Before you dive into digital planning on your iPad, there are a few practical choices to make: which iPad model, which stylus, and which note-taking app. These are the questions I asked myself when I started, and ones I constantly hear from my community.
In this article, we'll cover all the essential gear to get started: choosing your iPad, stylus, useful accessories, and the app that's right for you.
Which iPad to choose
Good news: you don't need the most expensive model for digital planning. The current lineup includes four models: the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and the basic iPad, and they are all compatible with a stylus.
The real difference lies in screen size, budget, and stylus support. The iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini work with the Apple Pencil Pro (the most advanced) and the Apple Pencil USB-C. The basic iPad, however, works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil USB-C, but not with the Pencil Pro.
For handwriting and planning, the Apple Pencil USB-C is more than sufficient, regardless of the model. I personally use an 11-inch iPad Pro, but if you're just starting out and budget is a consideration, the basic iPad or iPad Mini work very well.
It's no coincidence that the Apple ecosystem dominates this type of use. Palm rejection prevents accidental marks when your hand rests on the screen while writing, and Scribble automatically converts your handwriting into text in any input field. These two details make a real difference in daily use.
The stylus
The stylus is the tool that makes handwriting possible: it reproduces the sensation of writing on paper and allows you to customize your pages with different stroke thicknesses, colors, and pen styles in your app.
The Apple Pencil currently comes in three versions: the 1st generation (Lightning tip or USB-C adapter depending on the model), the Apple Pencil USB-C, and the Apple Pencil Pro. For digital planning, all three work well for handwriting. The difference lies in extras: the Apple Pencil Pro adds side pressure (squeeze) for quick tool changes and haptic feedback, which is convenient but not essential for getting started.
Tips wear out over time, especially if the stylus falls. Keep spare tips on hand rather than waiting until you need them.
If your budget is tighter, third-party USB-C compatible styluses also exist and fulfill the same basic role, without Apple's advanced features.
Useful accessories
Two accessories make a real difference once you have the basic equipment.
A matte screen protector, like Paperlike, gives your screen a paper-like texture. I've been using mine since 2021, and the change was immediate: my handwriting improved significantly as soon as I had that slight resistance under the stylus, rather than sliding on smooth glass.
A case that stores your iPad and stylus together also prevents losing or misplacing the Apple Pencil, a common problem given its small size. Many models combine both in a single sleeve.
Which app to choose
Several note-taking apps work well for digital planning on iPad: Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf are the most popular. They are very similar in their basic functions, with some differences in price and interface.
Discover which one to choose according to your needs for a complete comparison of the options.
Syncing your iPad with your other devices
Device synchronization is a frequent question. The rule is simple: use the same note-taking app on all your devices, with the same login, and your files will automatically sync in the cloud.
If you juggle between an iPad, an iPhone, and a Mac, having access to your planner everywhere is a real advantage. But if syncing between different systems is an issue, it's not the fault of digital planning; it's a technical limitation between brands. You can certainly choose just one device for planning and forgo syncing; it doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the method.
To go further
Once your iPad, stylus, and accessories are ready, all that's left is to choose your app and get started. If you opt for Goodnotes, our essential basics with Goodnotes 6 will guide you step-by-step through installation and first steps.
