A Digital Planning App that can Sync Between iOS and Android
Looking for a digital planning app that can sync between iOS and Android devices? At Key2Success, this is a frequently asked question and we are happy to provide our recommendations.
In this article:
- Our recommended application for digital planning
- The only application that truly can sync between iOS and Android is OneNote
- Other application options that offer a workaround of sorts (clunky, though)
- Why OneNote is supreme for when you want to sync between iOS and Android (and overall)
What we recommend when you want to sync between iOS and Android: OneNote
OneNote is an excellent option for digital planning that syncs across iOS and Android devices. OneNote is a powerful note-taking application developed by Microsoft. It allows users to create digital notebooks, where they can capture ideas, take notes, make to-do lists, and organize information in a variety of formats including text, images, audio, and more.
OneNote offers seamless synchronization through Microsoft’s cloud service, OneDrive, enabling users to access their notes and notebooks from any device with an internet connection. This means you can start planning on your Android phone and pick up where you left off on your iOS tablet, ensuring continuity and accessibility across platforms. (Scroll down for more on OneNote.)
Other Apps that Sync (kind of...but not really)
Nebo – a newcomer to the scene after we published this article!
Noteshelf is another app that TECHNICALLY allows you to import PDF planners and use them in both iOS and Android devices. BUT, it doesn’t actively sync between the two. It will sync within iOS and within Android systems, and you can export the file and import into another system. But the two are not talking to one another, so our recommendation still remains OneNote…
Similar to Noteshelf, GoodNotes also doesn’t have native synchronization between iOS and Android. However, you can use cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud to move and access your PDF planner across devices.
Here’s how you can do it with these apps:
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Import PDF planner: Use the import feature in the app to bring your PDF planner into the app. Once imported, you can access and interact with your planner within the app.
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Sync using cloud storage: Save your PDF planner file to a cloud storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud. Ensure that the service is accessible on both your iOS and Android devices.
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Access from iOS and Android: Install the app on your iOS device and any preferred PDF annotation app on your Android device. Use the respective cloud storage apps to access your PDF planner file and open it with the note-taking app of your choice. Any changes you make will be synced to the cloud and reflected across all your devices.
Again, the PDF will NOT sync between your separate ecosystems. But it’s kind of a workaround if you’re already using these apps.
Why We Recommend OneNote Digital Planners
Whether you want to sync between iOS and Android devices or are just looking for an application to digital plan with, OneNote stands above the rest.
OneNote offers several features that make it a standout note-taking and organization app:
Cross-platform compatibility: OneNote is available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web browsers. This means you can access your notes from virtually any device, making it convenient for users who switch between devices or use multiple platforms.
Flexible organization: OneNote uses a notebook-based structure that allows you to organize your notes into sections and pages, similar to a physical notebook. This hierarchical organization makes it easy to categorize and manage your notes, whether you’re taking meeting minutes, brainstorming ideas, or planning projects.
Rich multimedia support: OneNote supports various media types, including text, images, audio recordings, drawings, and even handwritten notes if you’re using a compatible device like a stylus-enabled tablet. This flexibility allows you to capture information in whatever format works best for you, making it a versatile tool for note-taking and brainstorming.
Collaboration and sharing: OneNote offers robust collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same notebook simultaneously. You can share notebooks with colleagues, friends, or family members, enabling real-time collaboration on projects, meeting notes, or shared lists.
Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: OneNote integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, such as Office 365, Outlook, and Teams. This integration allows for easy sharing of notes, integration with calendar events and emails, and collaboration within the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
Powerful search functionality: OneNote includes powerful search capabilities that allow you to quickly find specific notes, sections, or pages within your notebooks. You can search for keywords, phrases, or even handwritten text, making it easy to locate information, even in large notebooks.
OneNote is a great application for professionals and everyday users. At Key2Success, we have a ton of resources on OneNote, which we’ll share here:
