I totally get it – there’s something about putting pen to paper that just feels right. But when it comes to keeping all your notes organized, things can get a little tricky.
Let’s chat about Goodnotes. If you are a digital person but still like the feel of writing on paper then I recommend an iPad and GoodNotes (links in shownotes).
I also use the paperfeel screen protector that feels like writing on paper and protects your screen from fingerprints – one of the most common annoyances of using tablets. (link in the show notes)
These are the tools I use daily.
I really love taking digital handwritten notes – Goodnotes can convert your handwriting to digital text, you can search handwritten notes just as you can in a word processing document, for meetings an iPad is just easier. When I attend events or in person meetings I bring my iPad too.
I also take handwritten notes on PDFs I download, and screenshots or when I take an online course, listen to a podcast or book, and I also journal on my iPad.
So there are many times my handwritten notes need to incorporate with my workflow. Here’s what I do.
1. Import your current notes: If you have existing notes in PDF or image format, you can import them into GoodNotes. This can help you consolidate your notes in one place.
2. Use the annotation tools: GoodNotes has a variety of tools for annotating your notes, such as highlighters, pens, and text boxes. Experiment with these tools to find the ones that work best for you.
3. Create notebooks: GoodNotes allows you to create separate notebooks for different subjects or projects. This can help you stay organized and keep your notes separated.
4. Use templates: GoodNotes offers a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as planners, to-do lists, and meeting notes Cornell note format which if you don’t know what this is it’s a great system to use if you are a student or taking a course. The page is set up into three sections two columns the left hand column is about ⅓ of the width and the right section is ⅔ of the width of the page. Then there is a smaller row below these two that is a summary section. So you take all notes in the larger section othe right. In the left column you can call out your questions, definitions of terms or index important items to remember The button row is to write a summary of it all to help you retain the info better and quickly refer to what the notes are about. These can save you time and help you stay organized.
5. Sync your notes: GoodNotes offers cloud syncing, which means you can access your notes on multiple devices. This can be helpful if you need to access your notes on the go.
6. Backup: use Google Drive to store a backup of your Goodnotes files in case of emergency – in case your notes ever disappear, it hasn’t happened to me but I backup most everything.
7. Export your notes: If you need to share your notes with others, GoodNotes allows you to export your notes in various formats, such as PDF or image files. You can even print the pages
8. Use the search function: GoodNotes has a search function that allows you to search for keywords or phrases within your notes. This can be a time-saver if you have a lot of notes to sift through.
When I have notes for a client file or from trainings, I’ll download them as PDF and send them off to the client file in Gdrive or my computer.
Tricks I use often:
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With the apple pencil and goodnotes you can tap your index finger twice on the pencil to switch between the pen and eraser (really it switches between the pen and the last two tools you used so if you used the eraser then the highlighter it’d switch between those too. Or the Pen and the lasso tool
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Lasso tool – I use this way more than expected, you can use a lasso to circle any text in your notes and move it around on the page or copy and past it to another page.
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Handwriting to type
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Quick bullets – use the highlighter tool pick a photo and then make a dot simple and colorful!
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Quick and easy lines – draw a line and at the end of the line don’t lift the pen just yet, wait a second and it will convert to a straight line! This works for a circle, square, triangle any shape, the trick is to not lift your pen and make the shape in one stroke.
Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:
- Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
- 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup – set up a time to work through it with me.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
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