A digital planner is a PDF with built-in links. You write on it with a stylus in a note-taking app, and you tap a tab to jump to any section, the same way you flip to a divider in a paper planner. If you have never used one, this guide takes you from download to your first page in a few minutes.

What you need

• A tablet, such as an iPad, and ideally a stylus such as Apple Pencil
• A PDF annotation app. GoodNotes and Notability are the most popular on iPad. Other PDF apps work too.
• Your planner file. Our digital planners are one hyperlinked PDF that you download right after checkout.

Step 1: Download the PDF on your tablet

Open your order email or your account on your tablet and tap the download link. Save the file to the Files app (or your tablet's downloads folder), so you can find it again.

Step 2: Open it in GoodNotes

1. Open the Files app and find the planner PDF.
2. Tap and hold the file, then tap Share.
3. Choose GoodNotes, and pick "Import as new document."

You can also import from inside GoodNotes: tap New, choose Import, and select the PDF.

Step 2 (alternative): Open it in Notability

1. In Files, tap and hold the planner PDF, then tap Share.
2. Choose Notability. The planner opens as a new note.

Step 3: Use the links

Tap a side tab or a line in the index to jump to that page. In most apps, links work when you tap with your finger or when the app is in a read or view mode. If a tap draws a mark instead of jumping, switch tools or turn on read-only mode, then tap again. The exact behavior depends on your app and its settings.

Step 4: Start writing

• Write with your stylus, or use the app's text tool to type.
• Use the highlighter for due dates and the lasso tool to move notes around.
• Add stickers or photos if your app supports them.

Tips to get the most from it

• Keep a clean copy. Keep the original PDF in Files. If you want to start fresh next year, import it again.
• Back it up. Turn on your app's backup or sync so your notes are safe.
• Print a page when you need paper. You can print a single page, such as a grocery list or a timeline, and put it on the fridge.

Find your planner

Browse all of our digital planners. Popular picks include the digital Wedding Planner & Organizer, the Budget & Debt Payoff digital planner, the Thanksgiving digital planner and the Halloween digital planner. Every one is an instant download, and nothing ships.