How to Import a Digital Planner into iPad (GoodNotes & Notability)

Whether you're a productivity lover or just getting started with digital planning, importing your digital planner into your iPad is super easy — once you know how! 📲✨ In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through importing your planner into popular apps like Goodnotes, Notability, and more. Let's dive in!

📝 Step 1: Download Your Digital Planner File

First things first — make sure you've downloaded the digital planner file to your iPad. Most planners come as PDF files.

👉 Pro Tip: If the file is zipped (.zip), tap it to unzip automatically on iPad.

📒 Step 2: Import into Goodnotes

Goodnotes is one of the most popular apps for digital planners — and importing is super smooth!

✅ Method A: Import from Files App

  1. Open the Files app and locate your planner PDF
  2. Tap the Share button
  3. Select Open in Goodnotes
  4. Choose:import as new document (for a fresh planner
  5. Tap Import

iPad Files app with a digital planner PDF selected, ready to share

iPad share sheet with Open in GoodNotes selected for the planner PDF

GoodNotes import dialog set to import the planner as a new document

🎉Done! Your planner is now in Goodnotes!

✅ Method B: Import from Goodnotes App

  1. Open Goodnotes
  2. Tap the + (plus) button > Import
  3. Find your planner in Files and tap it

GoodNotes plus button menu with the Import option selected

It will automatically import!

🖊️ Step 3: Import into Notability

Using Notability instead? No worries — it’s just as easy:

  1. Locate your digital planner file in the Files app
  2. Tap the file > Share > Choose Notability
  3. Select “Create New Note” or add to an existing one
  4. Tap Import

iPad share sheet sending a digital planner PDF to Notability

Notability creating a new note from the imported digital planner PDF

✅ Your planner is now inside Notability and ready to use!

✨ Other Apps That Support Digital Planners

Not using Goodnotes or Notability? Try these compatible apps:

App Name How to Import
Noteshelf Open app > + > Import PDF
ZoomNotes Open app > Tap Import > Choose file
Xodo (Free!) Open Xodo > Files > Import PDF

Most digital planners are designed to work best with Goodnotes, but the PDF version can be used across many note-taking apps!

💡 Common Questions

Q: What if my planner doesn’t hyperlink correctly?
A: Make sure you’re using a compatible app like Goodnotes or Noteshelf — some free PDF viewers don’t support interactive links.

Q: Can I use it on my iPhone too?
A: Yes! Once imported into your app, it will sync across devices (if iCloud sync is turned on).

❤️ Final Tips

  • Use a stylus (Apple Pencil) for best experience
  • Duplicate your planner to try layouts or themes
  • Bookmark your favorite pages for easy access

We hope this guide helps you get started with your digital planner on iPad. If you have any questions or need a compatible version, feel free to reach out. Happy planning! 🌈📅💻


Which planner should you import first?

Every file we sell is a hyperlinked PDF that imports with exactly these steps. The Stardew Valley Digital Journal is our most-downloaded planner, and the rest of the Stardew Valley collection uses the same layout. If you want something different, browse all digital planners or add matching stickers and covers.

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