Join the toolbar improvements beta test

Goodnotes is running a beta test for upcoming toolbar improvements using TestFlight, Apple's official platform for testing pre-release apps. This article explains what to expect, how to sign up, how to get started, and how to submit feedback so your testing experience goes smoothly.

About the Beta

What is the Goodnotes Toolbar Improvements beta test?

A limited, invite-based test of upcoming changes to the Goodnotes toolbar, run through TestFlight ahead of a wider release.

Why is Goodnotes running this beta test?

To gather feedback from real users before rolling the toolbar changes out to everyone, so the team can iterate based on your testing experience.

What toolbar changes will I be testing?

Details on the specific toolbar changes will be shared with testers once the beta begins.

Who is eligible to join the beta?

Eligibility criteria to be confirmed before recruitment opens.

What are the device requirements?

An iPhone or Mac meeting these system requirements.

Signing Up

How do I sign up for the beta?

Look out for an in-app message (IAM) inviting you to join, or
Fill out the sign-up form shared on Goodnotes' social media and Discord channels.

What information do I need to provide when signing up?

You’ll need to provide your email address associated with your Apple Account. We need this to send your TestFlight invitation if you’re selected.

To find this Apple Account:

Open device Settings on iPad, or System Settings on Mac.
Select your profile name in the left Sidebar. You will see your Apple Account beneath your name.

Is there a deadline to sign up?

We’re sending invitations on a rolling basis, so the sooner you sign up, the better your chances of securing a spot!

How will I know if I've been accepted into the beta?

If you're selected, you'll receive an email invitation from TestFlight to join the beta.

Getting Started

How do I download the beta build?

Open the TestFlight invitation email and tap the link to accept the invite.
If you don't already have it, download the TestFlight app from the App Store.
In TestFlight, tap Install next to Goodnotes to download the beta build.
Force-quit the Goodnotes beta app and relaunch it. This ensures the app will get the correct remote configuration.

What is TestFlight, and how does it work?

TestFlight is Apple's official app for installing and testing pre-release versions of iOS/iPadOS/macOS apps, including beta builds of Goodnotes.

Is the beta build separate from my regular Goodnotes app?

The beta build installs through TestFlight over your existing Goodnotes app (not as a separate entry). The beta build has been tested thoroughly by our team; still, we recommend backing up your notebooks (e.g., enable Cloud Sync and/or back up your library manually) so you can restore your data if you need to revert to the App Store version.

During the Test

What should I focus on when testing?

Specific testing focus areas will be shown to you once you launch the Goodnotes beta app.

You can also check out the “What to Test” section in the TestFlight app:

Will there be multiple builds during the beta period?

Yes. The team will release multiple beta builds throughout the testing period as they iterate on the toolbar changes.

How will I know when a new build is available?

TestFlight notifies you when a new build is ready. Open the TestFlight app periodically and tap Update next to Goodnotes to get the latest build.

💡 Tips:

Keep up to date: In TestFlight, scroll down and turn on Automatic Updates so the latest build is always installed.
Get a previous build: Choose Previous Builds, browse for a specific build, then choose Install on the build.

Submitting Feedback

How do I submit feedback or report a bug?

Please use TestFlight's Send Feedback feature as the only channel, so all beta feedback stays centralized and easy for the team to review.

Take a screenshot while using the Goodnotes beta build: Instructions for iPhone | iPad | Mac
Open the screenshot:
- iPhone/iPad: Tap the thumbnail that appears in the lower left corner.
- Mac: The screenshot will pop into view after it’s captured.
Share the screenshot:
- iPhone/iPad: Tap the Share icon near the top-right corner > Share Beta Feedback:
- Mac: Click the Share icon in the toolbar > Share Beta Feedback for Goodnotes:
Choose Attach Screenshots to add more screenshots if needed.
Add your comments and choose the Send icon.

Alternatively, you can:

Open TestFlight > Goodnotes (left sidebar) > Send Feedback.
Choose Include Screenshot and browse for a screenshot.
Add more screenshots if needed, and your feedback, then choose the Send icon.

Where can I leave qualitative feedback about my testing experience?

Use the same Send Feedback option in TestFlight for written feedback about your overall experience, not social media or in-app feedback.

Opting Out

How do I stop testing and return to the regular app?

You can stop testing from within TestFlight and reinstall Goodnotes from the App Store to return to the standard version.

Back up your library in the Goodnotes beta app.
Open TestFlight > Goodnotes.
Scroll down and choose Stop Testing; confirm.
Reinstall Goodnotes from the App Store.

After the Beta

When will the toolbar improvements be available to all users?

Timeline to be confirmed once the beta wraps up.

We encourage you to stay in the TestFlight group after this beta ends — you'll get early access to test future Goodnotes features too.