Quick answer: To use a hyperlinked digital planner, import the PDF into a note-taking app like GoodNotes or Notability, then tap the tabs and links to jump between pages. In GoodNotes, tap links in read-only mode (or press and hold a link while writing). In Notability, switch to the hand tool and tap with your finger.
So you got a shiny new digital planner, opened it up, and… now what? 😅 If you've ever wondered how people jump from January to a Tuesday in one tap, you're in the right place. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step, from opening your planner to tapping your way around like a pro.
What is a hyperlinked digital planner?
A hyperlinked digital planner is a PDF planner with clickable links built into the pages. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of pages, you tap a tab, a month or a day, and the planner jumps straight there.
Think of it like a website for your life. The tabs along the top and side work like a menu, and every calendar box can be a shortcut to that day's page.
Here's what a well-made hyperlinked planner usually includes:
- Clickable tabs on every page for months and main sections
- An index page that links to every part of the planner
- Linked calendars, where tapping a date opens its daily page
- Linked weekly and daily pages that connect to each other
- Notes pages you can reach from anywhere
For example, the Essential Planner Bundle has over 14,000 links across 527 pages, so you're never more than a tap or two from any page.
What you need
- An iPad (or an Android tablet) with a stylus such as Apple Pencil, or just your finger
- A note-taking app that supports PDF hyperlinks, like GoodNotes, Notability, Noteshelf, Xodo or Samsung Notes
- Your planner PDF, saved to the Files app or a cloud drive like iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox
Blog post: step-by-step
Step 1: Download and save your planner
After you buy your planner, download the PDF and save it to the Files app on your iPad (or to iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox). If it comes in a ZIP file, tap the ZIP once in Files to unzip it first.
💡 Tip: Keep a clean, unused copy of the PDF somewhere safe. If you ever want to start fresh, you can re-import it anytime.
Step 2: Import the planner into your app
In GoodNotes:
- Open GoodNotes and tap + New.
- Tap Import.
- Find your planner PDF in Files and tap it.
- It opens as its own notebook, with all the links working.
In Notability:
- Open Notability and tap Import (or the + button, then Import).
- Choose your planner PDF from Files.
- It opens as a new note, ready to use.
Shortcut for any app: In the Files app, press and hold the planner, tap Share, and choose your app from the list.
⚠️ Don't just preview the PDF in Mail, Safari or a browser. Previews can't save your writing, so always import it into your note-taking app.
Step 3: Tap the links to move around
This is where the magic happens. ✨ Each app handles links a little differently, because tapping with a pen usually means writing.
In GoodNotes:
- Tap the Read-only icon at the top of the screen, then tap any tab or link to jump to that page.
- Or, while writing, press and hold a link and choose Open Link.
In Notability:
- Switch to the hand (scroll) tool in the toolbar.
- Tap the link with your finger. (Tapping with Apple Pencil may write on the page instead.)
- Switch back to the pen when you want to write.
In other apps (Noteshelf, Xodo, Samsung Notes): look for a "read," "view" or "hand" mode, then tap the link.
Step 4: Learn your planner's layout
Spend two minutes tapping around before you start writing. Most hyperlinked planners follow a similar map:
|
Where you tap |
Where it takes you |
|---|---|
|
Index tab |
The home page, with links to every section |
|
Month tabs (Jan–Dec) |
That month's calendar |
|
A day on the calendar |
That day's daily page |
|
A week number (W1, W2…) |
That week's weekly page |
|
Notes tab |
Notepaper pages for lists and brain dumps |
Step 5: Start planning!
Now grab your Apple Pencil and make it yours. Start with the big picture, then zoom in:
- Year: jot down birthdays, trips and big goals.
- Month: add bills, appointments and plans.
- Week: pick your top priorities.
- Day: schedule your hours and check off to-dos.
Add digital stickers, highlight with color and have fun with it. That's the best part of digital planning. 🌈
Blog post: troubleshooting, FAQ and wrap-up
Links not working? Try these fixes
|
Problem |
Fix |
|---|---|
|
Tapping a link draws a dot instead |
You're in writing mode. Use read-only mode (GoodNotes) or the hand tool (Notability), or tap with your finger. |
|
No links work at all |
Make sure you imported the PDF into the app, not just previewed it. Re-import a fresh copy if needed. |
|
Links worked, then stopped |
Check that your app is up to date, then re-import a clean copy of the planner. |
|
The app feels slow |
Close other apps and give the planner a moment to load. Large planners can take a few seconds the first time. |
4 tips to get the most out of your planner
- Bookmark your favorite pages. Most apps let you bookmark or favorite pages for even faster access.
- Color-code everything. Pick one highlighter color each for work, family and you-time.
- Use stickers. Digital stickers make your pages fun and easy to scan. Save favorites in your app's sticker or elements library.
- Choose an undated planner. It works for any year, so you can start today and reuse it next year instead of buying a new one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for a hyperlinked digital planner? GoodNotes and Notability are the most popular on iPad, and both support hyperlinks. Noteshelf, Xodo and Samsung Notes also work, including on Android tablets.
Do I need an Apple Pencil? No. You can tap links with your finger and write with any stylus. Apple Pencil just makes handwriting feel more natural.
Can I use a digital planner on Android? Yes. Use an app that supports PDF hyperlinks, such as Samsung Notes, Xodo or Noteshelf.
What's the difference between a dated and an undated digital planner? A dated planner has the dates printed in for one specific year. An undated planner lets you fill in the dates yourself, so you can start any month and reuse it every year.
Can I print a digital planner? Yes, most digital planners can be printed for personal use, but the links only work on a screen.
Ready to try it?
Now you know exactly how to open, tap and plan in a hyperlinked digital planner. 🎉 If you're looking for one to start with, the Essential Planner Bundle includes a 527-page undated, hyperlinked planner, 2 notebooks, over 500 matching stickers and a step-by-step guide, so you can start planning today.
👉 Shop the Essential Planner Bundle
Have a question? Email us at hello@paperlessessentials.com. We're always happy to help!
