Why I STILL Journal Better On iPads NOT Notebooks

[@robe4314]

The important thing that I've learned about handwriting over typing is that it forces you to slow down and think. It takes practice because like you mention my thoughts come quicker than I can write, but that's the exact problem I'm trying to solve. Also I feel like handwriting makes different connections in my brain/soul than typing. I can't pinpoint exactly what's going on there, but it definitely feels more "permanent" and deliberate.

[@electroQted]

💯! I feel EXACTLY the same way 🥲 can’t explain it, but typing just doesn’t etch things in my brain the same way that writing does. I can forget what all i typed, But i rarely ever forget anything i write.

[@selimcanpolat8664]

exactly. with handwriting you are forced to stay on task and think about it. when typing or even handwriting on an ipad, the moment i am forced to think about something, i find myself gravitating towards distracting myself. also, there is no tactile feedback like a pen and paper. the backlit screen gives me eye fatigue too.

[@dariafusionart]

I got my Ipad and I absolutely enjoying it! The thing with hand writing is exactly to slow down your tougts which gives you time to self reflect, emotional processing, deeper down your self awarenes. Probably many other benefits as well. I had the thing with my writing in the past that all of my journal end up being thrown away or lost. I definitely like how now I can just store everything in one place and keep it forever

[@squalley]

Tip: Make a Table of Contents, fill it out as you go by numbering each page as you go. This can be use for digital notes, but mostly for analog (hand written) journaling. Hope this helps someone 🖖🏽

[@NickKendall]

Great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@disintegrated_circuit]

Great video! I have to admit, I love the idea of journaling and indeed tried it out several times when I was younger. I have tried returning to doing journaling as an adult and would really prefer handwriting (either digital or actually on paper), but I seem to cramp up in my wrist if I write more than a few pages at a time. Perhaps I should get that checked. Thing is, I type so much that I rarely ever handwrite anything these days. So I'm not sure if the cramping problem and overall discomfort handwriting for long periods is due to something like carpal tunnel or just not really being used to writing by hand a lot these days. Regardless, this video was marvelous and really has inspired me to seriously consider picking up journaling again--probably on my iPad with my Apple Pencil as well.

[@NickKendall]

Hey thank you so much for the super thanks! Seriously so kind!! My first ever 😃 Really appreciate the support!! ❤️ I’m so glad you’re enjoying the content! Yeah the pain is probably worth getting checked out. Could also be because you’re not used to it like you say. I definitely find that journaling helps me to process my thoughts a lot!

[@disintegrated_circuit]

@@NickKendall No problem at all, man! I am happy to send some thanks your way for this fantastic content! Keep it up!

[@tricky-vixen]

I actually use a mix of mediums to journal - why limit yourself to just pen(cil), type, or stylus? Sometimes I want a good break from technology, so I write on paper. You can always scan and save a copy of it on your computer or cloud storage, and with the improvements in OCR they can also be searchable. Sometimes I’m at my computer already and want to type out some thoughts, so I create a note in Obsidian. Sometimes I want to use more pen colors than I have handy, so I use my iPad. Use what works for you in the moment that you need it.

[@NickKendall]

Love it! Totally agree, you gotta use what works best for you! :)

[@roubro_01]

That sounds like a perfect system, i am just missing one information. Do you have some place, where all entries go? Whether is the entry digitally typed or handwritten on ipad or just scan of paper (image)? If yes what is that place? Thank you

[@lkreinmiller-author]

So many people think digital means typing. I also hand write on my iPad. In fact I spend far more time hand writing than typing.

[@Vivian88749]

What pen did you choose? And what app for journaling?

[@Vivian88749]

@lkreinmiller

[@lkreinmiller-author]

@@Vivian88749 , I use the Apple Pencil and use either Notes or NotesWriterPro for taking all my notes - online classes, Bible study, sermons, notes on educational or informative KZbins. The only thing I type is my manuscripts, texts, and SM replies.

[@fridakahlua6674]

@@Vivian88749 Yeah I want to know too!

[@kaths_rockxbye5601]

goodnotes is great tbh, but became pricey

[@professordavid2008]

I highly recommend the iPad Pro 12.9 inch screen when journaling. Get a screen protector called paperlike or other alternatives so that you get the feel of writing on paper. When you do that, you may never return to notebooks for journaling. I am speaking from experience. Very happy about the physical writing and most importantly, the privacy is there even if someone tries to pick up your device and read your deepest thoughts. The device needs a password or Face ID.

