General
When will the app be available?
The first version will arrive in 2023. However, you can already sign up to test the beta experience for free.
Who is eligible to beta-test it?
A user with a Samsung Galaxy tablet and a Google Play account, as you’ll need to use that account to sign in to the app. More devices will be supported later.
What are the specific requirements for installing and using the app?
You’ll need:
- A Samsung tablets with at least 3 GB of RAM, an 8-inch screen or larger and density-independent pixels (dp value) on the shorter side of your device must be larger than 720dp (other Android devices with an Internet connection can view notes created in GoodNotes for Android)
- A Google Play account.
- An Internet connection.
If you're using a device which is incompatible with these specifications, and you want to access the beta, please feel free to submit your device information to us via this Google Form. Whilst submitting your information to this form won't guarantee your device is added, it will help us with defining the future of GoodNotes for Android.
You can use the following types of input to edit notebooks:
- Mouse.
- Graphic tablet, typically used by visual designers.
- A tablet-specific pen, like Samsung's S Pen.
- Your fingers.
How do I install GoodNotes for Android beta?
Before we launch GoodNotes for Android publicly, we’re opening a limited beta. For the first wave, we will be opening the beta to 10k users around the world. Here’s how you can join:
- Install GoodNotes on Google Play Store by using this link.
- Enroll in Google Play Store’s Beta program.
- Test and give feedback! We want to build the best note-taking app for Android, and need your input. Tell us what works, what doesn’t, and what you’d want to see in GoodNotes.
Why is the app closed after the first log-in for some users?
You may encounter an issue where the app would close at the first log-in after the installation if your Android device doesn't have Google Chrome installed. Don't worry, just re-launch GoodNotes app and you can start using it as usual.
What is the difference between GoodNotes for iPadOS/iPadOS/macOS and GoodNotes for Android Beta?
GoodNotes for Android beta is still a separate app from GoodNotes 5. Here are the key differences:
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The beta is currently free to use while we’re improving it.
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It includes basic note-taking features:
- Writing, highlighting, and erasing notes
- Moving and resizing your writing with the Lasso tool
- A large library of paper templates to get you started, including planners, to-dos, squared paper, dotted paper, and more
Advanced features such as shape recognition, handwriting recognition, and the Elements tool aren’t available yet.
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It’s an online-first experience, meaning you’ll need an Internet connection for the optimal experience, and will need to sign in to your account.
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It won’t be as polished an experience, so you might expect to spot a few bugs here and there.
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Is the app a subscription?
No. While testing the beta, you can use it completely for free. In exchange, we only ask for your feedback to help us improve it.
What are some current limitations of this beta?
It has a few limitations compared to the iOS/iPadOS version and we ask for your patience as we continue pushing out frequent updates to perfect it. The most notable ones are listed below.
A limited number of notebooks
While in beta, the limit is 20 notebooks.
Not syncing with GoodNotes on other platforms
Being a separate note-taking app, it doesn’t currently sync with GoodNotes for iOS/iPadOS, macOS, or Windows.
However, in order to view your iPad notes, you can generate a share link to your notebook to access it from your browser. Here’s a quick guide.
Limited functionality or unavailability of some editing tools
For example, the Pen tool can’t be customized in terms of pressure sensitivity or tip sharpness, and the Shape and Text tools, among other things, are still under development.
Limited functionality of library management
For example, there isn’t a Trash Bin or an ability to create folders.
How can I send feedback and report bugs?
Your feedback is vital to making the product even better in the next iterations. Please send your feedback to xpbeta@goodnotes.zendesk.com.