Using your Apple Pencil in GoodNotes transforms your iPad into a versatile digital notebook, allowing you to write, draw, highlight, and interact with your documents naturally.
Using an Apple Pencil on GoodNotes is the primary way to interact with your notes and documents, enabling natural handwriting, drawing, and navigation within the app.
Getting Started
Once your Apple Pencil is paired with your iPad, GoodNotes automatically recognizes it. Simply open a notebook or document, and you can start writing or drawing immediately. The Apple Pencil replaces your finger for most actions within the note-taking area.
Essential Tools and How to Use Them
GoodNotes provides a robust set of tools optimized for the Apple Pencil, accessible via the toolbar usually located at the top of the screen.
- Pen Tool: Select the pen icon to write or draw. You can choose different pen types (e.g., Fountain Pen, Ballpoint Pen, Brush Pen), adjust thickness, and select colors from a palette.
- Eraser Tool: Tap the eraser icon to erase strokes. Options often include erasing the entire stroke or pixel-by-pixel.
- Highlighter Tool: Use the highlighter icon to mark text or drawings. Highlighters are semi-transparent, allowing content underneath to remain visible. You can adjust thickness and color.
- Lasso Tool: Select the lasso icon to draw a selection around elements (handwriting, drawings, images) to move, resize, copy, or delete them.
- Shapes Tool: Tap the shapes icon to draw perfect geometric shapes (lines, circles, squares) that GoodNotes automatically snaps into place.
- Image Tool: Add images from your photo library.
- Text Box Tool: Type text using the iPad's keyboard or Scribble (convert handwriting to text).
- Laser Pointer Tool: Useful for presentations, this tool lets you temporarily point at parts of the page.
Interacting with these tools is as simple as tapping their icon on the toolbar with your Apple Pencil (or finger), selecting your desired options (color, thickness), and then using the pencil on the page.
Enhancing Workflow with Apple Pencil Features
Apple Pencil offers features that integrate seamlessly with GoodNotes to improve your efficiency:
- Scribble: With compatible iPadOS versions, you can use your Apple Pencil to write directly into text fields (like the search bar or text boxes), and it will be converted to typed text.
- Double-Tap (Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and Pro): By default, double-tapping the side of your Apple Pencil can switch between the current tool and the eraser, or between the current tool and the previously used tool. This is often customizable within iPad Settings.
- Hover (Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and Pro): Hovering the pencil just above the screen shows you exactly where your mark will land before you touch the display.
Show the Palette with Squeeze (Apple Pencil Pro)
A key feature for the Apple Pencil Pro is the ability to squeeze the pencil to trigger the Palette. This is a floating toolbar that appears near your pencil tip.
- Functionality: The Palette provides quick access to essential tools like the pen and highlighter, allows you to change colors, and adjust line thickness on the fly.
- Benefit: This feature significantly boosts efficiency by letting you switch tools and modify settings without having to reach for the main toolbar at the top of the screen, keeping your focus on your note-taking area.
Customization
GoodNotes allows some level of customization for the Apple Pencil experience, such as adjusting pressure sensitivity for certain pen types or customizing the double-tap gesture (depending on your Apple Pencil model and iPadOS version). Check both GoodNotes settings and the Apple Pencil section within your iPad's main Settings app.
By mastering these tools and features, you can leverage your Apple Pencil to its full potential within GoodNotes, making digital note-taking feel as natural and efficient as writing on paper.
