So you have taken the exciting first step into the world of digital planning. You have downloaded GoodNotes, you have purchased your beautiful digital planner PDF from Paperless Essentials, and now you are ready to bring it all together.
But there is one question standing between you and your first digital planning session — how do I actually import my PDF planner into GoodNotes?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from digital planning beginners, and it is completely understandable. When you are new to digital planning, the process of moving a PDF file from your downloads into a planning app can feel confusing — especially when there are multiple ways to do it.
The great news is that importing a PDF planner into GoodNotes is genuinely simple once you know the steps. And in this guide, we are going to walk you through every single method — step by step, with no steps skipped and no confusing jargon — so you can get your planner set up and start planning your life in minutes.
Let's get started.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before we walk through the import steps, let's make sure you have everything ready to go:
✅ What You Need:
- An iPad, iPhone, or Mac with GoodNotes installed
- GoodNotes 5 or GoodNotes 6 downloaded from the App Store
- Your Paperless Essentials digital planner PDF downloaded to your device
- A few minutes of your time
That is it. No complicated setup, no extra tools, no technical experience required.
Where Is Your Downloaded PDF?
When you purchase and download a digital planner from Paperless Essentials, your PDF file is saved to your device. Depending on how you downloaded it, it may be in one of these locations:
- Files App → Downloads folder — the most common location on iPad and iPhone
- iCloud Drive — if you have iCloud set up as your default storage
- Google Drive — if you downloaded directly to Google Drive
- Your email — if you received your download link by email and opened the file there
- Safari Downloads — if you downloaded directly through Safari browser
Knowing where your PDF is saved will help you choose the fastest import method below.
Understanding GoodNotes 5 vs GoodNotes 6
Before we dive into the import steps, it is worth noting that GoodNotes has two current versions — GoodNotes 5 and GoodNotes 6 — and while the import process is very similar in both, there are some minor interface differences.
GoodNotes 5 features a classic layout with a document library on the main screen and a simple folder organization system.
GoodNotes 6 features a refreshed, more modern interface with improved organization and some new features, but the core importing process remains essentially the same.
All of the import methods in this guide work for both GoodNotes 5 and GoodNotes 6. We will note any differences where they exist.
Method 1 — Import from the Files App (Most Common Method)
This is the most straightforward and most commonly used method for importing a PDF planner into GoodNotes. If your downloaded planner PDF is saved in your iPad's Files app — which it most likely is — this is the method to use.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Open GoodNotes on your iPad Tap the GoodNotes icon on your home screen to open the app. You will land on the main GoodNotes library screen where your notebooks and documents are organized.
Step 2 — Tap the + Button In GoodNotes 5, tap the + button located in the top right corner of the main library screen. In GoodNotes 6, tap the + button or the New button on the main screen.
Step 3 — Select Import A menu will appear with several options. Tap Import from the list of options. This will open your iPad's Files app directly within GoodNotes.
Step 4 — Navigate to Your Downloads Folder In the Files browser that appears, navigate to the location where your planner PDF is saved. If you downloaded it directly from Paperless Essentials, it is most likely in: Files → On My iPad → Downloads or Files → iCloud Drive → Downloads
Step 5 — Select Your Digital Planner PDF Tap on your Paperless Essentials digital planner PDF file to select it. You will see the file name with a PDF icon next to it.
Step 6 — Choose Import as New Document GoodNotes will ask you how you want to import the file. Select New Document to import your planner as a standalone document in your GoodNotes library.
Step 7 — Choose Your Import Location GoodNotes will ask you where in your library you want to save the imported planner. You can save it to your main library or to a specific folder. We recommend creating a dedicated folder called Paperless Essentials or My Planners to keep things organized.
Step 8 — Start Planning Your digital planner PDF is now fully imported into GoodNotes and ready to use. Tap on it to open it, pick up your Apple Pencil, and start planning your life.
Method 2 — Import from Safari Browser (Direct Download Method)
If you are downloading your Paperless Essentials digital planner directly from our website on your iPad's Safari browser, this method allows you to import it into GoodNotes in just a few taps without ever going through the Files app.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Complete Your Purchase on Safari On your iPad, open Safari and complete your purchase on the Paperless Essentials website. After checkout, tap the download link to download your digital planner PDF.
Step 2 — Tap the Download Icon When the PDF begins downloading, you will see a download progress indicator in the top right corner of Safari. When the download is complete, tap the Downloads icon (it looks like a downward arrow in a circle) in the Safari toolbar.
Step 3 — Tap Your Downloaded File In the downloads panel, tap on your Paperless Essentials planner PDF file. The PDF will open in a preview within Safari.
Step 4 — Tap the Share Button With the PDF open in Safari, tap the Share button — the square icon with an upward arrow — located in the toolbar. This opens the iOS share sheet.
