.
Scroll Pages: Use your mouse scroll wheel or a two-finger trackpad swipe to move vertically or horizontally through pages.
Context Menus: Right-click on elements or text boxes to quickly bring up options like Copy, Cut, Delete, or Color Change.
Troubleshooting & Best Practices
Cursor Not Drawing? Verify that Pen Settings in Goodnotes isn't set to active stylus priority. If an Apple Pencil is physically close to the screen, proximity sensors may prioritize stylus touch over mouse clicks.
Reconnecting Your Stylus: To switch back to hand-drawn input, return to Pen Settings and select Connect Stylus or simply tap your stylus on the screen.
Adjusting Cursor Size: If you have trouble seeing the mouse cursor on iPadOS, go to Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control to adjust contrast, color, and size.