Create a new notebook

1. To create a new notebook, just launch the app and choose New... > Notebook.

2. Now, let's set these properties of your notebook:

   • Name: Type a catchy name here.
   • Language: Tap to set the handwriting recognition language of the notebook so that you can search your handwriting!
   • Cover: Leave it enabled to include a cover for your notebook.
     • You can tap the COVER thumbnail and choose a cover from the bottom list.
   • Size: Tap to set the size and orientation of the notebook paper.
   • Color: Tap to set the color of the paper.

   

3. Choose a template from the bottom list, then tap Create.

Amazing! You've just created your first notebook!

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Goodnotes for Android, Windows, and Web has a different layout with fewer options and labels:

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<aside> 💡 Want to jot down some quick notes without going through the formal steps to create a notebook? Tap New... > QuickNote, or simply double-tap that New… button. This creates a temporary one-page, coverless notebook in the paper template you last chose. Once done, you can choose to save the QuickNote notebook, move it to a folder, merge it with an existing notebook, or discard it.

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Take notes!

Write

By default, you’re in Handwriting Mode, and Goodnotes has a lot of tools to help you take great notes! Here are some of the most useful ones:

• Pen Tool: This tool works just like a pen on paper! You can select it and write on the page with your finger or Apple Pencil. If you want to change the color or thickness, just use the slots on the right hand side of the Active Tool Menu and tap it again to customize it.
• Eraser Tool: Made a mistake? No problem! You can use this tool to erase handwriting, highlighting, or shapes. Note that it can't erase other objects like images. You can change the size of the Eraser on the right hand side of the Active Tool Menu.
• Pencil Tool: This tool gives you the feel of a real pencil on paper. It's great for shading and sketching.
• Highlighter Tool: This tool is perfect for highlighting important details in your notes. You can set the color and thickness in the same way as the Pen Tool.
• Tape Tool: Use the Tape Tool to cover and uncover text in your notes. This helps you study by testing what you remember - a learning method called active recall.

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