GoodNotes vs OneNote: Choosing the Right Digital Planner Platform

By Branden Bodendorfer  |  Published May 7, 2023  |  57,709 views

Quick Answer

GoodNotes vs OneNote comes down to platform and priority. GoodNotes is Apple-only and built for handwriting on iPad. OneNote runs on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android, making it the better pick if you work across multiple devices. For a structured planning system that works inside OneNote on any platform, the Key2Success Planner has four editions and no subscription.

GoodNotes vs OneNote is one of the most common questions in the digital planning world, and the honest answer is that neither app is universally better. GoodNotes wins on handwriting feel and Apple-native polish. OneNote wins on cross-platform access, Microsoft integration, and flexibility across device types. This video focuses on the OneNote side of that decision, walking through exactly what the Key2Success Digital Planner for OneNote offers across its four editions.

Branden recorded this walkthrough in May 2023, covering the full Key2Success OneNote planner lineup. He goes through each edition -- Personal, Professional, Business, and Executive -- explaining what each one includes and who it's built for. He also covers the hyperlinked navigation system, how OneNote syncs automatically across devices via OneDrive, the sticker and Daily Tiles system, and how this planner stacks up against alternatives like Full Focus and Franklin Covey. If you have been comparing GoodNotes and OneNote and want to understand what a structured planning system looks like inside OneNote, this is the clearest overview available.

After watching, you will know whether the Key2Success OneNote planner fits your workflow and which edition to start with. The Key2Success Planner shop has all editions available. For platform compatibility details, Microsoft's OneNote documentation is a reliable reference. For the full side-by-side breakdown of both apps — pricing, syncing, pros and cons — see our complete GoodNotes vs OneNote comparison guide.

What's Covered in This Video

  • 0:00 Intro
  • 1:21 What is digital planning
  • 2:00 Planner editions overview
  • 2:18 Personal Edition
  • 2:53 Professional Edition
  • 3:29 Business Edition
  • 4:36 Executive Edition
  • 5:22 Hyperlinked planner navigation
  • 7:44 Syncing across devices
  • 8:32 Installing OneNote notebooks
  • 8:59 Stickers and Daily Tiles
  • 12:36 How to use stickers and tiles
  • 14:11 Is it a subscription?
  • 14:40 vs Full Focus and Franklin Covey
  • 15:30 Training and resources
  • 16:39 One-on-one coaching
Video Transcript

This video is a full overview of the Key2Success Digital Planner for OneNote, presented by Branden Bodendorfer. The video opens with context on the GoodNotes vs OneNote question and why OneNote's cross-platform availability makes it worth a serious look for anyone who works across more than one device type.

Branden begins with an explanation of digital planning and how it differs from simple note-taking. He then introduces the four Key2Success editions: Personal, Professional, Business, and Executive. Each edition is designed for a different context, with higher tiers including tools for managing projects, teams, and leadership workflows alongside personal planning.

A significant section covers the hyperlinked navigation system. Unlike a static PDF, the Key2Success planner uses OneNote's internal linking to connect every section and page. Branden demonstrates moving between daily, weekly, and monthly views with a single tap, and shows how the sticker and Daily Tiles system adds visual planning without cluttering the page.

The video also covers OneNote's cross-device syncing via OneDrive, how to install the notebook, and how the planner compares to Full Focus Planner and Franklin Covey. Branden closes by answering whether the planner is a subscription (it is not) and whether one-on-one coaching is available through Key2Success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between GoodNotes and OneNote?

GoodNotes is an Apple-only app optimized for handwriting on iPad. OneNote runs on Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and web. If you need cross-platform access or work in a Microsoft environment, OneNote is the stronger choice. If you primarily use iPad and want the best pen feel, GoodNotes is worth a look.

Which is better for digital planning, GoodNotes or OneNote?

It depends on your devices. GoodNotes is excellent for handwritten planning on iPad. OneNote is better if you plan across a PC, tablet, and phone. The Key2Success planner system is available for both, so you can use whichever app fits your setup without changing your planning method.

Does OneNote work on iPad like GoodNotes does?

OneNote works on iPad and supports Apple Pencil, but the handwriting experience is different. GoodNotes has a more refined pen-on-paper feel. OneNote on iPad is solid for planning and note-taking but is designed as a cross-platform app, so some handwriting details are more polished in GoodNotes.

What editions does the Key2Success OneNote Planner come in?

The Key2Success OneNote Planner comes in four editions: Personal, Professional, Business, and Executive. Each is built for a different planning context, from individual daily use to executive-level leadership planning.

Is the Key2Success OneNote Planner a subscription?

No, the Key2Success Planner is a one-time purchase. You buy it once and use it on any device where OneNote is installed. New yearly editions are available as separate purchases, but there is no recurring fee.

Can the Key2Success Planner sync across multiple devices?

Yes. The planner lives inside OneNote, which syncs automatically via OneDrive. Start planning on your PC and continue on your iPad or Android device -- no manual export needed.

How to Choose and Get Started

  1. Watch the full video to see each Key2Success edition and decide which one fits your planning style.
  2. Check whether you primarily use Apple devices (GoodNotes works great) or multiple platforms (OneNote is the better fit).
  3. Visit the Key2Success Planner shop and pick the edition that matches your role.
  4. Install the planner in OneNote following the setup instructions included with your purchase.
  5. Spend one week using the hyperlinked navigation before deciding if you need to adjust your setup.

Ready to Start Planning in OneNote?

The Key2Success Digital Planner for OneNote. Four editions, one-time purchase, works on every device OneNote supports.

Shop the OneNote Planner

About Branden Bodendorfer

Branden Bodendorfer is a digital planning coach and creator of the Key2Success Planner system. He has spent years building planning workflows across OneNote, GoodNotes, Samsung Notes, and more. Find more at brandenbodendorfer.com and on his YouTube channel.