In this article, I will accompany you through the fascinating world of digital planning, highlighting the basics of digital planner for iPad with Goodnotes 6, thus offering all the essential advice for beginners.
If you're here, it's probably because you just got an iPad or tablet, or maybe you're wondering how to bring new life to the device that's been gathering dust in your closet. Look no further, because you've come to the right place!
During this article, I will share my complete planning setup and reveal all the tips I have accumulated throughout my experience.
I explain the choice of note-taking applications and digital planners , with particular emphasis on Goodnotes, my favorite application.
Stick with me until the end of this article as I share essential information to help you master digital planning.
If you found these tips helpful, don't forget to join me on my Instagram @inmotionplanner or my YouTube channel for access to even more tips.
Without further ado, let's dive into the world of Digital Planners together, where every aspect will be explored to guide you towards successful digital planning!
InMotion Planner Overview
My name is Alice, the creator of InMotion Planner. I started with English-speaking digital planners in 2019 and in 2021, I decided to create my own French-speaking versions . My goal is to help ambitious people improve their lives with digital planners.
What is digital planning? The foundations of digital organization
Digital planning comes in the form of a PDF file that you import into a note-taking app on your device to organize your schedule.
These digital diaries reproduce the characteristics of traditional diaries, but in PDF format, often enriched with hypertext links for easy navigation.
A common misunderstanding among novices is the thought that digital scheduling involves complex interaction with your Google Calendar or other apps.
In reality, it's just a PDF file that you import into a notes app, specifically designed for smooth use with a pen.
The best part is the ability to personalize your PDF file using note apps like Goodnotes or Notability. This allows you to embed your PDF file and add your own annotations to it.
In short, digital planning turns a simple PDF into a dynamic space where you can bring your plans and ideas to life, just like you would on paper.
Why adopt a digital planner for iPad with Goodnotes 6?
Digital planning offers a multitude of practical benefits. First, it eliminates the clutter of stacks of notebooks and pens by centralizing all your information on your electronic devices.
The personalization offered by applications such as Goodnotes or Notability frees you from the constraints of paper . You have the freedom to choose from a variety of colors, highlighters, and pens, allowing you to create notes that perfectly match your style.
My transition to digital planning was motivated by the ability to synchronize my notes across all of my devices , offering unparalleled flexibility. Once you get over the initial adjustment, you won't want to go back.
Here are some compelling reasons to take the plunge into digital planning, especially with apps like Goodnotes 6:
- Clutter Elimination: No more piles of notebooks and pens cluttering your space. Digital planning centralizes all your information, ready to view at any time on your devices.
- Unlimited customization: With apps like GoodNotes, unleash your creativity by choosing from a multitude of colors, highlighters and pens. Create a layout that truly reflects your style.
- Unparalleled flexibility: The transition to digital planning offers exceptional flexibility. The ability to sync your notes across all your devices, from phone to MacBook to iPad, provides unparalleled access to your information wherever you are.
- Authentic writing experience: If, like me, you enjoy handwriting, using the iPad and Apple Pencil provides a similar experience to using a physical planner.
- Seamless sync with Goodnotes 6: Using Goodnotes 6 greatly simplifies the process. Write notes on your iPad and find them instantly on your iPhone or MacBook with seamless syncing, as long as you're using the same Apple ID and iCloud storage.
Equipment and supplies for effective digital planning
Let me introduce you to the equipment I use. My equipment consists of the 11-inch iPad Pro combined with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil . To protect my iPad, I opted for a case found on Amazon, offering optimal security. During my work sessions on MacBook, my iPad becomes a second screen, which is extremely practical.
The Paperlike screen protector is an essential part of my kit. I've been using this product since 2021, initially with version 2.0, then recently upgraded to version 2.1, and I'm literally obsessed with its performance.
The Paperlike is a matte screen protector that offers a pencil-on-paper feel , which is particularly pleasant during heavy use. In addition to reproducing this authentic feeling, it significantly improves the aesthetics of my writing while ensuring effective screen protection.
