A game-changing idea strikes, and you rush to capture it. But your note-taking app falls short. Frustrating, right?
Whether it’s juggling seamless syncing, keeping your thoughts organized, or offering the perfect layout, having the right tool can mean the difference between chaos and clarity.
📈The note-taking app market is expected to reach $32.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 11.15%.
As more people seek the ultimate digital notebook for iOS devices, two leading contenders stand out: Apple Notes and Goodnotes. Each offers unique features designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, making them top choices for note-taking enthusiasts.
In this blog, we’ll explore Goodnotes vs Apple Notes, comparing their strengths and features to help you choose the right fit. 🚀
Goodnotes Vs Apple Notes: Which Note-Taking App is Right for You?
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Apple Notes?
Apple Notes is a native note-taking application designed exclusively for Apple devices.
It enables users to capture, organize, and access a wide range of content, including text, sketches, photos, scanned documents, and to-do lists. Integrated deeply into the Apple ecosystem, the app offers seamless synchronization across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.
What makes it special is its intuitive user interface and how effortlessly it syncs across all your Apple devices. It helps you start a note on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac without missing a beat.
With features like folders and tags, it’s easy to organize your notes, and its ability to handle photos, documents, and even scanned PDF documents adds an extra layer of convenience.
Apple Intelligence also enables you to use writing tools to proofread, summarize, change the tone, and rewrite your text. And if you’re working with a team or planning a trip with friends, share notes and collaborate in real time with up to 100 people.
🔍 Did you know? Note-taking has played a huge role in history. Back in Ancient Greece, people created something called hypomnema—personal notes where they recorded important ideas. These notes were used to keep track of everything from philosophical thoughts to historical events and even scientific observations.
Apple Notes features
Here are some standout features of Apple Notes that make it a powerful tool for organizing and managing your ideas:
Search option
With Apple Notes’ powerful search feature, finding your notes is as easy. The feature recognizes your images to search image content, checks your attachments and scanned documents, and even drawings and scribbles to give you suitable results.
It also lets you search for a specific note using the Find in Note option.
Sketching, scribbling, and math
Apple Notes offers a fun note-taking method that lets you sketch your thoughts. Try a variety of tools, including pencils, markers, and colors, to draw and scribble. For convenience, you can change the thickness and opacity of your drawings.
Moreover, Apple Pencil allows you to create handwritten notes. The Scribble feature will instantly turn them into typed text, ensuring you easily understand it later.
The Math feature enables users to solve equations, assign variables, plot graphs, and access math history from the calculator and the Notes app.
➡️ Also Read: Best Document Collaboration Software Tools
Smart folders
The Smart Folders feature of Apple Notes lets you use tags and other relevant criteria to categorize your notes. If you write a new note and add the tag, it will automatically be added to the relevant folder.
💡Pro Tip: Wondering how to use a second brain app to maximize your productivity?
Follow these strategies:
- Keep your notes accessible across all devices 🖥️
- Organize with flexible structures like tags and folders 📂
- Collaborate by sharing and editing notes with teammates 🤝
- Use search features to quickly locate your ideas 🔍
- Integrate your app with task management tools to stay on top of deadlines 📅
Secure notes
Apple Notes also lets you secure your notes using your device PIN code, a custom password, Face ID, or Touch ID. This way, your private thoughts and information stay private🔒.
Link to other notes
The Notes app also allows you to link a note in another note. This helps you keep track of tasks and relevant notes. All you have to do is select Add Link and enter the title of the note you want to link to.
Add attachments
Add a variety of attachments to provide more context and convenience for your notes. Include your location and website, and add photos or videos by clicking new or using existing ones. You can also scan documents and photos from Notes, add your signature, and save them directly.
What’s more? It lets you record and transcribe audio using the attachment option.
Apple Notes pricing
- Free forever
➡️ Also Read: Apple Notes Alternatives for Digital Note-Taking
📮ClickUp Insight: 92% of workers use inconsistent methods to track action items, which results in missed decisions and delayed execution.
