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Notely is the open-source notes app implied by this headline. Its developer advertises handwriting, PDF annotation, an infinite canvas, on-device handwriting search, and export to Markdown, PDF, PNG, and SVG. The notable workflow difference is the combination of freeform canvas space and Markdown export—not proof that Goodnotes lacks handwriting search or PDF annotation, which Goodnotes also documents.
What Notely offers—and what makes it different
Notely describes itself as an open-source alternative to Goodnotes. Its product page lists iPad, macOS, Windows, and Linux, and advertises handwritten notes, PDF annotation, and an infinite canvas. These are developer-stated capabilities; the available product information does not establish how consistently features work across platforms or devices.
An infinite canvas instead of a fixed page
Notely says its canvas can be zoomed out without limit. That model can suit brainstorming, diagrams, or notes that grow in several directions, where a fixed notebook page can feel restrictive. It also changes how a note is organized: rather than treating each thought as a page, the canvas lets you position material spatially. The page does not specify how such notes are paginated for printing or exported to each format.
Handwriting, pressure, and tilt
Notely advertises handwriting with pressure and tilt support and describes its inking as “120Hz.” That figure is the developer’s claim, not an independently verified performance measurement. The product page does not identify a specific stylus or establish hardware compatibility beyond listing iPad availability.
#1 Best Overall
- A digital notebook for all your writing needs - Replace your stack of notebooks with a single device purpose-built for writing, reading, and thinking. No notifications or social media.
- With AI tools to transform your notes - Convert messy handwriting into readable font, summarize your notes, and change their length and tone with built-in AI notebook tools.
- Feels like pen on paper - See, feel and hear your thoughts meet the page with every stroke of the Premium Pen. No need to set up or charge, just start writing.
- Easily import and mark up documents - Import documents and PDFs using Send to Kindle, and mark them up directly on the page.
- Capture insights as you read – Just start writing on a book's page and Active Canvas will create space for your notes. Expand the margins to add more notes, or collapse them to see the original page.
Search handwritten notes on-device
Notely advertises local, on-device OCR to find handwritten words. “On-device” describes the advertised search approach; the source does not detail supported languages, accuracy, or device requirements. Goodnotes also documents handwriting search, so search itself is not a distinctive Notely-only capability.
Notely and Goodnotes: the workflow differences
| Workflow | Notely | Goodnotes |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas and notes | Advertises handwritten notes on an infinite canvas. (Notely product page) | Offers notebooks for handwriting and freeform annotation; its Text Documents are pageless and typing-focused. (Goodnotes support page) |
| PDF annotation | Advertises PDF import and annotation, including highlighting, drawing, and signing. (Notely product page) | Documents PDF annotation and describes handwriting, highlighting, commenting, search, and sharing. (Goodnotes PDF page) |
| Handwriting search | Advertises on-device OCR for handwritten words. (Notely product page) | Documents handwriting search. (Goodnotes features page) |
| Markdown export | Lists Markdown among its export formats. (Notely product page) | Not stated on the cited Goodnotes pages. |
| Other listed exports | PDF, PNG, and SVG. (Notely product page) | Sticky notes can be included in PDF or image exports when expanded. (Goodnotes support page) |
| Platforms | Lists iPad, macOS, Windows, and Linux. (Notely product page) | Not stated on the cited Goodnotes pages. |
| Self-hosted sync | Labeled “Coming Soon” on the product page, not presented as currently shipping. | Not stated on the cited Goodnotes pages. |
The distinction is clearest when comparing formats, not searching or marking up PDFs. Goodnotes separates its typed Text Document format from its handwriting-oriented notebook format: the support page says Text Documents do not include drawing elements, highlighter, ruler, tape, or freeform annotation, and directs users to notebooks for those activities. That is a limitation of that particular format, not a claim that Goodnotes as a whole cannot support handwritten or freeform work.
Rank #2
- Please Note: It is NOT an e-ink Tablet, it is a Normal Android Tablet. The XPPen digital notetaking tablet comes with an X-key, you can choose between Monochrome LCD, Light Color, and Nature Color modes with one press. 3 color modes can meet all kinds of needs
- AG Nano-Etched Display: This 10.95-inch tablet features an AG nano-etched LCD screen equipped with TCL NXTpaper 3.0 technology, which reduces up to 95% of ambient light interference and delivers a Immersive visual experience. Please note: Since our product achieves paper-like texture and anti-glare functionality through AG etched glass technology, it differs fundamentally from E Ink screens in visual appearance
- 90Hz High Refresh Rate: The digital notebook is designed with a 90Hz refresh rate ensuring every frame of the image without page turn lag or ghosting, bringing you smoothness and clarity display. It also supports the display of 16.7 million colors, a brightness of 400 nit, and minimum brightness, offering a high-quality image for a comfortable reading and writing experience
- Pencil Upgraded for Noting: The XPPen electronic note-taking tablet is powered by the X3 Pro smart chip, the X3 Pro Pencil 2 features 16K sensitivity and a soft pen nib, which help you achieve varied annotation effects in both stroke thickness and color depth based on writing pressure, making your key content stand out at a glance. The magnetic suction and customized shortcut key enhance your productivity and convenience
- Native Note-taking App: XPPen Notes enables you to enjoy seamless note-taking with permanent membership. It supports converting handwriting to text, recording sound, importing and editing PDF files, selecting multiple pen brushes, an AI assistant, waking up the XPPen Notes with one click, saving your notes automatically, and you can choose to upload them to OneDrive or Google Drive, and so on. If you upgrade the system to 1PAE, you can enjoy the new AI Notes functions, which include summarizing the PDFs you upload, converting the key points of AI Notes into flashcards, and pressing the quiz function from AI Notes
Can you annotate PDFs and export handwritten notes to Markdown?
