How to Use Digital Planners in GoodNotes and Notability

Digital planners are only as powerful as the app you use them in. GoodNotes and Notability are the two most popular options for iPad users — and both work beautifully with PrintFlowStudio planners. Here's how to get set up and make the most of your download.

Step 1: Download Your Planner File

After purchasing, you'll receive an instant download link. Save the PDF to your iPad's Files app or directly to your cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox). This makes it easy to import into any app.

Using Your Planner in GoodNotes

GoodNotes is the gold standard for digital planning — and it's what most of our planners are optimized for.

1. Open GoodNotes and tap the + icon to create a new document.
2. Select Import and navigate to your PDF file.
3. Once imported, your planner opens with full hyperlink navigation — tap any tab or button to jump to that section instantly.
4. Use the pen tool with your Apple Pencil to write naturally, or the text tool to type your entries.
5. Customize your toolbar with your favorite pen styles and colors to make the experience your own.

Pro tip: Set your planner as a pinned document in GoodNotes so it's always one tap away from your home screen.

Using Your Planner in Notability

Notability has a slightly different workflow but is equally capable — and its audio recording feature makes it a favorite for students and professionals who take meeting notes.

1. Open Notability and tap Import from the library view.
2. Select your planner PDF from Files or cloud storage.
3. Notability will import it as a note. Tap to open and begin writing.
4. Use the handwriting tool with Apple Pencil or the keyboard for typed entries.
5. Hyperlinks in the planner are fully functional — tap to navigate between sections.

Pro tip: Use Notability's dividers feature to organize your planner alongside other notebooks by subject or project.

Backing Up Your Planner

Both apps support automatic cloud backup — enable this in your app settings to ensure your entries are never lost. GoodNotes backs up to iCloud; Notability supports iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Getting the Most From Your Digital Planner

• Treat it like a paper planner — open it every morning, review your priorities, and close it with tomorrow's top three tasks already written.
• Use color strategically — assign colors to categories (work, personal, health) for an at-a-glance overview of your week.
• Don't over-engineer it. The best system is the one you actually use. Start simple and add complexity only as needed.

Ready to get started? Browse our full planner collection — every file is optimized for GoodNotes and Notability and available as an instant download.