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How to import Element Stickers (.collection files) into GoodNotes?


If you are seeing the "Unsupported file type" message when trying to import GoodNotes Elements file, there are a few steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Before that please ensure:

  1. Make sure the file is in the correct format. GoodNotes supports importing ".collection" files for Elements. If you try to import a file in a different format, it may cause the error message "Unsupported file type" to appear.
  2. Check for updates to the GoodNotes app. If you are using an older version of the app, there may be a bug that is causing the error message to appear. Updating to the latest version of the app can sometimes resolve issues like this.
  3. Restart the GoodNotes app and try importing the file again. Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app can resolve issues with the app.
  4. Check the file for any corruption or errors. If the file is damaged or corrupted in some way, it may cause issues with importing it into GoodNotes.

Transfer file from Mac or MacBook to an iPad and open it in the GoodNotes app. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make sure that both your Mac and iPad are signed in-to iCloud and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On your Mac, select the .collection file that you want to transfer.
  3. AirDrop to iPad or "Open With" GoodNotes on your Mac.
  4. Your iPad should appear as a recipient in the AirDrop window. If it doesn't, make sure that AirDrop is turned on in both your Mac and iPad.
  5. Click on your iPad in the AirDrop window to send the file.
  6. On your iPad, you should see a notification from AirDrop, and Open with...GoodNotes
  7. The GoodNotes app should open right away, and the "New Collection" window should also open. Then, select "Create."

Transfer file from iPad’s file folder and open it in the GoodNotes app, you can follow these steps:

  1. Once the file has been downloaded, it should be saved in the "Downloads" folder in the Files app on your iPad.
  2. If a file is in a compressed format (zip), you will need to unzip it in order to access the file’s contents. To unzip a file on an iPad, you can double tap the file, then the file will be uncompressed and the contents will be extracted to a new folder with the same name as the compressed file. 
  3. To import the collection file, long press on the file or click on the Select in the upper right corner. 
  4. Select Share button
  5. Tap the GoodNotes icon on the horizontal selection. Instead of selecting “Open in GoodNotes.”
  6. The GoodNotes app should open right away and also the “New Collection” window.
  7. Rename the collection title.
  8. Once you are done, click Create.
  9. Then the collection file is ready to use on the Element tool. 

Method 3, you can also create a new collection in the GoodNotes app on an iPad:

  1. Open the GoodNotes app on your iPad. 
  2. Tap on the Elements tool in the top toolbar.
  3. Scroll to the very right, and tap on the plus sign (+) 
  4. Then select "Import from...". 
  5. Locate your (.collection) file in your iPad's "files" folder. 
  6. After that click "create" on the collection. 

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with importing GoodNotes Elements files, you may want to consider reaching out to GoodNotes customer support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or help troubleshoot the issue further.




1 Comment

  • Hi! You wouldn’t happen to know how to reverse this process, would you? Years ago, when I first started using GN, I imported my stickers as elements. I didn’t store most in my files iPad app. Now, I need to reduce the number of elements in GN and I’d like to save them in files for future use. But, the export is .collection GN format, unusable anywhere but into GN elements. 😵‍💫 Any suggestions you have would be much appreciated. GN support page wasn’t any help.
    Cheers!

    Steph B on

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