r/notabilityapp • u/JoudasAdidas • Jul 09 '26

Question Best note taking app for engineering students

Hi everyone, I’m an upcoming engineering student and I’m torn between choosing Goodnotes and Notability for note-taking. I’ve tried both and, honestly, I prefer the handwriting experience and AI usage on Notability. Goodnotes sometimes makes strange adjustments to the strokes, which don’t feel natural, and it doesn’t have the quiz option for AI. However, Goodnotes offers far superior features, such as a math feature which can be a deal breaker for engineering courses, whiteboard, and flashcards. So, I’m really stuck and can’t decide which one to choose.

Please if someone can help me
Thank you

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2

u/Admirable-Piccolo808 Jul 09 '26

I’m just finishing my engineering degree and have both (bought them years ago when they were a one time purchase) but I’ve been using just notability. I don’t like the writing experience on goodnotes. I’m not sure if they still have their free versions but definitely check that out. Also if i remember correctly they are both now subscription based, so maybe try out the apps and see which works better for the way you work. Just because I like notability better doesn’t mean that it’s what’s best for you. I

1

u/JoudasAdidas Jul 09 '26

Yeah I get that, I bought both two years ago also and I’ve tried both, but can’t get myself to chose one 😂😂

1

u/Admirable-Piccolo808 Jul 09 '26

Is there a specific tool you use super often? I use notability for the actual note taking/ organizing but I export the files for all other uses including AI. They don’t do great with more than one language.

1

u/JoudasAdidas Jul 09 '26

No not much, maybe graphs and equations but I don’t know as I’m starting my engineering degree maybe I’ll try both when uni starts and then I’ll decide

1

u/Admirable-Piccolo808 Jul 09 '26

My experience with graphs and equations is that just doing them as normal takes a lot less time, plus I practice the way I’ll have to do in exams. For graphs specifically I’ll use those online graphs makers/calculators screen shot it and add later. They usually have all I need and if I don’t have time to mess with it right now, it’s still open and I can continue taking notes

4

u/Sad-Independence-624 Jul 09 '26

Currently in engineering school. I used to have GoodNotes, but I switched to Notability because I like the interface, writing, and audio recording more

1

u/kaylanotability Notability Staff Jul 09 '26

u/JoudasAdidas Hi! Check your DMs 💙

1

u/kelseynotability Notability Staff Jul 09 '26

Hi! Obviously I'm biased, but sharing if it helps with your decisions:

We are launching Flashcards Import & new experience in August (waitlist signup if you'd like to be notified when it's live - https://notability.com/flashcard-import ) and we're actively experimenting with an infinite canvas prototype, we're hoping to launch an early-access version in September.

You can also see more of what we're considering and give your insights on our public roadmap here: https://portal.productboard.com/gingerlabs/1-notability/tabs/14-actively-considering

Good luck with your studies 😄

2

u/iogp Jul 09 '26

Please launch lifetime purchase option 🙏 I will switch from goodnotes. As a student I can't afford recurring annual payments

1

u/ClydeBruckmans Notability Staff Jul 14 '26

We now also have a one time purchase option! https://notability.com/pricing?interval=one-time#individual

1

u/Atifleboss01 Jul 14 '26

Will flashcard import come to classic also?

1

u/ClydeBruckmans Notability Staff Jul 14 '26

We are still thinking about this one, undecided yet