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GoodNotes vs Procreate

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

GoodNotes icon
GoodNotes
Procreate icon
Procreate

GoodNotes vs Procreate: 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.

Procreate: Procreate is a popular digital illustration app designed specifically for the iPad and Apple Pencil. It features a simple, intuitive interface and a wide range of professional-grade drawing tools for sketching, inking, and painting.

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 Procreate
Sugggest Score — —
Category Education & Reference Photos & Graphics

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

Procreate
Procreate

Description: Procreate is a popular digital illustration app designed specifically for the iPad and Apple Pencil. It features a simple, intuitive interface and a wide range of professional-grade drawing tools for sketching, inking, and painting.

Type: software

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
Procreate
Procreate Features
  • Over 190 brushes
  • Layer system
  • Animation and video timeline
  • Perspective and nondestructive transformations
  • Vector and raster support
  • PSD import/export
  • Apple Pencil and iPad touch support

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
Procreate
Procreate
Pros
  • Intuitive and easy to use interface
  • Powerful drawing and painting tools
  • Great Apple Pencil integration and support
  • Can create complex and high quality illustrations
  • Constantly updated with new features
Cons
  • Only available on iOS
  • No desktop version
  • Less features than full desktop software like Photoshop
  • File management could be improved

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Learn More About Each Product

GoodNotes
GoodNotes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Procreate
Procreate
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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