Important: GoodNotes 5 and the current Goodnotes experience are available in the same Apple app, but newer features and plan limits can differ. Your existing documents remain available when you update the app.
What is the difference between GoodNotes 5 and Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is the current version of the app. Features introduced after GoodNotes 5 include:
- A redesigned interface
- Colored Folders with custom icons
- Pen gestures: Circle to Select and Scribble to Erase
- Handwriting Spellcheck
- Math Conversion with LaTeX support
- Text Documents
- Marketplace
- Tape
- Whiteboards
For AI features, see Goodnotes AI FAQs.
What happens if I previously used GoodNotes 5?
If you downloaded the free version before August 9, 2023, updating from the App Store moves you to the current free plan while keeping your documents. If you paid for GoodNotes 5 before that date, you can continue using that version or try the current Goodnotes experience.
Paid GoodNotes 5 customers can return to GoodNotes 5. A discount may be available when changing to an eligible current plan.
If you use the current free plan with more than three imported notebooks, you can view all notebooks but can edit only three.
What happens when I install Goodnotes for the first time?
New customers receive the current Goodnotes onboarding. GoodNotes 5 is not available to first-time customers. If you previously paid for GoodNotes 5 and reinstall the app, complete onboarding and then use the option to return to GoodNotes 5.
What are the free-plan limits?
- You can edit up to three notebooks.
- Audio Recording is limited to 20 minutes per notebook.
- Imported files are limited to 5 MB.
- Exports include a watermark.
See the Goodnotes pricing page for current plan details.
What should I know about plans and discounts?
For plan comparisons, see Which subscription plan is best for me? Customers who purchased GoodNotes 5 can review discount eligibility. You can also read the full subscription FAQs.
Are current Goodnotes documents compatible with GoodNotes 5?
Notebooks created in Goodnotes can be edited in GoodNotes 5, but features introduced later may not appear there. For example, a colored folder with a custom icon remains available, but its color and icon do not appear in GoodNotes 5.
How do I create and access my Goodnotes account?
During sign-up or a free trial, choose Apple, Google, or Microsoft as your sign-in provider. Remember both the provider and its account details. Accounts using the same email address through different providers are treated as separate Goodnotes accounts.
If you see “It looks like your Goodnotes account is already associated to a different sign in method,” follow the account recovery guidance.
What is the difference between a Goodnotes account and an Apple Account?
- Goodnotes account: Used to sign in to Goodnotes and access your plan. If Goodnotes Cloud is enabled, it also connects your synced library across supported platforms. Learn more about Goodnotes Cloud.
- Apple Account: Used for App Store purchases and, when enabled, iCloud Sync. App Store purchases are associated with both the Apple Account used for the purchase and the Goodnotes account where the plan was activated.
Can I use more than one Goodnotes account on a device?
You can sign in to different Goodnotes accounts on the same device. However, premium access from an App Store purchase can be associated with only one Goodnotes account for that App Store account.