Wondering how all those other college students stay on top of classes, deadlines, and extracurriculars? We’ll let you in on a secret: a lot of them have found ways to streamline their digital study workflow on iPad. Academic apps, note-taking tools, entertainment facilities — iPads have a good mix of everything college students need to get ahead of the game.
96% of students from Ohio State agree (or strongly agree) that iPads are useful for academic purposes, and EdTech Magazine feels the same, stating that giving students iPads could reduce the cost of using traditional textbooks, build an eco-friendlier environment, and boost engagement.
So, how do you create a digital study workflow? Workflows aren’t as simple as they seem. They’re made up of lots of building blocks that you need to tweak and personalize to your preferences.
Sound overwhelming? We know how hard it is to be a college student and, in an effort to reduce your workload, we’ve put our heads together and come up with a full day in the life of a college student who uses their iPad.
What is a workflow and why does it matter?
To some, the word “workflow” seems like an entry-level introduction to the world of corporate jargon. But for others, workflows are tools that help them focus on goals and stay productive.
Workflows can include all sorts of things that help you towards your goal. For instance, a workflow might include things like automated systems and technologies that handle repetitive, boring admin tasks. For note-taking and revision, your workflow could revolve around tools that remind you to revise during specific periods, find a Cornell note-taking method template that works for you, and take mindfulness breaks.
Digital study workflows aren’t just about tools. Routine is the backbone of any effective workflow, but your habits and personal preferences also come into play. The goal is to create a routine that works for you, so that when you sit down with your iPad, you can relax into a familiar and effective pattern of studying, revising, and progressing.
What you need to get started
As a wise person once said, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and we’re not going to let that happen. So, we’ve found all the things you need to build your digital study workflow from the ground up.
There are two sides to this coin. First, we’ve got the hardware.
An iPad with Apple Pencil support
iPads are versatile enough to support all kinds of digital study workflows. The portable, powerful, and versatile features will smooth out any bumps in your daily routine, allowing you to take lecture notes, organize study sessions, and study for your Chem final.
Psssst… We’ve created a more in-depth guide on the best iPads for college students.
Look, we’re not going to say that you have to buy an Apple Pencil. But the reality is that Apple’s proprietary technology gives you greater control over handwritten notes and creates opportunities for personalized workflows.
Besides, plenty of older and more affordable iPad models support Apple Pencils. iPad Air models with an M2 or M3 chip support Apple Pencil 1, Apple Pencil 2, and the latest Apple Pencil Pro stylus. On the official website, this model starts at $599 or $49.91 per month for twelve months.
Apple Pencil stylus
We’ve already covered the benefits of Apple Pencils. Now, we need to find out which one works for your digital study workflow.
- Apple Pencil 1st generation: You should avoid this generation unless you’re happy with the basics. It’s Apple’s first foray into iPad styluses and, although it was revolutionary at the time, it’s now the least advanced iPad stylus available. To top things off, the charging mechanism is clunky and the stylus itself is difficult to grip. On the upside, it’s the most affordable option and works with older, more budget-friendly iPad models.
- Apple Pencil 2nd generation: This stylus has a matte finish and a magnetic mechanism that makes handling and storage a breeze. And once you attach the stylus to your iPad, it automatically pairs and charges. It’s more expensive, but overall, it appeals to college students who want to streamline their digital study workflow.
- Apple Pencil Pro: The newest addition to the Apple Pencil lineup. It’s the same price as the Apple Pencil 2 and has more sensors for greater precision. There are also a few more customizable gestures, but if we’re being real, most college students are satisfied with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.
Matte screen protector
An effective digital study workflow is incomplete without a matte screen protector. These protectors solve the problem of slippery iPad screens. The minuscule textured nodes on the surface of the protector replicate the friction and feel of using pencil and paper, and the matte finish means that your stylus won’t slip and slide all over the place.
Of course, there are plenty of matte screen protectors to choose from, and some are more effective than others. For the most paper-like writing feel, nothing beats Rock Paper Pencil. After all, it’s the only iPad accessory that has both a screen protector and Apple Pencil replacement tips. Together, they recreate the experience of using a pencil on paper, making it much easier to replicate your personal handwriting on an iPad.
They even offer a 33% off student discount when you purchase with a verified student ID or email. Just follow the steps at this link to access your exclusive code.
Other accessories
Once you’ve got all the basic necessities for your digital study workflow, you can start thinking about other iPad accessories that might streamline your day-to-day life.
