Knowing where to start when you first make the switch from traditional paper planners to a Goodnotes digital planner can be overwhelming and feel like there is too much to learn for it to actually be helpful. Planners are supposed to ease your life, not complicate it, am I right?
I’ve been there. When I first switched to digital planning, I just delved in without really knowing what I was doing. I downloaded the Goodnotes app not knowing what it was and fumbled my way through, watching YouTube video after YouTube video, trying to grasp how I was supposed to use an app to elevate my planning experience.
Well, I have some good news for you. Using Goodnotes 6 for your digital planner is actually a breeze and you don’t need to watch 15 videos to learn how to use it. It’s pretty intuitive, however, there are a few things that aren’t so obvious and knowing these tips really do make using a digital planner such a superior option to traditional planning.
To save you all the time I personally wasted, this Beginner’s Guide to Digital Planning on Goodnotes 6 was created!
In this blog post, I’m sharing all the Goodnotes basics you need to know so you can feel confident you’re utilizing all of the amazing features your digital planner has to offer. I’ll be covering:
- What Goodnotes 6 is
- Why you should choose Goodnotes 6 over other note-taking apps
- Essential tools needed for Goodnotes 6 and Digital Planners
- How to get started: importing your planner into Goodnotes
- How to sync your digital planner on all devices
- Goodnotes 6 tool bar features
01 | What is Goodnotes 6?
Simply put, GoodNotes is a versatile digital note-taking app. Note-taking apps (there are many out there) are designed to help elevate the note-taking experience (perfect for planners!). Goodnotes 6 is the most recent version of the Goodnotes app, having been updated from Goodnotes 5 in August 2023.
Goodnotes allows users to import PDF documents directly into the app and then provides the ability to note-take on top of the document.
Given hyperlinks work on PDFs (this is a game-changer if you were not already aware!), note-taking apps and digital planners are a match made in heaven!
Digital Planners are PDF documents with active hyperlinks that allow the user to click to specific pages in the planner vs swiping through page by page.
Goodnotes is literally the wheels to your vehicle. If you were to use your PDF planner as a PDF, the links would work, sure, but it would still look like a literal PDF. A digital planner in Goodnotes, however, is fitted perfectly to your iPad screen size so it feels like you’re using a real planner (not just a document).
Beyond that, Goodnotes offers an array of fun and functional features that then allow the user to decorate, design, and note-take directly on their planner.
Related: 10 Reasons I Switched to Digital Planning
To top it all off, Goodnotes has cloud synchronization and collaborative tools making it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone looking to stay organized and productive in a digital-first world.
If you’re having trouble finding a good digital planner or are just starting your search, check out Her Life Planner’s 2025 Ultimate Life Planner. It’s our #1 pick for 2025 as it has so many great workbooks and templates, has gorgeous imagery and layouts and is super easy to use. It’s on sale for 65% off right now for only $9.80. Click Here to check it out.
02 | Why you should choose Goodnotes 6 over other note-taking apps
In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized is essential, and digital planners have revolutionized how we keep our lives on track. After purchasing your digital planner you’ll quickly need to decide which note-taking app is best for you and will help elevate your planning experience.
Now, I should start by saying I am not an affiliate for Goodnotes and I don’t make any commission off of selling it to you. I just simply think it’s the best note-taking app out there!
Many note-taking apps have emerged over the years with Goodnotes and Notability being the most popular and others like Noteshelf, XODO, and Zoomnotes, vying for some space in the market.
GoodNotes stands out among note-taking apps due to its exceptional handwriting experience, robust organization features, and seamless integration across devices (great for accessing your planner from any device).
Unlike many competitors, GoodNotes offers advanced handwriting recognition, allowing users to search and convert handwritten notes into text with remarkable accuracy. It’s a WOW factor for sure.
Goodnotes also comes with over 50 note-taking templates, including grid paper, Cornell Notes, dotted paper, and even several basic calendar and planner options. You can easily customize the color and size of most of these templates too, offering a level of flexibility that many apps lack. So, if you decide to use your note-taking app for additional projects other than just digital planning, Goodnotes is set up and ready to go.