[@lkreinmiller-author]

I have both a 12.9 and an 11 iPad. My 12.9 is my main device, but I haul the 11 around with me. I take all notes etc on my 11 iPad when I’m out of the house, and when I get home - voila - there they are on my 12.9 iPad.

[@salm3596]

I tried looking for videos to help me choose between digital note taking & the traditional note taking, I couldn't find what I was hoping to find, everything was just commericals & ads about some digital app. Im glad I found your video. Very simple, straight to the point & quick to help convince me in using goodnotes because I myself prefer tradional writing but I have that constant fear & worry about getting rid of my notes & I don't want that. With digital note writing, its for life. Thank you Nick.

[@carrieannkouri2151]

Great video. I switched to journaling in GoodNotes on my iPad. At first, it was cumbersome, but I added Paperlike screen protector to give the feeling when I journal on paper. Love it!

[@NickKendall]

Yeah, nice! I've heard the paperlike helps a lot! :)

[@stellalee8919]

I experienced the same struggles as you, I used to journal a lot on notebooks, it feels nice to write on a paper, but all the accumulated journal notebooks stress me out when I'm moving from house to house, and needing to find somewhere to store them. Typing doesn't work for me too, it makes me feel like I'm working and I'm just typing because I NEED to journal, which is missing the whole purpose of me journaling. I bought an iPad just to try journaling with it, and it's definitely a life changer, like you said, I could store everything online, I could still customize, and most importantly, I still get to write. Thanks for the video! It felt nice to know someone out there went through something similar with me :)

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@versatileduplicity9313]

For insursnce, you really should take pics of every last page of your journal

[@MitziRoberts]

I have always loved to journal. Especially in my Bible. Now, I have discovered I can do all of this digitally. Writing it down is just so cathargic and relaxing. It slows me down and forces me to be intentional and in the moment. I don't have an ipad, but I do have a tablet. I use the Penly app, and I absolutely adore it! The thing I like most is I can take this everywhere, and I don't need to haul a whole bunch of supplies with me. Everything is right there. Also, I love the fact that I can get up before the sun, and I don't need to turn on a single light. This keeps me in just the right frame of mind!😊

[@lkreinmiller-author]

@@MitziRoberts , EXACTLY. I have so many Bible translations and Bible study resources on my iPad. In this one device, I have a whole world of study, information, entertainment, and connection to everyone I know. And it weighs less than 2 pounds. That gets more important every year.

[@HerBlackJewel]

Have you tried Pencil Bible on the iPad yet? I like it. Since you enjoy bible journaling it’s a good app but limited unless you pay.

[@MitziRoberts]

​@@HerBlackJewel I don't have an iPad. Do they have this for Android? I'm now using Notein.

[@OregonRose2010]

I LOVE using Day One Journal for my particular needs, and have used each version of the app since November 2014. I was even able to meet the entire team in Summer 2018 and they are very passionate about what they do. I've used it to gradually import / abridge all of my past journaling have have managed to have a continuous journaling streak of 5,670 days! Thank you for this video and sharing your passion for journaling!

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for sharing! I've heard good things about Day One :)

[@melaniegenuinely]

@@NickKendallFor me once I found Day One that was it. It fit all my needs. I took advantage of the 30 day trial and was sold on it within the first week.

[@extremelucky1]

I've journaled on my iPhone, Mac, and iPad with the Pencil, and on paper. I can say paper beats them all. There even was a study done by Japanese scientists stating there is more connection when using pen and paper vs a stylus and a tablet. However, iPad is by far my favorite. It is the most practical and so damn convenient; I don't even use a screen protector on it. Type journaling just doesn't work for me, personally. I can totally see why you prefer the iPad.

[@NickKendall]

Agreed, there's nothing like a real pen and paper, but iPad is the closest next thing I've found so far :)

[@gk_knight]

I recommend Kindle Scribe or Remarkable tablets. Much more like a paper feel than an iPad.

