GoodNotes is the most popular digital planner app on iPad — and for good reason. It handles PDFs beautifully, supports Apple Pencil with virtually no lag, and keeps everything organized in one place. But if you've just downloaded a planner PDF and you're staring at the app wondering what to do next, this guide walks you through every step.
What You'll Need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- GoodNotes 5 or GoodNotes 6 installed on your iPad (both work the same way for PDF import)
- Your planner PDF — downloaded to your Files app or sent to your email
- An Apple Pencil (optional, but recommended — it's what makes digital planning feel natural)
Step-by-Step Setup
Download the PDF to Your iPad
After purchasing your planner, save the PDF to your iPad's Files app. If it arrives via email, tap and hold the attachment, then select "Save to Files." Choose a folder you'll remember — iCloud Drive works well because it syncs across devices.
Import Into GoodNotes
Open GoodNotes. Tap the + button to create a new document. Select "Import" from the menu, then navigate to where you saved the PDF in Files. Tap the file — GoodNotes imports it instantly as a new notebook.
Alternatively, find the PDF in the Files app, long-press it, and choose "Open In → GoodNotes" from the share sheet. Either method works identically.
Organize It in a Notebook
Once imported, rename the document by tapping the title at the top. Give it something clear like "Daily Planner 2026." You can also move it into a folder — tap the three dots on the document thumbnail and select "Move." Keeping planners in a dedicated folder makes them easy to find later.
Start Writing with Apple Pencil
Open your planner and tap the pen icon in the toolbar to enter writing mode. Choose the fountain pen or ballpoint for a natural feel. Adjust the stroke size and color to your preference — most planners look great with a black fine-tip pen at about 0.5–1mm.
If you're using a finger instead of Pencil, enable "Finger as Finger" in GoodNotes settings so your palm doesn't accidentally draw while you write. This is under Settings → Apple Pencil → "Finger as Finger."
Navigate Between Pages
Swipe left or right to move between pages. For planners with many pages, use the page overview (the grid icon in the toolbar) to jump directly to any date or section. If your planner has a hyperlinked table of contents, tap any link to jump instantly — this is the biggest advantage of digital planners over paper.
Use the Eraser and Lasso for Clean Edits
Made a mistake? The eraser tool removes individual strokes cleanly. For bigger corrections, use the Lasso tool — draw a circle around anything you've written, then move, resize, or delete it. This is one feature that makes digital planning genuinely better than paper for people who like to adjust their plans mid-day.
Tips That Make a Real Difference
- Lock the PDF layer — in GoodNotes 6, you can lock the background layer so you never accidentally move the planner design. Go to the document settings to enable this.
- Use GoodNotes' search — your handwriting is searchable. If you wrote a note three weeks ago, just search for it.
- Duplicate pages for recurring use — if you use the same daily layout every day, duplicate a blank page rather than scrolling to a new one. This keeps your planner clean and consistent.
- Back up to iCloud — GoodNotes auto-syncs to iCloud if you're signed in. Your planner is always backed up and accessible on iPhone and Mac too.
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Is Digital Planning Better Than Paper?
That depends entirely on you. Digital planning in GoodNotes gives you infinite pages, searchable notes, and no need for a printer. Paper gives you a tactile experience that many people find more engaging and memorable. There's no wrong answer — but the best planners we've heard from often use both: a digital version for flexibility, a printed page for daily focus.
If you're not sure which suits you, read our full comparison: Digital vs Paper Planner: Which Is Right for You?