Looking for a fun and paperless way to stay organized in 2024?
A digital planner may be exactly what you need. Digital planners help you streamline your workflow to stay productive.
Just as with a paper planner, you’ll be able to manage your schedule, keep up with all your to-dos, and track your habits.
However, digital planners have a lot more to offer, including added flexibility and customization, faster navigation via hyperlinks, and increased portability.
The digital planners we’ll cover in this article are all PDF documents that can be used in notetaking apps such as Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf.
Let’s dive in!
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#caption#Image: Paperlike’s Digital Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of Paperlike’s Digital Planner cover.
01. Paperlike’s Digital Planner (Free & Paid)
Price: Free or $12.99 for the Pro Planner
Download: Free | Pro
Of course, we have to start our list off with our new 2024 Pro Planner.
Like last year, we’re offering 10 digital planner templates, so you can find the perfect planner that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer dark or light mode, Sunday or Monday start, or only need weekly or daily pages, we’ve got you covered.
One of the best things about our planner is that you’ll get lifetime access, so once you’ve purchased it, you’ll automatically get the new, updated version every year. Forever.
Plus, we’re also still offering our Free Digital Planner, which has everything you need to plan out your year (Sunday start, light mode).
#caption#Paperlike’s Digital Planners start off with the Year page to give you a preview of your year. Tap on any month to jump to the corresponding Month page. (Image: Paperlike’s Digital Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Year page in the Paperlike’s Digital Planner.
If you’re looking for a planner with a similar setup to a paper planner, Paperlike’s Digital Planner is it.
It features Year, Month, Week, and Day pages, and they’re in the correct order if you prefer to just scroll through rather than using hyperlinks to navigate. But don’t worry, if you’d like to use links, we’ve got those, too!
#caption#The Month page has tabs to navigate to each month, and hyperlinks on both the weekly and daily numbers. (Image: Paperlike’s Digital Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly calendar in Paperlike’s Digital Planner.
In fact, we’ve included tabs and clickable links on every page to take you wherever you need to go, whether that’s to a specific month, week, or day of the year.
For example, on the Month page, you can:
- Click the name of the month to navigate to the Year page.
- Tap any of the month tabs on the right to navigate to the corresponding Month page.
- Click on the week numbers on the left to navigate to the corresponding Week page.
- Tap on any date to navigate to the corresponding Day page.
Most of this is pretty obvious, but you can always refer to the instructions at the front of the planner if you can’t figure out where to find the links on each type of page.
#caption#Use split-screen to copy and paste tasks from the time slots on the Week page to the matching slots on the Day page. (Image: Paperlike’s Digital Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a split-screen view with an arrow running from the six o’clock time slot on the Week page of Paperlike’s Digital Planner to the corresponding timeslot on the Day page.
We’ve still got split-screen capability this year, and since our Week and Day pages use the same time schedule, you can easily transfer information from one page to the next.
Along with your schedule, the Day pages also have space for your to-do list, top priorities, and an area for notes, allowing you to stay on top of your day.
#caption#The Day page offers space to fill in your schedule, to-dos, and top priorities and make any other relevant notes. (Image: Paperlike’s Digital Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the daily planning pages in Paperlike’s Digital Planner.
While you may not find all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive planners, Paperlike’s Digital Planner’s simple, minimalist design keeps your screen uncluttered and makes it easy to keep track of all your important details.
If you’re new to digital planning, you can try out our Free Digital Planner right here.
For more customization options or access to weekly and daily planners, download Paperlike’s Pro Planner here.
Coolest features
- A simple, minimalist design that’s uncluttered and easy to use.
- A free version for those who need to get organized and don’t need all the bells and whistles.
- Split-screen capability for easy planning across pages.
- Lifetime access to the Pro Planner means you’ll get an email with the latest Pro Planner every year.
Main limitations
- Free version is only available with a Sunday start in light mode. However, you can purchase the entire set of 10 planner options for less than most other planners on this list.
- Lacks any extra templates or inserts for specialty pages.
#caption#Image: AntidoteNotes Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the 2024 Digital Planner Bundle by AntidoteNotes.
02. 2024 Digital Planner Bundle by AntidoteNotes
Price: $30.86
Download: Link
Looking for a planner that’ll help you keep your finances in order as well as get your year organized? This planner by AntidoteNotes is a good choice.
You’ll get eight different planner templates to choose from, with different start dates, weekly templates, and daily templates.
#caption#The index page can take you to any of the specific pages in the specialty categories. (Image: AntidoteNotes Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the index page in the AntidoteNotes Digital Planner detailing the different pages inside.
Each version includes an index page for easy navigation to the plethora of specialty templates for different categories, including:
- Health & Wellness.
- Finance.
- Lifestyle & Productivity.
- Notebooks.
You’ll find logs, trackers, lists, and more in each of these sections to help you stay on top of every aspect of your life.
The five blank notebooks are completely customizable, so you can use them for whatever you’d like. You’ll also choose from eight notetaking page templates to fill these sections.
Students can turn these notebook sections into a student planner by choosing the Cornell template and designating notebooks for different classes. Business professionals could use them for meeting notes or project management to create their own business planner.
The possibilities are endless.
#caption#Plan out your monthly budget and easily track your expenses on the included financial templates. (Image: AntidoteNotes Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the budget planner in the AntidoteNotes planner.
While other planners may have a small finance section, we found the financial templates in this planner by AntidoteNotes to be immensely helpful.
The templates contain the savings, bills, and debt tracker that many other planners include, but they also offer a financial overview, a savings challenge, and a tax deductions log.
Most importantly, you’ll find a separate budget planner page for each month of the year, allowing you to track all your expenses, earnings, and savings all in one place.
#caption#With two weekly pages, it’s easy to make sure you’re aware of all important events and schedule the tasks you need to manage. (Image: AntidoteNotes Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the two weekly templates included in the AntidoteNotes planner.
The weekly pages in this planner are also extremely helpful. You’ll get both a time schedule to fill out important events and a planning page to add tasks and notes. Utilizing both pages can help you organize your week to the fullest.
Similar to a paper planner, this planner is well organized, with all your yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily pages ordered in a way that allows you to scroll through and continue planning. The specialty categories are located after your full dated planner.
Tabs and hyperlinks are also available to help you quickly jump to whichever page you need next.
This planner even comes with a matching digital journal and digital notebook, which is a nice bonus. However, the cream design with gold embellishments may be a little too feminine or distracting to some users.
The expansive list of extras this set offers may be enough to offset that small complaint, but you might be able to find everything you need in a different planner with a more neutral design.
Download the 2024 Digital Planner Bundle here.
Coolest features
- Comes in a set with a Planner, Journal, & Notebook.
- Awesome financial templates to help you budget and stay on top of your finances.
- Well-organized, so it’s easy to keep planning without having to use hyperlinks to navigate to different sections.
Main limitations
- Only available in Portrait mode, so it may not work if you prefer landscape.
- Cream with gold embellishments may feel too feminine for some users.
#caption#Image: The Dash Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the cover of the planner by Dash Planner.
03. 2024 Digital Planner Set by The Dash Planner
Price: $24.99
Download: Link
If you’re looking for the most comprehensive planner to plan out every aspect of your life, the Dash Planner may be your best bet.
