Are you a digital planner creator looking to understand how to decide the best digital planner size for GoodNotes? I’m going to help you walk through a process for determining the correct size to make your digital planner for your audience. Because in this case it’s not really about you its about our customers. 🙂
One way to choose a size to create is to use the sizes of GoodNotes Templates. The templates that work for different devices is below:
| GoodNotes Size | Device Size |
|---|---|
| EXTRA LARGE PLANNERS | |
| Ledger | iPad Pro 11” & 12.9, Windows, Mac |
| MID-SIZE PLANNERS | |
| A4, US Letter | iPad 10.2” and up, Windows, Mac, Android |
| SMALL-SIZE PLANNERS (PHONE) | |
| A5, Half-Letter | iPad less than 10” & phone, small form factor Android |
If you are looking for the pixel or point size to make your PDF planner check out the post I wrote over on PrintablesBuzz.com. The tutorial is specifically for Affinity Publisher but the sizes are there for creating a planner for a specific size iPad.
But if you are trying to figure out the over all size is best for the planner you are creating to meet the customers where they are… keep reading.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Digital Planner Size for GoodNotes
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which size is right for the planner you are creating. But in this post, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing the digital planner size for GoodNotes.
There are 6 pieces to this puzzle:
- User preferences
- The device they will use
- How portable they need to be
- The type of planning they are doing
- Handwriting size
- Their budget
This may feel like a maze of guessing, just know you don’t have to have the exact answers. You can decide to make it a size that works for you and then come back and adjust based on user feedback.
If you have a few users, it’s always best just to ask these questions and see how far off the mark you actually are. Let’s dive in and see how you might be able to make some educated choices on your own.
User Preferences
First and foremost, it’s important to think about your users preferences and needs. Are they someone who likes to have a lot of space to write and plan? Or do they prefer a more compact layout?
Planner Design Requirements vs User Preferences
Consider the layout you typically include in your planner and how much space your user needs to comfortably work with it.
It’s quite possible when you finish with the layout that matches your process you will want to only create that planner in a larger size because it wouldn’t be possible to fit everything on a smaller one.
In the end the ideal digital planner size for GoodNotes depends on most of the the factors listed here to differing degrees.
The Device They Will Use
Another factor to consider is the device they will be using with GoodNotes.
If they primarily use an iPad or tablet, you may have more flexibility in terms of size. Larger devices can accommodate larger planner sizes, allowing for more detailed planning and note-taking.
On the other hand, if they plan to use GoodNotes on a iPhone or other smaller devices, you may want to opt for a smaller planner size that is easier to navigate and view on a smaller screen.
The ideal digital planner size for GoodNotes will be different on different devices.
How Portable Do They Need To Be
The next factor to consider is portability. If you think your user plans to take your digital planner with them on the go, you may want to choose a size that is more compact and lightweight. This will make it easier to read on a smaller device and use wherever they are. However, if you believe they will primarily use your digital planner at home or in a stationary location, you may not need to prioritize portability as much.
This is really determined by the niche your in.
Niche Example
For example if your ideal customer is a stay-at-home mom with younger kids they may primarily use their planner at home. So you can go with larger sizes.
On the other hand if their kids are older and on the run, they may just use their phone. So it’s important to have a smaller option for them.
In my shop, I have a student planner, and I chose to size it for a 10.2 inch screen because my students use it on their iPad to schedule out their school work, jobs and social lives. They would rarely access the planner from an iPhone.
It’s all about how your user is going to use the planner when trying to figure out the right digital planner size to create.
Type Of Planning
Additionally, think about the type of planning they will be doing in your digital planner. If your user is someone who likes to have a monthly overview, as well as detailed weekly and daily planning pages, you may want to choose a larger planner size that can accommodate all of these sections.
On the other hand, if they prefer a simpler layout with just weekly or daily pages, a smaller planner size may be sufficient for their needs.
Are you seeing how it’s kind of a guessing game. This game apply not only to GoodNotes, but any PDF annotation tool they are using to access your planner.
Handwriting Size
A slightly harder thing to consider is handwriting style. The perk of a digital planner is they can use the zoom function if they have larger handwriting to make it appear smaller and fit in the space allowed.
I do this just to make my horrible handwriting look nice and neat on my digital menu planner.
But you won’t know if they have larger handwriting or prefer to write with a larger pen or stylus, you may want to make a larger planner size that can accommodate their writing in case they don’t want to use the zoom function or don’t know how.
You can’t make everyone happy, but talking to your audience you will be able to see trends and know what works.
