9 Simple GoodNotes Tips & Tricks to get the most from the app
GoodNotes is a popular and powerful note-taking app that combines the flexibility of digital note-taking with the familiarity of handwriting. This makes it a great app for digital planning. While it’s personally not my favorite app for planning, it is quite popular for many reasons (and an overall great app).
Its wide range of features, customization options, and decent support for multimedia and cloud synchronization make it a valuable tool for various users, from students to professionals.
I’m always about getting the most out of anything I pay for, and apps are no different. If I’m going to spend money on an app, I’m going to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth. So, having explored GoodNotes for digital planning, I put together some GoodNotes tips and tricks that will help you do the same.
Need a refresher on how to use the app? This may help:
GoodNotes Tips & Tricks
Without further ado, here are nine tips and tricks for using GoodNotes to enhance your digital planning experience:
1. Utilize Custom Templates
- Create or Import Templates: Design your own planning templates or download ready-made ones from online resources. Import these templates into GoodNotes for a personalized planning experience. (Visit the GoodNotes Planner Shop)
- Consistent Layouts: Use consistent templates for daily, weekly, and monthly planning to maintain an organized and cohesive look.
- Add pages: Add pages to your GoodNotes notebooks by using this method.
2. Organize with Folders and Tags
- Nested Folders: Create nested folders to categorize different aspects of your life, such as work, personal, fitness, and finances. This helps keep your notes and plans organized and easy to navigate.
- Tags for Quick Access: Use tags to mark important notes or specific types of information, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
3. Leverage the Lasso Tool
- Move and Resize: The lasso tool allows you to select, move, and resize handwritten notes, drawings, and images. This makes it easy to adjust your plans without having to rewrite or redraw.
- Copy and Paste: Use the lasso tool to copy and paste sections of your notes or plans, saving time when duplicating recurring tasks or templates. This is nice when it comes to Daily, Weekly, and Monthly digital planning especially.
4. Handwriting to Text Conversion
- Searchable Text: Convert your handwritten notes to text using the handwriting recognition feature. This makes your notes searchable and easier to organize.
- Typed Notes: If you prefer typing, use the text tool to add typed notes alongside your handwritten ones for better clarity and organization.
5. Use Stickers and Digital Elements
- Digital Stickers: Enhance your planner with digital stickers for dates, tasks, and decorations. Many websites offer free or purchasable sticker packs specifically designed for digital planners. For something more professional, consider Tiles.
- Visual Appeal: Adding stickers and decorative elements can make planning more fun and visually appealing, which can increase motivation and engagement.
6. Incorporate Multimedia
- Insert Images: Add photos or screenshots to your planner to provide visual context or reminders for specific tasks or events.
- Audio Recordings: Record audio notes during meetings or lectures and insert them directly into your planner for later reference.
7. Highlight and Annotate
- Color Coding: Use the highlighter tool to color-code tasks and events. For example, use different colors for work tasks, personal appointments, and fitness goals.
- Annotations: Annotate your notes and plans with highlights, arrows, and shapes to emphasize important information or connections.
8. Use Hyperlinks for Navigation
- Create Hyperlinks: Add hyperlinks to your planner to easily navigate between different sections or pages. This is especially useful for monthly or yearly overviews.
- Bookmark Important Pages: Use bookmarks to quickly access frequently used pages or sections in your planner.
9. Backup and Sync
- iCloud Sync: Enable iCloud synchronization to keep your notes and planners updated across all your iOS devices. This ensures you have access to your planner wherever you go.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your GoodNotes data to other cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to prevent data loss.
By incorporating these tips and tricks into your digital planning routine with GoodNotes, you can enhance your productivity, organization, and overall planning experience.