Step 5 — Select Open in GoodNotes In the share sheet, scroll through the app options until you find GoodNotes. Tap it. If you do not see GoodNotes in the share sheet, tap More to find it in the full app list.
Step 6 — Choose Import as New Document GoodNotes will open automatically and ask whether you want to import the file as a new document. Tap New Document to confirm.
Step 7 — Select Your Save Location Choose where in your GoodNotes library you want to save your planner — either in the main library or in a specific folder.
Step 8 — Start Planning Your planner is imported and ready to use. Tap to open it and start writing with your Apple Pencil.
Method 3 — Import from Email (Email Attachment Method)
If you received your Paperless Essentials download link or PDF attachment via email, this method lets you import your planner directly from your email app into GoodNotes.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Open Your Email App Open your email app on your iPad — whether that is Apple Mail, Gmail, or any other email client — and find the email containing your Paperless Essentials download link or PDF attachment.
Step 2 — Download the PDF If the email contains a direct PDF attachment, tap on the attachment to open it. If the email contains a download link, tap the link to open it in Safari and follow the Safari import method above.
Step 3 — Tap the Share Button With the PDF open in your email app or preview, tap the Share button — the square icon with an upward arrow.
Step 4 — Select Open in GoodNotes In the share sheet that appears, find and tap GoodNotes. If you do not see it immediately, tap More to find it in the full list.
Step 5 — Import as New Document GoodNotes will open and prompt you to import the file. Select New Document and choose your preferred save location in your GoodNotes library.
Step 6 — Start Planning Your planner is now imported and ready to go. Open it and begin your digital planning journey.
Method 4 — Import from Google Drive
If you save your files to Google Drive or if your Paperless Essentials download was saved directly to Google Drive, this method lets you import your planner seamlessly into GoodNotes.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Make Sure Google Drive is Set Up Ensure you have the Google Drive app installed on your iPad and that you are signed into your Google account.
Step 2 — Open GoodNotes Open GoodNotes and tap the + button to create a new document.
Step 3 — Select Import Tap Import from the menu. This will open the Files browser.
Step 4 — Navigate to Google Drive In the Files browser, tap Browse in the bottom navigation bar if needed, then look for Google Drive in the list of locations in the left sidebar. If you do not see Google Drive, go to your iPad Settings → Files and make sure Google Drive is enabled as a file location.
Step 5 — Find Your Planner PDF Navigate through your Google Drive folders to find your downloaded Paperless Essentials planner PDF.
Step 6 — Select and Import Tap the PDF file to select it, then choose New Document to import it into your GoodNotes library.
Step 7 — Choose Your Save Location Select your preferred location in your GoodNotes library — we recommend a dedicated planners folder — and tap to confirm.
Step 8 — Start Planning Your planner is imported from Google Drive and ready to use in GoodNotes.
Method 5 — Import from iCloud Drive
If you use iCloud as your primary storage and your Paperless Essentials planner PDF is saved in iCloud Drive, this method is the quickest and most seamless import option for Apple users.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Confirm Your PDF is in iCloud Drive Open the Files app on your iPad and navigate to iCloud Drive to confirm your planner PDF is saved there.
Step 2 — Open GoodNotes and Tap + Open GoodNotes and tap the + button to begin the import process.
Step 3 — Select Import Tap Import from the menu to open the Files browser.
Step 4 — Navigate to iCloud Drive In the Files browser, tap iCloud Drive in the left sidebar to access your iCloud files.
Step 5 — Locate and Select Your Planner PDF Navigate to the folder where your planner PDF is saved and tap it to select it.
Step 6 — Import as New Document Select New Document and choose your preferred GoodNotes library location.
Step 7 — Start Planning Your planner is now imported from iCloud Drive and ready to use. Open it and start planning with your Apple Pencil.
Method 6 — Import on Mac (GoodNotes for Mac)
If you prefer to work on your Mac or if you downloaded your Paperless Essentials planner on your Mac computer, here is how to import it into GoodNotes on Mac.
Step by Step:
Step 1 — Make Sure GoodNotes is Installed on Your Mac Download GoodNotes from the Mac App Store if you have not already done so. GoodNotes for Mac is included with your GoodNotes subscription and syncs seamlessly with your iPad version through iCloud.
Step 2 — Open GoodNotes on Your Mac Launch GoodNotes from your Applications folder or Dock.
Step 3 — Click the + Button or File Menu In GoodNotes on Mac, click the + button in the top left corner of the library, or go to the File menu in the top menu bar and select Import.
Step 4 — Navigate to Your Downloaded PDF A Finder window will open. Navigate to your Downloads folder — or wherever your Paperless Essentials planner PDF is saved — and select the file.
