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If you've just bought a digital planner PDF, your next question is probably: which app should I use to open it?
The two most popular choices are GoodNotes 6 and Notability. Both are excellent — but they're built for slightly different users. Here's an honest breakdown.
GoodNotes 6
GoodNotes is the gold standard for digital planners. It has the best PDF annotation experience on iPad, with smooth handwriting, excellent search, and beautiful organisation.
What it does best:
- Hyperlinked planners work perfectly — tap a tab, jump to a page
- Your handwriting is searchable — find any note instantly
- Books and notebooks are beautifully organised
- One-time purchase ($9.99)
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GoodNotes 6
The best app for digital planners on iPad. Smooth handwriting, hyperlink support, searchable notes.
Check price on Amazon →Notability
Notability is better for students and people who record audio alongside notes. Its planner support is good but not as refined as GoodNotes.
What it does best:
- Audio recording synced to handwriting
- Clean, simple interface
- Good for lecture notes and meetings
- Subscription model ($14.99/year)
The verdict
For digital planners specifically, GoodNotes wins. The hyperlink support and PDF experience are unmatched. If you take lecture notes or record meetings, Notability might suit you better.
Either way, you'll need an Apple Pencil to get the most out of both apps.
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Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
The essential tool for writing on iPad. Pressure sensitive, low latency, charges magnetically.
Check price on Amazon →Using one of our digital planners? They work perfectly with both apps. Browse our planners →