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How to Annotate a PDF in GoodNotes

Tap through the steps in order to see how it works.

  1. Import the PDF

    Use the "Import" menu or a share sheet to bring a PDF from the Files app, email, or cloud storage into GoodNotes.

  2. Highlight key parts with the highlighter

    Select the highlighter tool and layer your chosen color over text or shapes in the PDF to mark them.

  3. Write notes in the margins with a pen

    Use a thin pen to add handwritten notes or arrows directly in the margins or next to a paragraph.

  4. Add shapes and text boxes for extra detail

    Insert shape tools or text boxes to draw a table or add typed explanations on top of the PDF.

  5. Export the annotated PDF

    Choose "Export as PDF" from the share button to save or send a PDF that includes all of your markup.

The original PDF stays untouched β€” your notes are layered on top

A PDF imported into GoodNotes stores your annotations on a copy, so you can freely highlight and add notes to documents that need to stay unaltered, like a research paper or a contract.

Want to write freely anywhere on the page? Check out OneNote too

If you want to write freely anywhere on a page without importing a source document, the basics of OneNote are worth a look as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the original PDF file stay unchanged?

Yes β€” your annotations are saved on the copy imported into GoodNotes, and the original file itself is not modified until you export it.

Can I erase just my annotations without affecting the PDF?

Yes, the eraser tool selectively removes only the ink you have added, leaving the original PDF’s text and images untouched.