This will ensure that they have enough space to write comfortably without feeling cramped or restricted.
Budget
Lastly, don’t forget to consider their budget.
Larger planner sizes may allow for a higher price tag, so it’s important to factor in when making your decision.
A Note On Pricing Your Digital Planner
Remember that the size of the planner does not necessarily determine its quality or functionality, so don’t feel pressured to choose a larger size if it doesn’t align with your users needs.
And it’s your shop, you don’t have to charge more for a larger planner-But you can.
If you take the time to consider these factors, you can decide on the perfect size that will enhance their planning experience and help them stay organized and productive.
It doesn’t hurt to ask anyone that uses a digital planner how important these factors are in their planner selection process. It will help you select the ideal digital planner size for your customer.
Pros and Cons of Different Digital Planner Sizes for GoodNotes
There are pros and cons to each size. And there are work arounds! I will get to those in the tips section.
For now lets talk about the pros and cons of different digital planner sizes for GoodNotes, so you can figure out what will work for your dream customer.
I’m going to break this down into 3 categories.
- Phone Digital Planner
- Mid-size iPad
- Large/Extra large iPads
Phone Digital Planner
Let’s start with the smallest size, the phone digital planner. Everyone wants to plan on their phone these days.
This size is perfect for those who prefer a compact and portable planner. It’s sized to be used on the phone, making it convenient to carry around wherever you go.
The phone-sized planner is great for jotting down quick notes or keeping track of your daily to-do list. However, due to its small size, it may not be ideal for those who need more space for detailed planning or extensive note-taking.
Although I have seen a mad rush to create these, I have yet to see someone use this size as their main planner and often stop using it after the novelty wears off.
If you sell this type of planner and see something different, I totally invite you to leave a comment below.
Let’s remember the iPhone doesn’t have a pencil (it really should!). So they are either stuck using the text tool so they can type, or writing with their finger which is horrible!
Mid-Size Planner
Next-up is the medium-sized digital planner (think iPad mini and the small iPad air), this size offers a good balance between portability and functionality. It provides enough space for planning a schedule, setting goals, taking notes and you can use the Apple Pencil.
The medium-sized planner is suitable for a lot of users as it offers a comfortable writing experience without being too bulky. This size will work for a lot of people. But I don’t find it big enough to do long term planning.
Niche Note
I will say students tend to use the 10.2-10.9 inch iPad and some even opt for the iPad Pro. So knowing your audience is key. I happen to have multiple students in my house from a high school senior to 3 in college… not to mention I was a professional student for 20 years. This all leads to knowing this portion of my audience very well (even though I’m old).
On the other hand, I also create planners for bloggers and coaches. I chose to target those to the portion of the audience with an iPad pro. Do all these people have this device? No, but that is a choice I made.
Large/Extra Large Planner
This brings us to the large and extra large planner (think 10.2 to 12.9 iPad and iPad Pro) these are for someone who loves to plan and organize every aspect of their life, the large-sized digital planner might be the perfect fit for your customers.
This size offers ample space for detailed planning, note-taking, and even doodling. It’s great for individuals who prefer a more visual approach to planning or those who have a lot of information to manage.
However, keep in mind that the larger device makes the large-sized planner potentially less portable than the smaller options.
It’s best suited for those who primarily use their planner at home, at school or in the office (even the home office).
Niche Note
I can’t emphasize enough, the decision on the digital planner size for GoodNotes, must include a strong understanding of the users specific needs and preferences. Think about how they think they will use your planner and what features are essential to them.
Do they prioritize portability or do they need more space for detailed planning and notes? Are they a visual person who enjoys doodling and sketching? Answering these questions will help you determine the right size for your client.
Choosing the right digital planner size to create for GoodNotes is a personal decision, you can choose to target a specific ideal customer or you can opt to create the planner in multiple sizes for different platform sizes.
Each size has its own pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your customers needs and preferences.
Whether you opt to create a phone-sized, medium-sized, large-sized, or extra-large planner, GoodNotes offers a range of page sizes to suit your planner size.
So go ahead, explore the different sizes, and find the perfect digital planner size that will help your customer stay organized and productive.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Digital Planner Size for GoodNotes
Let’s talk about some tips and tricks to help you create digital planner that is the right size for your customer.
If you review this post you’ll see the customers personal preferences and needs rank really high, but many don’t consider this as they are looking at templates to make. So think about the following:
- how will they use your digital planner
- will they be using it primarily for work or personal use
- do they prefer a larger canvas to write and draw on,
- or do they prefer a more compact size for easy portability
These questions will help guide you in determining the ideal size for your digital planner creation. And the tips below will help you narrow down what size to use even more.