Whether you’re sending follow-up notes or using spreadsheets, the process is often scattered and inefficient. ClickUp’s Task Management Solution ensures seamless conversion of conversations into tasks—so your team can act fast and stay aligned.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Goodnotes?
Goodnotes is a powerful digital note-taking app designed with a focus on providing a seamless experience for users who prefer handwriting but also seek the functionality of digital tools.
While initially designed for iPads, Goodnotes is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android, Windows, iOS, and web platforms.
A feature that sets Goodnotes apart is its handwriting recognition, which turns your scribbles into searchable text, so you can always find your notes later.
Overall, Goodnotes is a versatile note-taking solution, combining the tactile satisfaction of handwriting with the advantages of digital organization and accessibility.
Goodnotes features
Here are some key features that make Goodnotes stand out:
AI-powered digital paper
Goodnotes leverages AI to offer smart note-taking abilities. It lets you use Word Complete to save time while writing, spellcheck to avoid spelling mistakes and search to find typed text, handwritten notes, or PDF text.
The AI also summarizes notes and clarifies rough notes, wherever necessary. 📝
Combine handwritten and typed text
Goodnotes allows you to turn handwritten notes into typed text using the Lasso tool. Draw diagrams, write equations, and more with a variety of styluses.
You can use it as a fully functional digital journal app, utilizing an Apple Pencil for writing, sketches, and equations. Record audio clips synced with your typed or handwritten notes to add additional context.
What’s more, it also has features like palm rejection and support for left-handed people. These take its functionality to the next level, providing a smoother experience for all users.
Annotate PDFs
This feature allows you to highlight, draw, and write on PDFs. Draw arrows and shapes and move them around to make your notes precise. It also lets you add your personal thoughts, highlight important parts of PDFs for convenience, and summarize sections in the PDF itself.
Organizational tools
Use Goodnotes’s nested folder structure to organize your notes. It lets you create folders and subfolders for comprehensive organization. The sidebar allows you to access your bookmarked pages, favorites, and shared documents.
Study sets
Goodnotes offers a unique feature called Study Sets for students. It lets you create study sets, i.e., freeform flashcards with text and images to practice active recall. To make it more engaging, use the Tape tool to hide and reveal sections of the notes you’re studying.
Marketplace
Goodnotes Marketplace offers custom page templates, planners, editable stickers, and editable notebook covers that make the note-taking process fun. It lets you add more depth to your notes by using covers and save time with templates.
Presentation mode
Planning to present at your next meeting? Goodnotes’ Presentation Mode transforms your device into a digital whiteboard, giving you the flexibility to engage your audience visually. The Laser Pointer feature further enhances your presentation by allowing you to highlight key points with ease, ensuring your message is clear and focused.
Goodnotes pricing
Goodnotes offers the following plans:
- Free: 3 notebooks
- All Platforms Yearly: $9.99/year
- Apple One-time Payment: $29.99/one-time
- Android and Windows Yearly: $6.99/year
- Goodnotes for Business: $50 per device (billed annually)
➡️ Read More: Free Task Management Templates in ClickUp & Excel
Summarize this article for me pleaseApple Notes Vs Goodnotes: Features Compared
Now that you’ve seen the strengths of both note-taking apps, it’s time for a face-off! 🏆
Let’s put each feature to the test and see which note-taking app reigns supreme: Goodnotes or Apple Notes.
Feature 1: Note-taking features
The first feature we’re going to check is note-taking. Let’s dive in.
Apple Notes
The Notes app offers all the basic writing tools and features, including adding tables, titles, headings, bullet points, and other formatting features like bold, italics, and highlights. You can also create checklists, add links, doodles, sketches, and scanned documents, and sync your notes across devices.
Finally, capture handwritten notes using the Scribble feature and promptApple Intelligence to proofread, summarize, change the tone, and rewrite your text.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes supports typed and handwritten text, just like Apple Notes. Use formatting features like bold, italics, strikeout, underline, text color, alignment, resize, highlight, and line spacing.
Plus, make diagrams, add shapes, write equations, add PDFs, and turn handwritten notes into typed text. Goodnotes AI saves time by providing abilities like word completion, spellcheck, summarizing notes, clarifying rough notes, and completing sentences.