- Keyboard case: A keyboard case, also known as a Folio pad, is a brilliant addition to any college student’s toolkit. Not only does it protect your iPad from bumps and scuffs, but it also has a built-in keyboard that makes typing notes super easy. If you love using your iPad but aren’t a fan of Apple Pencils, a built-in keyboard is perfect for you.
- iPad stand: If you use your iPad as a display, you need an iPad stand. They hold your iPad upright and at whichever angle suits you, creating a more convenient and comfortable viewing experience.
- Charger hub: A charger hub, also known as a docking station, is a convenient one-stop shop. This accessory is great for college students who don’t want to carry a bunch of heavy chargers with them.
Looking for more options? We’ve got you covered with the 9 best iPad drawing accessories for creatives.
Apps you need to get started
Now that you’ve got all the tech you need to improve your digital study workflow, you need to branch out and find a few suitable apps.
iPad apps for note-taking and audio recording
Notability and Goodnotes are strong contenders for the best note-taking apps for college students, and we’re here to tell you why.
Notability combines handwriting, typing, and audio recording to create a comprehensive app suitable for any student.
- The Audio-Sync feature links audio to your notes, so you can talk yourself through complicated topics or even record your teacher’s explanation.
- You can seamlessly combine typed and handwritten notes within the same document without clunky boxes, creating seamlessly dynamic revision materials.
- Handwriting-to-text conversion automatically transforms your handwriting into uniform text, meaning no more illegible scribbles.
Goodnotes also has a bunch of handwriting, audio, and typing features.
- AI-powered tools automatically spell-check your handwriting and offer prompts to complete words.
- AI features enhance typed text by offering word suggestions for clarity and flow as well as summaries for revision.
- Like Notability, Goodnotes has an audio-recording feature that allows you to record audio while taking notes. It automatically syncs the audio with the text, making revision much easier.
Handwritten vs typed notes: what does the research say?
Both Notability and Goodnotes support handwritten note-taking, which some researchers believe is a far better way to retain information.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology sewed electrodes into a hairnet with 256 sensors that recorded the brain activity of 36 students as they either wrote or typed words from the game Pictionary. Those who typed had minimal brain activity, whereas those who wrote their answers by hand had plenty, especially in the regions that receive and process sensory information and the motor cortex. Researchers concluded that handwritten notes are far more engaging and effective than typed notes.
Not everyone is convinced. A meta-analysis examined studies that investigated the effects of handwritten versus typed notes on college students and found that other factors may influence the widely held belief that handwritten notes are more effective. Other factors include:
- The type of assessment taken
- The time elapsed from taking the notes and sitting the test
- Whether students were allowed to review their notes just before taking the test
We’re not trying to bamboozle you; we’re just trying to show every side of the argument. Many college students can feel the benefits of taking handwritten notes straight away, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore other ways to improve your digital study workflow.
iPad apps for file syncing
File syncing ensures all your files are up-to-date across multiple devices, so you can get the most recent version of your work on iPad, iPhone, and iMac. Any changes you make on your iPad are automatically rolled out across other devices, which will massively streamline the admin part of your workflow.
Many college students use Google Drive, a cloud-based storage system that acts as a one-stop shop for all their files.
You can create files in the app itself or use the vast third-party app integration to sync files in different apps like Goodnotes. Then you can access the files on any other device, meaning you never have to worry about missing notes again.
Google Drive is its own product, and you don’t even need a Gmail account to access it. It’s also free and includes 15GB as standard, a big win for college students who want to improve their digital study workflow in an affordable way.
Unfortunately, Google Drive only offers its own file types (like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides) and also lacks some file-sharing options, such as password-protected links or expiration dates.
Another option is Dropbox. Like Google Drive, it’s a cloud-based system that allows you to sync files across devices and access them from different locations. The main benefit of choosing Dropbox over Google Drive is that it syncs large files more quickly.
It also provides version history for all file types and provides more specific sharing controls, like the password-controlled files we mentioned before. However, if you choose Dropbox, you’ll only get 2GB of free storage, a massive downgrade from Google Drive.
iPad apps for PDF reading and annotating
There comes a time in every college student’s life when they have to read and annotate PDFs and, if you don’t have the right apps on your iPad, your digital study workflow could be disrupted.
MarginNote is a good place to start. It offers more than just the basic highlighting and annotation tools; you can consolidate notes, combine several documents, and even build mind maps and flashcards.