Step 5 — Click Open to Import Click Open to import the PDF into your GoodNotes Mac library. GoodNotes will import the file and add it to your library.
Step 6 — Sync to Your iPad Because GoodNotes syncs through iCloud, your imported planner will automatically appear on your iPad and iPhone within seconds — no additional steps needed.
Step 7 — Start Planning Open the planner on your Mac or pick up your iPad and Apple Pencil and start planning right away.
How to Organize Your Digital Planners in GoodNotes
Now that you know how to import your planner, let's talk about how to keep your GoodNotes library organized so your planners are always easy to find.
Create a Dedicated Planners Folder
In GoodNotes, tap the + button and select New Folder. Name it something clear like My Planners or Paperless Essentials. Import all your digital planners into this folder to keep them neatly organized and separate from your other notes and notebooks.
Create Subfolders by Planner Type
If you use multiple planners from Paperless Essentials — daily, weekly, monthly, work, wellness — consider creating subfolders within your Planners folder to organize them by type. For example:
- My Planners → Daily Planner
- My Planners → Weekly Planner
- My Planners → Monthly Planner
- My Planners → Work Planner
Use Descriptive File Names
When you import a new planner, give it a clear, descriptive name so you can identify it at a glance. For example, rename your planner to something like June 2026 Daily Planner or 2026 Monthly Wellness Planner so you always know exactly which planner you are opening.
Pin Your Most Used Planners
In GoodNotes 6, you can pin your most frequently used documents to the top of your library for quick access. Long press on your most used planner and select Pin to Top to keep it always front and center.
How to Duplicate Pages in GoodNotes
One of the most important GoodNotes skills for digital planners is knowing how to duplicate pages. Because Paperless Essentials planners are undated, you will duplicate your blank template pages to create fresh copies for each new day, week, or month.
How to Duplicate a Page in GoodNotes:
Step 1 — Open your digital planner in GoodNotes Step 2 — Tap the page thumbnail panel on the left side of the screen to open the page overview Step 3 — Long press on the blank template page you want to duplicate Step 4 — Select Duplicate from the menu that appears Step 5 — A fresh copy of the blank template page is created immediately Step 6 — Use this fresh copy for your next planning session
Repeat this process every time you need a new daily, weekly, or monthly planning page. You will never run out of planning space.
How to Use the Apple Pencil in GoodNotes
Once your planner is imported, here are the essential Apple Pencil skills you need to get the most out of your GoodNotes digital planning experience:
Selecting a Pen Tool
Tap the pen icon in the GoodNotes toolbar at the top of the screen to select a writing tool. GoodNotes offers three main pen types:
- Fountain pen — smooth, tapered strokes, great for flowing handwriting
- Ball pen — consistent line width, great for neat printing
- Brush pen — variable width based on pressure, beautiful for decorative writing
Changing Pen Color
Tap the color circle in the toolbar to open the color picker. Choose from preset colors or create your own custom color using the color wheel. Try using different colors for different planning categories to make your planner more visual and organized.
Adjusting Pen Thickness
Tap the pen tool icon and then adjust the thickness slider to make your writing thicker or thinner. Thinner strokes are great for detailed planning sections with small writing spaces.
Using the Eraser
Tap the eraser icon in the toolbar to switch to the eraser tool. You can erase individual strokes or use the selection eraser to erase entire areas at once.
Using the Undo Button
Made a mistake? Tap the undo arrow in the top left corner of the screen — or use a two-finger tap anywhere on the screen — to instantly undo your last stroke. This is one of the greatest advantages of digital planning over paper.
Using the Lasso Tool
The lasso tool lets you select, move, resize, and copy any writing or drawing on your planner page. Tap the lasso icon in the toolbar, draw a loop around the content you want to select, and then drag it to a new position or use the handles to resize it.
Troubleshooting Common GoodNotes Import Issues
Having trouble importing your planner? Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:
Issue 1 — I Cannot Find My Downloaded PDF
Solution: Open the Files app on your iPad and check these locations in order:
- Files → On My iPad → Downloads
- Files → iCloud Drive → Downloads
- Files → Recently Deleted (if accidentally deleted)
If you still cannot find it, try re-downloading your planner from the Paperless Essentials purchase confirmation email.
Issue 2 — GoodNotes Does Not Appear in My Share Sheet
Solution: Go to your iPad Settings → Privacy → and make sure GoodNotes has the necessary permissions. Also try tapping More in the share sheet to find GoodNotes in the full app list. If it still does not appear, try deleting and reinstalling GoodNotes.
Issue 3 — My Planner Imports as a Read-Only Document
Solution: This sometimes happens if the PDF is imported as a reading document rather than a notebook. Delete the import and try again, making sure to select New Document rather than opening as a reading file when prompted.
