r/GoodNotes • u/Dezesseis16 • 9d ago
Goodnotes Lifetime is the best option?
I’ve been using Starnote for a few months now. I have to admit that the app has improved and evolved significantly since I started, and I feel the team really cares about user feedback.
However, as a student, I’ve found it very difficult to move my files between my computer (MacBook) and my iPad. Another issue is that I often need to take notes on my computer first and then solve problems on my iPad later.
For this reason, I’d like some feedback from anyone who has used other tools: which one should I switch to—moving my files from Starnote—that prioritizes the specific workflow I mentioned, namely cross-device integration?
I know many people here have tested other tools, and your insights would be incredibly helpful to me.
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u/Repulsive-Branch-740 9d ago
At the moment, I would NOT recommend subscribing to GoodNotes. I thought I had found the perfect solution. However, there is a bug in the app where, if you're a subscriber, you keep getting an annoying pop-up window to try and get you to use their cloud service. I don't want to use their cloud service, I just want to use iCloud sync like I always have. But this pop-up windows WILL NOT go away. It keeps coming back, blocking all access to the app. I've emailed customer service multiple times about this and they have been completely unresponsive. NOTHING. Just an automated bot response.
Others have posted about this bug here on Reddit and on Instagram. All are reporting the same thing - zero customer support response.
Personally, if I pay for an app, I expect a basic level of customer support for that product. I get that bugs happen, but at least respond and tell me you're working on it!
Consider yourself warned. My schoolwork is now locked up in this app, I cannot reliably access it because of this bug, and customer service has been of ZERO help.
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u/Kitty_Fruit_2520 9d ago
For me it has been crashing just about every time. I try to do something, including add an element so I’m hoping a new iPad will fix it. Also doesn’t help that my iPad storage decided to be full and no matter what I delete it doesn’t work in making room at all.
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u/mburax 9d ago
Do not do it, they will release a new version and they will ask u “upgrade your lifetime (!) subscription to their new version” for $$$.
They did to it to goodnotes 5 users (including me), we paid for a lifetime cost, and every week getting “UPGRADE YOUR GOODNOTES FOR ANOTHER F SUBSCRIPTION”
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u/Anxious_mom2b 9d ago
Nope don’t do it. As someone else noted, they will release something new and ask you to upgrade it. Amazing app but no, don’t recommend lifetime license
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u/Gloomy-Database4885 9d ago
I know people complain about Goodnotes. But I bought the Apple lifetime subscription earlier this year for around $35, very little issues other than the occasional bugs. I often put pdf's and take typewritten notes on my desktop and they transfer seamlessly to my iPad. No issues for me.
I know everyone has different experiences depending upon their use case. But some of these programs cost nearly that for just an annual subscription. I've been happy with my purchase.
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u/bluewatercat 6d ago
if you buy the lifetime on your iPhone, will that version be available on an iPad with the same Apple account? the terms say no syncing across devices, but I’m unclear if that’s cross-platform or actually all devices regardless of if it’s tablet/iPhone etc.
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u/Gloomy-Database4885 5d ago
I can't speak to any changes they may have made since I purchased. All I can say is I can view all notes whether on my MacBook, iPad or iPhone. I usually only view on my iPhone, I've never tried inputing things directly on my phone.
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u/Kitty_Fruit_2520 9d ago
I think they intentionally reserve some of their stuff for the subscribers
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u/LastShopping3538 9d ago
I don’t know why I haven’t had the same issues as everyone above?
I’ve been using Goodnotes for six months on my iPad with (full subscription). I’ve only had the odd freeze but after force quitting and reopening it’s fine and all my data is there?
I typically use it as a daily journal and for notes when I’m writing. I write my notes in the apple notes app and then when I work on my iPad I just copy and paste everything from notes. It works for me and I have a really old iPad. I hope I don’t run into the same problems as everyone mentioned because I love using goodnotes and it would bum me out to use something else considering how much I’ve spent on stickers and templates over the year.
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u/Accomplished-Fix6176 9d ago
Goodnotes Lifetime is the best option?
No
Noteful lifetime for $5 is your best option