Best Tablet Apps for Digital Planners in 2025

Hi Planner Creators!

If you’ve just finished designing your stunning digital planner, the next step is finding the perfect app to use it on. Whether you’re looking to jot down goals, keep track of appointments, or simply stay organized, these tablet apps are the go-to platforms for using digital planners. They’re compatible with popular planner file formats like PDFs and offer tools for writing, annotating, and linking pages seamlessly.

Let’s dive into the best tablet apps for digital planners and what makes each one special.

1. GoodNotes

Best for: Apple users who want a smooth planning experience

Why it’s great: GoodNotes is one of the most popular apps for digital planner users. Its robust PDF annotation tools make it a perfect companion for planners designed in Canva, PowerPoint, or Affinity Publisher.

Features to love:

  • Import PDFs directly from your email, files, or cloud storage.
  • Use the Apple Pencil for smooth handwriting and doodling.
  • Create custom digital notebooks and organize your planner into tabs.
  • Links (including those created with PDF-Linkr) work flawlessly, making navigation between tabs and pages effortless.

Pro Tip: Use GoodNotes to test hyperlinks in your planner before sharing it with others. It’s a great way to ensure everything is functioning as intended!

2. Notability

Best for: Combining note-taking and planning in one app

Why it’s great: Notability offers advanced note-taking capabilities alongside robust support for digital planner templates. Whether you’re taking class notes or mapping out your week, Notability makes multitasking simple.

Features to love:

  • Split-screen mode allows you to work with your planner and another document side by side.
  • Sync audio recordings with written notes for added functionality.
  • Support for hyperlinks lets you quickly navigate your planner.

Pro Tip: Pair Notability with Apple Pencil to add handwriting to your planner. Save your designs in a PDF format with active links to maximize functionality.

3. Samsung Notes

Best for: Android users who want an integrated option

Why it’s great: Samsung Notes is a solid, built-in solution for digital planners on Galaxy tablets. With a clean interface and intuitive tools, it works perfectly for planning and productivity.

Features to love:

  • Import your digital planner PDFs and annotate directly.
  • Customizable pen and brush tools for handwriting or sketching.
  • Seamless syncing with other Samsung devices.

Pro Tip: Test your planner’s compatibility with Samsung Notes before sharing it with Android users. While most hyperlinks will work, external link functionality may vary depending on the device.

4. Noteshelf

Best for: Cross-platform planners with handwriting tools

Why it’s great: Noteshelf is a versatile app that works on both iOS and Android, making it ideal for sharing digital planners with a diverse audience. It’s also a favorite for those who enjoy handwriting their notes.

Features to love:

  • Import PDF planners and organize them into virtual notebooks.
  • Customize pages with images, stickers, and handwriting.
  • Excellent hyperlink functionality, ensuring your planner is fully interactive.

Pro Tip: Create custom covers for your planners to upload into Noteshelf for a more personal feel.

5. Xodo PDF Reader

Best for: Free, no-frills planner use

Why it’s great: Xodo is a free app that lets you annotate PDFs on both iOS and Android. While it doesn’t have as many features as other apps, it’s perfect for budget-conscious users who still want to work with digital planners.

Features to love:

  • Easy-to-use tools for highlighting, writing, and annotating.
  • Cloud syncing with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
  • Excellent support for hyperlinks, ensuring a smooth navigation experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re sharing planners with clients or collaborators, Xodo is a great no-cost option to recommend.

6. OneNote

Best for: Microsoft users and team planners

Why it’s great: OneNote offers a unique twist on digital planner creation by integrating planning tools with team collaboration. It’s ideal for work or family organization.

Features to love:

  • Create and share planner sections with team members.
  • Sync seamlessly across devices, including tablets, phones, and desktops.
  • Add links and attachments directly into your planner.

Pro Tip: While OneNote doesn’t support PDFs as well as other apps, you can convert your planner pages into images or use OneNote’s internal linking tools to replicate a hyperlinked experience.

7. ZoomNotes

Best for: Advanced customization and power users

Why it’s great: ZoomNotes provides unparalleled flexibility for digital planner users who want to create or customize their planners within the app. It’s a bit more complex to use, but the features are worth it.

Features to love:

  • Infinite zoom for creating detailed planner pages or layouts.
  • Import and export planner PDFs with working links.
  • Advanced handwriting tools for those who love to sketch and annotate.

Pro Tip: Use ZoomNotes to add final touches to your planner, like extra tabs or pages, before sharing it.

Finding the Right Planner App

Choosing the perfect app depends on your device and your planning needs. GoodNotes and Notability are excellent for iPad users, while Samsung Notes and Noteshelf provide great alternatives for Android devices. For cost-effective options, Xodo PDF Reader and OneNote are reliable picks.

Remember, pairing these apps with tools like PDF-Linkr ensures your planners are not only stunning but also functional and easy to navigate.

Happy planning, and may your digital planner journey be as organized as your layouts!

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