Text Document

Text Documents are a typing-focused, pageless format for structured writing in Goodnotes. Use blocks, rich formatting, tables, media, collaboration, and Goodnotes AI to create and organise content.

Understand Text Documents

Text Documents use Goodnotes' rich-text editing experience across platforms. Your content flows continuously instead of being divided into pages, and each paragraph, heading, list, table, or media item behaves as a separate block.

What makes Text Documents different?

• Pageless writing: Your content flows continuously without page breaks.
• Blocks: Rearrange paragraphs, headings, lists, tables, and media independently.
• Rich formatting: Apply text styles, headings, lists, quotes, code blocks, colours, and tables.
• Media: Add images, screenshots, diagrams, and videos.
• Goodnotes AI: Get help with an entire document or selected content.
• Real-time collaboration: Edit with other people and add comments with Goodnotes Pro.
• Cross-platform access: Work across Apple devices, Android, Windows, and Web.

What is not available?

Text Documents focus on structured typing. Drawing elements, Tape, Ruler, Highlighter, and freeform annotation are not available. For mixed drawing and writing, use a notebook.

Create a Text Document

1. From Library view, select the New (+) button.
2. Select Text Document.
3. Start typing. The Text Document appears in Library view alongside your notebooks.

Work with blocks and formatting

Add and rearrange blocks

Type / to open the block menu, then choose the type of content you want to add.

Add media

You can add images, screenshots, diagrams, videos, and tables to a Text Document.

• Select the Image icon in the toolbar to use the camera or choose a photo.
• Type /image to upload or link an image in a block.
• Use the block menu to add other supported media.

Format text

Select text, then use the Aa menu in the toolbar or the formatting options in the context menu.

• Text styles: Apply bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, and text colours.
• Headings: Turn text into an H1, H2, or H3 heading.
• Block types: Turn content into a list, quote, code block, or another supported block.

Add an external link

Paste a complete web address into a Text Document to turn it into a clickable link automatically.

Work with tables

Use tables to organise structured information such as project plans or meeting agendas.

Insert a table

1. Select the table icon in the toolbar, or type / and select Table.
2. Enter your content in the table cells.

Select a row, column, table, or cell content

• Mac: Hover over a row or column to reveal its handle, then select the handle.
• iPad: Select inside a cell, then select the row or column handle that appears.
• Cell content: Double-tap on iPad, or click and drag on Mac or Web.

Edit a table with the floating menu

Select a row, column, or the whole table to open a menu with options for background colour, borders, adding rows or columns before or after the selection, and merging or splitting cells.

Resize a column

• Mac: Hover over a column divider, then drag it.
• iPad: Select the divider to enter resize mode, then drag the handle.

Reorder rows or columns

Drag a row or column by its handle to move it to a new position.

Move a table

A table behaves like any other block. Use its block handle to drag the table up or down in the document.

Share and collaborate on a Text Document

1. Select the Share icon in the toolbar.
2. Create a share link.
3. Copy the link and send it to the people you want to collaborate with.

While collaborating, you can:

• See where other people are working with live cursors.
• Add feedback to specific sections.
• See changes appear across supported platforms.

Use Goodnotes AI in a Text Document

Use Goodnotes AI for help with an entire document or with selected content.

Work on the whole document

1. Select the Goodnotes AI icon in the toolbar.
2. Enter a request such as:

• Help me outline this report.
• Improve the overall flow of this document.

Work on selected content

1. Select the paragraph, heading, list, or other text block you want to improve.
2. Select the AI icon beside the block.
3. Enter a request such as:

• Make this paragraph more concise.
• Rewrite this in a professional tone.

Review each suggestion before applying it. Learn more in A guide to Goodnotes AI.

Common uses for Text Documents

• Reports: Organise sections, improve clarity, and refine language.
• Meeting notes: Structure discussions, decisions, and action items.
• Project documentation: Combine text, tables, and media in one document.
• Academic writing: Draft essays, research notes, and summaries.
• Proposals and guides: Create structured content for a specific audience.

Text Document FAQ

Can I convert a notebook to a Text Document?

You can copy and paste typed text into a Text Document. Drawings and annotations transfer as images because notebooks and Text Documents use different formats.

Why can't I find drawing tools?

Text Documents focus on structured typing. Use a notebook for handwriting, drawing, and freeform annotation.

Can I use Apple Scribble in a Text Document?

Apple Scribble is not currently supported in Text Documents. Use the on-screen or a hardware keyboard to type.

Can I work offline?

Basic editing works offline. Goodnotes AI and real-time collaboration require an internet connection. Changes sync after you reconnect.

Can I print a Text Document?

Yes. Open the Share menu to export the Text Document as a PDF or print it.