Lately you may have been hearing a lot about digital planning, seen someone using one on their tablet device or come across it on Etsy or Pinterest and had no idea what they were, I've put together this one page guide which is less than a 10 minute read and should most definitely get you started on the right path. I've also included a sample planner at the end, so you can give it a go yourself!
What are digital planners?
A digital planner/journal is an interactive pdf document that has been modelled on traditional physical planners, but that's barely scratching the surface of what they are. A well designed digital planner will be generously embedded with hyperlinks and buttons that make navigating the planner a breeze. You (typically) use this digital planner on a tablet device and then use a stylus to enter/journal your info into it.
Why should you use a digital planner?
I was once an avid paper planner user, I used to spend hours decorating and updating my planner and it was a bit difficult initially for me to switch from paper planning to the digital realm. You might be in the same boat that I once was, you might be asking if digital planning is for you. I, for one am very happy to have made the transition, have a look at some of the reasons for why I would recommend digital planning.
Cost Effective
You can get a great digital planner for less than $20 instead of spending many times that for a physical one.
Easy to Carry
Since the planner lives in your iPad/tablet you have no need to lug around a heavy physical planner.
Time Saving
Digital planners are hyperlinked which makes navigating a breeze, Also you don't need to carry many pens nor highlighters.
Erase Your Mistakes
A swipe of the digital eraser will allow you to undo a mistake, which isn't possible on physical planners.
Offers More Privacy
It's harder for someone to get into your tablet and stumble across your private thoughts as compared to a paper planner.
Customise Easily
Tonnes of stickers and other digital accessories will allow you to decorate to your hearts delight.
Doesn't Get Damaged
Since your planner is held in a digital format its bot possible for the planner to get crushed, ripped or damaged.
Eco Friendly
Paper planners have a huge toll on the environment. A digital planner will help you to reduce your carbon footprint.
Be Everywhere
The ability to sync your planner across devices means that you can update it from a variety of different devices.
What tools do you need?
1. Tablet
You will need a tablet to download your planner onto and run from. You can use a variety of different tablets and I having tried a few myself, I found that although I was able to use the planner on the Android and the Windows platform, I did find that the experience was far more fluid and pleasing on the iPad. You can also use the planner on desktop devices, but if you are looking for the complete journalling experience, you aren't likely to get it using a computer. I would definitely not recommend having a mobile phone as your primary device as its very cumbersome and isn't a great experience. Using the mobile for reference and not entry is fine though
2. Stylus
Again as I mentioned before, if you want to get the full journalling experience, you will need a tool that will help you to input your information to the planner. A stylus is an invaluable tool in this case. My planners also allow you to type your Info in, but it honestly isn't the same. There are a variety of styli out there and I will explore some of them in my blog. If you however have an iPad I would recommend the Apple Pencil or the Logitech Crayon.
3. PDF Annotation App
A PDF annotation app allows you to access the hyperlinks on your planner and there are a lot of great apps that you can choose from. I found that on the iOS (Apple) platform the golden standard is Goodnotes 5. On Android I would recommend Noteshelf and on Windows devices I would recommend choosing Xodo Pdf Reader. I will present a more detailed comparison of each of the apps available, in my blog.
Different types of digital planners
Now comes the fun part! You get to choose your planner. There are SO many digital planners available in the market today, I have organised them into a few groups to give you a better understanding of the choices that you have when it comes to choosing a digital planner.
Modern or Classic Styles
Generally digital planners follow 2 distinct aesthetic styles, either a modern or a more traditional style. The modern styled planner looks more like an actual app and the classic style is designed and modelled on an actual paper planner. The planner a person may choose comes down to his/her individual preferences. In my store I have both styles and although the aesthetic is different in the 2 styles the content contained within each is similar.
Landscape or Portrait
Generally digital planners follow 2 distinct aesthetic styles, either a modern or a more traditional style. The modern styled planner looks more like an actual app and the classic style is designed and modelled on an actual paper planner. The planner a person may choose comes down to his/her individual preferences. In my store I have both styles and although the aesthetic is different in the 2 styles the content contained within each is similar.
Dated or Undated
In both dated and undated planners there are hyperlinks that connect the months, to the weeks, to the days, however in dated planners the dates are matched to the correct day of the week, making it easier to plan. In undated planners you need to fill in the dates yourself for the days, weeks and the months, but the advantage is you can keep using the planner for a much longer time. Again as with the other 2 categories mentioned above, the choice is individualistic, some people like the flexibility of a planner that never runs out whereas others enjoy the convenience of having it all laid out for them.
Still not sure?
I completely understand that it may be a lot of information to digest and it might not seem very clear, so why not try it for yourself and discover the joys of the digital planning world. I have included a sample planner for you to play around with. Click on the download link below and away you go!
Download your sample plannerIf you are ready to dive in
If you however feel that you are ready to jump right in, I would recommend the planners below. They are my most popular planners and are loved by thousands of people the world over. Each planner comes with a huge number of templates, digital stickers and covers. If you need to chat, please do reach out. I am more than happy to help you get started. Good luck with your digital journey!
