Troubleshoot Slow, Lagging, or Unresponsive Goodnotes on Apple Devices

This guide only applies to Goodnotes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If Goodnotes is slow, lagging, or unresponsive, work through these checks in order.

One optional setting is named “Index PDF and Handwritten Notes”.

Update and restart

1. Update Goodnotes.
2. Install the latest system update available for your device. See Apple’s iPad update guide.
3. Force-close Goodnotes, then reopen it.
4. Force-close other resource-intensive apps.
5. Restart the device.
6. Turn off Low Power Mode.

Check writing performance

1. Confirm that your Apple Pencil is working correctly.
2. Try the Ball Pen, which typically uses fewer resources than other Pen Tool types.
3. Test writing in a newly created document. Note whether the issue affects every document or only one.

Temporarily disable optional processing

Turn off each setting separately and test Goodnotes after each change.

1. Search indexing: Open Goodnotes menu > Settings > Handwriting Recognition, then turn off Index PDF and Handwritten Notes.
2. Math Assist: Select the Pen Tool twice, open Math Assist, then turn off Suggestions.
3. Spellcheck in the current document: Select the Pen Tool twice, open Writing Aids, then turn off Check Spelling.
4. Spellcheck for new documents: Select the Pen Tool twice, open Writing Aids > Advanced Settings, then turn off Enable Spellcheck for New Documents.

Reduce open tabs and windows

Close document tabs

1. Open the current document.
2. Select its title at the top.
3. Select Close Other Tabs.

Close extra windows on iPhone or iPad

1. Touch and hold the Goodnotes icon on the Home Screen.
2. Select Show All Windows.
3. Swipe up on each unused window.

Disconnect external features

Temporarily stop screen mirroring and disconnect external hardware. If you use Universal Control, turn it off and test Goodnotes again.

If the issue continues

Contact Goodnotes Support and include Diagnostic Data.

If you can open your account

1. Open Goodnotes menu > View Account > Account Settings.
2. Select Export Diagnostic Data.

If you are on the sign-in page

1. Select the question-mark icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Select Download Diagnostics File to Device.

Also include:

• An Apple screen recording showing the problem.
• An affected document in Goodnotes format, after confirming the issue does not occur in a new document.
• Details about actions or settings involved, such as many high-resolution images, AirPlay, screen mirroring, or Accessibility settings.
• Whether handwriting alternates between laggy and smooth in the same document.
• Whether the issue occurs while writing in the same place on the page.

Related troubleshooting

See Troubleshoot a PDF that loads slowly or displays incorrectly.