It’s chock-full of templates for every category and even includes eight section dividers that you can customize to your needs.
#caption#No matter what you plan to use the customizable sections for, you’ll find a notepaper template that suits your needs. (Image: The Dash Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the twenty notepaper templates available in the Dash Planner.
You can choose from the twenty different page templates to fill these sections, and your options include things like lined paper, grids, checklists, sheet music, Cornell notes, and more. With so many options, you can really turn these sections into anything you want.
With the Dash Planner, you can plan your year in detail. Unlike most other planners, the Dash Planner includes seven yearly pages. Each one is designed to help you make the most out of your year.
#caption#Multiple monthly pages help you plan out your month in detail. You can easily navigate to any of the pages using the links at the top. (Image: The Dash Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly calendar with a navigation bar at the top to the available monthly pages in the Dash Planner.
You’ll also find multiple monthly pages, including a calendar, an overview, a finance page, habit trackers, and a review. Each one follows the other, so you can get all your monthly planning done quickly.
It’s also worth noting that the layouts for every page in this planner are user-friendly and help guide your planning. You’ll know exactly what to put where, and you’ll have plenty of space to do it.
#caption#You can use the Goal Overview page to create milestones and include the steps you’ll need to take to accomplish them. (Image: The Dash Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Goal Overview page in the Dash Planner.
Another great feature that’s easy to overlook is the goal and project planning sections. That’s because the index page doesn’t make them seem like much; it just links to a Goal Dashboard and a Project Dashboard.
However, when you click on either dashboard, you’ll be taken to a page where you can list up to twelve projects or goals. From there, each box is hyperlinked to an overview page.
The goal and project overview pages are slightly different, but both are geared toward helping you break things down into smaller, manageable steps.
#caption#On the index page, you’ll also find alternate weekly layouts, a sticker book, and color hex codes to customize your Dash Planner. Use the online tutorials to help you get started. (Image: The Dash Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the index page in the Dash Planner.
This planner is also fairly customizable, with different layouts available. Unfortunately, you’ll need to make some decisions upfront.
For example, if you want to switch to dark mode from light mode or Portrait to Landscape, you’ll have to download a completely new version. And the Landscape version doesn’t fit all screen sizes the same. While it’s fairly close on the iPad Pro, if you’re using an iPad mini, you’re better off using the Portrait version.
But you can switch out your weekly layout or just add in extra inserts from the templates available on the index page. To embellish your planner, you can also use color hex codes and the included sticker book.
As an added bonus, you’ll have access to online tutorials through the index page. Not only will you learn how to set up your planner, but you’ll also find guides on adding stickers or PNG files, changing covers, using individual pages, and more.
This planner even integrates with the Shortcuts app, so you can set reminders and add events to your Apple/Google Calendar from within the planner for added convenience.
If you want a planner that can do absolutely everything, the Dash Planner is it. Even if you’re a beginner, the tutorials can walk you through how to get the most use out of this planner.
Download the 2024 Dash Planner from the website or from the Etsy listing.
Coolest features
- Most comprehensive digital life planner, with sections for everything you could possibly need to plan out your year.
- Simple and modern look that guides you through each page.
- Easy access & navigation to everything make it simple to get to any page.
Main limitations
- Could be overwhelming due to the plethora of templates and sections.
- Landscape orientation doesn’t fit the screen perfectly, but it varies by device size.
- Difficult to switch up your layout because you have to download a whole new planner with different options.
#caption#Image: ADHD Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the ADHD Planner cover.
04. 2024 ADHD Planner by Manifestable
Price: $9.98
Download: Link
Want a planner that’s both affordable and features various templates and options? You’ll get plenty of bang for your buck with this planner by Manifestable.
With multiple yearly and monthly planning pages, as well as monthly habits and reflection pages, it’ll be easy to stay organized and on task throughout the year.
#caption#The index page is well organized and includes hyperlinks for easy navigation throughout the planner. (Image: ADHD Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the index page in the ADHD planner.
Between the tabs on the side, the index page, and hyperlinks throughout the planner, it’s quick and easy to navigate to any page you need.
All of the monthly calendars link to each other, but they are also grouped together, allowing you to scroll to the next one to plan out each month in full before moving on to the next month.
One of the features that we really appreciate on the index page is the link to the start date of each month. Since all the month pages are grouped together, followed by all the weekly pages, and then all the day pages, the start date link on the index page allows for quick and easy access to the first day page of each month.
#caption#The weekly and daily pages offer both time blocking and extras, allowing you to capture the most important information all on one page. (Image: ADHD Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the weekly page in the ADHD Planner.
A lot of planners tend to have multiple weekly or daily pages prioritizing different aspects of planning. In the ADHD Planner, you’ll find everything on one page.
On the weekly page, there’s room to time block each day of the week, but you’ll also find space to write down your focus, goals, top priorities, and to-do lists. There’s even a small square for notes.
While it is great to be able to see everything at once, this does mean that each section is a little more compact and squished on the page, so you’ll need to zoom in to write (unless you have pretty, tiny handwriting).
#caption#The daily pages offer a little of everything. (Image: ADHD Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a daily page in the ADHD Planner.
The daily pages go into even more detail. There are the usual sections for time blocking and to-dos, but you’ll also find areas that focus on your energy, mental health, diet, and exercise.
It even breaks down your tasks into things that have to get done, things that should get done, and things you can do if you have the time and energy. It also has a place to write down your reward for getting the non-negotiables done.
Overall, the emphasis on how you’re feeling and your mental well-being is a nice addition that you won’t find in most planners.
#caption#With both a morning and evening anxiety journal, you can compare your feelings to see how you managed the day. (Image: ADHD Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Morning Anxiety Journal page in the ADHD Planner.
One of the best things about this planner is that it has beautiful, calming colors and an intuitive layout which minimizes overwhelm and helps you stay on top of things. For those with ADHD or a neurodivergent brain, having a planner that’s designed with your unique needs in mind can be a game changer.
It even includes both a morning and evening anxiety journal and a gratitude journal, which are great for those concerned with managing and improving their mental health.
The only real complaint (if you can even call it that) is that the design includes smudging around the edges. While this adds a touch of texture and keeps the planner from looking plain, it can be a distraction to users who prefer a clean look.
However, at this price point, the amount of extra templates and trackers and the intuitive design far outweigh the few downsides you’ll find in this planner.
Download the 2024 ADHD planner here.
Coolest features
- Huge bang for your buck. Plenty of templates and options at an affordable price.
- Extra areas on planning pages, so you can plan out your month, week, and days in detail.
- Designed for those with ADHD or neurodivergent brains. The calming colors and intuitive design reduce the potential for distraction while helping you stay organized.
Main limitations
- Pages are chock-full, which means everything is small so that it all fits on the page. You’ll need to zoom in to be able to write.
- Design looks smudged or dirty around the edges, which could be irritating to those who prefer a nice, clean look.
#caption#Image: The Elegant Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of The Elegant Planner cover.
05. The Elegant Planner - Boho Chic by BytheBrookDesign
Price: $10
Download: Landscape | Portrait
Designed with both beauty and practicality in mind, The Elegant Planner can help you map out your most productive year yet!
