Feature Request: Collapsible Sidebar Navigation for Quick Document Switching (Like OneNote)
Dear GoodNotes Team,
I am an academic researcher who relies heavily on GoodNotes for managing extensive libraries of notes, e-textbooks, and research data.
I would like to propose a specific workflow improvement that combines the best of OneNote’s navigation with GoodNotes’ tab system.
The Concept: I suggest adding a collapsible sidebar (File Tree) on the left while in editing mode. However, the interaction should work specifically as follows:
Sidebar Visibility: While editing a note (e.g., "Biochemistry"), I can toggle open a left sidebar that shows my entire folder/file structure (similar to OneNote).
Action: When I click on a different file in the sidebar (e.g., "Research Data"), it should open as a NEW TAB at the top, rather than replacing my current view.
Real-world Example (My Workflow): Currently, if I am writing in my "Thesis Draft" and need to check a specific graph in my "Lab Experiments" notebook (located in a different folder), I have to exit to the Home screen, navigate through folders, find the file, and open it.
With my proposal:
I stay in "Thesis Draft".
I open the sidebar, locate "Lab Experiments", and tap it just like an oneNote (see an image below)
"Lab Experiments" instantly opens as a new tab next to my draft.
I can now toggle between them seamlessly using the top tabs.
This "Hybrid View" would solve the navigation friction while maintaining the powerful multitasking capability of GoodNotes. This feature would be a game-changer for scholars and professionals.
Thank you for listening to user feedback.
Best regards,
Jake “C.H” Ahn
shared this idea
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Kara
commented
This!!
Please a File Tree overview is desperately needed.
And in addition to what OP suggested, I'd also think that on the main library view this File Tree view should be accessible as well.
And while it's open within the document, it should have the option to open files in a new tab OR in the current tab. Both situations can be very useful.
It is obvious that the File Tree is implemented somewhere already, since for example when hyperlinking between documents, it shows a File Tree to select the location.
Now that custom outlining for documents was finally implemented, I feel like this would be the next step to have proper control over navigating and organizing within goodnotes.