GoodNotes Tutorial: Mastering Digital Planning on iPad

Updated at: 04/06/2025

Unlock the power of digital planning with GoodNotes! This tutorial guides you through mastering this popular iPad app, transforming note-taking and organization. Learn essential features, from creating custom planners to utilizing powerful annotation tools. Whether you're a seasoned digital planner or a complete beginner, discover how GoodNotes can streamline your workflow and boost productivity. Let's dive in!

Methods: Importing a Planner into GoodNotes

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create a New Folder

    • Create a new folder in GoodNotes.
    Create a new folder in GoodNotes.
    Create a New Folder

  2. Import the Planner

    • Tap the '+' sign, select 'Import', and navigate to your downloaded planner file.
    • Select the planner file and click 'Open'.
    Select the planner file and click 'Open'. Select the planner file and click 'Open'.
    Import the Planner

Tips

  • Alternatively, use split view with the Files app to drag and drop the planner file into GoodNotes.

Methods: Using GoodNotes Tools for Digital Planning

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Navigating and Using the Toolbar

    • Tap the pen icon to activate the toolbar. Hide the toolbar to navigate pages easily.
    Tap the pen icon to activate the toolbar. Hide the toolbar to navigate pages easily.
    Navigating and Using the Toolbar

  2. Writing and Drawing Tools

    • Use the pen tool for writing, selecting from various pen types, widths, and colors. The ballpoint pen is recommended for minimizing file size.
    • Use the eraser tool for precise or stroke-based erasing.
    • Use the highlighter tool for highlighting text or creating decorative elements.
    • Use the zoom tool for precise writing and drawing.
    Use the zoom tool for precise writing and drawing. Use the zoom tool for precise writing and drawing. Use the zoom tool for precise writing and drawing. Use the zoom tool for precise writing and drawing.
    Writing and Drawing Tools
    • Use the ruler tool for drawing straight lines at specific angles.
    Use the ruler tool for drawing straight lines at specific angles.
    Writing and Drawing Tools

  3. Advanced Editing Tools

    • Use the tape tool to cover sensitive information temporarily.
    • Use the shape tool to create perfect shapes or refine existing strokes.
    • Use the lasso tool to select, arrange, and manipulate elements on the page. Use the selection options to deselect handwriting or text boxes for precise selection.
    Use the lasso tool to select, arrange, and manipulate elements on the page. Use the selection options to deselect handwriting or text boxes for precise selection. Use the lasso tool to select, arrange, and manipulate elements on the page. Use the selection options to deselect handwriting or text boxes for precise selection. Use the lasso tool to select, arrange, and manipulate elements on the page. Use the selection options to deselect handwriting or text boxes for precise selection.
    Advanced Editing Tools

  4. Managing Stickers and Elements

    • Use the elements tool to manage and import stickers and other elements.
    Use the elements tool to manage and import stickers and other elements.
    Managing Stickers and Elements

  5. Adding and Formatting Text

    • Use the text tool to create text boxes, customize fonts, sizes, and styles, and save preferred styles as defaults.
    Use the text tool to create text boxes, customize fonts, sizes, and styles, and save preferred styles as defaults.
    Adding and Formatting Text

  6. Additional Tools

    • Use the timer tool for time management and tracking.
    • Use the full-page writing mode for continuous text entry (when applicable).
    • Use the voice recording feature for audio notes.
    • Use the search function to locate specific words or content within the document.
    Use the search function to locate specific words or content within the document. Use the search function to locate specific words or content within the document. Use the search function to locate specific words or content within the document. Use the search function to locate specific words or content within the document.
    Additional Tools

Methods: Managing Pages and Exporting Your Planner

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Managing Pages

    • Duplicate pages by navigating to the page, tapping on the miniatures view, and selecting 'Duplicate'.
    • Copy and paste pages by using the edit mode in miniatures view to select and copy, then pasting into a new location.
    Copy and paste pages by using the edit mode in miniatures view to select and copy, then pasting into a new location.
    Managing Pages

  2. Working with Multiple Documents

    • Use split view to work with two documents simultaneously.
    Use split view to work with two documents simultaneously.
    Working with Multiple Documents

  3. Exporting Your Planner

    • Export your planner as a PDF (for viewing) or a GoodNotes file (for future editing).
    Export your planner as a PDF (for viewing) or a GoodNotes file (for future editing).
    Exporting Your Planner
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Layer Functionality

Reason: Overlapping elements become difficult to edit or rearrange, leading to messy notes and plans.
Solution: Utilize GoodNotes' layers to organize different aspects of your plans, keeping them separate and easily adjustable.

2. Not Utilizing Templates Effectively

Reason: Starting from a blank page each time wastes time and may lead to inconsistent planning.
Solution: Explore and utilize pre-made or custom templates to create a consistent and efficient planning workflow.

3. Forgetting to Export and Back Up

Reason: Loss of data due to device failure or app issues.
Solution: Regularly export your GoodNotes files to cloud storage or another device for safekeeping.

FAQs

How do I import my existing planner pages or PDFs into GoodNotes?
You can import files into GoodNotes using the import function. Open GoodNotes, tap the '+' button to create a new notebook, then choose 'Import'. You can then select files from your Files app, iCloud Drive, or other cloud storage services. Supported file types include PDFs, images (JPG, PNG, etc.), and even other GoodNotes notebooks.