If you're just getting started with digital note-taking, there's a good chance you've discovered GoodNotes—a powerful and intuitive app that turns your tablet into a smart notebook. Whether you're a student, planner enthusiast, or creative professional, GoodNotes offers a range of tools to make your notes both functional and aesthetically pleasing. how to do dotted lines in goodnotes
One question that often comes up among beginners is: "How do I create dotted lines in GoodNotes?" While GoodNotes doesn’t have a built-in dotted line feature, there are several easy and creative workarounds to help you achieve the look you want.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to do dotted lines in GoodNotes easily, along with tips, tools, and practical examples to level up your digital note-taking.
Why Use Dotted Lines in GoodNotes?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand why dotted lines are such a popular design choice in digital notebooks and planners.
1. Visual Organization
Dotted lines help divide content without being too bold or distracting, making your notes cleaner and more structured.
2. Minimalistic Style
They add a subtle, elegant touch that fits perfectly with minimalist digital planners or journals.
3. Functional Design
Use them to create to-do lists, separate sections, build tables, or decorate planner pages.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore the simplest ways to create dotted lines in GoodNotes—even if you’re a complete beginner.
Method 1: Manually Draw Dots with the Pen Tool
This is the most basic and accessible method. No downloads or extra tools needed—just your finger or Apple Pencil.
Steps:
Open your GoodNotes document.
Select the Pen Tool (ball pen recommended for a neat look).
Set a small stroke thickness—something around 0.3–0.5 mm.
Gently tap the screen to create a dot.
Move a short distance and tap again.
Repeat to form a dotted line.
Tips:
Use a dot grid template to help you space your dots evenly.
Zoom in for better accuracy.
If needed, use the lasso tool to adjust the placement after you’re done.
Ideal for: Simple layouts, minimal designs, and custom borders.
Method 2: Use the Highlighter Tool for Soft Dotted Lines
Looking for something lighter or more decorative? Try the Highlighter Tool for translucent dots.
How to Do It:
Select the Highlighter Tool.
Choose a pastel or light color.
Set the stroke size to medium or large.
Tap gently to place spaced dots on your page.
This method works well for color-coding or layering over text without obstructing visibility.
Method 3: Use the Shapes Tool with Short Dashes
Want more precision? Use the Shapes Tool to create a dashed line effect.
Steps:
Select the Pen Tool and ensure “Draw and Hold” is enabled.
Draw a short line and hold until it straightens.
Repeat, leaving even spaces between each dash.
You’ll end up with a neat dashed or dotted line effect depending on how short your dashes are.
Method 4: Import Dotted Line Stickers or PNGs
This method is perfect if you want perfectly straight and consistent dotted lines without manually drawing them.
Where to Find Them:
Etsy (search for “GoodNotes dotted line stickers”)
Free design platforms like Canva or PNGTree
Make your own in Procreate or other design apps
How to Use:
Tap the Image Tool in GoodNotes.
Import your PNG or sticker file.
Resize and place as needed.
Use the Lasso Tool to duplicate or move.
Pro Tip: Save your dotted line PNGs in the Elements Tool for fast future use.
Method 5: Create Your Own Dotted Line Template
If you're going to use dotted lines often, it’s worth making your own custom template or page layout.
How to Create:
Use Canva, Affinity Designer, or Procreate.
Create a dotted or dashed line design.
Save it as a PNG or PDF file.
Import it into GoodNotes as a background or element.
Once imported, you can reuse it across multiple pages or projects.
Method 6: Use GoodNotes Elements Tool
The Elements Tool allows you to save and reuse any content (including dotted lines) quickly.
Steps:
Use any of the methods above to create a dotted line.
Use the Lasso Tool to select the dotted line.
Tap "Add Element."
Organize it into a collection (like “Planners” or “Dividers”).
Now you can simply drag and drop dotted lines into any future note or planner.
Bonus Tip: Use Digital Paper Templates with Dotted Guidelines
Some users prefer not to draw dotted lines at all. Instead, they use digital paper templates that come with dotted guidelines pre-made.
Where to Find Them:
GoodNotes template libraries
Digital planner stores on Etsy
Custom-designed templates from creators on Instagram or Pinterest
These backgrounds often include:
Horizontal dotted writing lines
Grid dots
Dotted borders for headers or to-do sections
Use Cases: Creative Ways to Use Dotted Lines
Dotted lines are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
✅ To-Do Lists
Create checkboxes with dotted lines separating each task for a clean and organized appearance.
???? Note Dividers
Use dotted lines to separate sections or topics on a single page, especially for class notes.
????♀️ Habit Trackers
Build habit trackers by drawing dots that users can fill in daily.
????️ Planners and Journals
Design borders, highlight events, or build weekly layouts using stylish dotted lines.
Final Thoughts
GoodNotes may not have a built-in dotted line tool yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make beautiful dotted layouts easily. Whether you prefer tapping dots manually or using ready-made stickers, there’s a dotted line method for everyone—even beginners.
With the tips and tools in this guide, you’ll be able to create stylish and functional layouts in no time. As you get more comfortable with the app, consider saving your favorite dotted line styles in the Elements Tool to save time and stay consistent.
Start with the simplest method today, and experiment from there. Before long, you’ll be a dotted line pro in GoodNotes!
Looking for more GoodNotes tips? Stay tuned for our upcoming tutorials on custom stickers, digital planners, and note-taking hacks!