Feature Request: Expanded Pen Tool Options in Goodnotes
I would like to request an expansion of the Pen Tool options in Goodnotes, similar to the diverse pen and brush tools available in Apple Notes (iPadOS 26 Markup).

Instead of separating tools such as pen, fountain pen, brush, and pencil into completely independent categories, I propose integrating them under a unified “Pen” tool, where users can choose from multiple pen types within a single tool menu. This would greatly improve discoverability, workflow efficiency, and customization.

Below is a detailed proposal for pen tool options:

1. Handwriting to Text Pen (Scribble Pen) Icon: Pen body with an “A” character Function:

A pen with Apple Scribble–style handwriting recognition

Converts handwritten input into digital typed text in real time

Characteristics:

Optimized for character recognition rather than pressure sensitivity

Ideal for note-taking that requires clean, searchable text

1. Pen (Ballpoint) Icon: Sharp pen tip with a black ring Function:

Simulates a standard ballpoint pen

Technical Details:

Slight pressure sensitivity with limited line-width variation

Best suited for everyday writing

Works well with Smart Script–style handwriting correction features

1. Monoline Pen Icon: Rounded, uniform pen tip Function:

Maintains constant stroke width regardless of pressure or tilt

Use Cases:

Diagrams, charts, underlines, clean line art

Produces vector-like, crisp outlines

1. Highlighter Icon: Thick yellow tip Function:

Semi-transparent ink for highlighting text

Technical Details:

Multiply blending mode (color deepens when layered)

Option to render ink behind text for better readability

1. Eraser Icon: Pink eraser tip Modes:

Pixel Eraser: erases only touched areas

Object Eraser: removes entire strokes

Interaction:

Mode switching via double-tap

1. Lasso Tool Icon: Dashed selection loop Function:

Select, move, resize, recolor handwritten content

Additional Use:

Entry point for text conversion, translation, or contextual menus

1. AI Lasso Pen Tool Icon: Gradient-colored magic wand Function:

Combines pen drawing with lasso selection

Special Feature:

Calls AI-powered actions on the selected area (rewrite, summarize, transform, etc.)

1. Watercolor Brush Icon: Soft brush tip with rainbow gradient body Function:

Simulates watercolor paint

Technical Details:

Wet-mixing algorithm

Colors blend and bleed naturally when layered

1. Ruler Icon: Rectangular ruler with measurement marks Function:

Displays a digital ruler for precise straight lines

Interaction:

One finger to move, two fingers to rotate

1. Pencil Icon: Wooden pencil with blue band and opacity indicator Function:

Simulates graphite pencil texture

Technical Details:

Supports tilt shading

Vertical tilt: fine lines

Horizontal tilt: soft shading and gradients

1. Crayon Icon: Wax crayon shape (red) Function:

Rough wax texture

Technical Details:

Strong opacity changes with pressure

Build-up texture when layered

1. Fountain Pen Icon: Classic metal nib Function:

Simulates ink flow of a fountain pen

Technical Details:

Highly sensitive to pressure and tilt

Excellent for calligraphy and signatures

1. Brush Pen (Calligraphy) Icon: Rounded brush tip, black/white body Function:

Mimics calligraphy and traditional brush pens

Technical Details:

Softer tip than fountain pen

Smooth stroke starts and endings

Excellent curve handling

1. Marker (Felt Tip) Icon: Gray band with felt tip Function:

Simulates permanent marker or felt-tip pen

Difference from Monoline:

Stroke shape subtly changes with rotation and angle

Supports chisel-tip–like behavior

1. Reed Pen Function:

Traditional reed or bamboo pen style

Characteristics:

Angular stroke edges

Expressive, historical calligraphy feel

Expected Benefits
More professional and expressive writing experience

Closer parity with Apple Notes and pro drawing apps

Reduced toolbar clutter through tool unification

Better support for artists, students, and power users

Thank you for considering this feature request. I believe expanded and unified pen options would significantly enhance Goodnotes’ usability and creative potential.