Issue 4 — The Planner Pages Look Blurry After Import
Solution: This is usually a display rendering issue that resolves itself after a few seconds as GoodNotes processes the high resolution PDF. If it persists, try closing and reopening the document in GoodNotes.
Issue 5 — My Planner is Missing Pages After Import
Solution: This can occasionally happen with very large PDF files on older devices with limited storage. Make sure your iPad has sufficient storage space available, then try re-importing the PDF. You can check your iPad storage in Settings → General → iPad Storage.
Issue 6 — GoodNotes is Crashing During Import
Solution: Close all other apps running in the background on your iPad to free up memory, then try the import again. If the issue persists, try restarting your iPad and attempting the import with a fresh start.
Pro Tips for the Best GoodNotes Digital Planning Experience
Here are our top expert tips to help you get the absolute most out of your GoodNotes digital planning setup:
Tip 1 — Enable Automatic iCloud Backup
Go to GoodNotes Settings and make sure automatic iCloud backup is enabled. This ensures all your planning pages are safely stored in the cloud and protected from device loss or damage.
Tip 2 — Use GoodNotes on Multiple Devices
If you own both an iPad and a Mac, download GoodNotes on both devices. Because everything syncs through iCloud, you can plan on your iPad with your Apple Pencil and review your plans on your Mac — seamlessly and in real time.
Tip 3 — Try the Handwriting Recognition Feature
GoodNotes can convert your handwritten notes into searchable text. Tap the search icon in GoodNotes and type any word — GoodNotes will search through all your handwritten planning notes to find it instantly. This is incredibly useful for finding specific entries across months of planning pages.
Tip 4 — Use the Presentation Mode
GoodNotes has a presentation mode that hides all the toolbar elements and shows only your planner page — perfect for reviewing your weekly plan in a clean, distraction free view.
Tip 5 — Export Your Planner as PDF for Printing
If you ever want to print a planning page, go to the page you want to print, tap the Share button, and select Export as PDF. You can then print the exported PDF from any printer connected to your iPad.
Tip 6 — Keep a Template Page Always Blank
When you import your planner and start duplicating pages, always keep one original blank template page at the beginning or end of your document. This ensures you always have a clean, unmarked template to duplicate from — no matter how many planning pages you create.
Frequently Asked Questions About Importing PDF Planners into GoodNotes
Q: Can I import multiple PDF planners into GoodNotes at the same time? Yes. You can import multiple PDF files into GoodNotes at the same time by selecting multiple files in the Files browser during the import process. Each PDF will be imported as a separate document in your GoodNotes library.
Q: Will my digital planner look the same in GoodNotes as it does in the preview image? Yes. GoodNotes renders PDF files in high resolution, so your Paperless Essentials digital planner will look exactly as beautiful in GoodNotes as it does in the product preview images — with crisp, clear text and vibrant colors.
Q: Can I import the same planner into both GoodNotes and Notability? Absolutely. Your digital planner PDF can be imported into as many apps as you like simultaneously. Many digital planners keep their main planning in GoodNotes and a backup copy in Notability.
Q: Does importing a PDF into GoodNotes use a lot of storage? High quality PDF planners do take up some storage space, but not a significant amount for most users. A typical single page digital planner PDF is under 5MB. If you are concerned about storage, regularly export completed planning periods to your computer or cloud storage.
Q: Can I use my imported GoodNotes planner offline? Yes. Once your planner is imported into GoodNotes, it is stored locally on your device and is fully accessible offline. Changes are synced to iCloud automatically when you reconnect to the internet.
Q: What is the difference between importing as a New Document and importing into an existing notebook? Importing as a New Document creates a standalone document in your GoodNotes library. Importing into an existing notebook adds the PDF pages into a notebook alongside other pages. For digital planners, we recommend importing as a New Document to keep each planner clean and separate.
Q: My download link expired. How do I get my planner PDF again? Check your original purchase confirmation email from Paperless Essentials for your download link. If your link has expired or you need a new one, contact us directly through our website and we will be happy to help you access your purchase.
You Are Ready to Start Planning
Congratulations — you now know every single method for importing a PDF planner into GoodNotes, how to organize your planners, how to duplicate pages, and how to get the most out of your GoodNotes digital planning experience.
The hardest part is behind you. From here, all you need to do is open your beautiful Paperless Essentials digital planner, pick up your Apple Pencil, and start filling in your goals, your schedule, and your dreams — one page at a time.
Do not have your digital planner yet? Browse the full Paperless Essentials collection of beautifully designed digital planner PDF templates and find your perfect planning companion today. Every planner is fully compatible with GoodNotes and available for instant download.
Published by Paperless Essentials — Your home for beautifully designed digital planner PDF templates for iPad, GoodNotes, Notability, Noteshelf, XODO, Samsung Notes, and Kindle Scribe.
