If Goodnotes is slow, lagging, or unresponsive, follow these steps to identify and fix common issues.
Things to try first
Please try one or more of the following to see if Goodnotes improves in performance:
- Update Goodnotes and the system to the latest versions. Newer versions typically include performance improvements.
- Force-close and reopen the app.
- Force-close other apps, especially heavy ones.
- Restart your device. This clears any temporary system issues that could be contributing to degraded app performance.
- Turn off Low Power Mode. This will remove any performance restrictions.
- Ensure your Apple Pencil is functioning properly.
- Use a different Pen Type. The Ball Pen typically offers the best performance and thus battery life.
- Turn off on-device AI features:
- Disable search indexing: Go to Goodnotes menu > Settings > Handwriting Recognition > turn off "Index PDF and Handwritten Notes".
- Disable Math Assist: Tap the Pen tool twice > Math Assist > turn off "Suggestions".
- Disable Spellcheck for both existing and new documents:
- For current documents: Tap the Pen tool twice > Writing Aids > turn off Check Spelling.
- For new documents: Tap the Pen tool twice > Writing Aids > Advanced Settings > turn off "Enable Spellcheck for new Documents".
- Pause using external hardware or screen mirroring.
- Turn off Universal Control.
- Close other unused Goodnotes tabs: While viewing the current document, tap its title at the top > Close Other Tabs.
- Close other unused Goodnotes windows: Long-press Goodnotes icon on the Home screen > Show All Windows and swipe up on each unused window.
If the issue persists
Send us the Diagnostic Data:
- If you're already logged in, open Goodnotes menu (top-right corner of the library view) > View Account > Account Settings > Export Diagnostic Data. If still on the login page, look for the "?" icon in the top-right corner > Download diagnostics file to device.
Additionally, send us:
- A screen recording showing the performance issue.
- A specific document (in .goodnotes format) where you see the issue after verifying that it doesn't happen to newly created documents.
- Details specific to your flow that might be contributing to the issue, e.g. adding many high resolution images, using AirPlay, other Accessibility settings.
- Your answers to the following questions:
- Does the handwriting randomly become laggy and then smooth again within the same document?
- Does it happen even when you are writing in the same exact spot on the page?