While it has all the regular planning pages you’d expect in a digital planner, it also includes 80 additional templates to help you keep on top of every aspect of your life.
#caption#Additional templates geared specifically towards productivity will help you stay on track. (Image: The Elegant Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Productivity index page showing the available templates in The Elegant Planner.
And, if you’re looking to be at your most productive, you’ll want to check out the 18 templates in the Productivity section. From goal and project planning to habit tracking and decision making, you’ll have everything you need to make the most out of your time.
Students will particularly love some of the templates available, like the course schedule, course info, study session, Pomodoro tracker, and assignment tracker.
You’ll also find extra templates for other categories, including lifestyle, health and fitness, wellness, and finance. You’ll have access to all of these from the index page, but you can also use the icons at the top of each page to navigate directly to the section you need.
Even better, The Elegant Planner also includes four custom sections to use however you see fit. Just add any of the six available notepaper templates into these sections to create whatever you need.
#caption#Example templates give instructions and show you how the template should be filled out. (Image: The Elegant Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of an example of the Goal Planner template in The Elegant Planner filled out with instructions on the left side.
We also really liked that, scattered throughout these templates, you’ll find examples that are already filled in. These include directions on how to use the template and give you an idea of what these should look like when they’re filled out.
You won’t find them for templates that are pretty self-explanatory, but any that are a little more complicated likely come with an example. This can be really helpful if you’re new to digital planning and haven’t seen a lot of these templates before.
The planner also comes with a quick setup guide, which explains how each page works.
Unfortunately, the navigation between everything isn’t intuitive. And the organization of the planner leaves something to be desired.
For example, the productivity templates aren’t directly below the Productivity index page. Instead, you’ll find all of the index pages grouped together, which is even more odd, considering these pages have a hyperlink to the next index page at the bottom right and can be easily accessed by the icons at the top of every page.
#caption#Hyperlinks make it easy to get to any of the monthly, weekly, and daily pages. (Image: The Elegant Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a weekly page in The Elegant Planner with a red box around the hyperlinked sections at the top and a red oval around a date.
The good news is that the monthly and weekly pages have hyperlinks at the top to access each of the different types of planners, and the weekly pages even allow you to click on the dates to go directly to the desired daily page.
If you prefer to just scroll, you can do that fairly easily with this planner. You’ll find all of January’s monthly pages, then weekly pages, and then daily pages grouped together before the planner moves on to the next month.
The Elegant Planner also includes 37 covers and a 600-sticker pack, organized by type, to personalize your pages and make your calendar feel like a work of art.
You can pick up the Boho Chic theme that we chose because we liked the color scheme, or you can check out other options here.
Coolest features
- Less costly than most of the other planners we saw.
- Awesome productivity templates that are great for productivity geeks and students alike.
- Example templates and a quick setup guide make it easy to get the most out of this planner.
Main limitations
- Portrait and landscape orientations are separate listings, so you’ll have to choose which one you prefer.
- Navigation isn’t intuitive. The extra templates aren’t located directly under their respective index pages.
#caption#Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the Luxbook planner cover.
06. The Hello Gorgeous VOL.2 Digital Planner by Luxbook
Price: $20
Download: Link
Hello gorgeous! Looking for a little fun and personality in your planner? Check out the Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 planner by Luxbook.
It’s beautifully designed in black, white, and pink with marbled dividers. (Other color options are also included in the bundle.) It also includes an About Me page and other places where you can personalize and embellish your planner.
But don’t worry - you can easily delete these extra pages and collages if you prefer to stick to just the important planning pages. The planner even includes font names and HEX color codes, so you can change things to suit your preferences.
#caption#Personalize your planner by adding photos and facts on the About Me page. (Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the About Me page in the Hello Gorgeous planner.
What we really like about this planner is that it’s undated, so you can use it indefinitely. Just keep a copy of the blank PDF around to reuse each year.
However, that does come with a downside: Filling in the dates on every single page. Whew! That’ll take some time. But it’ll save you some money in the long run. (Of course, with our Pro Planner, you can get a dated planner that’s already filled in, and with lifetime updates, you’ll get a new one every year for free.)
#caption#Even though this planner is undated, the boxes on the monthly calendar are still hyperlinked to daily pages. (Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly calendar with a circle around the little blue box in the upper right corner of one of the daily squares.
Fortunately, even though the numbers aren’t there, the little squares where you’d normally see them (and where you should fill them in) are still hyperlinked! That means you’ll still be able to quickly access your daily pages from the monthly calendar.
But you won’t find any hyperlinks on the weekly pages. This is likely due to the fact that the planner includes multiple weekly templates to choose from.
#caption#The Catalog page is full of different templates that you can duplicate and move to any section in the planner. (Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Catalog page detailing the included templates in the Hello Gorgeous planner.
The Hello Gorgeous planner is highly customizable. It includes twenty-two weekly layout options that you can choose from to create a planner best suited for you. It also includes loads of templates for every category.
Once again, setting up your planner the way you like is going to take some time. These templates are all lumped together in one section, so you’ll need to duplicate and copy/paste them into your desired location.
While these templates cover various categories, you’ll have to use the eight blank dividers to create sections for these categories on your own.
When you get to the monthly calendars, you’ll find six weekly pages already loaded behind each month, so if you’d prefer a different weekly layout, you’ll also have to delete those to replace them.
#caption#Instruction pages are located through the planner at the beginning of each section, so you’ll always know exactly what to do. (Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Calendar instruction page in the Hello Gorgeous planner.
The good news is that there are instruction pages behind each divider, so as you enter a section, you’ll learn how to set it up.
You’ll also find the full, detailed instruction guide at the very end, as well as a QR code that will take you to various video walkthroughs and tutorials.
If you’re unsure how to set up your planner or want to figure out the fastest way to get everything in place, these videos will show you how. You can also follow Luxbook on Instagram for more tutorials and tips.
#caption#You can use the Home page to navigate to different dividers, including the Daily divider, where you’ll find your daily planning pages. (Image: Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Home page in the Hello Gorgeous planner.
Remember how we told you that you could click on the invisible box in the upper right corner of each day on the monthly calendar to navigate to the daily pages?
Good! Because that’s really the only way you can get to them unless you feel like doing a lot of scrolling.
In fact, they’re not even right below the weekly pages, as you’d expect. They’re located at the very bottom of the planner, with only the Help section below them.
The Home page and the Contents page do include a hyperlink to the Daily divider, but there’s no way to get to a certain date other than using the monthly calendar.
The initial setup of this planner can feel a little overwhelming, but having a customized planner that’s perfectly built to suit your needs may be worth it.
Download the Hello Gorgeous Vol. 2 Digital Planner here. If you need a more specialized planner, digital stickers, extra templates, and more, check out the Luxbook shop here.
Coolest features
- Undated pages allow you to use this planner forever.
- 22 weekly layout options, so you can completely customize the planner to your needs.
- Adds more space for personalization for those who prefer to have some embellishments.
Main limitations
- Setup isn’t consistent. The monthly pages start on Sunday, but the weekly pages start on Monday.