[@carmenrenee5146]

I love my iPad and the Paperlike screen really does it for me. I still like the simplicity of Remarkable. No email, text, or reaction interruptions. Really considering one, ya know..as an additional option, just to switch it up sometimes. No one can make me hate my iPad tho. 😆 ♥️

[@yobanyhernandez125]

Same spot where I am. I still want to do physical and digital. So what I’ve been doing is an interstitular journal on my tablet with habit tracker. And I have a fancy journal where I 1 page recap what happened during the day. It helps me kinda close a day fully and make sure I capture what I felt and what happend.

[@sarvachris]

Also if you use "Paperlike screen protector then it feels just like paper and your pen does not slip.

[@ironmanbox]

I use a paper journal and then later I will dictate it via voice recognition into my digital app. It doesn’t take long to dictate and rereading them a day or so later helps you reflect again. Then you still get the benefits of real paper and pen plus a digital record with the associated benefits.

[@AlexCdeBacatech]

Loved the video! Some really beautiful shots and great pacing! Thanks so much for making and sharing! :)

[@NickKendall]

Thanks Alex, really appreciate it! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RobertRodriguezMusic]

I’ve been going back and forth on how I want to journal. Using my iPad has been the perfect solution for me!

[@steambunie]

I started journaling last Nov and my only goal is a sentence a day. I’m not s huge fan of my handwriting for things i wanna keep long term so i just type. My format is super simple; month and then numbered list representing the days and boom thats it. Its been 2 months now and its going great. Not stressful and really rewarding to see that chunk of text lol at the end of the month or quarter

[@goldengriffon]

I had the same progression as you, and for pretty much the same reasons at every step. But I gave up on the iPad due to eye strain. Even in dark mode, there was too much glare and my eyes hurt. Maybe I was using it too much. So I sold it and tried a Kindle Scribe. Much improved, but then I was just using it for journaling and not much else (it's too big to comfortably read ebooks, and most graphic novels look bad in grayscale) so I didn't feel like I could justify the expense of the device for such little use. So now I'm back to pen and paper. 🙂

[@georgiaknight7843]

Another great video 🙌🏻 I've always struggled with the consistency of journalling, so I have a bunch of random notes across different apps but also in different drawers and places at home 😅 I have found myself gravitating towards GoodNotes more for my journalling when I do feel like writing stuff down, especially now that it has the audio function like Notability! But also I've been playing more with Freeform, I like the ability to just keep zooming out without being confined to one page. Means I can keep connecting my random thoughts with other stuff too. Thank you for the food for thought around journalling 😊

[@NickKendall]

Thanks Georgia! 😊 Yeah I’ve been using Freeform a lot lately as well, especially for KZbin video research. I’ve really been liking it!

[@CasualViewer-t4f]

As a left handed writer iPad has been a god send since I no longer smear graphite or ink. I also don’t have to turn my notebook to write in a non natural way to avoid smearing mediums on the page.

[@NickKendall]

Had never thought about that! Great point! :)

[@onekeiway]

Important comment for a fellow left hander 🙌🏾

[@clowd9931]

Wow all of this, my sentiments exactly. Thank you for solidifying my thoughts. Great share.

[@saliya1982]

Thanks mate

[@NickKendall]

Any time!

[@python007]

This is going to sound dumb but the two things stopping me from journalling on paper is I travel a lot and I tend carry a lot of things with me. Secondly I worry about privacy, like maybe someone will just pick up my journal and read it 😭

[@aksara555]

yeahh, me too, i really concern about my privacy, so i turn my journal to digital.

[@WingEatinMofo]

Valid points. I agree

[@professordavid2008]

I highly recommend the iPad Pro 12.9 inch screen. Get a screen protector called paperlike so that you get the feel of writing on paper. When you do that, you may never return to notebooks for journaling. I am speaking from experience.

[@canaldogrifonoia1338]

I am with you ✍️🌚. I've been journaling since 2018. Until 2022, my journal entries were always digitally typed on Google Docs. However, when I started journaling by handwriting on my tablet, I realized how great it feels. I first used an Android device (Tab S6 Lite), but now I'm using an iPad with the Apple Pencil. I still use Google Docs, but only to import my exported images from "GoodNotes" and have a search system. Good video!

[@NickKendall]

So good, sounds like you've got a good thing going! Glad you liked the video :)

[@aaronderyl]

If you were to start now with an iPad and Apple Pencil which app would you use ? I want to start now, so

[@canaldogrifonoia1338]

@@aaronderyl For sure Goodnotes (if the version 5 is still avaliable). Collanote is also a great option (even the free version).

