you absolutely need these three simple apps if you’re into digital journaling! These are all free apps and one of them might even surprise you.
Of course you need an app to journal in, i use Goodnotes but i also love the app paper if you’re more into scrapbook style journaling.
The best app is picsart, i use this to shape crop my photos, it has many features but i use it for this because other apps that do the same feature usually cost money, like “object”
And last, is the iPad photos app which is obviously preinstalled on your device. This app actually has a lot more features than just storing your photos. You can add text, stickers, draw, and more but i use it to cut stickers out of my photos! Just hold down on any image and it will automatically cut it out for you! So amazing.
... Read moreOkay, so you've got the apps – Goodnotes, Picsart, and the Photos app – but how do you really make your digital journal *pop*? I've been diving deep into digital journaling myself, and let me tell you, it's not just about writing; it's about creating a beautiful, personalized space that truly reflects your thoughts and memories.
First off, let's talk about Goodnotes. While the original post mentions it for journaling, I've found it's incredible for so much more. Think about customizing your notebooks! You can change covers, import gorgeous paper templates (hello, grid paper or dotted lines!), and even create sections for different themes like daily reflections, gratitude logs, or even a mood tracker. My pro tip? Look for free digital planner templates online; many are designed for Goodnotes and can give your journal a super polished look right from the start. You can easily drag and drop images and text to build visually stunning pages, just like you would with a physical scrapbook but without the mess! And if you're like me and love a little flair, exploring different digital sticker packs (both free and paid) can completely transform a page, adding elements similar to the Studio Ghibli artwork I adore.
Now, Picsart isn't just for cropping; it's a creative powerhouse! After using it to perfectly shape my photos, I often play around with its other features. You can add cool filters to give your entire journal a consistent aesthetic, layer text with unique fonts, or even use its drawing tools to doodle directly onto your images before importing them. Imagine taking a photo of your cozy afternoon coffee, cropping yourself out with Picsart's magic tool, and then adding a cute 'Coffee Time!' text overlay. The possibilities are endless, and it really elevates the visual storytelling in your journal. I often use it to create unique collages of my week's memories before dropping them into Goodnotes.
And that iPad Photos app sticker trick? It's seriously a game-changer! I can't believe how long I went without knowing about it. To recap: just long-press on any object in a photo, and magic! Your iPad will automatically cut it out. But here's where it gets even better: once you've cut it out, don't just paste it. You can actually save these cut-outs as reusable stickers in your Photos app, or even better, in a dedicated folder for your journal! This means you can build a library of your own unique, personal stickers – from your pets, favorite foods, or even cute little doodles you've taken pictures of. When you’re journaling in Goodnotes, simply open your Photos app in split-screen mode, drag your custom sticker right onto your page, and resize it. It’s seamlessly integrated and makes personalizing your entries super easy.
Digital journaling has been a fantastic way for me to document my life. It's so much more than just writing words; it's about capturing moments visually, reflecting on them, and keeping everything organized in one place. Whether you're tracking habits, jotting down your dreams, or just celebrating daily joys, these apps make it incredibly accessible and fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts, color schemes, and sticker combinations. Your digital journal is your canvas, and with these free tools, you're all set to create something truly magical. Happy journaling!