At first glance, it’s great for furthering your studies. However, MarginNote stores annotations outside of the PDF, meaning you might not be able to access your notes when you’re not in the app. Then there’s the price: the reader-only version is free, but the full version will set you back a one-time purchase of $12.99.
LiquidText is a more advanced alternative. The basic free version allows you to import documents, make annotations, and create workspaces. But, for a one-time purchase of $49.99, you can search across documents and Inkings.
Inkings, or InkLinks, is an innovative feature that allows you to create connections between different parts of documents, notes, and apps. You can create these hyperlinks by drawing lines, a simple yet effective visual tool to aid your studies.
Monthly subscriptions are also available, but there are so many options that the choice can feel overwhelming. Anyhow, a LiquidText Live subscription will set students back $4.99 when billed monthly or $3.99 per month when billed annually.
Good to know: Plenty of note-taking apps let you annotate PDFs. For instance, you can import PDFs into Goodnotes and use the tools to highlight, scribble, and write
iPad apps for studying and revising
And of course, studying and revision apps are essential for any effective digital study workflow. There’s a ton of options out there, but here are a few of our favorites for creating digital flashcards.
Anki has two variants: AnkiApp and AnkiMobile. Both are based on the spaced repetition algorithm that Anki is so well known for. The spaced repetition method is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time, rather than all at once. Anki accomplishes this by adding and removing flashcards from a timed algorithm.
This revision method helps to transfer short-term memory to long-term memory, so it’s worth a shot. But the Anki app ecosystem is a bit confusing. The iPad version is called AnkiMobile, and it’s a free companion to the open-source desktop version. You can study and review flashcards via the AnkiMobile app, but it’s much easier to make flashcards online.
AnkiMobile will set you back $24.99, but once you’ve got the app, you’ve got it forever.
Alternatively, you might prefer Quizlet, which is free to download and use. The basic version allows you to create and study flashcards, access millions of user-generated flashcard packs, and use features like “Learn” and “Scatter” to supercharge your revision sessions.
Quizlet Plus has offline access, diagrams, custom images, and AI-powered tools. It costs $7.99 per month or $36 per year, making it a mid-range digital study workflow tool.
iPad apps for task management
Studying is all about task management. If you can’t organize and manage your deadlines, everything will fall to pieces.
Luckily, there’s an iPad app that’ll manage your tasks for you. In fact, there are several. Two of our top picks are Notion and Rock Daily Planner.
You may have heard of Notion in a corporate context, but it’s also great for individuals who want to take the stress away from task management and make their digital study workflows more efficient. Tasks are organized into blocks, and the great thing about Notion is that there are a lot of customization options: you can pin information to headings, group data in panels, show and hide panels, and add dividers, status tags, and a range of fonts.
But by far the best feature is Reminders. When you set a task on Notion, it’ll send a reminder straight to your inbox. You can even tweak the settings to get a push notification straight to your iPad!
The free version includes most features, including unlimited pages and blocks. But if you want to shell out $12 per month for Notion Plus, you’ll also have access to larger file uploads, unlimited guests, and a more comprehensive version history.
Another option is Rock Daily Planner. It’s markedly different from the usual cluttered interfaces we see on task management apps. By stripping the interface and tools back to basics, Rock Daily Planner provides you with a calm setting to mastermind your next deadline, task, or personal goal.
There are flexible templates for journaling, sketching, and brainstorming, as well as to-do lists, an hour-by-hour schedule, and the ability to sync with your calendar. The cherry on top of the cake is that Rock Daily Planner is made for Apple Pencil, so you can expect a natural handwriting experience.
Bonus iPad apps for STEM students
STEM students may need to add another element to their digital study workflow. Namely, a digital drawing app.
Students who handle equations might want to add Nebo to their iPad arsenal. Not only does this app have excellent handwriting-to-text recognition, but it also converts hand-drawn diagrams into editable shapes and maths equations into typed text. It can even plot interactive graphs from handwritten equations and the AI assistant can solve equations for you.
Although we don’t recommend relying on Nebo for advanced maths work, it’s clear that this app is a solid option for STEM students.
Math aside, Nebo is a pretty neat digital study workflow tool. The infinite canvas means your workflow won’t be interrupted, and the ability to edit with pen gestures will streamline your revision session even further.
