12 Best Digital Bullet Journal Apps on iPad (and How to Use Them)

In this guide, we will explore the best digital bullet journal options on iPad and provide an in-depth guide of how to use them effectively as well. Whether you are a seasoned bullet journal enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore bullet journaling… this guide is for you.

This shift towards digital platforms not only provides an eco-friendly alternative to paper but also opens up endless possibilities for customization, organization, and portability.

Also see the 25+ Best Planner App that work great on iPad as many of these work for bullet journaling as well.

This post will explore the top applications for digital bullet journaling on iPad and delve into the plethora of ways you can utilize these tools to optimize your daily planning, tracking, and reflecting.

We’ll dive into various iPad apps that cater to digital bullet journaling, and discuss how these apps can enhance your creativity and organization.

From setting up your journal to customizing templates and layouts, we have got you covered. By the end of this guide, you will have discovered all the ways you can use a bullet journal on iPad as well as the best apps and templates for the job

Key Takeaways

• On iPad, several note-taking apps like GoodNotes, Noteshelf, and Notability cater to digital bullet journaling.
• Users can choose from free or premium PDF templates for their digital bullet journal (based on the app you use) see our posts on the following for these:
  • 13 Best Goodnotes Templates (digital planning, bullet journaling, and more)
  • 15 Best Notion Templates (digital planning, bullet journaling, and more)
• Digital bullet journals provide customization, flexibility, and improved productivity through various app features, it also teaches you how to take better notes on your iPad

Alternative to the iPad, there are also e-ink devices – the remarkable 2, Amazon Kindle scribe and Supernote – which are specialized in digital planning and notes), brings a whole new dynamic to this age-old practice.

Related: You can use the Remarkable 2 Templates (+ Custom templates) if an iPad alternative is of consideration.

Advantages of Digital Bullet Journaling on iPad

One advantage of digital bullet journaling on an iPad is the incredible portability and convenience it offers.

Unlike traditional paper journals that can be bulky and heavy, iPads are lightweight and slim, making them perfect for carrying around wherever you go.

This means that you can easily access and update your bullet journal at any time, keeping track of your tasks, goals, and ideas more efficiently.

Another benefit of using an iPad for bullet journaling is the extensive range of tools and resources available through various apps

These apps (as mentioned earlier) offer a wealth of customization options, including different pen styles, colors, and shapes, allowing you to create a unique and personalized experience. Moreover, the digital medium allows for easier editing and rearranging of your journal’s contents, ensuring a cleaner and more organized layout.

Lastly, an iPad provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper journals. By going digital, you eliminate the need for buying paper notebooks and writing materials, which can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

Also see: 26 Best Note Taking Apps for iPad (Free & Paid)

…digital bullet journaling apps often include cloud storage and automatic backup features, making sure that your content is safe, secure, and easily accessible across multiple devices.

How to use a bullet journal on iPad

To begin your digital bullet journal journey on an iPad, first, choose a suitable app from the wide range available on the App Store.

Popular choices include GoodNotes, Notability, and even Procreate (not my top choice, but it can work), each offering an array of tools designed specifically for bullet journaling.

Once you have selected your desired app, download and install it onto your iPad.

See: How to use Notability on iPad (Tutorial)– it also works for bullet journaling

Next, familiarize yourself with the app’s interface and explore the various tools and features available. Spend time experimenting with different pen styles, colors, and paper templates to determine which best suit your preferences and needs.

Remember that many apps allow you to switch between different tools and feature sets, ensuring you have complete control over your journal’s layout and design.

Finally, start creating your digital bullet journal by setting up your first few pages. This may include an index page, a monthly spread, or a daily log. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try new ideas, as you can always edit or rearrange your journal to suit your ever-evolving needs and goals.

Top Apps for Digital Bullet Journaling on iPad

Below are the Top Apps for Digital Bullet Journaling on iPad. Let’s dive in!

1. GoodNotes – Bullet Journaling works well (balanced pick)

GoodNotes is a powerful note-taking app that hosts an array of tools specifically designed for digital bullet journaling.

With features like shape recognition and the ability to import custom templates, GoodNotes enables users to create professional-looking bullet journals with ease.

The app offers various customizable templates, including lined, grid, and dot-grid paper, which cater to individual preferences. With an extensive range of pen styles, colors, and shapes, users can create unique and personalized journal entries.

