Here's a small change that makes digital planning feel effortless: a custom app icon on your iPad home screen that opens your planner app with one tap — wrapped in a cute icon that matches your aesthetic. No more hunting through folders for GoodNotes or Noteful. In this quick tutorial you'll create a home screen shortcut using the free Shortcuts app that comes built into every iPad. It takes about two minutes.

What you'll need

• An iPad running a current version of iPadOS (the free Shortcuts app is pre-installed — if you deleted it, re-download it free from the App Store).
• The planner app you want to open — for example GoodNotes or Noteful.
• An icon image saved to your Photos. This can be a pretty graphic you made in Canva, a KDigitalStudio home screen kit, or any image you love.

Good to know: This method creates a shortcut icon that opens your planner app. It's the standard, Apple-supported way to add custom icons on iPad, and it works for any app on your device.

Step 1: Save your icon image to Photos

1. Download or create the image you want to use as your icon. Square images work best.
2. Make sure it's saved in your Photos app so you can select it later. (If it's in Files, tap and hold it and choose Save to Photos.)

Step 2: Create a new shortcut

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPad.
2. Tap the + in the top corner to create a new shortcut.
3. Tap Add Action (or the search bar) and search for Open App. Tap it to add it.
4. In the action, tap the highlighted word App and choose your planner app — for example GoodNotes or Noteful.

Step 3: Name your shortcut

1. Tap the shortcut's name at the top (or the settings/… menu) and give it a clear name like Planner or GoodNotes.
2. This name appears under the icon on your home screen, so keep it short and sweet.

Step 4: Add it to your home screen with a custom icon

1. With your shortcut open, tap the Share icon (or the settings … menu), then choose Add to Home Screen.
2. You'll see a preview of the home screen icon. Tap the small icon image next to the name.
3. Choose Choose Photo, then select the icon image you saved in Step 1. Pinch and drag to frame it nicely.
4. Confirm the name, then tap Add in the top corner.

Your custom planner icon now sits on your home screen. Tap it and your planner app opens straight away.

Step 5: Tidy up (optional but recommended)

• Move your new icon to a prime spot on your home screen or into your dock for one-tap access.
• Build a whole themed home screen by repeating these steps for your other favorite apps, using matching icons.

Where to get pretty icons

You can make your own square icons for free in Canva, find aesthetic icon packs on Pinterest, or use a coordinated home screen kit. Matching your icons to your planner cover and stickers pulls your whole setup together. Check our shop for home screen and icon kits that match our planner collections.

Common questions

Does this delete or replace the real app?

No. The shortcut is a separate icon that simply opens the app. Your original app stays installed and untouched.

Why does my planner flash the Shortcuts app for a second before opening?

The shortcut briefly passes through the Shortcuts app. This is normal and usually just a quick flash.

Can I change the icon later?

Yes. Delete the shortcut icon from your home screen (tap and hold → Remove), then repeat Step 4 with a different image. The shortcut itself stays saved in the Shortcuts app.

My icon image looks zoomed in or cropped.

Use a square image for best results, and when framing it in the "Add to Home Screen" preview, pinch to zoom out so the full design shows.

Enjoy your custom setup

A custom app icon is a tiny touch that makes opening your planner feel like a treat — and it's the finishing flourish on a personalized digital planning setup. Pair your new icons with matching planner covers and sticker sets for a home screen and planner that look like they belong together.