You can even use a free trial to see whether Nebo suits you. But to unlock the free version, along with all the notebooks, advanced AI features, and cloud sync options available, you need to pay a one-off fee of $8.99. Pretty reasonable, if you ask us.
Before class: setting up for success
So, you’ve finally got all the iPad tools you need to ensure a smooth digital study workflow, and you’re eager to start taking notes and reaping the benefits of all your hard work.
Hold on — you’re not ready just yet. Many students buy all the necessary tech, tools, and apps but hit a brick wall when class starts and they’re faced with a blank digital page. That’s because they need to streamline all the niggling (but necessary) little tasks leading up to the big event.
Here’s how you can set yourself up for success before class even starts.
- Stay organized: Open your preferred note-taking app and create folders and subfolders by class, topic, and theme.
- Hone your focus: Create a new page (or open one of your pre-made digital notebooks) and write the title of your upcoming class.
- Check your settings: Make sure you’ve enabled important features. For instance, if you want to record a lecture, you need to allow microphone access for whatever app you’re going to use.
- Don’t forget deadlines: Use Rock Daily Planner or your calendar to log important deadlines.
- Stay synced up: Ensure iCloud storage is synced across all devices so you can immediately access all your notes from any personal device.
During class: active note-taking and engagement
Once you’re finished with all this prep work, you’re ready for the main event. But staying actively engaged in note-taking is one of the hardest parts, especially with all the distractions in the world.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are our tips on capturing, organizing, and understanding information in real time.
Use Rock Paper Pencil
It’s fair to say that digital handwriting is the backbone of any effective digital study workflow. Sure, you can opt for typed notes, but most students choose iPads over any other tablet so they can use Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil (1st generation, 2nd generation, and Pro) has loads of cool features, but there’s a catch. When paired with your iPad’s screen, things get slippery. So, when you’re writing about the structure of an atom or deconstructing pathetic fallacy in Wuthering Heights, your stylus might slip across the screen or even fall out of your hand altogether. Worse still, the extra pressure needed to keep the nib in place could cause wrist strain, a common problem among college students.
One solution is a matte screen protector. Rock Paper Pencil is a matte protector fitted with minuscule nodes that mimic the texture of paper. And, unlike a lot of the leading iPad screen protectors out there, Rock Paper Pencil comes with replacement Apple Pencil tips that are designed to feel just like pencils. Together, the nibs and screen protector create the most realistic pencil-on-paper experience for iPad, including minimal slippage.
The protector is easy to install, reusable, and leaves no residue on your iPad screen. So, if you want to start your lecture notes on the right foot, add this matte screen protector to your digital study workflow.
Record audio
Let’s face it, no one can take notes on everything that’s been said in a lecture or seminar. And some teachers talk a mile a minute! But don’t be dissuaded, there’s an easy way to create a record of all the important bits.
Audio recordings are ideal for conscientious students who plan on reworking, revising, and actively engaging with the material. You can record audio while jotting down lecture highlights, and then listen to the audio to inform your revision later on.
Some note-taking apps (like Notability, for example) have an auto sync feature that allows you to link clips to handwritten or typed text, either as you’re writing your notes or after the fact. It’s an innovative feature that adds another element to your revision, making you more likely to absorb the content.
Get split-screen mode
Are you tired of trying to retain information while you switch between tabs? There’s a simple solution for iPad users.
- Open your note-taking app
- Tap the three dots at the top of the screen and choose Split View
- Choose a second app from the Home Screen, Dock, or App Library
You can even enable Split View with an app on one side and a PDF/slideshow on the other. It’s a great way to streamline your digital study workflow!
Add quick sketches or diagrams
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s worth mentioning how beneficial drawing can be for your revision. Even the simplest visual elements can boost your ability to remember information.
Our brains process visual and text information differently, and the former is more likely to have an imprint on our memory. The act of drawing also engages another area of your brain, further cementing the information. It’s an active addition to the listening and learning mode that most students stay in during class.
Leverage the power of symbols and highlights
In the digital world, there are so many tools at your disposal. Highlighters, symbols, stickers, and other visual elements can really take the stress off study sessions. After all, you don’t want to be faced with a sea of handwriting with no visual markers.
After class: review and reinforce
All those A-list student influencers on Instagram and TikTok spend hours creating the perfect layouts, finding aesthetic digital brushes, and importing diagrams and pictures into their notes. In short, no one expects you to take perfect notes (or retain all that important information) on the first pass.
There are plenty of ways to turn raw notes into useful study material, but we’ve picked out our top tips.