- Weekly pages aren’t linked to the monthly calendar, but they’re located right after it.
- Requires lots of time and effort upfront to set it up the way you want.
#caption#Image: The Planners Collective / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the first page of The Planners Collective planner.
07. The Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective
Price: $26.67
Download: Link
If you like the idea of a fully customizable planner, but you’d prefer something a little more neutral in design than the Hello Gorgeous planner, the Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective might be just the one for you.
It really is the most customizable planner, with 192 possible variations! And it only takes a few minutes to set up through the interactive planner builder.
With 2024, 2025, and an undated calendar, you’ll have everything you need to plan out your life for (literal) years to come!
#caption#The Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective allows you to choose your ring color, tab color, and much more to completely customize your planner. (Image: The Planners Collective / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Dashboard page in the Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective.
This planner is designed to look like a paper planner, with a two-page spread and a ring binder in the middle.
When you’re using the interactive planner builder, you’ll get plenty of options. Some of these include:
- Ring color.
- Tab color.
- Start day.
- Weekly template.
- Daily template.
The only downside to this is that once you’ve made your choices, you’re locked in - unless you want to go through and download a whole new planner.
#caption#The Lifestyle index page includes hyperlinks to all the included templates available for that category, and it’s easy to access by tapping on the house icon at the top of any page. (Image: The Planners Collective / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Lifestyle index page in the Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective.
The Planners Collective has included everything you could possibly ask for in this planner, with sections and templates for all the obvious categories, such as Lifestyle, Wellness, Health & Fitness, Finance, and Productivity.
Plus, there are five custom tabs for any extras you may need and nine different templates you can use to fill these sections.
Most planners include an index page for easy navigation to these types of specialty sections, but you won’t find that here. Fortunately, it’s not really necessary because there are tabs and icons available on every page to take you where you need to go.
And, if for some reason you can’t seem to figure it out on your own, there are video walkthroughs included in your downloads to help you set up and use this planner.
#caption#Featuring a two-page spread, the Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective keeps all your daily information visible at the same time. (Image: The Planners Collective / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the daily pages in the Custom Digital Planner by The Planners Collective.
Another thing that we really like about this Custom Digital Planner is the versatile daily pages. Like some of the other planners that feature a two-page spread, you’ll have a lot more space to plan your daily activities and tasks.
In this planner, the left page will help you stay productive, while the right page is different based on your chosen layout.
Here at Paperlike, we prefer a more structured format, so the planner format we chose to test focuses more on both mental and physical health. However, if you’d rather have a lined page for notes with some blank space to doodle, you can choose that option instead.
#caption#This planner looks just like a traditional paper planner, and it even moves the tabs from one side to the other as if you’re actually turning the pages. (Image: The Planners Collective / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly calendar with a red arrow pointing from the July tab on the right to the June tab on the left.
One of the things that we found interesting was that although this planner looks like a traditional paper planner, it doesn’t really follow the same format or organizational structure that you’d typically see in one.
If you prefer being able to scroll through the pages, you’re going to be a little confused!
For example, you’ll find the Month at a Glance and Monthly Review pages near the top of the planner, but then you’ve got a Notes section and templates before you actually get to the Monthly Calendar page and the Weekly and Daily pages.
That being said, with all the clickable hyperlinks, this may not be a huge issue.
What we really like about this particular planner is that the interactive planner builder makes it easy to get the exact planner setup that you prefer. You may still have to do a little copying and pasting in the custom sections, but for the most part, you’re all set to start planning once you’ve downloaded your planner.
Download The Custom Digital Planner here.
Coolest features
- Only option that offers both dated and undated planners to maximize your usage.
- Video walkthroughs for setup help you make the most of this planner.
- Extremely adjustable and customizable, so you can get exactly what you need.
Main limitations
- Possibly overwhelming due to all the customization options.
- Tab separation is hard to see if you choose any color besides the rainbow option.
- Order of the pages is a little weird, so it may not be the best if you prefer to be able to scroll through and work rather than using the links.
#caption#Image: Digital Coloring Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the Digital Coloring Planner sitting on a desk with a phone, colored tape, colored pencils, clips, and a post-it surrounding it.
08. 2024 Digital Coloring Planner by Sarah Renae Clark
Price: $20
Download: Link
One of the most unique planners, the Digital Coloring Planner mixes relaxation with productivity in a way that makes sense.
Coloring is a great way to relieve stress and has other benefits as well, so why not add it to your planning routine?
Each page of this planner has something to color but still leaves plenty of space to plan out your year. Each month has its own theme, so it’s easy to tell where you are when you’re scrolling through the pages.
#caption#The Coloring Planner uses the look of a traditional paper planner with a two-page spread and spiral binder. (Image: Digital Coloring Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a weekly calendar on a two-page spread with a spiral binder dividing the pages of the Coloring Planner.
It’s also designed just like a paper planner, with a two-page spread and a spiral binder in the middle. What we like about the double page is that it allows you to get the full picture for each section. But that also means that everything is smaller, so you’ll need to zoom in to write or color effectively.
You’ll find month tabs on either side of the page to quickly navigate to different sections and tabs at the top to get to the specialty pages.
Unfortunately, that’s where the navigation ends. There are no other hyperlinks anywhere in this planner, so you’ll have to scroll through the monthly pages to get to the correct weekly page for planning.
#caption#The Coloring Planner includes six pages of monthly planning. (Image: Digital Coloring Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of one of the three monthly planning pages in The Digital Coloring Planner.
The Coloring Planner includes five templates for monthly planning. The standard monthly calendar covers two pages to give you a little more space to fill in your events.
You’ll also have an overview page where you can fill in important dates, your projects and tasks, and more. Next to the overview, you’ll have a whole page to fill in your goals for the month. There’s also a little extra space for notes at the bottom.
At the end of each month, you’ll find a page to write down memories from the month or add images. There’s also a guided reflection page to help get you ready for the next month.
#caption#You can use this extra page for anything you like, including daily planning, if you wish. (Image: Digital Coloring Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a grid page and a coloring page in the Coloring Planner.
As a bonus, there are also extra pages between each month to take notes and color, allowing you to fit in additional details that don’t belong elsewhere.
One of the major downsides to this Digital Coloring Planner is that it doesn’t contain any daily planning pages. If you just need something to fill in monthly and weekly plans, that may not matter so much, but if you’re more detail-oriented, it could be a dealbreaker.
As a workaround, you could use those extra pages at the end of each section to plan out your days. You’d have to copy and paste as many as you need, but that gives you the opportunity to choose where in the planner to place them.
#caption#Fill in all your contacts on this page and use the smiley face tab at the top to quickly navigate to your list. (Image: Digital Coloring Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Contacts page in the Coloring Planner.
This planner also doesn’t include much in the way of specialty templates. You’ll find a place to fill in your contacts and two customizable sections, but that’s it.
Sarah Renae Clark does include colorable stickers and frames to embellish your planner, which is a nice addition.
If you’re the type that wants to get all your planning done quickly, and you don’t care about personalizing or decorating your planner, this may not be the one for you.
However, if planning feels pretty stressful, being able to color and decorate as you work might be just the thing you need.