I also love how easy it is to share documents with other users; either the whole planner or just specific pages (more on that below). It makes it incredibly easy for me to quickly share my day’s schedule with my husband without having to take a screenshot or type it all out.
Lastly, it’s super inexpensive! One of the benefits of digital planners are the lower price points, so having to then buy an expensive note-taking app seems counterintuitive, right?
Goodnotes 6 has a free version that I’d recommend you download first to check out. But, most likely you’ll need to get the paid version given the free version offers very small storage space. Most digital planners (if they’re good) far exceed it.
That being said, it’s literally only $9.99 for a YEAR. For $10 you can access your planner on any device, share certain pages, and have an eco-friendly planner to enjoy. Not bad!
Key Points on why you should choose Goodnotes 6:
- Handwriting recognition: Convert your handwritten notes into text.
- Advanced search: Find any note, even if it’s handwritten.
- Cloud sync: Access your planner across multiple devices.
- Inexpensive: Only $9.99 for a year
03 | Essential tools needed for Goodnotes 6 and Digital Planners
So at this point, you understand what Goodnotes is and how it’s used with a digital planner, but what exactly do you need to make sure your digital planning journey is a success? No one likes a secret catch after they make their purchase.
Here’s the complete list:
- An iPad or Tablet
- An Apple pencil or stylus (unless you plan to only type in your planner)
- A note-taking app subscription, like Goodnotes 6
- A Digital Planner of your choice!
Optional add ons (with links to our favs!):
- iPad or Tablet stand
- iPad Cover
- Paperfeel Screen Protector (makes you feel like you’re writing on paper
- Digital Stickers
If you haven’t yet discovered your perfect digital planner, check out Her Life Planner’s 2025 Ultimate Life Planner. We love the gorgeous aesthetics, array of worksheets that help foster a holistic life-balance in your every day, and of course we love to support women owned businesses!
If you’re still in need of a planner, check it out here. It’s on sale for the new year for 65% off, only $9.80! We also have a coupon code for 15% off at the bottom of this post!
04 | How to get started on Goodnotes 6: Importing your planner
Once you have decided to use Goodnotes 6 for your digital planning needs, it’s time to get started!
First, you’ll need to download Goodnotes 6 on any device you want to access your digital planner from. Most digital planners are set up to be used predominantly on tablets or iPad’s, so I would suggest starting there.
You’ll then need to purchase your digital planner. Digital planners can be purchased from various online platforms and stores, catering to different preferences and needs. Popular options include online marketplaces like Etsy where independent creators sell customizable and unique digital planner designs.
Next, you’ll need to import your planner into Goodnotes. Remember, your planner will be a PDF file. Importing it into Goodnotes is the same ideas as attaching a PDF to an email or uploading a PDF to your cloud.
Here’s how to set up your digital planner:
- Download your Planner: Search online for a digital planner compatible with GoodNotes 6. Download and save to your device with the goodnotes app or to your icloud.
- Import the Template: Open GoodNotes 6 and tap the “+ New” button. Choose “Import” and select your downloaded planner file.
- Organize into Folders: Create a folder for your planner, digital stickers, planner covers, and any other projects you will be using Goodnotes for.
And that’s it! Your digital planner is now imported into Goodnotes and is ready to use. Anytime you want to access your planner, simply open up Goodnotes and click on your planner file.
Other nice features that a few brands now offer are YouTube tutorials for beginners. Her Life Planner offers YouTube tutorials specific to their planners including initial setup on Goodnotes 6, tours of the many planner features and so much more. These are free perks that make learning digital planning and Goodnotes 6 so much easier!
Note: your planner’s file icon will be the first page of your digital planner. Most digital planner’s have page 1 of the PDF as a cover page. You can easily swap out cover pages for new ones throughout the year too! When you do, your file icon will automatically update to your new planner cover. Design your own or you can buy them on marketplaces like Etsy for pretty cheap.
Check out this fantastic bundle of 50 gorgeous planner covers for under $5!
Worried about the download process?
