How to Speed Up GoodNotes: Solving Lag and Performance Issues

GoodNotes is a powerful note-taking app, but like any software, it can sometimes experience lag or performance issues. Whether you're working on a large notebook, sketching with a lot of strokes, or simply noticing slower response times, these problems can hinder your productivity. If you're facing slow performance in GoodNotes, don't worry—there are several steps you can take to speed things up and make your note-taking experience smoother.

1. Clear Cache and Unnecessary Files

Over time, GoodNotes can accumulate cache files and backups that might slow it down. Clearing these can free up space and improve app performance.

• How to Clear Cache:

  • Open GoodNotes.

  • Go to the Settings tab (gear icon) in the top left.

  • Select Manage Storage.

  • You can then review your notebooks and delete any unnecessary or large files.

This will help speed up the app by reducing the load on your device.

2. Reduce the Size of Your Notebooks

Large notebooks with many pages or heavy images can cause lag. If you’re experiencing slowness, consider breaking large notebooks into smaller ones or removing heavy elements such as high-resolution images or embedded files.

• How to Manage Notebook Size:

  • Split large notebooks into multiple smaller ones for easier access.

  • Remove large PDFs or high-resolution images that could be causing performance issues.

Smaller files will reduce the app's load and increase its responsiveness.

3. Turn Off Auto-Sync or Adjust Sync Settings

Auto-syncing your notebooks across devices is convenient, but it can cause lag if the app is constantly updating in the background. You can turn off or adjust your syncing settings to prevent performance issues.

• How to Adjust Auto-Sync Settings:

  • Go to Settings > Sync Settings.

  • Turn off Auto Sync or adjust the sync interval to a less frequent setting.

This will reduce the background load and potentially speed up performance.

4. Update Your App and iOS

Sometimes lag is simply due to an outdated app or operating system. Ensure you have the latest version of GoodNotes and iOS installed to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

• How to Update GoodNotes:

  • Open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, and ensure GoodNotes is updated to the latest version.

• How to Update iOS:

  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.

5. Limit the Use of Complex Strokes or Tools

If you’re using a lot of complex strokes or thick pens, especially in large notebooks, this can lead to lag. Try using simpler strokes or reducing the brush thickness to speed things up.

• How to Optimize Your Drawing Tools:

  • Use thinner pens or simpler brushes to reduce the complexity of your strokes.

  • Avoid overusing heavy textures or high-resolution images in drawings.

Simplifying your tools will reduce processing load and make your interactions with the app faster.

6. Free Up Storage on Your Device

If your device is running low on storage, it can slow down the performance of apps like GoodNotes. Make sure your device has enough available storage to keep things running smoothly.

• How to Free Up Storage:

  • Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.

  • Review which apps and files are taking up space and delete those you no longer need.

A device with sufficient free space will ensure smoother app performance.

7. Close Unnecessary Apps in the Background

Running multiple apps in the background can slow down your device's performance. Closing apps that you’re not actively using can help free up system resources and improve the speed of GoodNotes.

• How to Close Background Apps:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the home button, depending on your device) to view the app switcher.

  • Swipe away the apps you’re not currently using.

This can help keep your device’s resources focused on the app you're using.

8. Use the iPad’s "Low Power Mode" for Better Performance

When your iPad is in Low Power Mode, it temporarily reduces power consumption by limiting background activity and visual effects. This can help improve the performance of GoodNotes.

• How to Enable Low Power Mode:

  • Go to Settings > Battery.

  • Toggle on Low Power Mode.

This may help improve performance, especially if your iPad is running low on battery.

9. Reinstall GoodNotes

If none of the above solutions solve the problem, reinstalling GoodNotes can often fix lingering performance issues. This will reset the app to its default settings and remove any potential bugs.

• How to Reinstall GoodNotes:

  • Delete the app from your device.

  • Go to the App Store, search for GoodNotes, and reinstall it.

  • Be sure to back up your important files before uninstalling to avoid data loss.

10. Contact GoodNotes Support

If you're still experiencing lag or performance issues after trying all of these steps, it might be time to reach out to GoodNotes support. They can offer specific troubleshooting steps or investigate any potential bugs.

• How to Contact Support:

  • Go to Settings > Help & Support in GoodNotes to reach out to their support team.

Conclusion

Slow performance or lag in GoodNotes can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can significantly improve the app's speed and responsiveness. By clearing cache, optimizing notebook sizes, adjusting sync settings, and freeing up storage, you can enjoy a smoother and more productive note-taking experience.

If you've tried everything and still face performance issues, don’t hesitate to contact GoodNotes support for further assistance. With a little attention to detail, you can get GoodNotes running at its best again!