Hybrid Note Workflow: Export GoodNotes Pages to WriteScan (and Vice Versa)

GoodNotes for lectures, paper for drills—if that’s your mix, WriteScan can be the shared archive. Export PNGs from GoodNotes, import them into WriteScan, and when needed send WriteScan pages back to GoodNotes for annotation.

Big Picture Workflow

  • iPad → GoodNotes → PNG export → WriteScan import → Tag + Markdown comments.
  • Paper → WriteScan capture → OCR + Markdown → optional PNG export back into GoodNotes.
  • Sync once a week so everything stays searchable in one place.

GoodNotes to WriteScan: Three Steps

  1. Export as PNG: After class, choose “Share” → PNG → save to Photos. (HEIC is fine, PNG ensures compatibility.)
  2. Import with “Add from Photos”: In WriteScan, pick the images, title them (e.g. Seminar_EconPolicy_2025-10-30) and tag #seminar #goodnotes.
  3. Leave comments: Note which exercises to revisit or link to related paper pages (“See paper notebook p.12”).

Paper to GoodNotes: Reverse Sync

  1. Scan paper in WriteScan: Capture, OCR, tag with #paper-notes.
  2. Export the needed page as PNG: Share → “Save Image” or “Open in GoodNotes.”
  3. Annotate on iPad: Add Apple Pencil highlights, then re-import it into WriteScan if you want the latest version.

Weekly Manual Sync Template

Day Task
Friday evening Export GoodNotes pages → WriteScan import → Tag
Saturday morning Scan paper drills → Export selected pages to GoodNotes
Saturday afternoon Review tags #needs-review #questions → plan next week

Keep iPad and Paper on the Same Page

Manual exports may feel old-school, but WriteScan turns them into a unified, searchable archive. Try the free 10-page tier first, then upgrade to Pro (200 pages / month) when your hybrid workflow grows.