# HOW I JOURNAL | IPAD | GOODNOTES ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iHIoFSD5qn4/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Setting up the Digital Journal - A new digital journal is started every year to keep track of daily activities and special events, with the goal of being able to see everything visually [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=10s). - The process begins by finding a cute [[Notebook Paper | notebook page]] on [[Pinterest]], often Sanrio-themed, and downloading backgrounds and lined paper [(00:00:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=26s). - Calendar pages are also found, with a preference for clean designs with enough space to write in [(00:01:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=69s). - Cute cover pages are created or found on Pinterest, and [[Sticker | stickers]] are made using the iOS feature before the iOS 16 update or by manually erasing unwanted parts [(00:01:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=82s). ## Populating the Journal with Content - Stickers are uploaded to GoodNotes, along with downloaded templates, and a new notebook is started with a cover art page [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=141s). - A calendar page is created as a new template, and daily activities are written out, often accompanied by stickers [(00:03:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=187s). - Thought pages are used to draw whatever is desired, without limitations, and every page includes the month and layered lettering [(00:03:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=214s). - [[Sticker | Stickers]] are added to correlate with written entries, making it easier to navigate and more fun to look back on [(00:04:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=247s). - Custom stickers can be made using the GoodNotes app, allowing for freestyling and custom placement [(00:04:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=262s). - Journaling involves filling in blank spaces with whatever is desired, such as a pretend guest check at a restaurant, and adding stickers to make the page more visually appealing [(00:04:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=284s). ## Writing and Layout Techniques - When writing, the lines on the page can be moved around to accommodate the desired spacing and layout, and pictures can be added as memories for the month [(00:04:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=295s). - The highlighter tool can be used to map out where words will be placed, and then the highlighter can be erased to leave the writing in place [(00:05:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=329s). - Freehand cutting out shapes or [[Sticker | stickers]] can be done to add more visual interest to the page, and these cutouts can be placed anywhere on the page [(00:06:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=361s). - To fill in empty spaces on the page, stickers or other decorations can be added, and typing can be used instead of handwriting if the hand hurts [(00:06:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=383s). - New fonts can be downloaded and used to add variety to the journaling, and these fonts can be fit into the page wherever they look best [(00:06:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=393s). ## Adding Visual Elements - Stickers can be used to add character to the page and make it feel more alive [(00:06:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=417s). - If the markers that come with GoodNotes are not liked, custom markers can be created using [[Procreate (software) | Procreate]], and these markers can be used to add custom colors and styles to the journaling [(00:07:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=440s). - Custom [[Sticker | stickers]] can be made using Procreate, and these stickers can be saved as PNG files and added to the journaling [(00:08:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=483s). - Backgrounds can be downloaded and used to create collages or scrapbook pages, and these pages can be used to add pictures and writing to the journal [(00:08:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=512s). - Some journal pages can be less wordy and more focused on pictures, similar to scrapbooking, and these pages can be used to add a different style to the journaling [(00:08:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=537s). ## Showcasing the Journal - Actual journal pages can be shown, and these pages can be kept on black or cool pages from [[Pinterest]] to keep them neat and organized [(00:09:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHIoFSD5qn4&t=558s).