How to Import and Use Digital Planner Templates: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

💗 Welcome to Your Digital Planning Journey

If you’re holding one of my planners in your hands (or on your screen)—welcome! Whether you’re here to organize your daily life, build habits, or explore slow and soulful planning, I’m so happy you’ve arrived.

This tutorial is your gentle, beginner-friendly guide to getting started. We’ll walk through everything you need to know to import and start using your digital planner templates—no tech stress, just simple steps.

Step 1: Download Your Digital Planner Files

Once you’ve purchased or downloaded a free template, you’ll receive a .zip file or a direct .PDF file.

If it’s a zip file:

• Tap to unzip on your iPad (in Files app), or use a file extractor app if needed.

• Inside, you’ll find your digital planner in PDF format.

💡 Tip: Save your files in your preferred cloud storage (like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive) for easy access across devices.

Step 2: Import the Planner into Your Planning App

Choose your favorite app! Here’s how to import the file into the most popular ones:

✅ Goodnotes

1. Open Goodnotes

2. Tap the “+” icon > Import

3. Choose your PDF from Files or iCloud

4. Your planner opens as a new notebook

✅ Notability

1. Open Notability

2. Tap Import > Files

3. Select your PDF and assign it to a subject

✅ Xodo (Android)

1. Open Xodo

2. Tap “+” > PDF from Device or Cloud

3. Choose the file and open it

4. Start annotating with a stylus or your finger

💡 Tip: Use an Apple Pencil, stylus, or even your finger to write, highlight, and interact with your planner naturally!

Step 3: Start Exploring Your Planner

Most of my planners are hyperlinked, meaning you can tap tabs, months, or icons to move around the pages.

Here’s what to look for:

• Home button: Brings you to the planner’s main inde

• Side tabs or monthly tabs: Let you jump directly to a month, section, or tool

• Clickable icons: Navigate between routines, finances, meals, and more

💡 Tip: Tap the “read-only” mode (Goodnotes: crossed-out pencil icon) to activate links. Use “edit” mode to write!

See this short video on how to navigate inside the planner using buttons and hyperlinks

Step 4: Use Templates with Intention

Whether you’re planning your day or reflecting on the month, the beauty of digital templates is their flexibility. You can:

• Duplicate daily/weekly pages to reuse them

• Insert extra blank pages if you need more space

• Use bookmarks to mark your most-used sections

🌿 Ideas for getting started:

• Write your top 3 priorities each morning

• Track one habit for 7 days

• Reflect on what gave you energy today

Remember: Your planner is not about perfection. It’s about presence.

Optional: Customize Your Planner (Stickers, Covers)

Want to personalize your experience? You can:

• Add digital stickers (PNG format)

• Insert custom covers or decorative pages

Just drag & drop them into your planner from your sticker book or photos!

✨ Troubleshooting Tips

🔁 Planner won’t open?

Make sure it’s a PDF and that it’s fully downloaded before importing.

🚫 Links not working?

Ensure you’re in “read-only” mode. In Goodnotes, tap the pen icon to switch.

📌 App crashing or lagging?

Close other apps while planning.

Digital planning is more than a system—it’s a space to come home to yourself.

As you begin using your templates, take your time. Create a ritual around it. Light a candle, make tea, breathe. Planning can feel soft, creative, and even healing.

📥 Need help? I’m always here to support you!

And if you haven’t downloaded your planner yet, you can explore them here.

Happy planning 💗