PNG, PDF, and RMDoc Files on reMarkable Explained
If you use a reMarkable device, you have probably seen the word “template” used in different ways. Sometimes it refers to any custom file you add to your device, and other times it specifically means the native reMarkable templates that come built into the system. Same word, very different things. No wonder it gets confusing.
The truth is that reMarkable works with several file types, and each one has its own purpose. PNG files, PDF files, and RMDoc files all behave differently, and are used for different kinds of content. Understanding the difference makes it much easier to choose the right format, avoid frustration, and know exactly what you are buying or installing.
In this guide, I will walk you through the three most common file types you will encounter on reMarkable. I will explain what they are used for, how they work on the device, and when each one makes the most sense. Once you know this, the word “template” suddenly becomes a lot less mysterious.
PDF Files on Your reMarkable
PDF files are the most common and versatile file type used on reMarkable, and for good reason. If you are using planners, notebooks, journals, or trackers, chances are they are PDFs. If you see the word “template” used in a shop listing, it often refers to a PDF notebook or planner. In this case, “template” simply means a ready-made structure you write on.
PDFs are ideal for more detailed and structured content. They allow designers to create complete layouts with multiple pages, sections, and visual consistency throughout a file. Most importantly, PDFs support hyperlinks. This makes it possible to build large planners with clickable tabs, indexes, and navigation menus that let you jump between sections quickly and easily.
This is why PDFs are the go-to format for yearly planners, daily planners, meeting notebooks, and any file where you want to move around efficiently without endless scrolling. Once the PDF is on your reMarkable, you can write on it freely with your stylus, just like on any other page.
PNG Files on Your reMarkable
PNG files are often the most misunderstood file type when it comes to reMarkable. They look simple, but they are also the most limited and the most technical to use.
The reMarkable device does not support PNG files as regular notebooks or documents. You cannot simply upload a PNG and start writing on it like you would with a PDF. Instead, PNG files are used to replace native system PNG images on the device, such as the sleep screen or the built-in reMarkable templates.
This is how people add custom sleep screens or custom versions of the built-in templates to their reMarkable. By replacing those native PNG files with PNG images, you can change how parts of the system look while keeping the same underlying functionality.
Because this is not something reMarkable supports natively, using PNG files always requires a third-party tool. For reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable Paper Pro Move, this also means enabling developer mode. Before doing anything with PNG files, it is important to read up on what developer mode does and make sure you feel comfortable using it. This is especially worth considering before purchasing PNG-based designs.
Read More: How To Install Sleep Screens on reMarkable 2 and Sleep Screens on reMarkable Paper Pro
RMDoc Files on Your reMarkable
RMDoc files are reMarkable’s own native file format. This is the format the device uses to store everything you create yourself, such as handwritten notes, sketches, and annotations. When you write something on your reMarkable, it is saved as an RMDoc file in the background.
The big advantage of RMDoc files is that your handwriting is fully native. You can select it, copy it, paste it into other notebooks, resize it, or move it around freely. This is something you cannot do in the same way with PDF content.
When you purchase a product offered in RMDoc format, you are essentially getting a file that behaves like something you created directly on the device. This is why RMDoc files are often used for sticker collections. You can open the file, select a sticker, copy it, and paste it into any notebook or PDF you like.
It is worth noting that not all sticker products work the same way. Some shops offer true RMDoc stickers that you can copy and paste immediately. Others offer trace-and-copy stickers, where you first trace the shape or drawing yourself and then copy your own traced version. Both methods work, but they behave differently, so it is good to know which one you are getting.
To transfer an RMDoc file to your reMarkable, you need the reMarkable desktop app installed on your computer. Once the app is open, you can simply drag and drop the RMDoc file from your computer’s downloads folder into the “My Files” section of the app. The file will then sync to your device.
Choosing the Right File Type Made Simple
Once you understand the difference between PNG, PDF, and RMDoc files, working with your reMarkable becomes much more intuitive. Each file type has its own role, and none of them are better or worse, they are simply designed for different things.
PNG files are about visual customization and replace native reMarkable images, PDFs are perfect for structured planners and notebooks, and RMDoc files give you the most native writing experience and are used for 'stickers'.
Knowing which one you are working with helps you choose the right products, set the right expectations, and get the most out of your reMarkable without unnecessary frustration.