Taking notes digitally has become increasingly popular, especially with the availability of advanced tools and apps. In this article, we will explore how to take effective notes using the GoodNotes app on an iPad. Whether you're a student or a professional, learning about different note-taking techniques can be insightful and inspiring.


Choosing the Right Tools:

To begin, you'll need a 5th generation iPad Pro (12.9 inch) released in 2021 and the second generation Apple Pencil. It's also recommended to use accessories like the Nimble Grip or the Nimble Sleeve for a comfortable writing experience. GoodNotes is the app of choice in this guide, but there are other note-taking apps available as well.


Organizing Your Notes:

Creating a well-structured organization system is essential. Start by creating a folder for each of your classes or subjects. Within each folder, establish subfolders for important categories such as assignments, lecture slides, and practice notes. Important documents like the syllabus can be stored separately outside of subfolders.


Note-Taking Process:

When it comes to actual note-taking, follow these steps for optimal results:


1. Note Title and Formatting:

Create a new note within the relevant subfolder, giving it a title that includes the chapter number and main topic. While a cover is not necessary, you can customize your notes with a decorative heading using fancy lettering or unique fonts. Choose an accent color that will be consistent throughout the notes.


2. Pen Selection:

For writing, use the fountain pen with a 0.5 millimeter stroke size and a 50% tip sharpness and pressure sensitivity. This combination usually yields the best writing experience. Additionally, use a 0.7 millimeter stroke size for headings to provide emphasis and clarity.


3. Structure and Hierarchy:

Use bullet points instead of full sentences for the main content of your notes. Use dash marks underneath bullet points to indicate additional information or less important details. Incorporate subheadings within each chapter, highlighting them in a lighter shade of the chosen accent color. This helps to organize information and makes it easier to read and study.


4. Equations and Diagrams:

If you encounter equations or diagrams in your subjects, put them in separate boxes using the accent color as the pen color. You can also fill these boxes with color to make them stand out. For diagrams or pictures you cannot draw, use the outline tool with the accent color, creating neat and visually appealing representations.


5. Attention to Key Points:

To highlight important information or call attention to specific details, use the accent color to write them separately, slightly away from the main content. Additionally, you can incorporate sticky notes or sticky flags, available in various colors and shades, to emphasize important sections.


Printing Your Notes:

In some cases, you might need to print your notes. To ensure neat and ink-saving printouts, change the page template from grid paper to blank white. Since you wrote on the grid, the notes will appear tidy, and printing on a blank white template will enhance the overall look.


Example of Digital Notes:

To provide a visual reference, here is an example of actual notes taken using GoodNotes during college. The combination of clear headings, bullet points, subheadings, equations, diagrams, and highlighted key points showcases the effectiveness of this note-taking approach.


Taking notes digitally on an iPad using the GoodNotes app offers a convenient and efficient way to organize and review information. Whether you're a student or a professional, implementing a structured note-taking system can enhance your learning experience and boost productivity. Remember to customize your note-taking style and explore different tools within the app to find what works best for you.