GoodNotes is one of the most popular digital note-taking apps, especially for students, professionals, and digital planners. Its intuitive interface, flexible tools, and smooth handwriting experience make it a favorite among iPad users. While it offers a wide range of features, one question that often comes up is: How do you use dotted lines in GoodNotes?
Dotted lines can add structure, style, and visual clarity to your digital notes or journals. Whether you're creating dividers, to-do lists, or stylish templates, using dotted lines can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. dotted line in goodnotes
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using dotted lines in GoodNotes, including what they’re used for, how to make them, and tips for getting the most out of them.
Why Use Dotted Lines in GoodNotes?
Dotted lines are more than just decorative—they’re practical, too. Here’s why they matter:
1. Visual Organization
Dotted lines help break up content on a page without being too bold or distracting. They're perfect for organizing sections, creating headers, or separating ideas.
2. Minimalistic Aesthetic
They offer a cleaner, softer look compared to solid lines. For digital planners and journalers, this can contribute to a minimalist, elegant page design.
3. Custom Guidelines
Use them to create custom writing guides, list separators, or even drawing boundaries without making the lines too dominant.
4. Creative Freedom
For bullet journaling or scrapbooking in GoodNotes, dotted lines open up creative possibilities—everything from habit trackers to mind maps.
Does GoodNotes Have a Built-In Dotted Line Tool?
As of now, GoodNotes does not have a built-in “dotted line” or “dashed line” option in its pen or shape tools. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
GoodNotes users have found clever workarounds using the app’s existing features, third-party tools, or downloadable assets. Let’s explore the best methods to create and use dotted lines in GoodNotes.
Method 1: Manually Drawing Dotted Lines
If you want full control over your layout, you can create dotted lines manually.
Steps:
Select the Pen Tool (Ball Pen works best).
Choose your preferred color and stroke thickness.
Tap gently to create a dot.
Move your Apple Pencil or finger a short distance and tap again.
Repeat in a straight line across the screen.
Tips:
Use a grid or dot paper template to keep your dots evenly spaced.
Zoom in for more precise placement.
For vertical or angled lines, rotate the iPad or use the lasso tool to reposition the dots later.
Best for: Custom lists, trackers, minimal designs.
Method 2: Using the Highlighter Tool for Dotted Effects
The highlighter tool can give you a soft dotted look.
Steps:
Choose the Highlighter Tool.
Set a light color and a medium stroke width.
Tap repeatedly along a line to form transparent dots.
This works especially well for background or layered effects in planners or decorative journals.
Method 3: Importing Dotted Line Stickers or PNGs
To save time and add consistency, you can use pre-made dotted line stickers or PNG images.
Where to Find Them:
Digital planner shops on Etsy.
Free download websites like PNGTree or Creative Market.
Create your own in Canva or Procreate.
How to Use:
Tap the Image Tool in GoodNotes.
Choose your dotted line PNG from your device.
Drag and resize as needed.
Use the Lasso Tool to copy and paste across multiple pages.
Pro Tip: Store frequently used dotted lines in the Elements Tool for quick access later.
Method 4: Creating Your Own Reusable Dotted Line Templates
If you use dotted lines regularly, it’s smart to create reusable templates.
How to Do It:
Open a design tool like Canva, Procreate, or Affinity Designer.
Draw a straight dotted or dashed line using their shape or pen tools.
Export the file as a PNG with a transparent background.
Import the image into GoodNotes using the image tool or save it as an element.
Now you can add this dotted line anywhere in your notes or planners.
Method 5: Use Short Line Segments as a Workaround
While GoodNotes doesn’t support dashed lines, you can manually draw short line segments that appear dotted.
Steps:
Use the Pen Tool to draw a short line.
Hold your Apple Pencil down to snap it straight.
Repeat with equal spacing.
This mimics the appearance of a dashed line and gives you more creative flexibility than dots alone.
Best Practices for Using Dotted Lines in GoodNotes
1. Maintain Consistency
Stick to one or two dot sizes and styles throughout your notebooks or planners to avoid visual clutter.
2. Use the Lasso Tool Wisely
Once you’ve created a dotted line, use the lasso tool to copy and paste it multiple times—huge time saver!
3. Combine with Text or Boxes
Use dotted lines alongside headings, checklist boxes, or shapes to enhance structure.
4. Organize with Layers
GoodNotes doesn’t offer layers like design software, but placing dotted lines before or after adding text can help you mimic that effect.
5. Save Elements
Don’t forget to save your dotted lines in the Elements Tool for easy access in future documents.
Use Cases: How Users Are Applying Dotted Lines
✏️ Students
Highlight vocabulary or important definitions
Divide topics or questions
???? Journalers
Separate daily logs or thoughts
Add decorative borders or timeline markers
???? Digital Planners
Create to-do lists and trackers
Design habit logs or mood charts
???? Professionals
Use in graphs or tables
Create form templates or document outlines
Can You Sync Dotted Lines Across Devices?
Yes! Once you've added dotted lines to a GoodNotes notebook, the design will sync across all your devices linked to the same iCloud account. Whether you’re on your iPad, iPhone, or Mac, your dotted lines will stay intact.
Final Thoughts
Dotted lines are a small yet powerful design element that can elevate your GoodNotes experience. While GoodNotes doesn’t include a dedicated dotted line feature, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate them using built-in tools, images, or third-party designs.
From manually tapping dots to importing polished stickers, the possibilities are endless. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the perfect method to suit your workflow and aesthetic.
So go ahead—try out these tips, personalize your pages, and bring more organization and style to your digital notebooks.
Looking for more GoodNotes tips and tutorials? Bookmark this guide and explore even more creative ideas to level up your digital note-taking game!