[@MangeTak-t6n]

I liked both then. I enjoy this video very much then.

[@Kerryfrancephotography]

Fab video what template do use to journal?

[@renashbellrn]

Using ipad as notebook: Journaling - 5% Watching youtube - 95%

[@Edwardbanks1]

Have you thought about the remarkable paper pro?

[@angeld7053]

Amazing video! I’ve been struggling to choose between iPad mini or air, specially my main use will be journaling, notes taking, and ocasional media consumption. I know this is not an iPad review video, but do you think iPad Air is more comfortable than mini for writhing down with the Apple Pencil? Thanks 🙌🏼

[@NickKendall]

Hmm great question! I'm actually not too sure since I haven't used the Minis. I do have hands that are kinda on the larger side, so I wonder if I might find it a bit uncomfortable using a Mini. Maybe go into a store and give them both a try before buying?

[@KajalMedh]

Which app do you use

[@shannab4]

Live scribe has pens that write in a paper notebook and sync with your computer

[@LisaYoung57]

I wondered if you had tried a Remarkable or Supernote?

[@NickKendall]

I haven't! I'd love to try Remarkable! Have you used either?

[@LisaYoung-dg6kh]

@@NickKendall I have a supernote, and I think the experience is like using a gel pen on paper. I had a remarkable, but I think the supernote software does more, so I'm pretty happy with the supernote. I like being able to take notes, and journal by hand. I also have an ipad pro, and have used the paperlike screen saver as well as the rock paper pencil screen saver (which I like better than the paperlike) but still feel like it's a slick writing experience on glass. The supernote has a soft coating on the screen that has some give like paper. Thanks for the good content- it made me inspired to journal more often.

[@niksasrsen]

I have Kindle Scribe. Read on it, take notes, journal. But I reckon to get iPad (10. gen) for note taking while reading books from which I know will take a lot of notes. Also one thing that Scribe does not have, and iPad has, is split-screen option. However, I worry that iPad will burn my eyes from too much looking at it. Anybody with similar experience?

[@ukewidiastuti]

Great video. I’m using notes apps from apple because the notes can be locked for more privacy.

[@NickKendall]

Nice!

[@angeldejesuss]

Do you experience the overheating issue where after writing for at least 30 minutes straight the iPad just gets too hot and your pencil starts lagging?

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Yeah nice vid, my time to journal is at nite before bed.

[@Vivian88749]

What pen (stylus?) is preferred for you? And do you need an app or is it all on the iPad Pro already ?

[@akashtyagi7245]

Which ipad case are you using in this video, the one with the keyboard?

[@NickKendall]

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio :)

[@superamario6464]

Hi Nick. Ive tried hand writing...on ipad and i still prefer my Rhodia square pad and pen. How long should I persevere ? Maybe get the paperlite screeb protector ? Maybe im one of those who will always be tree killers

[@NickKendall]

If it's not for you, no need to force it :) I still love paper from time to time as well.

[@intwominds1943]

Opinions on the iPad mini for this anyone??

[@niksasrsen]

I wonder if it is too small for long journal handwriting?

[@icyjaam]

All the things you mentioned as the disadvantages for paper journal, they are actually the benefits of it.

[@VaughnSanders]

@nickkendall Just fyi... the link to the journal doesn't work.

[@NickKendall]

Thanks, fixed :)

[@mimiltakes]

Sir, which ipad are u using in this video?

[@NickKendall]

iPad Air 4 :)

[@shana4604]

I’m going to get a pen for my iPad and try it out 😊

[@KingMinosxxvi]

The question is is the act of writing much worse than on an e-ink..not to mention starting at that screen whilst you write

[@journalingmissy6164]

I loved journaling on my iPad until I read how leaky GoodNotes privacy is.... and I tried to continue but after switch to GN 6 they lost me.

[@lisachappell9387]

Me too. Switched to Remarkable2..love it!

[@intwominds1943]

Apple intelligence will probs take this to another level

[@johnfalkenstine8377]

Three minutes into this presentation and I'm still not seeing any writing on an Ipad. Very boring and indirect. I want to see WRITING on an ipad.

[@shivamsharma-sk7lu]

you need to improve your speech in videos

[@shana4604]

You need to get a life. Improve that.

[@Ameridlo]

not very insightful