- Device Size Consideration: When considering the device factor in your design, take an honest look at the templates you design. If you shrink everything down to fit a phone planner will it even provide usable space?
- What If Your Planner Wont Fit A Smaller Device: I have is consider making a basic journal for the phone and pair it with a digital planner for a larger size platform.
- Use a Generic Size for Versatility: The most generic size for a GoodNotes Planner is GoodNotes Standard size from GoodNotes 5. This is very close to US Letter size. Different devices have different screen sizes, so it’s important to create a digital planner that will fit the most devices if you aren’t concerned with a blank border around your planner.
- Use a Standard Printable Size: If you will be making a digital and printable version you can save time by creating the design in a standard paper size. This makes conversion much easier.
- Planners for Specific Frameworks: If your creating a planner that follows a specific framework that needs to have more space for writing and drawing, its okay to only make it in a larger size.
- Planner Aesthetics: Lastly, don’t forget to consider the aesthetics of your digital planner. Many digital planners come in a variety of designs and colors, so choose a size that complements your brand style and preferences.
- Create a Printable Version Too: A tip I don’t often see – Create planner with either Letter or A4 as “the size” of your planner. This allows for the ultimate in flexibility and it makes it easy to convert your digital planner to a printable planner.
These are just a few tips that I hope help you make your digital planner.
How to Determine the Ideal Digital Planner Size for GoodNotes Based on Your Customers Needs
The needs of your customer can be a challenge to determine. But this is where a little niche research comes into play.
First and foremost, it’s important to consider how they plan to use your digital planner. We need these questions answered:
- Do they like to have a lot of space for writing and note-taking?
- Or do they prefer a more compact layout that allows for quick and easy navigation?
- What device do they use for their planner?
- Do they access it from multiple sized devices?
Understanding their usage preferences will help you narrow down the size options.
For now let’s understand what we do based on the answers. Later we will talk about how to find those answers.
Writing Space Requirements and Digital Planner Size
Why they Might Choose a Larger Size
If you’re customer is one who likes to have ample space for writing and note-taking, a larger digital planner size might be the way to go.
This will give them plenty of room to jot down their thoughts, make to-do lists, and plan out there schedule. A larger size also allows for more detailed layouts, such as weekly or monthly spreads, which can be helpful for those who like to plan ahead.
The user with a larger device is less portable so they will potentially need access to that information on the go too.
One example of this is my meal planner. I plan my meals on my iPad pro, I also create the grocery list.
I created my planner in letter size, so there is space around the edge on my iPad. But opening the planner on my phone shows me only a portion of the page.
I check off my groceries as I buy them using my phone.
Why They Might Choose a Mid-Size or Phone Size Planner
On the other hand, if they prefer a more compact layout, a smaller digital planner size might be more suitable. This size is great for those who are always on the go and need a planner that can easily fit into a bag or pocket. A smaller size also lends itself well to a simpler layout, with less space for writing and more focus on quick and easy navigation.
Device Considerations
Another factor to consider when deciding on the size of your digital planner is the device they will be using.
Remember GoodNotes is compatible with a variety of devices.
As we stated above it’s important to make a conscious choice. Do you want to create your planner in a generic size that will work on the most devices, or do you want to create it at a device specific size.
Both have awesome selling points, but it’s important to know what you are choosing to do.
Making a choice on the planner size your going to create is an adventure in making educated guesses on your ideal customer.
Your going to want to consider how they plan to use your planner, the device they will be using, and their personal style.
Remember this is the personal style of your ideal customer… you may be making an assumption and that’s okay. Try it out, test and return to the drawing board if it didn’t pan out.
By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to find the perfect size that suits your ideal customers needs and helps them stay organized and productive. Happy creating!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Deciding on the Digital Planner Size for GoodNotes
When you are making a digital planner for someone else and you want to sell it. There are a few common mistakes. Believe me, I’ve made everyone of these mistakes.
I want to give you a few problem areas to watch for when your choosing dimensions for your next digital planner creation.
- Choosing a size that is too small. This is one of the biggest boo-boo’s I see. While it may seem like a good idea to have a compact planner that can easily fit on all your customers screens, this can actually hinder your sales. A small planner may not have enough space for them to write or add detailed notes, making it difficult to stay organized. It also doesn’t look as good on the screen and becomes harder to sell.
