Setting up a digital planner on your iPad is easier than it looks. Once your PDF is imported into GoodNotes or Notability, you’ll have a fully interactive planner with clickable tabs, sections, and pages — right at your fingertips. This guide walks you through every step so you can start planning with confidence today.
Step 1 — Choose Your Digital Planner
Before anything else, you need a digital planner that suits your lifestyle. Look for one that comes as a hyperlinked PDF — this means all the tabs and navigation buttons are clickable, so you can jump between sections instantly. Consider whether you want a dated or undated planner, a vertical or horizontal layout, and whether you prefer a minimalist or more decorative design.
Think about how you plan to use it: Are you tracking daily tasks, long-term goals, habits, or all of the above? A good planner should feel like an extension of how your brain already works. Browse collections with a variety of layouts and styles so you find one that truly resonates with you.
Step 2 — Download Your PDF File
Once you’ve purchased your digital planner, you’ll receive a download link — usually via email or a download page on the shop. Tap the link on your iPad and save the PDF file. You have a few options for where to save it:
- Files app (iCloud Drive): Great if you want automatic backup and cross-device access.
- Google Drive: Ideal if you use Android devices too or prefer Google’s ecosystem.
- Dropbox: A reliable option with good app integration.
We recommend saving to iCloud Drive first — it makes importing into your planning app seamless and ensures your file is always backed up.
Step 3 — Import into GoodNotes or Notability
Now for the exciting part. Open your note-taking app — GoodNotes 5 or Notability are the most popular choices for digital planning — and import your PDF.
In GoodNotes:
- Tap the + button in the top right corner of the main library screen.
- Select Import.
- Navigate to your saved PDF in the Files app or iCloud Drive.
- Tap the file — it will open as a new notebook automatically.
In Notability:
- Tap the + button and select Import.
- Choose your PDF from your file storage location.
- The file will appear in your library ready to open.
Both apps treat your PDF as an interactive document, preserving all the hyperlinks embedded in the planner.
Step 4 — Navigate the Hyperlinked Tabs
One of the best features of a high-quality digital planner is the hyperlinked navigation. Tapping a tab or button in the planner will jump you straight to that section — no scrolling required.
In GoodNotes, make sure you’re in Reading Mode (the hand/pointer icon) rather than writing mode when you want to tap links. In Notability, links are always active, so just tap and go.
Spend a few minutes exploring your planner’s layout. Tap through the monthly overview, weekly spreads, daily pages, and any extra sections like habit trackers or goal pages. The more familiar you are with the structure, the faster your planning sessions will be.
Step 5 — Add Your Stickers and Customise
This is where digital planning truly shines. You can personalise your planner with digital stickers, washi tape, and custom fonts — all without making a single permanent mark.
To add stickers in GoodNotes:
- Open your sticker pack (usually a separate PDF).
- Use the lasso tool to select a sticker.
- Copy it, then paste it onto your planner page.
- Resize and reposition as needed.
You can also use the image insert tool to add photos, screenshots, or imported graphics. Don’t be afraid to make your planner your own — the beauty of digital is that you can undo anything and start fresh whenever you like.
Step 6 — Back Up to iCloud or Dropbox
Protecting your planner data is essential. Here’s how to back up reliably:
- GoodNotes: Enable Auto-Backup in Settings. Choose iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. GoodNotes will automatically export a copy of your notebooks at regular intervals.
- Notability: Go to Settings > Auto-Backup and enable it with your preferred cloud storage.
We recommend keeping at least two backup locations — for example, iCloud as your primary and Google Drive as a secondary. This way, even if one service has an outage, your planning data is safe.
Tips to Get the Most out of Your Digital Planner
- Set a daily planning ritual: Open your planner at the same time each day — morning or evening — to build a consistent habit.
- Use colour coding: Assign colours to categories (work, personal, health) using your app’s pen tool for quick visual scanning.
- Keep sticker packs organised: Store them in a dedicated folder in GoodNotes so they’re easy to find.
- Use split view: On iPad, open your planner on one side and a reference document, Safari, or your calendar app on the other.
- Don’t overthink it: Your planner is a tool, not a masterpiece. Focus on function first — beauty will follow naturally.
FAQ
Do I need Apple Pencil to use a digital planner?
No — you can use a digital planner with just your finger. However, an Apple Pencil (or compatible stylus) makes handwriting and annotating much more natural and enjoyable, especially for those who prefer writing over typing.
Can I use a digital planner on iPhone as well as iPad?
Yes. If your planner is stored in iCloud Drive or another cloud service, you can open it in GoodNotes or Notability on your iPhone too. The experience is best on iPad due to screen size, but iPhone works well for quick check-ins.
What’s the difference between GoodNotes and Notability for digital planning?
GoodNotes has a library-style interface and is generally considered the top choice for digital planners due to its robust linking and notebook organisation. Notability is excellent for note-taking and audio recording. Both support hyperlinked PDFs, so either will work — it comes down to personal preference. Many planners from Milamalu are optimised for GoodNotes, though they work beautifully in Notability too.