If the idea of purchasing an “instant download” is a bit worrisome for you (what if it doesn’t get emailed to you? what if the link is broken?), take a look at the download instructions of the digital planner you’re considering before purchasing.
Reputable brands will be upfront about their download process and what you can expect to receive immediately upon purchase. They should also provide contact information for troubleshooting.
This is a great example of how the brand should be communicating the setup process:
- Clear communication on what you will receive: in this case, Her Life Planner explains you will receive a 3 page PDF that provides links to the instant download through a shared Google Drive (this process is typical but not intuitive for first-time buyers). It is noted that there is a Google link for each individual file purchased in the bundle: two planner options, 1000+ digital stickers curated into 9 sticker books, and a zip file of 60 planner covers.
- How you will receive it: Her Life Planner notes you will receive an automatic email containing the PDF from Etsy to the email account you used to purchase the planner. The PDF will also be accessible under “My Purchases” in your Etsy account.
- Ways to contact if needed: Her Life Planner provides their direct email in the product’s information with a call to reach out if troubleshooting or assistance is needed.
- High Customer Star Rating: 4.8 or higher is what you should look for.
If the planner you are considering is not clear about the setup process, move on or diligently read the customer reviews.
05 | How to sync your digital planner on all devices
Ever reached for your planner and realized you left it at home? The worst!
That all disappears when you switch to a digital planner. Since you use your planner on an app, not a physical notebook, you have the ability to access it from anywhere!
To sync your devices in Goodnotes 6, start by enabling iCloud synchronization, which ensures your notes are accessible and up-to-date across all your Apple devices.
Open the app on your primary device, go to Settings, and tap on iCloud Settings. Toggle the iCloud Sync option to enable it. Make sure that iCloud Drive is turned on in your device’s settings under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive, and that Gootnotes is listed as an enabled app.
Once enabled, any changes or additions to your notes will automatically sync to other devices using the same Apple ID.
Simply install Goodnotes 6 on your other devices, log in with the same Apple ID, and ensure iCloud Sync is activated. Your notes will seamlessly appear across all synced devices, allowing you to switch between them effortlessly.
Related: 10 Reasons I Switched to Digital Planning
04 | Goodnotes 6 tool bar features
Goodnotes 6 provides a range of tools to elevate your planning experience. Below are the four basic tools you’ll want to use daily.
- Pen and Highlighter Tools: Write and color-code tasks or notes to prioritize effectively.
- Lasso Tool: Easily move, resize, or copy elements within your planner.
- Simply select the lasso tool, use your iPad pencil to draw around any element on your planner, and then drag and drop the element where you want it.
- You can click copy and paste on these items to move elsewhere in your planner or can click “save as element” to make it a usable sticker for the future.
- Simply select the lasso tool, use your iPad pencil to draw around any element on your planner, and then drag and drop the element where you want it.
- Text Tool: Add typed notes for cleaner entries or for sharing with others.
- Don’t love the experience of writing with your pencil or want a more polished and professional look? Click the Text tool and begin typing.
- Stickers and Images: Personalize your planner with digital stickers, icons, and images.
- Use the sticker button or image button to import elements directly from your device or cloud or use the pre-programmed Goodnotes elements.
Conclusion
Goodnotes 6 is a versatile tool for anyone looking to stay organized and productive. By combining traditional handwriting with digital convenience, it offers a unique planning experience that’s both functional and enjoyable.
Once I learned how to utilize my digital planner in Goodnotes, my life was instantly changed. We all are looking for the perfect planner that will help us streamline our chaos, put achievable goals in place, and keep us motivated all year long. Digital planning truly is a game changer and realizing just how easy it is on Goodnotes is such a relief.
If you’re ready to ditch your bulky paper planner, make planning not only a breeze but super fun, I urge you to get started with Image curiosity of Her Life Planner’s 2025 Ultimate Life Planner while it’s the lowest price it will ever be: 65% off for just $9.80! Click Here to get yours today!
Get an extra 15% off with our code: MOMFROMMERCER15
We want to hear from you! Start using Goodnotes 6 to elevate your digital planning experience and let us know how it goes. Is there anything you’d like us to cover in more detail? Share below in the comments!
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