Tutorial: GoodNotes 6 - The Comprehensive Guide

Estimated Reading Time: A Quick 5-Minute Read

Hello there, fellow digital planners! The latest version of the GoodNotes app is here, and I'm here to walk you through the key features of GoodNotes 6.

In this guide, we'll explore the improved functionalities and user-friendly options that make digital planning a breeze. If you have any questions or need extra tips, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Table of Contents: Your Roadmap to GoodNotes 6

1. Adding a New Document to Your Library
2. Enabling Hyperlinks
3. Writing and Drawing
4. Adding Stickers from GoodNotes Notebooks (e.g., Boutique Image Notebook)
5. Pasting Stickers and Images
6. Creating Your Image Library
7. Customizing Pen Colors with HEX Codes
8. Inserting Additional Pages
9. Erasing Content
10. Deleting Pages
11. Recovering Deleted Pages
12. Removing a Notebook
13. Restoring a Deleted Notebook
14. Enabling iCloud Sync
15. Automatic Backup
16. Performing Focused Searches
17. Creating Templates
18. Collaborative Notebook Sharing
19. Quick Corrections
20. Utilising Learning Resources
21. Folder Customisation

 

1. Adding a New Document to Your Library:

1. Download your digital notebook and save it to your iPad.
2. Open the GoodNotes app, tap on the "+" icon, and select "Import."
3. Choose the file you downloaded and import it as a new document.

 

2. Enabling Hyperlinks:

To activate clickable tabs or links, switch to "read-only" mode. If you see tools like text, eraser, and lasso, it means you're not in read-only mode, and you can't activate links. To enter read-only mode, tap on the currently selected tool (pen or keyboard).

 

3. Writing and Drawing:

Double-tap on the tool you want to use to access its settings. Try out different options to get comfortable with the available tools in the app.

 

4. Adding Stickers from GoodNotes Notebooks (e.g., Boutique Image Notebook):

To add stickers in the GoodNotes format, select the image using the "lasso" tool. Long-press, copy, and paste it where you want it.

 

5. Pasting Stickers and Images:

To paste stickers or images, follow these steps:

1. Split your screen to access both the annotation app and your image folder.
2. Select the image you want to use and drag it onto your notebook or document.
3. Alternatively, tap the share icon in the top right corner of your image. Return to your agenda or document, place the cursor on your page, and paste the image.
4. If you prefer to insert, tap the camera icon, select your photo, or choose "Insert from" to import an image.

A handy tip: You can copy an image directly from your iPhone and paste it on your iPad using Universal Clipboard. It's a convenient way to add images without leaving your annotation app.

By following these instructions, you can easily add stickers and images to your documents.

 

6. Creating Your Image Library:

In the app's tools, tap the "star" icon at the top of the window. Scroll through the collections at the bottom of the window until you see the "+" icon to create a new collection. Tap the "+" symbol, give your new collection a name, and import your images or photos. You can also add items directly from your notebook by selecting an image and choosing "add an element."

 

7. Customising Pen Colours with HEX Codes:

To match your writing colour with your notebook's theme, you'll need the HEX code. Turn your iPad to portrait mode, copy the HEX code, and then tap "pen color" (double-tap the color). Select "customize," paste or type in the code, and tap "add (+)." Your customized color is now in your presets.

 

8. Inserting Additional Pages:

To insert a page between two existing pages, choose your layout, tap the three dots in the top right corner, duplicate the page, and place it where you want it (before, after, or at the end).

You can also take a screenshot of your content and paste it as an image to cover the existing layout.

 

9. Erasing Content:

To remove content from a page (handwritten text, pasted images, text boxes, etc.), tap the three dots in the top right corner and select "erase page."

 

10. Deleting Pages:

To delete a page (an entire sheet), tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose "Move Page to Trash."

 

11. Recovering Deleted Pages:

Go to the app's settings, tap on "Trash," and then tap "restore." Your page will return to its original location.

 

12. Removing a Notebook:

Navigate to your library, tap the small arrow next to the notebook's title, and select "Move to Trash."

 

13. Restoring a Deleted Notebook:

Visit the app's settings, tap on "Trash," and then tap "restore."

 

14. Enabling iCloud Sync:

Access settings, tap on "iCloud Settings," and toggle on "Use iCloud."

 

15. Automatic Backup:

Go to settings, tap on "Cloud and Backup," and enable automatic backup. Select your storage option and sign in. The app will perform automatic backups.

 

16. Performing Focused Searches:

To locate specific information among your notes, go to your document library. Tap the icon in the upper-left corner, and a search window will appear. Enter your search term, and the app will index all documents containing that term.

To search within a specific notebook, open the notebook and tap the magnifying glass in the left-hand menu.

 

17. Creating Templates:

Export the page you want to

convert into a template by tapping "Share and Export." Select "Export This Page" choose "Image" "Export" and "Save to Files." In the GoodNotes app, tap "Settings" "Manage Notebook Templates" "Import," "From Files" and select your image. This feature is great for organising your covers.

 

18. Collaborative Notebook Sharing:

Open your notebook and tap "Share Collaborative Link." You can also share your notebook on the web, making it accessible to those who don't have the GoodNotes app.

 

19. Quick Corrections:

Using your stylus, scribble over the part of handwritten text you want to remove.

 

20. Utilising Learning Resources:

Perfect for students! Create digital flashcards. In your library, tap the "+," and select "Learning Resource." Name your notebook. Write your question on one page and the answer on the next.

To review your flashcards, tap "Review," answer the question, and then click "I continue to learn" or "I knew it" at the end.

 

21. Folder Customization:

One of the most exciting features in GoodNotes is the ability to customize folder colors and add icons. Simply tap on the folder name, and you'll have the option to change its color or add an icon. This customization lets you organize your digital space according to your preferences.

Embark on your journey with GoodNotes 6, and may your digital planning experience be efficient and enjoyable. If you have questions or want to share your discoveries, feel free to ask in the comments. Together, we'll create an organized and productive digital world.

Happy planning!