Digital Planners for Goodnotes: A Beginner's Guide

Digital Planning

Aug 21, 2024

Have you ever felt compelled to try the magic of digital planning in GoodNotes but felt slightly overwhelmed as a beginner? With this easy guide you'll get started in a breeze, equipped with everything you need to know to make it a success!

Digital planners for GoodNotes offer a modern approach to organising your life on your iPad or tablet. These customisable organisational tools blend the flexibility of digital technology with the familiarity of traditional paper planners, therefore offering a vast set of benefits.

A desk with an ipad open to a digital planner in GoodNotes and a Apple Pencil

Digital planners can enhance your productivity by allowing you to structure your time, tasks and goals in a format that’s easy to access on your digital devices and that suits your unique needs in many ways.

With GoodNotes, you can easily navigate between different sections, add notes and even incorporate handwritten elements into your digital planning system. The handwritten feature works best with a pencil like the Apple Pencil, but a regular stylus will also do the trick.

Whether you’re a student, professional or anyone looking to streamline their planning process, digital planners for GoodNotes provide undoubtedly a versatile (and elegant) solution. You can access your planners anytime, anywhere, while enjoying the benefits of a paperless and eco-friendly approach to planning and organisation.

Understanding Digital Planners

A colourful image of a beginner-friendly digital planner spread

Digital planners combine traditional planning methods with modern technology, offering a versatile solution for organising your life. They provide customisable tools to enhance productivity and streamline your daily routines.

Let’s start with a bit of background. πŸ™‚

The Evolution of Planning Tools

Paper-based systems have long been the go-to for personal organisation. Diaries, notebooks and calendars served as trusted companions for tracking appointments and tasks. With the digital revolution, these familiar tools have transformed into their electronic counterparts, offering a wider set of functionalities and handy features.

In particular, digital planners emerged as a bridge between analogue methods and digital convenience. They often retain the familiar layout and structure of paper planners while harnessing the power of note-taking apps and synced devices.

This evolution has made planning more flexible and accessible: you can now carry your entire planning system on a tablet, smartphone or laptop, eliminating the need for bulky physical planners. Digital versions also offer built-in features like search functions, easy editing and syncing across devices, making them increasingly popular among busy professionals and students alike.

Before diving in further, let’s see in more details all the perks of a digital planner. πŸ™‚

A rundown of the benefits of Digital Planners

We might be slightly biased here, but we’re certain you’ll see for yourself that digital planners offer numerous advantages over traditional paper-based systems. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:

Goal setting becomes more dynamic

With a digital planning system you can easily track progress, set reminders and adjust targets as needed. The structured planning process is enhanced by features like hyperlinks and tabs, helping you navigate between different sections effortlessly and keeping your goals and targets easily interconnected.

For instance, in a Digital Planner for GoodNotes, you can:

  • Leverage clickable links (hyperlinks) between your monthly, weekly, and daily spreads and between different sections / pages of the planner
  • Set up and fill in multiple goal trackers
  • Use color-coding systems that are easily changeable and customizable
  • Leverage the ability to drag-and-drop elements to reorganize tasks and priorities

You can add multimedia elements very easily

Remember when you used to cut out things from magazines or newspapers in order to glue them into your paper planner? Well, with digital planners in GoodNotes, you can virtually add any photo, image, illustration and quote you like with a tap of the finger.

Some multimedia options in a Digital Planner for GoodNotes include:

  • Inserting inspirational images or vision boards directly into your planner
  • Adding voice memos or audio notes to specific dates or tasks
  • Adding links to relevant websites, documents or online resources
  • Incorporating digital stickers or digital washi tape for decoration and organization

(On a side note, if you happen to love bullet journaling, digital planners double up as bullet journals wonderfully! πŸ˜‰)

Your planner is always backed up and accessible from your device

If you use a tablet, you’ll probably be backing it up with services like iCloud or Google Drive. In this case, your planner benefits from this security practice as it will always reside within your cloud storage. This makes it hard for it to be misplaced or go missing.

Additional benefits of digital backup for your GoodNotes planner include:

  • Syncing across multiple devices, allowing you to access your planner from your iPad, iPhone, or Mac
  • Easy sharing of specific pages or sections with colleagues or family members
  • The ability to create multiple backups or versions of your planner
  • Reduced environmental impact by eliminating the need for paper and physical storage

Great customisation and flexibility at your fingertips

Digital Planners for GoodNotes offer unparalleled customisation options:

  • You can choose from a variety of pre-designed templates and styles
  • Easily add custom layouts, color schemes and fonts to suit your preferences
  • Add or remove pages as needed without affecting the overall structure
  • Implement different planning methods (like Bullet Journaling or GTD) within the same planner

Enhanced productivity features

GoodNotes Digital Planners come with productivity-boosting capabilities:

  • Use the search function to quickly find specific notes or entries
  • Use handwriting recognition for easy conversion of written notes to text
  • Utilize split-screen functionality to reference other documents while planning

By leveraging these features in a Digital Planner for GoodNotes, you can create a highly efficient, personalized and adaptable planning system that evolves with your needs, adapt to your personal style and enhances your productivity.