Which device is best? And do I need an iPad Pro?
When embarking on digital planning, your tablet and pen choice is crucial. Many wonder if their current device is compatible, and if an iPad Pro is really necessary. Here are some things to consider.
Digital planners are PDF files, which means the key is having a device capable of downloading note-taking apps and compatible with styluses for handwritten annotations .
Do you need an iPad, or even an iPad Pro? Not necessarily.
Any iPad compatible with a note-taking app like Goodnotes, paired with a compatible stylus, will work just fine. If you enjoy writing and drawing, an iPad is an ideal choice.
It is essential to emphasize that this form of planning is not exclusive to the iPad. You can also access your digital planner on your iPhone and MacBook.
The important thing is to use the same Apple ID and download a compatible notes app on all your Apple devices to ensure smooth syncing.
Now, what about Android and Windows tablets? While I don't have personal experience with these platforms, the principle remains the same: find a compatible notes app and pen to take full advantage of digital planning.
I wrote an article that goes into detail on the subject of note and sync applications to answer your questions: Understanding Digital Planners, your introduction to digital planning .
How to choose a notes app? Comparison of options for Apple, Android and Windows
The choice of app is crucial in your digital planning experience. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, there are solid choices like Notability, Goodnotes, and Noteshelf available to you.
I personally opted for Goodnotes because of its intuitive user interface and the overall experience it offers. These apps are all similar with some subtle differences.
For Apple users , Notability and Goodnotes are available as a free download, with optional subscriptions for additional features.
Goodnotes offers an annual subscription for 12.99 CAD after the first three free notebooks, while Notability offers a free version and a premium subscription for 15.99 CAD per year.
For those using Android and Windows , Noteshelf is currently a great option. However, the final choice depends on your specific preferences and needs. Feel free to try them out for yourself, as the choice of app really depends on your personal preferences.
If you want to explore digital planning on an Android or Windows tablet you already own, download one of my free products from my website. Then import it into a note-taking app compatible with your tablet.
Popular apps for Windows and Android are Noteshelf, Xodo, Penly, Samsung Notes.
The cost associated with these applications is minimal compared to the benefits they provide on a daily basis. By valuing the work and expertise of creators, you are investing in a quality digital planning experience.
Personally, I use the Goodnotes app which contains all my planners and notebooks, and it syncs perfectly with all three of my devices. I know I have all my notebooks and planners always within reach.
How to choose the perfect digital planner: tips for finding the ideal model for your style
Now that you have your equipment in hand and you have selected your favorite application, let's move on to the crucial step of choosing a digital planner. Digital planners come in two categories: dated and undated annuals , each offering distinct advantages. The choice depends entirely on your preferences and lifestyle.
If you are passionate about planning, establishing routines, and seeing the big picture of the months and days ahead , I highly recommend opting for a dated annual planner.
It is similar to a traditional diary, but in digital form, offering full accessibility and the possibility of long-term planning.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more flexible approach , without the constraints of pre-established dates, and you want to organize your schedule weekly or daily without excessive formalities, then an undated digital planner would be more suitable. It provides everything you need to plan month, week and day, with the flexibility to add dates.
Tips for finding the perfect model
I recommend that you choose your digital planner as you would choose a physical calendar. Take the time to explore the designs and styles available, and select the one that resonates most with you and fits best into your lifestyle.
Technologically, all digital planners work in a similar way , being in PDF format with hyperlinked tabs for easy navigation. The main difference lies in the design of the pages and the list of included pages .
Take the time to carefully consider these aspects to ensure that your digital planner meets your daily, weekly and monthly organizational needs.
Ultimately, your digital planner should be a tool that makes your daily life easier , helping you plan and organize your time effectively. So take the time to choose carefully, based on what suits you best.
To discover the InMotion Planner product collections, I wrote a dedicated article: How to choose the best digital planner for you in 2024 .
