What GoodNotes subscription is

GoodNotes is a note-taking app for iPad and Mac that lets you write, annotate, and organize digital documents by hand. The subscription is optional — you can use the free version with basic features, or pay for a monthly or annual plan to unlock advanced tools like unlimited cloud storage, handwriting recognition, and the ability to sync notes across all your devices.

The subscription costs money each month or year, depending on which plan you choose. You are not buying the app outright; you are paying for access to premium features as long as your subscription is active. If you stop paying, you keep the app and your notes, but you lose access to the premium tools.

Key Takeaways

  • GoodNotes offers a free version with basic note-taking, plus paid subscription plans that add cloud storage, handwriting search, and device sync.
  • You can subscribe monthly or annually; annual plans cost less per month but require paying the full year upfront.
  • Your notes stay on your device even if your subscription ends, but premium features like cloud backup stop working.
  • The subscription is managed through your Apple account on iPad or Mac, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.

Free version versus paid subscription

The free GoodNotes app includes the core tools: you can create notebooks, write by hand with the Apple Pencil or trackpad, type text, insert images, and organize pages into folders. You get local storage on your device, which means your notes live only on the iPad or Mac where you created them.

The paid subscription adds cloud storage through iCloud, so your notes sync automatically to all your Apple devices. It also includes handwriting recognition — the app can search your handwritten text as if it were typed — and the ability to convert handwriting to typed text. Some users find these features essential; others are satisfied with the free version and never pay.

Subscription plans and pricing

GoodNotes offers two paid tiers. The exact prices vary by region and may change, so check the app itself for your location's current rates. Both plans renew automatically unless you cancel.

The monthly plan costs less upfront and lets you stop anytime. The annual plan costs more total but breaks down to a lower monthly rate, so it saves money if you plan to use the app for a full year. You pay the entire annual amount at once, not in installments.

Some users buy the app once and never subscribe; GoodNotes also sold a one-time purchase option in the past, though the current model is subscription-based. If you own an older version, you may not need to subscribe.

How to start a subscription

Open GoodNotes on your iPad or Mac. Tap or click the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots), then look for "Subscription," "Premium," or "Settings." The app will show you the available plans and a button to subscribe.

Tapping the subscribe button takes you to your Apple account payment screen. You will see the plan name, price, and renewal date. Confirm the purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. The subscription activates when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email from Apple.

If you have never set up an Apple payment method, you will need to add a credit or debit card to your Apple ID before you can subscribe. This happens on the same screen where you confirm the purchase.

Managing your subscription and canceling

Your GoodNotes subscription is tied to your Apple ID, not to the app itself. To view, change, or cancel your subscription, go to your device's Settings app, tap your name at the top, select "Subscriptions," and find GoodNotes in the list.

From that screen, you can see your renewal date, the plan you are on, and the price you pay. Tap "Cancel Subscription" to stop the renewal. You will keep access to premium features until your current billing period ends; after that date, you revert to the free version.

If you want to switch from monthly to annual (or vice versa), you usually have to cancel the current plan and start a new one. Some changes take effect when ready; others wait until your next renewal date. The app or Apple's subscription screen will tell you which applies.

What happens to your notes when your subscription ends

Your notes do not disappear when your subscription ends. All the notes you created stay on your device in the GoodNotes app. You can still open them, read them, and edit them using the free version's tools.

What you lose is access to premium features. Cloud sync stops working, so notes you create on one device will not appear on another. Handwriting search and handwriting-to-text conversion no longer work. If you had been relying on cloud backup, your notes are no longer backed up automatically.

If you want to keep your notes safe after canceling, you can export them as PDFs or images before your subscription ends. This way, you have a copy outside the app.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If you subscribed but do not see premium features, make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID on your device that you used to subscribe. Premium features are tied to your Apple account, not to the device. If you use a different Apple ID, you will not see them.

If your subscription renewed and you did not expect it, check your Apple ID settings to confirm the renewal date. Subscriptions renew automatically on the same day each month or year. If you want to stop future renewals, cancel through Settings before that date arrives.

If you are having trouble accessing the subscription screen in the app, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. Sometimes a refresh fixes sync issues. If the problem persists, contact GoodNotes support through their website or the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use GoodNotes on both iPad and Mac with one subscription?

Yes. Your subscription is tied to your Apple ID, so as long as you sign into the same Apple ID on both devices, you get premium features on both. Your notes also sync between them if you have cloud storage enabled.

What if I share my iPad with family members?

Each person needs their own Apple ID to have their own subscription. If you share a device, you can set up Family Sharing through your Apple ID settings so family members can use your subscription without paying separately, though this depends on your Apple account setup.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about the subscription?

Apple allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you request them through your Apple ID settings or by contacting Apple Support. After 14 days, refunds are at Apple's discretion. You can always cancel to stop future charges.

Do I need the subscription to use GoodNotes at all?

No. The free version works fine for basic note-taking, writing, and organizing. You only need the subscription if you want cloud sync, handwriting search, or other premium tools.

Will my notes sync if I cancel the subscription?

No. Cloud sync stops when your subscription ends. Notes you created before canceling stay on your device, but new notes will not sync to other devices, and old notes will not sync from other devices to this one.