Download the 2024 Digital Coloring Planner here and check out some great coloring and art supply tips and reviews on Sarah Renae Clark’s YouTube channel.
Coolest features
- Every page has something to color, and the designs are themed for each month.
- Has extra note pages and coloring pages loaded between sections for anything extra you may need.
- Includes stickers and frames to color and use in your planner.
Main limitations
- Lacks daily pages, so it’s best for less detailed planners.
- Only uses tabs for navigation, no hyperlinks, and the tabs are separated into two sections.
- Double page spread offers less space and makes everything smaller, which is especially difficult for coloring or planning without zooming in.
#caption#Image: Thiss Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of planner cover by Thiss Planner.
09. Undated Digital Planner by Thiss Planner
Price: $11.90
Download: Portrait | Landscape
When you’re paying for a planner, you run the risk of hating the setup once you start using it. That’s where this Undated Digital Planner by Thiss Planner comes in.
You can download a free sample to test it out and get a feel for it before you commit to the purchase.
#caption#This planner has templates and pages for every category. It even has extra notebooks and sections to work on projects or goals. (Image: Thiss Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Home Page in the Undated Digital Planner by Thiss Planner.
Another undated option, this is one planner that you can use forever. And if you’re serious about getting your life on track, it also has everything you’ll need to help you get there.
It’s chock-full of templates for every category, from wellness and lifestyle to finance and productivity. And you’ll even have eight notebooks to customize with the included eight notepaper templates.
#caption#Utilize the Goal Planner to help you create realistic and manageable steps to achieve your goals. (Image: Thiss Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Goal Planner in the Undated Digital Planner by Thiss Planner.
The best part?
You can set yourself up for success by utilizing the ten goal planners and ten project planners.
On your Goal Planner, you can break down your goal into actionable steps that’ll help you get there. It even has prompts to get you thinking about why this goal is important to you and what your reward will be once you achieve it.
The Project Planner page is set up similarly, with a section to break your project down into smaller tasks and set deadlines.
#caption#Plan out your month and use the tabs and hyperlinks to navigate to your weekly, daily, and specialty pages. (Image: Thiss Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly calendar in the Undated Planner by Thiss Planner.
Navigation is pretty straightforward, for the most part. You’ll find tabs and icons to take you wherever you need to go. And you can always hit the tab with the three bars at the top of the page to take you back to the Index.
However, trying to get to your daily pages is a little tricky at first. On the monthly calendar, you can see a little box for the date in the upper left corner of each square. Usually, this is where you’d find your hyperlinks to the daily pages.
Not so, in this case!
Because the calendar is undated, it wouldn’t make sense to have to link to all 35 boxes. Instead, you’ll see a little number bar at the top of the calendar, which is where you’ll find navigation to those daily pages.
Weekly pages are similar, with a box of numbers on the bottom right of the page.
#caption#Use this daily page to map out your plans and tasks for the day, then click on the Daily Check-In button at the top to fill in your self-care routine. (Image: Thiss Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Daily Planner page in the Undated Digital Planner by Thiss Planner.
There are also multiple monthly, weekly, and daily pages. Unlike other planners that have multiple templates, you don’t have to choose the one you prefer. All templates are set up and usable, with hyperlinks to navigate through them.
For example, there are two daily pages: the Daily Planner and the Daily Check-In. The planner page is straightforward and allows you to plan your tasks and to-dos for the day. The check-in page is centered around mental and physical health.
These pages aren’t back to back, so you can’t just scroll to the next one to continue planning. You’d have to scroll through all the daily planners to get to the daily check-in pages.
Fortunately, these pages are linked to each other. You’ll see the names of each at the top of the page, with the current one in bold, so you can easily jump back and forth.
As a bonus, you’ll also get plenty of cover options and stickers to help personalize, decorate, and embellish your planner.
These extras, the reusability, and the ability to test out the planner first make this one a great choice for anyone who’s leery of spending a lot of money.
Download the Undated Digital Planner Portrait here or Landscape here.
Coolest features
- Offers a free sample, so you can test it out before purchasing.
- Undated, so you can use it forever.
- Plenty of extra sections for customization and specialty planning.
Main limitations
- Daily page links aren’t intuitive. Instead of clicking on the box with the date, you’ll find the daily links on a number bar at the top of the monthly pages and on the mini calendar at the bottom of the weekly pages.
- Portrait and landscape orientations are separate offerings, so you’ll have to choose which you prefer.
- Upkeep required. You’ll have to fill out the dates every year, which is time-intensive. Plus, you’ll need to make sure to keep a blank copy so you have a clean slate to work with.
#caption#Image: Dream Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the first page in the PaperNRoses Dream Life Planner.
10. 2024 Dream Life Planner by PaperNRoses
Price: $29.97
Download: Link
If you want a personal and a business planner that can not only help you keep track of your schedule but also help you build your dream life, PaperNRoses has got you covered.
Filled with specialty templates that cover every aspect of your life, you’ll be able to set goals, finish up projects, schedule your social media content, work on your physical and mental health, and so much more.
#caption#The Dream Life Planner’s index page can take you anywhere you need to go. Plus, you can click on the coils in the center to navigate back to this page from anywhere in the planner. (Image: Dream Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the index page in the Dream Life Planner by PaperNRoses.
The Dream Life Planner has the most extensive set of tabs and hyperlinking for easy navigation throughout. Tabs cover the top, sides, and bottom of the double pages, and any page that doesn’t have a tab can be accessed through the Index page.
One of our favorite things about this planner is the fact that you can click on the coils in the center of every page to quickly jump back to the Index page. We haven’t seen this in any other planner, and it’s extremely convenient for navigation.
#caption#PaperNRoses includes mindset templates, such as gratitude and affirmations, to keep you inspired and in a healthy mindset. (Image: Dream Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the gratitude template in the Dream Life Planner by PaperNRoses.
While some planners have a small spot on the daily pages for affirmations, the Dream Life Planner offers an entire two-page spread for these. It also includes templates for other mindset categories, such as gratitude and reflection.
It even includes a 1 Line a Day page that allows you to write down a memory or something special that happened each day. We’ve seen separate journals just for this in the past, and it’s a really cool thing to look back on in the future.
#caption#The weekly page can help you block out your schedule for each day, and it also includes spaces for extra planning and reflection. (Image: Dream Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the weekly schedule template in the Dream Life Planner by PaperNRoses.
You have two options when it comes to your weekly planning: an hourly or vertical template. Both are included in the planner, and it’s nice to be able to look at your week in a different way.
However, both templates include extras around the sides, such as the habit tracker, budget, gratitude, reflections, and more, so you don’t really need both. It’s just about whether you prefer writing in the times for your tasks or events or having a timeslot for them.
#caption#The Daily Dashboard is spread across two pages, with space for your schedule, as well as a bunch of extras. (Image: Dream Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the daily pages in the Dream Life Planner by PaperNRoses.
Like some of our other favorite planners, the Dream Life Planner has a two-page spread for your daily schedule. It includes the usual timeslots and space for your top three daily tasks, as well as personal and work to-dos and subtasks.
The structured layout also includes sections for meals, movement, gratitude, random notes, and more. It even has a hydration tracker and a mood tracker at the bottom. This is one of the most comprehensive daily pages we’ve seen, and we love it!