🏅Winner: Both apps excel in note-taking, but Apple Notes wins with its seamless integration across Apple devices, advanced writing features, and cloud syncing.
Feature 2: Pricing
Let’s check which tool is more budget-friendly:
Apple Notes
Completely free! If you own an Apple device, you already have access to it—no hidden costs, no subscriptions.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes has a free version that allows for 3 notebooks. Afterward, it offers 3 paid plans that provide more features.
🏅Winner: If you’re looking for a built-in notetaker without the additional cost option, Apple Notes is unbeatable.v
Feature 3: Organization and customization
Let’s see which tool wins in the organization and customization feature face-off of Goodnotes vs Apple Notes:
Apple Notes
Apple Notes provides Smart Folders to help you organize your notes with tags🗂️. Group your notes by category and find them using tags. In terms of customization, Apple Notes offers limited capabilities.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes offers next-level customization. Choose from different notebook covers, paper types (like grids or music sheets), and layouts. It also has a marketplace for purchasing things like stickers, notebook covers, etc.
For organization, Goodnotes offers a nested folder structure that lets you create folders and subfolders.
🏅 Winner: Goodnotes stands out as the winner with its advanced folder organization and extensive customization options.
Feature 4: Collaboration features
For those using notes for project documentation or team collaboration, advanced sharing and collaboration tools are essential. Let’s explore which app offers the best features:
Apple Notes
Apple Notes lets you collaborate with anyone using an Apple device. Share a copy of your notes using iCloud using message or email. It lets you collaborate with up to 100 people on the same note.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes enables you to share notes with others by enabling link sharing. This will allow anyone with the link to access your document. Moreover, use the Presentation Mode to present your notebook to others.
However, the current version doesn’t support sharing using email. Link sharing is fully public, so you cannot control who views your notebook.
🏅Winner: In this case, Apple Notes wins with its easy sharing and collaboration features.
Feature 4: Attachments
Let’s see which tools offer better attachment capabilities:
Apple Notes
Apple Notes lets you attach links, existing photos, videos, links to other notes, and documents. Further, add audio recordings and transcribe them.
Take new photos or scan text and documents directly from Notes. Edit your documents to change the preview size and rename them.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes enables you to attach photos, links, and audio recordings in your notebook.
Add stickers, templates, and scanned documents. It also takes the PDF feature a step ahead by letting you annotate them. You can write, draw, or highlight PDFs for convenience.
🏅Winner: Goodnotes’ advanced features, like adding templates and annotating scanned documents, give it an edge over Apple Notes.
➡️ Read More: Free Task Management Templates in ClickUp & Excel
Summarize this article for me pleaseGoodnotes vs Apple Notes on Reddit
We took to Reddit to see what people think of the Goodnotes vs Apple Notes debate. Many users agree that Apple Notes has advantages for Apple users in terms of pricing and easy collaboration.
One user says, “Apple Notes has a lot of good features, works on all of your Apple devices, is already pre-installed, easily supports sharing/syncing between other people, and fits the needs of many people. It’s also free.”
Some users also agree that Goodnotes is a great choice, especially if you are looking for advanced features like PDF handling.
Another user said, “The biggest thing that stands out for me is not being able to even zoom in. Goodnotes just has more features and handles all my notebooks/PDFs very well. I would never use Apple Notes.”
Summarize this article for me pleaseMeet ClickUp: The Best Alternative to Apple Notes Vs Goodnotes
Apple Notes is perfect for simpler needs, while Goodnotes is perfect for those who want to achieve more with their notes. But what if there was an alternative that helps you do both?
ClickUp, as the everything app for work, stands out in this regard.
It combines the simplicity of Apple Notes with features far superior to Goodnotes, ensuring that you can seamlessly manage tasks, take detailed notes, and collaborate with teams all in one place.
Let’s take a look at some of ClickUp’s intuitive features that take your note-taking to the next level:
ClickUp’s One Up #1: ClickUp Docs
Use ClickUp Docs to manage your digital notes, create wikis, add tables, access endless formatting features, use nested pages, embed bookmarks, and collaborate with your team in real time.