Side Note: Goodnotes is also compatible with Mac.

One strength of GoodNotes is its robust organizational system, which allows users to easily move, resize, or remove elements within their journal. The app also supports automatic backup and cloud storage, ensuring that your journal is always safe, secure, and accessible.

2. Notability – Bullet Journaling made simple

Notability is another popular choice for digital bullet journaling on the iPad. This versatile app not only offers various customizable pen styles, colors, and paper templates but also supports audio recording and annotation.

Also see: Notability alternatives: most comparable (Free and Paid)

Notability allows users to import and edit PDF files, making it a great option for those who prefer to use pre-made bullet journal templates.

The app’s quick and easy navigation system enables users to effortlessly switch between pages in their journal, while the built-in search function accurately recognizes handwritten text for efficient content retrieval.

Notability also includes cloud storage capabilities and automatic backup features, ensuring you never lose your precious bullet journal entries. Overall, Notability provides a comprehensive and user-friendly environment for digital bullet journaling on the iPad.

3. Notion Bullet Journal – Multi purpose Web app that works great for bullet journaling

Notion is a popular organization app that offers bullet journal enthusiasts a powerful platform for digital planning.

This all-in-one app allows users to create their custom bullet journal following a modular design philosophy. (see all the notion templates here)

One advantage of using Notion is that there are numerous templates available, which can be easily imported and customized as per your requirements. To begin, simply select a suitable template and start designing pages based on your desired layouts and themes.

When using Notion, keep in mind that it supports a wide variety of multimedia content like images, videos, and links. This can be especially useful when creating mood boards and tracking your milestones.

…uou can also incorporate databases, calendars, to-do lists, and project trackers, making it a comprehensive solution for modern digital planners.

Side note: Notion is accessible on various devices and platforms as it’s a web app, (not just iPad), ensuring synchronization and collaboration with other users. This feature allows you to access your bullet journal anywhere and anytime while keeping your content safe/secure.

4. Dynalist – Top web app designed for bullet journaling and more

Dynalist is one of my favorites. offers an outliner-centric approach to digital bullet journaling, making it delightfully simple for organizing ideas, tasks, and projects through a nested list format. This app is known for its flexible interface and ease of use, fostering unlimited creativity in designing your digital bullet journal.

When using Dynalist, you’ll appreciate its support for checkboxes, meaning you can create tasks and quickly track your progress.

The app also features powerful text formatting options and shortcuts, enabling you to easily create your hierarchical lists and customize the information to meet your needs. Moreover, you can utilize tags and filters to gain better control over your journal’s organization and quickly access specific content.

One advantage of using Dynalist is its cross-platform compatibility. Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, it provides synchronization and access to your bullet journal across devices

Wi yeah what are you doingth offline mode and collaboration features, you can confidently stay organized and connected with others.

5. Apple Notes – don’t overlook this option

Apple Notes, the default note-taking app on iPad, serves as an ideal starting point for those transitioning into digital bullet journaling. While it lacks advanced features offered by other specialized apps, its simplicity and minimalistic design make it perfect for beginners.

Getting started is easy – create a new folder in Apple Notes dedicated to your bullet journal. You can then design individual notes as separate pages or sections within the journal. Apple Notes supports handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, enabling easy sketching of layouts and habit trackers. You can also add rich text, photos, and even scanned documents.

Also see: 28 Best Mac Note-Taking Apps for Advanced Workflows

Keep in mind that Apple Notes offers effortless syncing across all your iOS and macOS devices. That means you can start working on your iPad and view your bullet journal on your iPhone or Mac whenever needed. The search feature in Apple Notes comes in handy to quickly locate specific entries, ensuring smooth navigation through your content.

6. Elisi

Elisi, built explicitly for bullet journaling, is an app that embraces the original principles of Ryder Carroll’s method. This app provides preconfigured modules like Weekly Planning, Projects, Habits, and Notes, simplifying the process of setting up your digital bullet journal.

When using Elisi, you’ll enjoy its weekly planning modules, which enable you to organize your tasks, appointments, and goals in a structured manner. With the app’s habit tracking feature, you can set and monitor habits while also assessing your progress. Elisi’s project management module makes it stress-free to break down larger projects into manageable tasks, encouraging productivity and goal achievement.

