GoodNotes 5 for iPhone

Overview of GoodNotes 5

GoodNotes 5, created by Time Base Technology Limited, is a premium document and note-taking application for Apple devices. Designed for iPad, iPhone and Mac, it combines file management, annotation, and handwriting support in a single polished app. It’s especially useful for people who prefer writing or drawing by hand rather than composing long passages of typed text.

Main capabilities

• Native compatibility with Apple Pencil for precise handwriting and sketching.
• Import, edit and place files easily using drag-and-drop gestures.
• Organize documents with folders, subfolders and a Favorites area for quick access.
• Build custom outlines to speed up navigation and improve searchability.
• Automatic synchronization so your notes and edits appear on all your Mac and iOS devices.

Drawing, handwriting and markup tools

• Move, rotate and resize handwritten elements and sketches with simple gestures.
• Pick and change colors for pens and highlighters using an adjustable color palette.
• Use an eraser, shape recognition and line tools for clean annotations and diagrams.
• Write or sketch with the touchscreen, touchpad or Apple Pencil for varying levels of control.

How it works in practice

GoodNotes 5 functions as both a document manager and a notebook. You can create new documents or import PDFs and images, then annotate them directly. Organization is straightforward: group files in folders, mark frequently used items as Favorites, and create outlines to jump to sections quickly. All edits are saved and synced, allowing you to switch devices without losing your place.

Things to keep in mind

While GoodNotes excels at handwriting and on-screen annotation, it isn’t primarily built for heavy keyboard-based typing or long-form word processing. If your workflow relies on extensive text entry with a physical keyboard, you may find other apps better suited for that purpose.

Final impression

For users who take a lot of handwritten notes, annotate documents frequently, or sketch ideas on the go, GoodNotes 5 delivers a smooth, feature-rich experience across Apple devices. Its design is clean and modern, and the synchronization features make it convenient for multi-device use. Recommended for anyone who values pen-first note-taking and versatile markup tools.