The Dream Life Planner is an inspirational planner with plenty of extra templates, so it’s great for anyone who is goal-oriented and intent on building the life they’ve always wanted.
Download the 2024 Dream Life Planner here and check out the PaperNRoses YouTube channel for tutorials and tips.
Coolest features
- Focused on building your dream life with templates and action plans for every aspect of your life.
- Awesome mindset templates to keep you inspired and mentally healthy.
- Hyperlink on the coils for easy access to the Index page.
Main limitations
- Requires a bit of time and effort upfront to set up the specialty sections.
- Very detailed, which is great for some people but could be overwhelming for others.
#caption#Image: Muji-Inspired Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the cover of the Muji-Inspired Planner in blue.
11. Muji-Inspired Planner by coffeecloud9
Price: $9.99
Download: Link
If you prefer a basic planner that allows you to quickly jot down your tasks for the month or the week, coffeecloud9’s Muji-Inspired Planner is a great choice.
It comes with four different color options, but this mostly only changes your covers, as the rest of the pages change colors throughout the planner.
#caption#With large boxes for each day, you’ll have plenty of space to map out your week. (Image: Muji-Inspired Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a weekly planning page in the Muji-Inspired Planner.
The Muji-Inspired Planner is pretty much dedicated to weekly planning, as the monthly pages just have a box for each day, and there are no daily pages included.
However, the weekly pages offer nice, big boxes for each day, as well as lines for your goals and extra notes on the right.
While it may seem pretty basic, it uses fun colors and cute designs and also includes tons of stickers, memo pads, and extra inserts to help bring your planning to life.
#caption#Each month has its own weekly index page with hyperlinks to the weekly pages within that month. ((Image: Muji-Inspired Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the March Weeklies page in the Muji-Inspired Planner.
The downside is that the functionality and navigation aren’t as easy as you’d expect. There is an index page with hyperlinks, but there’s no way to get to the index page from any of the other pages.
The yearly page has hyperlinks to each month, but there aren’t any links on the monthly pages. You’ll have to scroll past them all to reach the Weekly Planner index page. From here, you can click on numbers 1-12 (representing the months), and you’ll be taken to the corresponding month’s weekly index page.
Sound a little difficult? It can be. We found that it’s actually much easier to just use the navigation system within Goodnotes (or your preferred app) to quickly get where you need to go.
Fortunately, the monthly and weekly pages are color-coordinated, which makes it easy to know where you are if you’re just scrolling through the planner.
#caption#These reading logs even have a spot to add the cover image of each of the books you read, creating a nice visual log. (Image: Muji-Inspired Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the two reading log pages in the Muji-Inspired Planner.
Most minimalist planners just include the basics, so we like that the Muji-Inspired Planner also has templates for a reading log and a notebook section.
Unlike most reading tracker templates we’ve found, this planner gives you two pages. One page is the standard log where you can fill in the title and author of each book, and the other page lets you add images of the book covers for a more visual log.
The notebook section has a front cover and back cover, so you could easily duplicate these to create as many notebooks as you’d like. You can then choose from the four note page templates to fill these sections.
For those who just like to plan a quick overview for each month and week, this planner is a great choice.
Download the Muji-Inspired Planner here.
Coolest features
- Simple and minimalist design for those who prefer a less complex setup.
- Color-coordinated monthly and weekly pages, so you can easily tell where you are in the planner when scrolling.
- Reading log allows you to set goals and track your progress.
Main limitations
- Lacks daily pages, so it’s best for less-detailed planning.
- Navigation can be difficult. You’ll need to rely on your notetaking app’s outline or navigation system if you don’t want to scroll through the pages.
#caption#Image: 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the cover of the 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner by Laurel Studio Design.
12. 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner by Laurel Studio Design
Price: $24.99
Download: Link
Ready to achieve your goals? If so, the Ultimate Goal Planner may be the perfect planner to suit your needs.
This planner places extra emphasis on goal clarity and planning — to the point that there are over 60 pages at the beginning of the PDF to help you get everything mapped out!
#caption#Use the Goal Clarity Roadmap to get down to the details of your goal planning. (Image: 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Goal Clarity Roadmap in the Ultimate Goal Planner.
There are instructional pages explaining how to use each of the different goal-planning pages, and there’s even a Goal Clarity Roadmap that guides you through the goal-setting process.
The Ultimate Goal Planner also comes with 24 customizable sections, so you’ll definitely want to check out the video tutorial located on the first page of the planner to get everything set up.
But, while that might feel a little bit tedious, the payoff is worth it. Once you know how to use this planner, you may never need another one.
#caption#You’ll get templates galore with the Ultimate Goal Planner. (Image: 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Template Pages index in the Ultimate Goal Planner.
After the setup is complete, you’ll be presented with a selection of template pages that you can use to design the perfect planner.
Of course, the planner templates are completely separate from the pages that you’ll use for daily planning. You’ll find those along the right-hand side of any page, listed in vertical-chronological order.
#caption#For both months and weeks, you’ll have multiple page layouts to map out your time. (Image: 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a weekly calendar page in the Ultimate Goal Planner.
The monthly calendar, weekly, and daily pages are where you’re likely to spend most of your time planning out your days. But, while the daily planner is pretty straightforward, the monthly and weekly planners can be a little overwhelming at first due to the multiple layouts.
One important navigation tip here: On the monthly and weekly pages, you’ll find a more comprehensive navigation bar at the top of the page. These hyperlinks will take you to the six different planning pages available for more comprehensive monthly and weekly planning.
The only potential drawback comes down to your level of commitment. More than any other planner we reviewed, the Ultimate Goal Planner feels very much like a “build-as-you-go” planner that requires heavy customization and an elongated setup process to fully take advantage of the extra sections.
The designers compensate for this with good documentation (including video tutorials!), but if you’re not in the mood to build the planner you want to use, another option from our list might make more sense.
Download the 2024 Ultimate Goal Planner here.
Coolest features
- Goals-focused approach to planning with over 60 pages dedicated solely to this purpose.
- 24 customizable sections with tons of page templates to fill them.
- Comprehensive walkthrough and setup so that you can set up everything just the way you want.
Main limitations
- Requires a lot of time investment to get it set up the way you want.
- Very plain design, so if you prefer a little more color, you’ll have to liven it up with colored ink and stickers.
#caption#(Image: Hello Brio Minimal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Quarterly Goals page in the Minimal Planner.
13. Minimal Planner - Light Neutral by Hello Brio
Price: $10
Download: Light
If you love bullet journaling, Hello Brio’s Minimal Planner may be exactly what you need. Its simple and minimalistic design gives you the space you need to plan the way you prefer.
The comfortable, boxy layout with a dotted background offers plenty of room and keeps things neat and organized.
#caption#The monthly planning page has space for your goals and a place to map out each week. (Image: Hello Brio Minimal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the monthly planning page in the Minimal Planner by Hello Brio.
The Minimal Planner by Hello Brio includes nine different planning templates, including two quarterly pages, one monthly, five weekly pages, and one daily page.