It also lets you link what’s written in Docs to actual tasks, assign action items, tag team members, and leave comments for others to ensure everyone’s in the loop.
Additionally, you can use the Focus Mode to create clutter-free space for you to work. Also, to protect your privacy, Docs lets you create shareable links and manage permissions for access control.
Moreover, use templates like ClickUp’s Meeting Notes Template directly with Docs to track meeting agendas, action items, and important decisions. It optimizes your note-taking process and ensures that everyone stays on the same page.
➡️ Also Read: Guide to Knowledge Management System [Types & Use Cases]
ClickUp’s One Up #2: ClickUp Brain
Using AI for taking meeting notes optimizes the process and ensures that your insights are captured accurately and efficiently.
Try ClickUp’s advanced AI, ClickUp Brain, to make your note-taking process faster and smoother. It works as a writing assistant and offers abilities like built-in spell check, audio transcripts, and writing notes more efficiently.
It lets you edit, proofread, and summarize your notes directly into Docs for quick revision. And if you’re studying notes in another language, translate them into yours within seconds with Brain.
Brain also works as an AI assistant for taking meeting notes and helps create role-specific content like project proposals, quick replies, and customer communications.
Moreover, you can optimize knowledge management by storing all company knowledge in a centralized hub with ClickUp Knowledge Management. Whether you’re working on a team project, creating internal documentation, or simply keeping track of essential information, it lets you organize and store all your notes and resources in one easy-to-access location.
You can also use ClickUp’s Knowledge Base Template, which offers a structured framework for teams to build and organize a digital library of information. It includes sections for knowledge articles, FAQs, and resources, simplifying the process of storing and sharing valuable insights within your company.
💡Pro Tip: Wondering how to visualize your notes for easy comprehension and revision? ClickUp Mind Maps transforms your notes into visual diagrams, helping you organize and connect ideas clearly and intuitively.
It allows you to break down complex concepts into easily digestible chunks, making it perfect for brainstorming sessions, studying, or planning projects.
ClickUp’s One Up #3: ClickUp Notepad
Looking for something quick to make your checklists or jot down important points? ClickUp Notepad can help. It lets you organize your notes, convert them into trackable tasks, and organize them in a checklist.
Notepad automatically syncs notes across devices to ensure you effortlessly access them through any device at any time. Use rich formatting features like adding headers, banners, and bullet points to make your notes fun.
Additionally, with ClickUp Tasks, you can efficiently plan, organize, and collaborate on projects. It allows you to create tasks, customize their status, set priorities, and link them directly to your notes, ensuring seamless project management and streamlined workflows.
Hear what Alaina Maracotta, Event Marketing Coordinator at Vida Health, has to say about ClickUp:
Bonus feature: ClickUp AI Notetaker
If your note-taking pains are specific to meetings, we’ve got a fabulous solution for that, too! ClickUp’s AI Notetaker captures not just the words spoken but the actual decisions made, making them easily shareable with anyone, regardless of meeting attendance.
Beyond simple recording, the AI Notetaker transforms conversations into actionable steps by capturing and assigning action items, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Furthermore, it preserves the context of each meeting by linking discussions to relevant tasks, files, and past decisions, preventing teams from having to rehash previous conversations. This comprehensive approach, more than just summarizing, fosters clarity and momentum, ultimately transforming meetings from time drains into productive work drivers.
Summarize this article for me pleaseOptimize Your Note-Taking Processes With ClickUp
Whether you’re jotting down quick thoughts or collaborating with teammates, selecting the right tool can significantly improve how you manage and use your notes.
While Apple Notes and Goodnotes are both excellent options in their own right, ClickUp goes beyond simple note-taking. As an all-in-one work and project management platform, ClickUp integrates note-taking with broader organizational tools.
It also offers multiple customizable note-taking templates and features that cater to various styles of note-taking, whether you’re outlining, brainstorming, or tracking progress on tasks.
So why wait? Sign up on ClickUp and start transforming how you manage tasks, collaborate, and stay organized, all in one place! 📈
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
