SIMPLE TRICKS TO DO DOTTED LINES IN GOODNOTES ON ANY DEVICE

Simple Tricks to Do Dotted Lines in GoodNotes on Any Device

Simple Tricks to Do Dotted Lines in GoodNotes on Any Device

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GoodNotes has earned a top spot among digital note-taking apps thanks to its smooth interface, precise handwriting tools, and powerful organizational features. One common design request from users is the ability to draw dotted lines—ideal for creating layouts, planning pages, checklists, and more. While GoodNotes doesn’t offer a dedicated dotted line tool by default, there are plenty of clever and easy tricks you can use to achieve this effect, no matter what device you’re using. how to do dotted line in goodnotes


Whether you're working on an iPad with an Apple Pencil or using GoodNotes on your iPhone or Mac, this guide will walk you through simple and effective ways to draw dotted lines in GoodNotes. Let’s unlock your note-taking and design potential!






Why Use Dotted Lines in GoodNotes?


Before diving into the tricks, it's worth understanding why dotted lines are so useful in digital note-taking:





  • ✅ Organize Content: Divide sections without using bold, intrusive lines.




  • ✅ Design Clean Layouts: Ideal for planners, bullet journals, and habit trackers.




  • ✅ Visual Flow: Helps guide the eye across sections naturally.




  • ✅ Create Functional Tools: Checklists, to-do lists, and progress trackers look better with dotted guidelines.




Dotted lines offer both style and structure, enhancing readability while maintaining a minimalistic look.






Trick #1: Manually Create Dotted Lines With the Pen Tool


This is the easiest and most accessible trick for any device. All you need is the Pen Tool.



How to Do It:




  1. Open your notebook in GoodNotes.




  2. Select the Pen Tool (Ball Pen or Fountain Pen recommended).




  3. Choose a fine tip (0.3–0.5 mm works well).




  4. Tap repeatedly across the page in a straight line to form a dotted path.




  5. Use the zoom window to keep spacing consistent.





???? Tip: Lightly draw a faint pencil guideline first, then tap dots along that line for better alignment.



This method works great on iPads, iPhones, and even Macs with a mouse or trackpad.






Trick #2: Use the Highlighter Tool for Faded Dots


For a softer dotted line appearance, switch to the Highlighter Tool.



Steps:




  • Select the Highlighter Tool.




  • Pick a light or pastel color.




  • Tap gently at intervals to form dots.




This creates subtle dotted lines perfect for separating sections or adding light visual guides behind your content.






Trick #3: Insert Dotted Line Stickers or PNGs


If you prefer consistent, ready-made lines, dotted line stickers are the way to go.



How to Use:




  1. Download dotted line PNGs or sticker packs (many are available free or on Etsy).




  2. Tap the Image Tool in GoodNotes.




  3. Import your sticker or image.




  4. Resize and position it where needed.




These stickers can be reused and are fully adjustable—ideal for fast layouts.




???? Bonus Tip: After placing one, use the Lasso Tool to duplicate it across your page or notebook.






Trick #4: Save as Elements for Easy Reuse


Did you know you can save dotted lines you’ve made as Elements?



How to Do It:




  1. Create a dotted line manually or use an imported PNG.




  2. Use the Lasso Tool to select the dotted line.




  3. Tap “Add Element.”




  4. Save it to a custom collection like "Lines" or "Dividers."




Now you can drag and drop your dotted lines into any page—perfect for building layouts quickly on any device.






Trick #5: Use Templates With Built-In Dotted Lines


For full-page planning or bullet journaling, try using templates that include dotted lines.



Where to Find Templates:




  • Etsy, Pinterest, Canva: Search for “GoodNotes dotted line templates.”




  • Create Your Own using apps like Procreate or Notability.




  • Import PDFs or images as custom paper templates.




Once imported into GoodNotes, you can use them as a base to write or draw over, with dotted guides already built in.






Trick #6: Use Shape Tool With Repetition


Although the Shape Tool doesn’t make dotted lines by default, you can mimic the effect:



Method:




  1. Use the Shape Tool to draw small, filled circles.




  2. Space them evenly in a line by hand or with the zoom feature.




  3. Copy-paste the circle to keep size and shape consistent.




This is a slightly more time-consuming trick, but it gives you full control over spacing and design.






Trick #7: Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac


If you’re using GoodNotes on a Mac, you can combine text boxes and symbols to create a dotted effect.



Example:




  • Open the Text Tool.




  • Type: • • • • • • • or use a symbol like ○ ○ ○ ○.




Adjust the spacing between symbols to get the look you want.




???? Great for users who prefer typing over drawing.






Creative Ways to Use Dotted Lines in Your Notes


Now that you’ve mastered the tricks, here are some creative applications for dotted lines:



???? Build Checklists




  • Add boxes or dots before tasks.




  • Guide your writing using horizontal dotted lines.




???? Design Planners




  • Separate dates, tasks, and sections.




  • Use dotted dividers for visual balance.




???? Make Mind Maps




  • Use dotted lines to connect ideas or subtopics subtly.




???? Create Progress Trackers




  • Draw rows of dots to track habits.




  • Color in or mark off dots for each completed task.




???? Highlight Sections in Notes




  • Use vertical or horizontal dotted lines to frame important quotes, ideas, or formulas.







Tips for Better Dotted Lines in GoodNotes




  • ???? Use Grid Paper: It helps align dots and keep spacing consistent.




  • ???? Stick to a Color Theme: Use complementary colors to make your pages aesthetically pleasing.




  • ???? Zoom In: Zooming improves accuracy when spacing your dots or aligning elements.




  • ???? Organize Elements: Keep all your dotted lines saved in one “Element” folder for quick access.







Conclusion


Dotted lines may seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference in how your digital notes look and function. Whether you’re a student, planner enthusiast, or professional, mastering simple tricks to draw dotted lines in GoodNotes can help you create organized, visually appealing, and highly functional layouts.


From using the pen or highlighter tools to inserting templates, PNGs, or custom elements, there’s a dotted line method for every type of user—and every device. Try a few techniques and see which one fits your workflow best.

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