Organize folders and documents in Goodnotes

Create, move, customize, find, export, and delete folders and documents from the Goodnotes Library.

Create a folder

1. In the Documents view, select + New > Folder.

   

2. Enter a folder name.
3. Optionally, choose a color and icon.
4. Select Done.

Move documents or folders

Select and move items

1. In the Documents view, select the four-square icon, then select “Select Items”.

   

2. Select the documents or folders you want to move.
3. Select Move at the top.
4. Choose the destination folder, then select “Move to...”.

Drag and drop an item

1. Press and hold a document or folder.
2. Drag it onto the destination folder.
3. Release the item to complete the move.

Customize a folder

1. In the Library, find the folder you want to customize.
2. Open the folder menu:
   • In Grid view, select the arrow next to the folder name.
   • In List view, open the item menu to the right of the folder name.
3. Select Color or Icon.
4. Choose the new color or icon.

Rename a folder

1. In the Library, open the folder menu.
2. Select the folder name.
3. Enter the new name.
4. Select anywhere outside the name field to confirm.

Change the Library view or find items

Switch between Grid and List view

In the Documents view, select the four-square icon, then choose Grid View or List View.

Filter documents and folders

1. In the Documents view, select the three-line filter icon.

   

2. Choose Documents or Folders to show only that item type.

Search for an item

Use the search box and enter all or part of a document or folder name.

Export folders and documents

Exporting creates a copy outside Goodnotes and does not remove the original items from your Library.

Export one folder

1. In the Documents view, open the folder menu and select Export.
2. Choose the file type: PDF, Image, or Goodnotes.

   

3. Optionally, rename the export and choose whether to include the page background, annotations, or sticky notes.
4. Select Export and choose a destination.

Export multiple items

1. In the Documents view, select the folders and documents you want to export.
2. Select Export.
3. Choose the export settings and destination, then confirm.

Delete or recover folders and documents

Delete one folder

1. In the Documents view, open the folder menu.
2. Select Move to Trash.

Delete multiple items

1. In the Documents view, select the folders and documents you want to remove.
2. Select Trash.

Recover deleted items

1. Open the Goodnotes menu in the top-right corner, then select Trash.
2. Select Select, then choose the folders or documents to restore.
3. Select Recover. The restored items return to the Documents view.

For more recovery and permanent-deletion guidance, see Recover deleted documents, folders, and pages from the Trash Bin.

Tips for keeping your Library organized

• Group items by purpose. Use folders for classes, projects, clients, or topics.
• Create subfolders for large categories. For example, organize Work into Meetings, Projects, and Reference.
• Use colors and icons consistently. Assign a color or icon to each category.
• Name folders clearly. Use a consistent format such as 2026 - Project Name.
• Favorite frequently used documents. Mark important items with the star so they remain easy to access.
• Use search as your Library grows. A partial name is often enough to find an item.