- Choosing a size that is too large. A large planner may take up too much screen real estate, making it difficult to navigate and use effectively. It’s important to find a balance between having enough space to work with and not overwhelming your planner user. Consider the size of your device and how much space you are comfortable dedicating to your digital planner.
- Cluttered Layout: No matter the actual planner size, adding too much to page is overwhelming. Planner creation is a low-content adventure, meaning sometimes less is more. When you choose your planner size it’s important to keep the page uncluttered and usable on the device its intended to work on.
It’s important to choose the right size for your digital planner in GoodNotes. But a portion of this choice is based on the layout you are creating, and the rest is user intent with the actual planner.
Try to avoid the common mistakes of choosing a size that is too small or too large, not considering the layout of the planner, and not taking into account the purpose and portability of the planner. By considering these factors and finding the right balance, you can ensure that your digital planner is the perfect size for your customers needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Digital Planner Size for GoodNotes
Did you skip to the end, so you could just get the step-by-step of choosing the perfect digital planner size? I don’t blame you at all! With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which size will work best and you really just want an overview
But for the readers out there like me, I wanted to give as much detail as possible. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the process of choosing the right digital planner size for you to create as a GoodNotes planner.
First things first, let’s talk about why choosing the right size is important.
The size of your digital planner will determine:
- How much information your user can fit on each page
- How comfortable it is to use.
- How the planner looks on the device.
If you choose a size that is too small, your user may find themself struggling to read or write in your planner. On the other hand, if you choose a size that is too large, you may end up with a planner that feels bulky and cumbersome.
Step 1: Consider your users needs and preferences.
Before diving into the different sizes available, take a moment to think about what your user needs and what they might prefer in a planner and why. Are they someone who likes to have a lot of space to write and plan? Or do they prefer a more compact and portable option? Understanding their needs and preferences will help you narrow down your options.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the available sizes for GoodNotes.
You can size your planner to either the device size or the GoodNotes Template sizes. In this post we focused on sizing for the templates available in GoodNotes. But it’s important to realize you can also size your planner for specific devices. It can be a good strategy.
GoodNotes offers a range of sizes for their digital planners, including A4, A5, letter, half-letter, and ledger, and devices come in an array of sizes.
Each size has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to understand what each size offers your user.
| GoodNotes Size | Device Size |
|---|---|
| EXTRA LARGE PLANNERS | |
| Ledger | iPad Pro 11” & 12.9, Windows, Mac |
| MID-SIZE PLANNERS | |
| A4, US Letter | iPad 10.2” and up, Windows, Mac, Android |
| SMALL-SIZE PLANNERS (PHONE) | |
| A5, Half-Letter | iPad less than 10” & phone, small form factor Android |
The ledger size is the largest option and provides ample space for writing and planning. However, it may not be the most portable option, especially if they plan on using your digital planner on the go.
This is the size I use on my iPad Pro for the planners I create for business owners and myself. Note this does not print well for a printable planner.
The letter size and the A4 size are similar and offers plenty of space. The size you choose should be based on your location if you plan on printing. In the US Letter size paper is readily available, but other places primarily use A4.
The half-letter and the A5 size are popular choices for smaller planners, think phone size because of its balance between space and portability. It offers enough room to write and plan, while still being compact enough to carry around with you This size is a smaller option that is great for those who prefer a more compact planner. It offers enough space to write and plan, while still being easy to carry around.
Step 3: Test out different sizes.
Now that you have an understanding of the available sizes, it’s time to test them out. Open up GoodNotes and create a new notebook in each size. Spend some time writing and planning in each notebook to get a feel for how each size works for you. Pay attention to how comfortable it is to write and read in each size, as well as how portable it feels.
You can also import one of your templates to see how it looks and feels on your device. This is what I suggest before you make an entire planner. I feel its important to test the designs on the platform you intend to sell it for. This is much to my hubbies dismay due to my huge collection tablets. 😉
Step 4: Make your decision.
After testing out the different sizes, it’s time to make your decision. Consider your users needs and preferences, as well as how each size felt during your testing. Choose the size that feels the most comfortable and practical for you just try to base it on what your user will want.
If you don’t know what they want either use educated guesses, ask them or use trial and error to see what sells the best.
In conclusion, choosing the right digital planner size for GoodNotes is an important decision that can greatly impact your planner sales. By considering your needs and preferences, familiarizing yourself with the available sizes, testing them out, and making an informed decision, you can find the perfect size that will sell in your shop. So go ahead, dive in, and start enjoying the benefits of a well-suited digital planner size in GoodNotes!
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