Choosing the Right Digital Planner

An example of the perfect digital planner for personal organisation on a weekly basis

Selecting an ideal digital planner for GoodNotes involves considering key features and specific attributes. A well-chosen planner can significantly enhance your organisational experience.

Three Main Features to Consider

When choosing a digital planner, try and look for these things first:

  • Hyperlinks are crucial for easy navigation between sections. Ensure the planner includes hyperlink dates, tabs and sections and clickable table of contents.

  • Consider the planner’s structure. Daily, weekly and monthly layouts offer different levels of detail and you’ll find yourself reaching for one of them in particular but also for all of them at once. We’d suuggest you choose base on your scheduling preferences and the amount of information you need to track, but opting for a digital planner with all the three kinds of spreads is actually preferrable in the long run.

  • Templates and inserts for goal-setting, habit tracking, note-taking and financials can add value and enrich your digital experience. These pre-designed pages save time and provide structure, which is great for beginners and planning pros alike!

GoodNotes Specific Attributes

GoodNotes is a note-taking and PDF annotation app, so PDF compatibility is essential. Check that the planner is optimised for GoodNotes 5 or 6, ensuring all features work seamlessly within the app.

Moreover, you should look for planners with GoodNotes-friendly page sizes and optimised for iPad screens. This ensures proper display and easy writing on your Apple device’s screen.

What can you actually do with a digital planner for GoodNotes?

A digital planner displaying a quote of the day spread for motivation and encouragement

Digital planners for GoodNotes are powerful tools to align your daily activities with personal objectives, but also to manage specific projects and make sure the trajectory of your career is moving onwards and upwards.

Setting Personal Objectives

Your digital planner can serve as a compass for your life’s journey, guiding you towards your aspirations with precision and clarity.

  • By using dedicated pages for your personal goals, you can transform abstract dreams into concrete, actionable steps.

  • By employing a vibrant color-coding system to categorize objectives across various life domains, from personal growth to health and relationships, you can create a visually engaging roadmap to success.

  • By using a monthly spread designed for introspection and course correction, you can embrace the power of reflection. This regular practice fosters accountability and fuels motivation, ensuring you remain aligned with your aspirations.

  • By using a habit tracker, you can cultivate consistency in behaviors that propel you towards your goals, creating a virtuous cycle of progress and achievement.

If you focus on fitness and wellness, your digital planner becomes a powerful ally in this space as well.

  • By integrating specialised inserts and layouts featuring workout logs, sleep logs and meal planners, you can track exercise routines, nutritional intake and sleep patterns. This holistic approach nurtures overall well-being, transforming your planner into a comprehensive tool for personal transformation and vitality.

Planning Your Professional Path and Organising Specific Projects

GoodNotes digital planners excel as professional tools, offering a sophisticated approach to career development and project management. Here’s how you can leverage their capabilities:

β€’ Career Trajectory Mapping:

  • Create a dedicated section for long-term career goals
  • Visualize your professional journey with timelines and milestones
  • Track skills development and certifications acquired
  • Allocate time for networking events and industry conferences

β€’ Project Management Hub:

  • Utilize custom templates for different project types
  • Implement Gantt charts for visual project timelines
  • Create hyperlinked sections for task lists with deadlines and assignees
  • Use color-coding to prioritize and categorize project elements

β€’ Meeting and Client Management:

  • Design meeting note templates with action item sections
  • Create a client database with hyperlinked profiles
  • Set up follow-up reminders and communication logs
  • Track billable hours and project expenses effortlessly

β€’ Professional Development Focus:

  • Maintain a reading list of industry-relevant books and articles
  • Log insights and key takeaways from professional seminars
  • Create a mentor/mentee communication tracker
  • Use special inserts to fill in a personal SWOT analysis template for periodic self-assessment

β€’ Work-Life Balance Integration:

  • Implement time-blocking techniques for optimal productivity
  • Create boundaries between work and personal time
  • Track work-related stress levels and implement self-care strategies
  • Set goals for professional achievements balanced with personal milestones

By harnessing these professional planning features within your GoodNotes digital planner, you transform it into a powerful ally in your career journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your professional life is organised, tracked and optimised for success, allowing you to navigate your career path with confidence and clarity.

Goodnotes and Its Ecosystem

Goodnotes offers a robust digital note-taking experience with broad device compatibility and a thriving community. The app’s ecosystem provides users with versatile tools and resources to enhance their digital planning and note-taking.

