Post XV. Good Notes

I didn’t expected to have so many readings in the PDF format when beginning my master’s studies at FSU. Since I am not comfortable with lengthy reading on the computer, I needed to figure out how to deal with all those PDF files. That was the time I found the Good Notes iPad application. I decided to buy it basing on rapturous reviews of users and never regret it.

Now, Good Notes costs $6.99 (one dollar more), but it is worth every dollar spent. The app combines the functions of a note-taking space and an annotation tool for PDF files.

GoodNotes recognize handwriting beautifully. The app works very smoothly enabling you to take notes in a creative manner by using different pen and marker colors, geometric figures, textboxes, etc. The notes are searchable, which makes Good Notes an assisting media in going paperless.

Talking about the PDF annotation functions Good Notes provide, they are absolutely stunning. You can handwrite on a PDF and then export this annotated document to the cloud service you prefer (GoogleDisk, iCloud, Box, or Dropbox). The app also allows inserting pictures in the document and typing on it. All the changes you made can be synchronized between different devices.

Here is a video overview of the Good Notes app demonstrating its practicality.

I also would like to share the annotation methodology I utilize while reading PDFs via Good Notes. It may be useful for international students J
On the picture below, you can see the first page of the Kosonen (2009) reading we had two weeks ago. To make PDF annotation more organized, I use color codes. I mark definitions with the brown color, unknown words – with the green color, and the unknown synonyms for the words I know – with the blue color. I use the yellow color for marking the author thoughts I find to be useful for my class projects. You can also see that I type the Russian translation of the unknown words above them so that it will be easier for me to work with a text when I come back to it for assignments.

Do you use special applications for reading PDF files? I would be happy to hear about any counterparts of the Good Notes app you are familiar with.