How to Download and Use Your Digital Journal in GoodNotes
Step 1: Download Your File
After completing your purchase, you will receive an email from our store with a download link. You can also access your file directly from your order confirmation page.
Click the Download button on the page. For the best experience, please download your file using Safari on your iPad.
If you are using Safari, the download will appear in the Downloads icon in the top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Save the File to Your iPad
Tap the download from the Downloads menu and the file will open in the Files app on your iPad. By default, it will be saved in the Downloads folder.
You can keep the file in this folder or move it to a different folder to stay organized.
Tip: Create a Favorites Folder
To keep all of your digital journals and planners in one place, consider creating a dedicated folder in iCloud Drive or Dropbox, such as “Digital Journal Downloads.”
To favorite a folder in the Files app, locate the folder, tap and hold it until the menu appears, then tap Favorite. The folder will now appear in the left sidebar for quick access.
Step 3: Import the Journal Into GoodNotes
Open the Files app and locate your downloaded file. If the file is a ZIP file, tap it once to uncompress it first.
Tap and hold the journal file, then tap Share. Select Open in GoodNotes from the list of options.
If you do not see GoodNotes listed, tap More or Edit Actions and enable GoodNotes so it appears in your Share Sheet.
When GoodNotes opens, choose where you would like to save the file and tap Import.
Optional: Import Directly From GoodNotes
Open the GoodNotes app and tap the plus sign on the home screen. Select Import and the Files app will open automatically. Locate your downloaded file and tap it to import it into GoodNotes.
Step 4: Turn On the Correct GoodNotes Settings
Once your journal is open in GoodNotes, you will need to adjust a few settings to write properly.
At the top of the screen, tap the Pen tool to enable handwriting. If the Text tool is selected, you will not be able to write with a stylus.
Tap the Pen tool again to adjust pen thickness and color to your preference.
If you are using an Apple Pencil or stylus, tap the three dots in the top right corner and make sure Palm Rejection is turned on. This prevents your hand from interfering while writing.
If you accidentally highlight instead of write, make sure the Highlighter tool is not selected.
To write on the page, zoom in slightly using two fingers. This improves handwriting control.
Step 5: Start Writing and Using Your Journal
You can now begin writing on your journal using your stylus or finger.
To duplicate a page, tap the four square thumbnail icon, select the page, then tap Duplicate.
To navigate easily, use any clickable tabs or links included in the journal by tapping them with your finger, not the stylus.
Helpful Notes
This journal is designed for GoodNotes on iPad. Writing features may not work correctly on phones or desktop devices.
This product is for personal use only and may not be shared or resold.
If you want, I can also create a visual version with screenshots, a short quick-start version for mobile, or a one-page “Read This First” page you can include inside the journal itself.