How to Start Digital Planning: Tips for a Smooth Transition
You've gathered everything you need: your iPad, Pencil, your favorite note-taking app, and of course, your brand new digital planner . Now, it’s time to dive into the world of digital planning. Don't worry if it seems a little overwhelming at first.
Start with the basics and take the time to familiarize yourself with your new tool.
It is completely normal to feel some apprehension about this new experience. You might wonder where to start, and that's where I advise you to take things step by step.
It can be tempting to want to create complex layouts and explore advanced tricks right from the start, but start slowly. Familiarize yourself with the basic features of your note-taking app and digital planner.
Choose a favorite page or two to start, and take the time to get used to this digital world.
As you progress, you'll be able to explore more advanced tips and techniques. On my different platforms, I share inspiring videos where I reveal tips to beautify your planner and get the most out of Goodnotes.
Remember that digital planning should be an enjoyable experience, a way to get organized without stress or constraints. So take the time to explore, experiment and find your own style.
Remember that your digital planner is a blank canvas that you can personalize according to your preferences. There are no hard and fast rules to follow — it's your planner, it should reflect your personality and meet your specific needs. Have fun creating your unique digital planning space!
Goodnotes Tutorial 6: The Basics of Digital Planning
In this section, we'll briefly cover the basic features of Goodnotes 6, allowing you to quickly start your digital planning experience.
Activation of reading mode and editing mode:
At the top of the screen, locate the button to activate or deactivate reading mode. In reading mode, the hyperlinked tabs are functional, transforming your digital calendar into a clickable version. Edit mode is your space to use all the tools.
Essential tools:
- Pen: to write on your digital diary.
- Eraser: to erase annotations.
- Highlighter: customizable with different colors and thicknesses.
- Shape: to draw sharper shapes.
- Lasso: allows you to move and resize elements.
- Stickers: Create collections of decorative images.
- Photo: insert images into your calendar.
- Text: Enter text according to your preferences.
Additional parameters:
- In highlighter settings, enable “draw straight line” for automatic straight line highlighting below highlighted text.
This overview of basic features gives you a starting point. If you want to explore the advanced features of Goodnotes 6, let me know in the comments.
Your comfort and understanding with Goodnotes is essential for successful digital planning.
How to Maintain Regular Planning: Strategies for Incorporating Planning into Your Daily Life
A common question among users of digital planning concerns the regularity of its use.
How to avoid forgetting to use your digital calendar once configured on your device?
How to Stay Organized Consistently?
Personally, feeling in control of my life is essential, and planning is key to achieving this. Here are some tips for maintaining regular planning:
- Make planning a ritual:
Turn planning into a ritual you look forward to. Find a time in your day where you can dedicate to planning on a regular basis. For example, take a moment with your morning coffee or unwind by planning at the end of the day with some herbal tea.
- Make your planner attractive:
Personalize your planner so that it is attractive and pleasant to consult. When planning becomes a positive activity, it becomes a source of motivation. Add colors, decorative elements, or anything that will brighten up your planning experience.
- Place the app on the home screen:
So you don't forget to consult your planner, place your planning application directly on the home screen of your device. This way, it will always be at hand and will regularly remind you to check your calendar and your to-do list.
These tips have become part of my routine and have helped me maintain regular and effective planning. The key is to personalize these tips based on your preferences, making planning a truly beneficial tool for improving your daily life.
Conclusion: Ready to dive into digital planning?
Congratulations, you are now equipped with all the basics needed to venture into the exciting world of digital planning. I hope this article has been a helpful resource to start your journey to a more organized and productive life with your digital planner.
If these tips were beneficial to you, don't forget to subscribe on Instagram or YouTube for more tips on living productively with a digital planner. Your engagement encourages me to share more tips and strategies to maximize your use of digital planning.
Get ready to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by your iPad, Apple Pencil and planning apps. May this new step in optimizing your daily life be enriching and bring you closer to your goals.
See you soon and happy digital planning!
🎥 Watch the YouTube video for a better overview of Goodnotes 6: Digital Planner - Beginner's Guide.