Listen to your recordings
Whether you’re reviewing your notes an hour, day, or week after you’ve made them, you can really immerse yourself in the topic by listening to audio clips. Not only does this plunge you back into the topic, but it also gives you a chance to catch information you might have missed at the time.
And, if you’ve used that innovative auto-sync feature we’ve talked about, you’ll recall whatever you were thinking when you wrote your notes.
Import supplemental material
Classes and lectures are only ever intended as an introduction to a topic. Now is your chance to expand your knowledge, explore links between similar topics, research scholars, and link to studies and quotes that give you a better overall understanding.
And with your new digital study workflow, it’s super simple. If you slide your iPad into split view, you can easily search for, review, and import supplementary material. Like we said, it’s a simple but invaluable addition to your workflow!
Summarize key ideas in your own words
One thing that separates students from academics is the ability to develop their own opinions. Most students just remember what their teachers have said, but to really engage with the material on a deeper level, you need to use your own words.
So once you’re done reviewing lecture notes, listening to audio files, and reading some of the theories, quotes, and studies surrounding your topic, you should rewrite all the key ideas in your own words.
Use color codes
Color is yet another visual cue that can improve your digital notes. Here are a few ideas:
- Highlight headings to create an immediately noticeable structure, guide your eyes to the most significant information, and establish a visual hierarchy.
- Use shades of the same color for individual topics. For instance, you might use different shades of red for a revision session on romance in literature and different shades of green for your class on greenhouse gases.
- Create a rigid code that you intend to roll out across all your notes. You might make key terms blue, definitions green, and questions orange.
- Use a traffic light system to indicate how much you need to review different topics.
Transform handwritten notes into flashcards
Who doesn’t love a flashcard? Since the dawn of time, flashcards have helped students organize, process, and retain information. And luckily, apps like Anki allow you to easily transform your handwritten notes into helpful flashcards.
Flashcards are by far one of the most versatile note-taking aids out there. Here are a few ideas on how to use them:
- Find a page of notes overwhelming? No problem, just feed the information into Anki and watch as it creates flashcards with easily digestible chunks of information.
- Write questions on one side of the flashcard and answers on the other for a quick revision session.
- Draw visual cues on each flashcard and challenge yourself to write down everything you can remember about the topic in 60 seconds.
Studying and exam prep: long-term retention
When a test is on the horizon, you need to add to your existing digital study workflow. We’ve got a few recommendations, but remember that everyone is unique, and you might want to tweak our tips for a more personalized experience.
Add action items to your planner
Here’s your chance to plan for the future.
- Remember your deadlines: Round up all your deadlines and set reminders for them either in apps that will send push notifications (Notion) or apps that sync to your calendar (Rock Daily Planner).
- Plan for future study sessions: We can’t predict the future, but we can plan for it. We recommend slotting study sessions into your diary for weeks to come. Something as simple as a standing appointment to review your flashcards every Monday at 5 PM could ensure that you retain vital information.
Review your flashcards
There are a few schools of thought on the best way to review flashcards.
- Active recall: If you’re looking at question and answer cards, try to actively remember the information and only look at the answer when you absolutely have to.
- Focused review: Create piles of flashcards. For instance, a pile for information you’re confident with (and therefore need to review less) and another pile that still needs more work.
- Spaced repetition: We’ve explained this above, but in short, it’s a good idea to review information at short intervals (Monday, Tuesday), then gradually longer intervals (Monday, Thursday, Sunday).
Play to your strengths
Once you’ve found a type of revision that works for you, you can embed it in your day-to-day life. Five minutes here and there can make all the difference.
Let’s say active recall is your go-to revision method. You might want to have a twenty-minute study session at the end of every day to ensure you’ve cemented last week’s topic before moving on to the next.
To get you started, we’ve thought of a couple of active recall methods you can add to your next study session.
- Get a friend or family member to ask you questions. They’ll have the answers in front of them (and, if you’re lucky, they might even give you a prompt), but you’ll have to actively recall the information.
- Draw a related image on a flashcard to trigger a memory associated with the topic. For example, literature students might draw Lady Macbeth’s bloody hand, along with the quote, “Out, damn spot!” This could be a jumping-off point to talk about themes of guilt and corruption or the theatrical technique of the monologue.
Annotate PDFs
If you want to challenge yourself and broaden your understanding of any given topic, you can annotate existing texts. One of the ways to do this is by annotating PDFs. Loads of note-taking apps let you do this, and you can choose your app based on the variety of brushes, highlighters, and stickers available.
