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GoodNotes vs Makerbook

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
Makerbook icon
Makerbook

GoodNotes vs Makerbook: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

GoodNotes: GoodNotes is a digital handwriting and note-taking app for iPad and iPhone. It allows you to take notes, annotate PDFs, sketch ideas, and organize notes into notebooks using the Apple Pencil or your finger. GoodNotes is intuitive, flexible, and great for students and professionals.

Makerbook: Makerbook is a free and open source web app that helps makers document their projects with instructions, photos, videos, files, and more. It allows makers to easily publish beautiful project documentation to share and showcase what they build.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature GoodNotes Makerbook
Sugggest Score — —
Category Education & Reference Education & Reference
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

GoodNotes
GoodNotes

Description: GoodNotes is a digital handwriting and note-taking app for iPad and iPhone. It allows you to take notes, annotate PDFs, sketch ideas, and organize notes into notebooks using the Apple Pencil or your finger. GoodNotes is intuitive, flexible, and great for students and professionals.

Type: software

Makerbook
Makerbook

Description: Makerbook is a free and open source web app that helps makers document their projects with instructions, photos, videos, files, and more. It allows makers to easily publish beautiful project documentation to share and showcase what they build.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes Features
  • Handwriting and drawing with Apple Pencil
  • Annotate PDFs and documents
  • Create and organize notes into notebooks
  • Variety of pen styles and colors
  • Shape recognition
  • Zoom writing
  • Search handwritten notes
Makerbook
Makerbook Features
  • Create beautiful project documentation
  • Add instructions, photos, videos, files
  • Easily publish and share project documentation
  • Open source and self-hosted
  • Markdown support for writing instructions
  • Version control for project changes
  • Customizable themes
  • SEO optimized

Pros & Cons Analysis

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Pros
  • Natural writing and drawing experience
  • Powerful organization with notebooks
  • Ability to search handwritten notes
  • Integrates well with other Apple products and services
Cons
  • No web or Windows version
  • Less templates compared to competitors
  • Can be pricey compared to free alternatives
Makerbook
Makerbook
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Great for showcasing maker/DIY projects
  • Very customizable and extensible
  • Self-hosted option for full control
  • Active development community
  • Promotes knowledge sharing
Cons
  • Limited built-in themes
  • Steeper learning curve than closed source options
  • Self-hosting requires technical expertise
  • Less user support than commercial options
  • Fewer out-of-the-box features than paid tools

Pricing Comparison

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
  • Not listed
Makerbook
Makerbook
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Makerbook
Makerbook
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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