GoodNotes may be a great application for taking notes, but this is certainly not for everyone. It is a user friendly app that allow to take notes or even draw things on iPad instead writing on hard-copy paper. There are number of alternatives to GoodNotes that can be used on iPad, Windows and Android too.
If you’re a student just trying to get through class or a business person trying to manage all the minutes of last month’s meetings, you know that taking notes can be extremely difficult. That is where the GoodNotes app comes into the picture. However GoodNotes is a paid app (approx $8) and that’s why many people wanted to know app like GoodNotes that is free. But Fortunately, you can just keep on reading and check out our top 15 GoodNotes alternatives which are free to use on iPad and Windows, have a look.!
Quick Overivew
15 GoodNotes Alternatives
NoteLedge
Powerful and sleek, Noteledge is better alternative to GoodNotes that comes with more features. It includes sophisticated multimedia tools that can record inspiration no matter the medium. Aside from taking notes, NoteLedge also enables users to create mood boards and share ideas within a team. NoteLedge is free to use.
More features include:
- Supports doodles as well as artwork and provides its own selection of brushes and tools.
- Users can document ideas from websites such as Pinterest, YouTube, etc.
Available for Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.
Google Keep
A member of Google Docs Editors suite of Google, Google Keep offers users the tools to take notes in various formats such as audio, text, images, etc. Using an optical character reader, text can be taken from an image, and conveniently, recordings are routinely transcribed. Google Keep is free to use.
More features include:
- Notes can be color-coded or categorized by labels.
- Text from notes can be extracted into checklists and vice-versa.
Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers.
Microsoft OneNote
An application of the Microsoft Office suite, OneNote is a versatile and minimal note-taking program. The interface was designed to resemble a tabbed ringed binder, which the user can use to gather and make notes from other applications. However, there is no structure to the page layout, meaning that users can make notes without any restrictions. Microsoft OneNote is free to use.
More features include:
- Notes can be created in various formats such as text, audio, drawings, etc.
- Supports multi-user collaboration.
Available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Xournal++
Free and open-sourced, Xournal++ is a modern take on its now-discontinued predecessor Xournal, with some added functionality. It offers utilities for pressure-sensitive drawing tablets and it has a range of drawing and writing tools, allowing the user to make notes any way they want to.
More features include:
- Allows the user to add images and input equations for scientific graphs.
- Support for recording audio while the user writes.
Available for all desktop OS.
Nebo
Boost productivity with Nebo and turn messy scribbled notes into organized, professional documents. Users can also incorporate rich media such as interactive diagrams, equations, etc. into their notes It also supports creativity and inspiration through the addition of freeform pages/sections to regular notes. Nebo is a paid service.
More features include:
- Nebo supports importing external PDFs and annotating them.
- Includes a sophisticated AI for the most accurate handwriting recognition.
- Aids in mathematical calculation with math object tool.
Available for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
Squid
Great for taking notes in class, Squid encapsulates the experience of scribbling on real paper. While pages are infinite by default, there are several sizes to choose from, such as letters, legal, A3, etc. Notes can also be cast to auxiliary devices and edited whilst presenting. Squid is free to use.
More features include:
- Users can take notes with a e-pen and erase them with their fingers in seconds.
- Different styles of pages are available for mathematical calculation, music theory, planning, etc.
Available for Windows and Android.
Inkredible
Lauded by publications such as CNET and Engadget, Inkredible strives to make the writing experience on a tablet better than pen on paper. Its interface is minimalistic and it executes inking using vector-graphic bitmap technology, allowing for a more natural technique. Inkredible is free to use.
More features include:
- Highly realistic writing tools.
- Palm rejection utility.
Available for Android and iOS.
Noteshelf
Now, users never have to worry about losing their hard copy notes, thanks to the Noteshelf. With a cloud-based architecture, all notes can be synced to programs such as Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. ensuring that no data loss ever occurs. But, Noteshelf is free to use.
More features include:
- Fluid movements with a wide variety of writing tools.
- Customizability with a selection of templates.
- Utility to add rich media.
Available for Android and ios.
NoteLab
NoteLab is an open-sourced and free-to-use notes program, with an augmented screen rendering for receptive note-taking. The service can save notes as SVG images, and it offers support for command line switches to supplement customization.
More features include:
- Notes can be exported to a raster/vectored image.
- Uses a graphics preference manager to personalize writing tools.
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris.
Jarnal
Jarnal is a simple, no-nonsense notes application that is reminiscent of the discontinued Microsoft Windows Journal. To use Jarnal, the user must have Java installed on their system to access all of their utilities. The program has most of the basic note-taking utilities as well as a few other niche features. Jarnal is free to use.
Some features include:
- Collaboration tools.
- New icons from artists such as Jon Harsem, Bernado, etc.
Available across all desktop OS.
Notion
A collaborative productivity program, Notion is a great note-taking program for the workplace. It has a free plan amongst others.
Some features include:
- Allows users to manage their notes and Kanban boards to aid in knowledge retention.
- Integrates wikis and databases.
- Syncs across all devices.
Available for Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and web browsers.
Evernote
One of the most popular apps for note-taking, Evernote that streamlines the learning process to enhance workflow. It has a free plan amongst others.
Some features include:
- Users can incorporate web clippings into their notes.
- Notes are synced across all devices.
Available for Windows, macOS, Android, and ios.
Coda
Spreadsheets, databases, a giant canvas and so much more, all combined into one application: Coda. Coda simplifies productivity and it can integrate with services such as Slack and Google Workspace. It is a paid service.
Some features include:
- Can be used as a word processor.
- Has an intrinsic mobile feel.
Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers.
Spike
Used by brands such as Fiverr and Sephora, Spike is a great service for team collaboration. It allows teams to collaborate on a single document using Notes and with its conversational email features, users work together in real-time. Spike has a free Personal plan.
More features include:
- In-app video calling.
- Combined voice notes.
- Advanced Search utility saves time.
Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
Zoho Notebook
Always keep in the loop with Zoho Notebook. One of the most elegant note-taking applications on the market, it enables users to completely personalize their notebooks in their way. Its Ask Zia tool can help add more content to a notebook as well as set reminders, to-do lists, etc. It is cloud-based and is completely free to use.
More features include:
- Notes can be protected as well as shared securely with passcodes and touch IDs.
- Notes can be color-coded or tagged.
- Audio notes can be recorded.
- Comes with productivity integrations such as IFTTT, Zapier, etc.
Available for all desktop OS and web browsers.
Conclusion
Whichever handwriting notes apps you are going to use, make sure it should be easy to use, and save your time. I hope, the above list of Goodnotes Alternative will help you to choose the better apps to use in daily life.
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