Sync across devices
Don’t forget to sync your apps with iCloud to ensure you can access your files on any device. So, when you get a second between classes or while travelling, you can pull up your digital notes and have a quick-fire revision session. Studying on the go has never been easier!
Downtime: relaxing with tools and games
We’ve gone over a lot of the academic benefits of using iPads, but let’s take things back to basics. iPads offer great ways to decompress at the end of the day. So, if you’ve put in a hard day’s work at college and ticked tons off your to-do list, here are some ways your iPad can help you relax, socialize, and stay entertained.
Gaming on the go
Whether you’re into cosy or interactive games, there’s something for everyone on an iPad. Stardew Valley and Monument Valley are two classic cosy games, designed to help you relax with wholesome characters and heart-warming storylines. You can even play Stardew Valley offline on iPad, so you can plant crops or upgrade your chicken coop on the way home from college.
Apple offers an iOS subscription called Apple Arcade, which includes over 200 ad-free games. For $6.99 a month, you can access Pac-Man 256+, Sonic Dream Team, Stardew Valley, and more top-charting games.
To really elevate your experience, you might want to connect a Bluetooth game controller to your iPad. Interactive games feel more realistic, and you’ll forget you were ever cramming for that test.
There’s just one dilemma. Like many college students, you probably have a matte screen protector. Many of these protectors are single-use, so once you’ve installed them, there’s no removing them… At least not without damaging your iPad screen.
Rock Paper Pencil is a matte screen protector with a difference — it’s reusable, doesn’t leave unwanted grime on your screen, and feels just like a piece of paper. One of the lesser-known benefits is that you can switch from work to play without damaging your screen. Just remove the matte protector and store it ready for your next study session.
Stream and chill
We love streaming our favorite shows, and where better to do it than on a portable iPad with a high-definition Retina display?
And with Split Screen by your side, you can catch up on your favorite shows while you check references, compile links for further reading, and add final touches to your essay.
iPads are light and portable, but holding one for a significant period of time can leave you with twinges in your hand, wrist, and shoulders. You may want to invest in an iPad case to avoid wrist strain and allow you to enjoy movies, games, and socializing more easily.
Low-key reading or journaling
If you’re big into note-taking, you probably have all the apps and tools you need to read and journal on your iPad. It’s a great way to recenter your focus after a long day of trawling through scholarly articles and creating flashcards.
And you don’t have to use a specific app. In fact, plenty of note-taking apps like GoodNotes make great digital diaries.
A more minimalistic option is Apple Notes, which comes pre-installed on every Apple device. You don’t even have to go into the app to jot down your thoughts — you can access it by simply swiping up from the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
Interested in reading on your iPad? Comics, ebooks, bestsellers, you name it, there’s something for everyone on iPads.
There are more than enough apps, platforms, and websites to choose from. We’ve found the best Substack newsletters for every type of reader and the best websites for free books. And once you’ve found your preferred platform, you can learn how to boost reading time on your iPhone. This article has loads of tips that apply to iPads too.
Other tips for college students
We’re in the final leg, and we’re rounding up all the tips we can think of to help you get more out of your iPad.
- Stay focused: Use Focus Mode or Do Not Disturb during class to ensure you don’t get distracted by pesky notifications.
- Back up your work: Go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup and select Turn on this iPad.
- Clean up: Wipe your screen (or matte protector) with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove debris and make your handwriting experience much smoother.
- Switch it up: Switch between handwritten and typed notes throughout the day to add more variety to your digital study workflow.
- Plan ahead: Build note-taking templates ahead of time so you can create notes as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
Just one last thing — you can also improve your digital study workflow with tech accessories and gadgets. Have a quick scan through. Who knows, it could make your day-to-day routine more comfortable and efficient.
Final thoughts
College is difficult enough — don’t make your life harder by choosing handwritten notes. The digital alternative will save you time, money, and energy. And, if you already have an iPad, you’re ahead of the curve.
To really supercharge your digital study workflow, consider Rock Paper Pencil. We’ve already talked a bit about our matte screen protector, but it’s worth remembering that it’s reusable, doesn’t leave residue, mimics the friction you feel when writing on a typical piece of paper, and it comes with Apple Pencil replacement tips for a cohesive pencil-on-paper experience.
All that’s left to say is good luck and happy studying!