Compatibility with Devices

Goodnotes 6, the latest version, works seamlessly on iPads, iPhones and Macs. You can sync your notes across all Apple devices, ensuring access to your digital planners anywhere. The app takes full advantage of the Apple Pencil on iPads, offering a natural writing experience.

Android users can now join the Goodnotes community with the recent release of the Android version. This expansion broadens the app’s reach, allowing more users to benefit from its digital notebook features.

Goodnotes optimises its interface for various screen sizes, from compact iPhones to larger iPad Pro models. This adaptability ensures a consistent experience across your devices.

Community and Resources

The Goodnotes community is active and supportive, with users sharing tips, templates and creative ideas.

YouTube hosts numerous tutorials and reviews, helping you master Goodnotes’ features. These videos cover topics from basic setup to advanced techniques for digital planning and note-taking.

Goodnotes’ official website also provides user guides and FAQs to help you navigate the app. The company also maintains active social media accounts, sharing updates and engaging with users.

Community forums allow you to connect with other Goodnotes enthusiasts, exchange ideas and troubleshoot issues. This collaborative environment enhances your digital planning experience and keeps you informed about new features and best practices.

Creative Aspects of Digital Planners

Digital planners offer a wealth of creative possibilities. You can personalise your planner to suit your unique style and needs, whilst adding visual flair through stickers and graphics.

Stickers and Visual Elements

Digital stickers add a fun and functional element to your planner. You’ll find a vast array of sticker packs available, ranging from decorative to practical. Use them to mark important dates, track habits, or simply add a pop of colour to your pages.

Create your own stickers to perfectly match your planner’s theme. Import hand-drawn elements or use digital design tools to craft unique graphics. This level of customisation allows you to express your creativity fully.

Incorporate digital washi tape, illustrations and photos to enhance your planner’s visual appeal. These elements can help you organise information and make your planner more engaging to use.

Purchasing a Digital Planner

Digital planners for GoodNotes are available through various sources, with options ranging from free to paid versions. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. At Planjuli, we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality in digital planners and journals, with a very fair price. πŸ™‚

Free versus Paid Planners

Free digital planners are an excellent starting point if you’re new to digital planning. Many websites offer free GoodNotes digital planners with basic features and layouts.

Paid planners, however, include more advanced features and a more polished, curated style. These premium features often include hyperlinks, customisable sections and pre-made templates for various planning needs.

When choosing between free and paid options, consider your planning requirements. Free planners might suffice for simple scheduling, while paid versions offer more comprehensive tools for detailed organisation.

Overview of Planjuli Daily Digital Planners

Here’s a quick table where you can find our most popular planners avaiable on our shop. They’re effective and elegant and they combine the benefits of digital with the classic charme of paper.

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Digital Planner 2025, Luminous Lilac

A delightful blend of visual allure and productivity in the best digital planner of 2025. And it comes in a dreamy shade of lilac.

Digital_Planner_Cover.jpg Image

Digital Planner 2025, Monochromatic

Elegant, timeless design meets powerful organisation in this pixel-perfect digital planner. Ideal for professionals.

Digital_Planner_Cover.png Image

Digital Planner 2025, Pastel Green

This digital planner blends intuitive design, soothing aesthetics and powerful structure. Transform your productivity today.

Digital_Planner_Cover.jpg Image

Digital Planner 2025, Warm Ivory

Elegant design meets digital efficiency in this digital planner. Transform your planning sessions into luxurious self-care moments.

Adopting a Digital Planning Routine: Tips for Beginners

Embarking on your digital planning journey is akin to nurturing a garden of productivity and personal growth. As you tend to this digital ecosystem, consider the following principles to help your planning habits flourish:

β€’ Consistency: The Cornerstone of Success

  • Carve out a daily sanctuary of 5-10 minutes dedicated to reviewing and updating your planner

This brief yet powerful ritual can catalyze significant changes in your organizational landscape.

β€’ Goal Setting: Mapping Your Aspirations

  • Leverage your planner as a compass for your ambitions
  • Practice deconstructing grand visions into actionable, bite-sized tasks

This strategy not only maintains motivation but also illuminates the path to achievement.

β€’ Habit Tracking: The Pulse of Progress

  • Try and make a habit of tracking your habits
  • Design visually appealing checkboxes or charts to monitor daily practices

Watch as these visual cues become powerful motivators, propelling you towards your goals

β€’ Flexibility: The Essence of Digital Planning

  • Embrace the malleability of your digital system, don’t be afraid to experiment
  • Allow your planning approach to evolve organically, adapting to your unique rhythms and needs

Remember, the most effective system is one that resonates with your personal style! πŸ˜‰

By integrating these tips into your digital planning practice, you create a dynamic and personalised system that not only organises your life but also propels you towards your aspirations.

As you master this art, you’ll find your digital planner transforming from a simple tool into an indispensable ally in your journey of personal and professional growth.

For any information, the team at Planjuli is always available at hello@planjuli.com.

Speak soon!

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