Where Does GoodNotes Store Notebooks?
GoodNotes keeps notebooks on device with iCloud sync, plus optional auto backup to Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for safety.
Last updated
GoodNotes keeps your library on the device first. Turn on iCloud sync and the same notebooks appear on iPhone, iPad, and Mac under the same Apple ID. The iCloud copy lives in your iCloud storage and shows up in Settings under GoodNotes storage.
Auto backup is separate. Point it at Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive and GoodNotes writes PDF or GoodNotes copies there after each edit. Use both. Sync moves work between devices. Backup saves you when sync goes wrong.
Where GoodNotes stores this, by platform
App-private library (synced via iCloud if enabled)
Check iCloud usage in Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Storage. Enable auto backup to Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for file copies you can open without the app.
App-private library (synced via iCloud if enabled)
Same library as iOS when signed into the same Apple ID. Deleting iCloud data from Settings does not delete local notebooks, but you get asked whether to reupload on next launch.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting GoodNotes iCloud data delete my notes?
No, local notebooks stay on the iPad. GoodNotes asks if you want to upload them again or keep them local only. Keep a manual backup in Drive before clearing iCloud space, just in case.
How do I get a real file backup of GoodNotes notebooks?
Turn on automatic backup to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive in GoodNotes settings. It replaces the copy after every edit. Export single notebooks as PDF or GoodNotes files for archiving.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.