Capturing that ‘a-ha’ moment: Motto unveils their whimsical rebrand for note-taking app Goodnotes

“Goodnotes isn’t just digital paper; it’s a canvas for creativity, innovation, and moments of learning,” Nathan Holloway, Motto’s Creative Director, tells us, introducing their charming new branding for Goodnotes. It arrives as part of the anticipated update – Goodnotes 6 – of the popular digital paper note-taking app. The updates include a selection of AI-backed features: from Spellcheck to AI Math Assistance, interactive exam prep materials to a marketplace for templates and stickers. “The Goodnotes rebrand is heritage meets vision – and our task was to evolve the brand identity to spark ‘aha moments’ while preserving a legacy millions already love,” shares Co-founder & CEO Sunny Bonnell. The brand designed by the NYC-based strategic branding agency Motto® seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, and embodies the joy of learning and personal growth. Rather than starting from scratch, the team made a deliberate decision to evolve the brand system, paying homage to Goodnotes’ history, while introducing a new era for the app. As such, the visual language maintains the familiarity and trust that has helped establish their reputation. The team therefore ensured that the wordmark aligned seamlessly with the symbol and maintained legibility, while capturing the free-spirited nature of hand-written notes. The curves in the wordmark evoke a sense of joy and playfulness, mirroring the experience of interacting with the Goodnotes community and the brand ecosystem.