How-To Guides

Simple guides for digital planning on iPad: how to import a planner into GoodNotes or Notability, use hyperlinked tabs, add digital stickers, pick pen colors and color palettes, and set up a planner you’ll keep using. Short, practical tips for getting more out of every iPad planner.

GoodNotes Tips and How-To Guides for Digital Planning

Buying a planner is the easy part; the questions come once it is open on the iPad. This section collects my GoodNotes tips and practical guides: what the app costs, how it compares with Notability and Notion, color palettes, covers, Apple Pencil habits and a few Procreate extras for planner pages.

Getting a planner set up

Import the PDF from the Files app, check that the hyperlinked tabs jump where they should, and save a blank page as a template for repeating days. My planning tips post covers more setup steps and Apple Pencil shortcuts.

Choosing an app

GoodNotes and Notability both handle hyperlinked planners well. The differences show in pricing, page organization and audio recording, which the comparison guide covers in detail.

Making pages your own

Color palettes with hex codes, covers and Procreate brushes help a planner look consistent without much effort each day.

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GoodNotes Questions

Is GoodNotes a one-time purchase?

Pricing has changed over the years, with subscription and one-time options. The cost guide lists the current plans and ways to pay less.

Can I use a GoodNotes planner in Notability?

Yes. Planners are PDF files, and the hyperlinks work in Notability too.

How do I change the pen color palette in GoodNotes?

Tap the pen tool, open the color picker and add a custom color with a hex code. My palettes post has ready sets to copy.