Organize content with layers

ℹ️ Note: This is an experimental feature and it is rolling out in phases; even if you're eligible, you might not have immediate access to it yet.

What are Layers?

Layers let you write, annotate, hide, and export content separately in a Notebook, without disturbing what is underneath.

Think of each layer as a transparent sheet placed on top of your page. You can keep your original notes, planner layout, PDF, or template safe on one layer, then add new writing, markups, or ideas on another. This makes it easier to experiment, revise, study, or share a cleaner version of your work.

Layers can be helpful when you want to:

• Keep a planner layout or template safe while writing on top.
• Add different rounds of annotations to a PDF without changing the original.
• Hide answers or hints while studying, then reveal them when ready.
• Show or export only the layers you want others to see.

Open the Layers Panel

1. Open a notebook in Goodnotes.
2. Open the Layers panel.

Show or Hide the Layers Panel

1. Tap the three dots (•••).
2. Go to Document editing.
3. Choose Show Layers to open the Layers menu.

Create a Layer

1. In the Layers panel, create a new layer.
2. If prompted, enter a name for the layer.

Switch the Active Layer

1. In the Layers panel, select the layer you want to work on.
2. This becomes your active layer.

Drawing, writing, erasing, highlighting, and lasso selection apply only to the active layer. Content on other layers stays in place, so you can edit without accidentally changing what’s underneath.

Hide or Show a Layer

1. In the Layers panel, find the layer you want to change.
2. Toggle the layer’s visibility on or off.

You can use this to focus on specific content, hide answers or hints while studying, or prepare a cleaner version before sharing.

Edit a Hidden Layer

If your active layer is hidden, drawing, writing, erasing, highlighting, and lasso selection are blocked.

To continue editing, show the active layer again or switch to a visible layer.

Export Only Visible Layers

1. Before exporting, hide any layers you don’t want included.
2. Start an export.
3. Confirm the export.

Only layers that are visible at the moment you export are included in the exported file.

Where you can use Layers

Layers is included with Goodnotes Pro and is rolling out gradually on iPad and Mac.

If you open a notebook with layers on an unsupported device, you’ll see a message explaining that layers aren’t available. To view or manage layers, open the notebook on iPad or Mac.

Layers FAQ

Why don't I see Layers available to me?

Layers is currently available for Goodnotes Pro users on iPad and Mac, and only in Notebook documents. It’s also rolling out gradually, so some eligible users may see it before others.

Layers isn’t available on iPhone.

Can I Lock a Layer?

No. Layers can’t be locked.

To avoid changing the wrong content, make sure you’ve selected the layer you want to work on before writing, erasing, or selecting anything.

Can I move content from one layer to another?

No. Content stays on the layer where it was created.

If you want something on a different layer, switch to that layer before adding it.

Can I reorder layers?

No. Layers stay in their current order.

How many Layers can I have?

You can have up to 5 layers.

If I hide a Layer, can the users I share with still see it? 

Yes! Hiding a layer only changes what you see on your own device.

People you share the document with can choose which layers to show or hide on their own device. If you want to share a version with certain layers hidden, export the document while only the layers you want to share are visible.