Layers is an experimental feature. Available on Goodnotes Pro, but not during the Pro trial. Rolling out gradually on iPad and Mac.
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. If you only want to keep an image, text box, shape, or sticky note from moving while you write, use Lock Objects — available on all plans.
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
- Open a notebook in Goodnotes.
- Open the Layers panel.
Show or Hide the Layers Panel
The Layers panel is controlled by a global setting under Document editing. Turning it off hides the Layers panel across all your notebooks. Any content on your layers will also be hidden, but it won’t be deleted - you can make it visible again by turning the setting back on.
- Tap the three dots (•••).
- Go to Document editing.
- Choose Show Layers to open the Layers menu.
If you hide the Layers menu, all layers will be revealed.
Work Across Different Layers
Each notebook includes five layers by default, allowing you to place objects on the page across different layers. To add an object to a specific layer, make that layer active before creating it.
- In the Layers panel, create a new layer.
- If prompted, enter a name for the layer.
Switch the Active Layer
- In the Layers panel, select the layer you want to work on.
- 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.
Every notebook comes with 5 built-in layers, allowing you to place and separate objects across them.
Hide or Show a Layer
- In the Layers panel, find the layer you want to change.
- 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
You can edit hidden layers without interruption - we’ll automatically unhide the layer and notify you with an alert. Accidentally made a change? Simply tap undo.
Export Only Visible Layers
- Before exporting, hide any layers you don’t want included.
- Start an export.
- 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 currently aren’t supported on iPhone, Android, Windows, or Web.
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.