One significant advantage of Elisi is its cross-platform compatibility, available on iPad, iPhone, Android, and the web. This means you can access and update your bullet journal anytime, anywhere, and sync your data across multiple devices seamlessly. The app’s straightforward user interface promotes simplicity and efficiency in maintaining a digital bullet journal.

7. Bullet Journal Companion

Bullet Journal Companion is an official app designed by Ryder Carroll, the creator of the bullet journal system. To augment your physical journaling experience, the app provides a range of digital tools focused on reflection, planning, and productivity. It is an excellent choice for users who wish to manage their tasks on their iPads while maintaining an analog bullet journal.

When using Bullet Journal Companion, you can set up digital Collections, store useful articles, create monthly and future logs, and pa yesipate in daily mindfulness exercises. With prompts for adding daily, monthly, and future events to your logs, the app encourages a consistent journaling routine.

One notable advantage of the Bullet Journal Companion app is its comprehensive library of resources, including videos, blog posts, and articles that keep you informed about new bullet journal techniques and ideas.

RightyAvailable on iOS devices, the app serves as a supportive companion for bullet journal enthusiasts seeking an enhanced experience alongside their physical journals.

8. Taskade

Taskade is an all-in-one collaboration tool that integrates bullet journaling seamlessly into your digital workflow. Its design is well-suited for organizing thoughts, ideas, and tasks, making it an excellent choice for digital bullet journaling on the iPad. One advantage of Taskade is its customizable workspace, where users can create and manage tasks, set goals, and visualize progress using various templates and views.

Aside from offering a visually appealing platform, Taskade stands out with its real-time collaboration features – This allows users to share, collaborate, and discuss their bullet journal’s contents with others. It also offers markdown support, which enables users to format their text and incorporate images and other media elements.

Also.. Taskade supports integration with numerous productivity tools such as Google Calendar, Slack, and Trello, ensuring seamless connectivity with your existing workflow.

In summary, Taskade offers a highly collaborative and flexible environment for digital bullet journaling on the iPad. Its core features, such as customizable workspaces, real-time collaboration, and integration with other productivity tools, make it a powerful app to help you stay organized and productive.

9. NotePlan: Markdown Planner

NotePlan: Markdown Planner is a powerful app that combines the functionality of a digital bullet journal with calendar integration and task management capabilities. Its markdown support enables you to format your journal entries concisely and systematically, making it easy to review and organize your thoughts.

A distinguishing feature of NotePlan is its ability to integrate your bullet journal with calendar events, reminders, and tasks. This comprehensive approach ensures you stay on top of your schedule and have a clear overview of upcoming events, deadlines, and milestones. Plus, it has support for a wide range of device synchronizations, such as iCloud and Dropbox.

One notable aspect of NotePlan is its minimalist interface, which encourages focused and distraction-free journaling. The app’s emphasis on simplicity, combined with powerful organizational features, makes it an attractive option for digital bullet journaling on the iPad.

10. Trello

Trello is a widely popular project management and organization tool that offers unique functionalities for digital bullet journaling on the iPad (source). Its visually appealing board-based structure provides a flexible and organized platform for creating and managing journal entries, tasks, ideas, and more.

The use of cards and boards in Trello allows users to create a hierarchical structure that is well-suited for bullet journaling. Users can create boards for different aspects of their lives and add cards with labels, checklists, due dates, and attachments to stay organized.

Trello also offers a collaborative environment, making it easy to share and work on boards with team members and family members.

While Trello is not explicitly designed for bullet journaling, its extensive customization options and engaging visual presentation make it a viable option for anyone seeking a versatile digital bullet journal experience on the iPad.

Exploring Bullet Journal Templates for iPad

A significant aspect of digital bullet journaling is the use of templates to create visually appealing and structured layouts. These templates come in various formats, such as PDFs or images, and can be easily imported into your chosen digital journaling app on the iPad.

Some popular sources of bullet journal templates include Etsy, Pinterest, and dedicated Bullet Journal websites.

These templates cater to numerous themes, color palettes, and organizational styles, providing a rich selection for users to choose from. By incorporating these templates into your digital bullet journal, you can achieve personalized and aesthetically pleasing designs that cater to your unique preferences.

Keep in mind that experimenting with various templates can inspire creativity and improve your journaling experience, so don’t hesitate to mix and match different layouts according to your needs.

What makes GoodNotes and Notability so good for bullet journaling?