Unfortunately, these all come as separate PDFs, so putting the planner together is a bit of a slog. Once you’ve got the PDFs in your Files app on your iPad, you can select them all and share them to Notability as a single note (watch the video tutorial), but most other notetaking apps, like Goodnotes, will still import them as separate documents.
Even in Notability, you’ll only get one copy of each in your note, so you’ll have to duplicate each page numerous times to get everything you need.
For the monthly pages, that’s not bad, but having to add 364 extra daily pages is going to take you some time.
#caption#The Week at a Glance page offers a little of everything, allowing you to get a good grasp on your time. (Image: Hello Brio Minimal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Week at a Glance page in the Minimal Planner by Hello Brio.
The good news is that you get to organize the planner any way you like. With ALL of the other planners we’ve reviewed, you’re stuck with the built-in setup, unless you want to spend a lot of time copy/pasting and moving pages around.
The Minimal Planner allows you to build the planner in a way that makes sense to you. This is great because it likely means that you can just scroll through as you go, and you won’t have to jump around to different pages each time you open the planner.
Plus, it comes with five weekly pages, each of which offers something unique. The Week at a Glance and Weekly Planner pages are perfect for getting a general overview of your week, while the Weekly Schedule and Weekly Tasks pages help you get down to the details.
The final page is your Weekly Review, which helps you reflect on your time and move anything that didn’t get done to the next week.
#caption#The Daily Planner pages have extra boxes at the top, which you can use however you’d like. (Image: Hello Brio Minimal Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the Daily Planner in the Minimal Planner by Hello Brio.
We also found the Daily Planner to be super useful. It has time slots and a space for your tasks, but it also leaves a lot of blank boxes and space for notes, so you have the ability to do a little bit of customization.
For example, if you’re goal-oriented, you could use one of the top boxes to list your goals. If you’re more concerned about health-related topics, you could use that space to list out your meals or workouts. Essentially, you have a place for whatever you prioritize in your own life, instead of labeled boxes that you may not use.
If you love the freedom and flexibility of a bullet journal but want a tad more structure to avoid having to draw the same layouts over and over, this planner is for you.
Get the Minimal Planner by Hello Brio in Light Neutral here.
Coolest features
- Video tutorials to help you get everything set up.
- Flexibility of a bullet journal in planner form. The open-ended, freeform style lets you create the planner your way.
- Five weekly templates to help you make the most out of your time.
Main limitations
- Comes as nine separate planner templates, so you’ll have to build the planner yourself.
- No navigation due to the fact that you’re building the planner yourself.
- No extra templates for specialty pages or notes.
#caption#Image: Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike
#alt#Image of the cover of the Life Planner by Breezy Organization.
14. 2024 Life Planner by Breezy Organization
Price: $23.99
Download: Landscape | Portrait
Want to make organizing your life a breeze? Then the Life Planner by Breezy Organization is the perfect planner for you.
With 20 extra sections to use as you please and tons of tabs and hyperlinks for simple and quick navigation, you’ll have your whole year planned out in no time.
#caption#The Life Planner comes with widgets that you can add to any page. (Image: Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the widgets in the Life Planner by Breezy Organization.
One of the most unique things about this planner is that it comes with widgets. These are similar to stickers (and this planner comes with those, too), but they allow you to add extra lists and tasks to any page of the planner.
The Life Planner is designed to be customizable, so there are blank spaces and areas on each page where you can add these widgets or write in whatever you need.
#caption#You can use the extra sections for whatever you like, and even break them down further into three subsections. (Image: Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the section index page in the Life Planner by Breezy Organization.
Instead of creating sections for projects or different life categories, this planner has 20 blank sections that you can customize however you’d like.
The index page allows you to write in the name for each section and includes note paper templates that you can use to fill them. Each section also has an index page of its own, but you can only access these from the main index page. And oddly enough, the tab for the index page in the Landscape version isn’t obvious. Instead, it’s located right in the middle of the monthly tabs.
Each section also has three hyperlinked pages, allowing you to really drill down into whatever category you’re using it for.
For example, let’s say you wanted a section dedicated to your health. You could then label the three hyperlinked pages something like exercise, diet, and mental health. Behind each of these, you can add as many extra pages as you need to keep track of and maintain these areas.
The possibilities are endless, and Breezy Organization also offers all kinds of extra templates and inserts to help you better organize these sections.
#caption#Both monthly and weekly pages allow you to navigate to the specialty pages and offer Quick Links to add events to your Apple or Google Calendar. (Image: Life Planner / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly page in the Life Planner by Breezy Organization with red rectangles circling the different icons and descriptions with arrows pointing to each.
Of course, you’ll also have all the standard planning pages you’d expect, including a yearly overview and monthly, weekly, and daily pages.
Each monthly and weekly page also includes icons to take you to monthly finance pages, notes, and vision boards. You’ll also see two little plus signs underneath those icons that allow you to add events directly into your Apple or Google Calendar.
The monthly pages also have hyperlinks to the weekly pages (the black dots on the left) and to the daily pages (each date), so you can quickly jump to whatever page you need.
You’ll also see a little checkmark tab at the bottom left of the planner. This will take you to your goal page, where you can track your goals, add in the action steps you plan to take, and make any extra notes you need.
With a little bit of everything and customizable sections, it should be easy to keep on top of every aspect of your life.
Download the Life Planner in Landscape or Portrait from the Breezy Organization website or on Etsy.
Coolest features
- Tons of extras, including 20 customizable sections, a goal tracker, monthly finance pages, and more.
- Comes with stickers and widgets to help you bring your planner to life.
- Quick Links to add events in Apple Calendar, reminders on iOS, and events in your Google calendar.
Main limitations
- Initial learning curve due to the plethora of icons and features, so it’ll take some time to figure it all out.
- Navigation isn’t intuitive. The index tab is in the middle of the month tabs, and it really only links to the extra sections. You’ll need to learn what all the icons are before you can really get around the planner.
- Portrait and landscape options sold separately, so you’ll need to decide which you prefer ahead of time.
#caption#(Image: Digital Planner by Noteamine / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the planner cover for the Digital Planner by Noteamine.
15. 2024 Digital Planner by Noteamine
Price: $15.73
Download: Link
Need help with reflecting on and assessing the different areas of your life? The Digital Planner by Noteamine can help.
The first 23 pages (after the cover and index page) contain instructions, guided prompts, and worksheets to help you understand your core values and map out your goals, habits, and routines for the year.
#caption#Noteamine’s Digital Planner includes an extensive collection of reflection and goal-setting pages to help you understand your values and how to plan for them. (Image: Digital Planner by Noteamine / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the introductory page to the reflection and goal-setting section of the Digital Planner by Noteamine.
Reflection doesn’t always come easily for everyone, so we appreciate that this planner offers guided questions and prompts to help you through the process, instead of just leaving blank space to fill in on your own.
There’s even a Life Assessment section, which we haven’t seen in many other planners, which can give you a good overview of what areas in your life you’d like to improve.
You’ll have room for eight goals (you can always duplicate the pages to add more), and each goal has a page for details and a page for reflection.
#caption#You’ll find plenty of extra templates covering a range of topics in the Digital Planner by Noteamine. (Image: Digital Planner by Noteamine / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of the templates dashboard in the Digital Planner by Noteamine.