Notely advertises PDF import and annotation, including highlighting, drawing, signing, and sharing. It also lists Markdown, PDF, PNG, and SVG as export formats. The product page does not explain whether Markdown export preserves handwriting as editable text, converts recognized writing, or exports only other note content. Treat Markdown availability as a format option, not a guarantee that handwritten strokes become clean, searchable Markdown.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Goodnotes also documents PDF annotation. Its feature page says users can handwrite, highlight, and comment on PDFs, then search and share them. Goodnotes’ support page further explains that sticky notes can be moved and collapsed; expanded sticky notes are included in PDF or image exports. Thus PDF annotation is available in both apps according to their respective product information, though the sources do not support a feature-by-feature quality comparison.
Who should consider Notely?
- Consider it if you want an open-source app whose advertised feature set combines handwriting, an infinite canvas, and Markdown export.
- It may fit brainstorming and spatially arranged notes better than a workflow centered on conventional notebook pages.
- Do not choose it solely for handwriting search or PDF markup; Goodnotes documents those capabilities too.
- Wait for clearer confirmation if self-hosted synchronization is essential: Notely labels it “Coming Soon.”
- Check the exact platform and device you plan to use before relying on feature parity. Notely lists four platforms, but its product page does not establish identical capabilities or hardware requirements across them.
What the product pages do not establish
Notely’s official page is the basis for its open-source label and feature claims, but the cited information does not establish licensing details, pricing, release history, real-world performance, or feature parity across platforms. The “120Hz” inking claim is not an independent benchmark. Goodnotes’ cited pages establish specific workflows and capabilities, not a complete inventory of every edition or platform. The comparison here is therefore about advertised workflows, not a hands-on verdict or a claim that one app is universally better.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- SHARP VIEW, CLEAR SOUND – Experience sharp visuals and immersive sound for study sessions and streaming breaks. With 72% NTSC and quad Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers you can enjoy your study breaks with vivid videos and crystal-clear sound.
- LEVEL UP YOUR STUDY – Write, organize, sketch, and calculate with four learning apps built to match your flow. Lenovo AI Note, Squid, Nebo, and MyScript Calculator help you stay clear, focused, and ready for every study session.
Rank #4
- 【Free APP-Ophaya Pro+】 Instantly Sync，Effortlessly Captures handwritten notes and drawings with precision, synchronizing them in real-time to devices with the Ophaya Pro+ app（Suitable for iOS and Android smart phone）, Never miss an idea again.【What's in the box】 1x Smart pen, 1x Pu Notebook (60 sheets), 1×Writing Board, 4x Ballpoint Refills, 2x Plastic Pen Nib, 1x USB-Cable.
- 【OCR Handwriting Recognition】Handwritten text can be converted to digital text, which can then be shared as a word document.
- 【Searchable Handwriting Note】Handwritten notes can be searched using keywords, tags, and timestamps, making it easier to find specific information.
- 【Multiple note file formats for storage and sharing】 PDF/Word/PNG/GIF/Mp4 (Note: Multiple PDF and png files can be combined before sharing).
- 【Audio Recording】 Records audio simultaneously while you write, allowing you to sync your notes with the corresponding audio for context. and Clicking on the notes allows you to locate and play back the corresponding audio content.
Rank #3
- THE ULTIMATE PAPER TABLET – For the first time on a reMarkable paper tablet, you can write, sketch, and read in color. Ultra-slim and portable, but with a full-size 11.8” color display, adjustable reading light, and an unmatched paper-like writing experience.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX – You’ll find reMarkable Paper Pro, a digital notebook for unprecedented paper-like writing with 11.8” Canvas Color display; Marker Plus, the reMarkable pen with built-in eraser; 6 spare Marker tips
- PAPER-LIKE WRITING – Designed to work exclusively with the groundbreaking color display to deliver realistic friction and natural writing feel, the included Marker Plus offers precise control, incredible responsiveness, and all-day comfort.
- ALL YOUR WORK, ORGANIZED – Sort your notes and documents with folders and tags, write directly on PDFs, and instantly convert handwriting to typed text. Everything's in one place and easy to find.
- READ IN COMFORT, DAY OR NIGHT – Unlike most laptops and phones, reMarkable Paper Pro has a low-glare display that reflects natural light, so you can read without eye-strain, even outside. An adjustable reading light means you can keep working when the lights go out, too.
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