GoodNotes and Notability have established themselves as two of the best apps for digital bullet journaling on the iPad, thanks to their comprehensive features and intuitive interfaces. Both apps offer advanced note-taking capabilities, extensive pen and highlighter customization options, shape recognition, and easy navigation.

One key advantage of GoodNotes and Notability is their compatibility with a wide range of bullet journal templates and resources. This allows users to personalize their digital bullet journals to their liking and incorporate various design elements, such as stickers, fonts, and background papers. Furthermore, both apps provide seamless synchronization across devices, making sure your journal is accessible and up-to-date on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac.

Ultimately, the robust feature sets and intuitive design of GoodNotes and Notability make them ideal choices for digital bullet journaling on the iPad, delivering a unique balance of creativity, organization, and convenience.

Transforming Your iPad into a Bullet Journal

Discover the possibilities of turning your iPad into a digital bullet journal, providing both portability and flexibility. To begin this journey, you will need an iPad compatible with Apple Pencil. Suitable options include iPad Pro, iPad Mini 5, iPad Air 3, and the latest standard iPad models.

Investing in an Apple Pencil allows you to mimic the sensation of writing on paper, further enhancing your digital journaling experience. Combining these elements, along with a high-quality matte-finish screen protector, will provide a natural and enjoyable writing surface for your iPad bullet journal.

See the 13 Best iPad Paper Screen Protectors (Paper Like Feel), you can use these while your bullet journaling or doodling with the apple pencil on the display.

Organizing Your Digital Bullet Journal on iPad

To start organizing your digital bullet journal on iPad, you will first need to select an appropriate note-taking app. Popular choices include GoodNotes, Notability, and Noteshelf. Each app offers a unique set of tools and features that can greatly streamline your bullet journaling process.

Once you’ve settled on an app, explore different digital planner PDF templates and settle on a layout that works best for you. Import your chosen PDF template into the app and start customizing it using available pens, highlighters, and stickers.

As you personalize your digital bullet journal, consider adding monthly and weekly spreads, habit and mood trackers, goal setting pages, and anything else that can enhance your productivity. The flexibility of iPad bullet journaling allows you to customize your journal design with colors, images, and unique illustrations. Embrace the plethora of resources available online, including digital stickers and pre-made templates, to create a one-of-a-kind bullet journal experience.

Sharing Your Digital Bullet Journal on iPad: A How-to Guide

Sharing your digital bullet journal with friends, family, or fellow journaling enthusiasts is straight forward on the iPad.

Many note-taking apps offer sharing options that enable you to create a shareable link or export journal pages in various formats. To share your bullet journal using GoodNotes or Notability, follow these simple steps:

1. Open your digital bullet journal within the app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon, this is typically in the top-right corner of the screen depending on the app
3. Choose the sharing option (e.g., Share, Export, Send).
4. Select the desired file format (e.g., PDF, PNG, JPEG).
5. Choose your sharing method (e.g., email, text message, social media).

Keep in mind that you may need to adjust your journal’s privacy settings before sharing, depending on the app you’ve chosen.

Also see: Best Note-Taking apps for Samsung Galaxy and Pixel Devices (Android tablets)

Which iPad Models are Best for Digital Bullet Journaling?

The iPad Mini or iPad air work best for Bullet journaling due to convenient the size of the display! When selecting an iPad model for digital bullet journaling, consider factors such as screen size, portability, and Apple Pencil compatibility.

Also see: 5 Best iPads for Note-Taking (Hint: Screen size matters)

The iPad Pro, available in 12.9-inch and 11-inch sizes, provides the largest canvas and the most powerful performance. An iPad Air 3 offers a good balance of screen size and performance, while the iPad Mini 5 is perfect for those seeking ultimate portability.

Keep in mind that the latest standard iPad models also provide excellent performance at a more affordable price, making them a great option for digital bullet journal newcomers.

Side note: you could also use a Tablet for Note-Taking

The Future of Bullet Journaling on iPad

As technology continues to advance, the future of bullet journaling on iPad is expected to evolve alongside it. New apps, improved Apple Pencil performance, and enhanced iPad capabilities may bring innovative ways to plan, track, and create within the digital bullet journal realm.

Artificial intelligence could potentially revolutionize the journaling process, offering personalized suggestions to enhance our productivity.

In this ever-evolving field… iPad bullet journal enthusiasts can enjoy continuous improvements to their favorite apps and devices, ensuring an exciting future for the digital bullet journal community.