The Digital Planner by Noteamine also includes 12 customizable notebook sections that you can fill with any of the 12 notepaper styles or 30+ extra page templates.
From productivity and finances to health, food, and other miscellaneous categories, you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
Navigation is also simple and easy, with tabs and hyperlinks to take you anywhere you need to go. You can even choose between two navigation styles in the initial planner setup, although Style 2 makes the most sense because Style 1 is missing tabs for each month.
#caption#There are hyperlinks throughout the planner that let you easily jump to whatever page you need. (Image: Digital Planner by Noteamine / Screenshot by Lindsay Armstrong / Paperlike)
#alt#Image of a monthly page in the Digital Planner by Noteamine with red rectangles or circles around different hyperlinks.
The Digital Planner by Noteamine makes planning easy, with two yearly pages, three monthly pages, three weekly pages, and your choice between four daily layouts.
You can check out Noteamine’s YouTube video, which guides you through the process of downloading and setting up your new planner the way you want. Besides choosing your favorite daily layout, you can also choose between Monday or Sunday start, Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or no integrations, and navigation styles.
You can even check out a sample planner ahead of time to see if you like it before you make your purchase.
With 400+ bonus stickers and covers included, you’ll be able to customize and decorate your planner any way you like.
Download the Digital Planner by Noteamine here.
Coolest features
- Extensive reflection and goal-setting pages, which include thoughtful prompts to guide you through the process.
- Offers a sample planner, so you can give it a try and see if you like it before you commit.
- Comes with 400+ bonus stickers and covers, so you can get really creative in your planning.
Main limitations
- Upfront time investment to get all the extra notebooks and templates arranged the way you want.
- Only available in portrait, so if you prefer landscape, this may not be for you.
- Difficult to switch up your layout because you have to download a whole new planner with different options.
#caption#Image: Paperlike
#alt#A woman standing in a home office writes on an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
FAQ
What tools do I need in order to use a digital planner?
Digital planners aren’t that different from paper planners, but there are a few extra tools you need to help you get the most out of them.
Most importantly, you’ll need a digital tablet, a stylus, and a notetaking app to interact with your digital planner.
Here at Paperlike, we love using an iPad and Apple Pencil. We’d also recommend pencil grips (for comfort and precision) and a Paperlike (for a natural writing experience).
There are plenty of options for notetaking apps, but our top favorites include Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf. You’ll find that many digital planners are designed with the Goodnotes app in mind, but any notetaking app that allows you to import PDFs for editing will work.
Most notetaking apps are designed to work on iOS devices, but you should be able to find at least a couple, such as Evernote and OneNote, that work on Windows or Android devices.
Digital planner vs. paper planner: Which one is better?
Both paper and digital planners serve the same purpose, but each has upsides and downsides.
Paper planners offer a distraction-free workspace to focus on mapping out your time. Because they’re not on a screen, you won’t be tempted to check your messages or notifications in the middle of a planning session.
However, paper planners can’t be reused, so you’ll need to replace them yearly. They can also be big and bulky, so carrying them around is a bit of a pain.
Digital planners solve some of these issues. Many are undated, so you can duplicate them to reuse them each year. Since they’re digital, you’ll only need access to your notetaking app to use them, meaning you won’t have to carry them around with you.
Digital planners also offer more flexibility and customization, as you can use different templates and layouts to set it up in a way that works best for you. Since digital planners come in a .PDF file, they’re also printable, so you can even use them as a paper planner.
But, there are downsides to digital planners, too. Most importantly, you’ll need to invest in an iPad or tablet if you don’t already own one. And as mentioned above, it may be easier to lose focus and get distracted when using a screen.
Ultimately, the decision is yours.
What are digital stickers?
Digital stickers are image files that are used in the same way you’d use regular stickers in a paper planner.
Goodnotes was the first notetaking app to make stickers easy to use with their Elements Tool, which allows you to save these images to the toolbar for reuse. Other notetaking apps also support stickers, but they may handle them differently.
Many of the digital planners on our list include a sticker pack, and we even have a few freebies available that you can easily import into your notetaking app.
How do I get started using a digital planner?
The first thing you’ll need to do is decide which PDF planner to purchase.
Depending on the planner you choose, you may need to use a dashboard to select your preferred setup and layout to download your planner.
Next, you’ll need to import the PDF to your notetaking app. Each app handles this a little differently, but most have an import button that you’ll use.
The majority of planners include instructions on how to navigate through the download and importing process. The instructions should also show you how to access any extras included and how to use the planner once you’ve added it to your preferred app.
How does navigation work with PDF planners?
PDF planners usually offer two different types of navigation.
Tabs along the side or top of each page will take you to the available sections of the planner, including tabs for each month and specialty categories.
Hyperlinks are also commonly used throughout the planner to take you directly to specific pages.
Keep in mind that hyperlinks only work when you’re in “read-only” mode. They are usually disabled in “edit” mode so that you can write and mark up your planner without accidentally tapping a link and jumping to a different page.
Use the hyperlinks to navigate to the page you need, and then switch back to “edit” mode to start planning.
Where can I shop for digital planners?
While we’ve researched and featured some of the best digital planners for 2024, there are hundreds (thousands?) of designs and layouts available today.
Search the internet for digital planners, and you’ll find a few options available on dedicated websites.
If you’re looking for a good variety of digital planners to peruse and compare, Etsy is your best bet.
You’ll find hundreds of options, and many designers will have other offerings as well, such as extra sticker books, templates, journals, and more.
What about digital planning apps?
PDF planners aren’t the only available digital planners out there. You can also choose to use a specific planner app.
Some of the most popular digital planner apps include:
- Artful Agenda.
- Pencil Planner & Calendar Pro.
- Planner & Journal - Zinnia.
- Structured - Daily Planner.
- Planner Pro - Daily Planner.
- Fabulous: Daily Habit Tracker.
You’ll need to check compatibility with your devices, as many of them may only work on newer versions of the iPad operating system. Some may even offer cross-compatibility with your iPhone or Apple Watch and sync in real time across devices.
If you don’t need a full-blown planner, you can also find apps that are designed as task managers, like Todoist.
What else do I need for digital planning?
Digital planning takes a lot of time and effort, so we’d recommend you use the Screen Protector by Paperlike.
Writing on a glass surface can be a pain as your stylus slips and slides. Our Screen Protector adds friction and stroke resistance to make writing on your iPad feel just like writing on paper.
Not only is this much more comfortable, but it also helps you keep your handwriting neat and precise.
To reduce hand fatigue, you might also want to check out our Pencil Grips. The Maximum Comfort grip is the perfect accessory for long writing and planning sessions.
#caption#Image: Paperlike
#alt#Image of three iPads, each showing a different page or version of Paperlike’s Digital Planner.
Pick up Paperlike’s Digital Planner today!
Now that you know all about digital planning and your options, it’s time to get started!
If you’ve never used a planner before, we’d recommend trying out our Free Digital Planner. It’s simple and easy to use, and it’s free.
We’re constantly releasing goodies and freebies, too! Sign up for the newsletter and join the Paperlike community to learn more.