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What is a Digital Planner?

Digital planners have been a hot topic of discussion for quite some time now. As the world advances technologically, so do our devices and their functions. These planners are the perfect tools to help you stay organized and keep your life in check! They can come with multiple calendar views that allow you to see your schedule at a glance, as well as features that help you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.

Today I want to take a closer look at what digital planners are, and how to use them.

Why Use a Digital Planner?

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Digital planners make it easy to have multiple planners and notebooks all in one place. It is also easy to make sure you’ll never lose your planner by backing up your digital device regularly.

Let me say, I was a digital planner skeptic, and refused to even try one for years and years. I love my paper planners and bullet journals, but I’ve noticed lately they don’t always fit into my life they way I need them to.

Lately, it has been easier to grab my iPad and have access to my thoughts and planners all in one space. My digital planner hasn’t replaced my paper planners, but it has become something that augments them and honestly makes things way easier and more productive for me.

So, let’s get down to basics, and talk more about digital planners.

What is a digital planner?

Digital planners live on a type of electronic device that are very similar to physical planners, but are entirely digital. Digital planners have been around for years now so there are plenty of options available on the market.

You can get various digital planner templates that allow you to quickly create lists and set goals without too much effort; this is perfect for anyone who struggles with organizing themselves or setting long-term goals. It’s also nice to be able to have many different types of planners on a single device.

There’s a few downsides to digital planners.

You have to keep them charged! A digital planner is no good if you can’t turn it on! You also need to make sure that you have a stylus for your device so you can write on it.

If you’re someone like me who enjoys the feel of writing and paper, then you’ll notice that is all but gone when it comes to a digital planner.

You’ll also need an electronic device to use a digital planner, such as a tablet. I use an iPad.

Should I use a digital planner?

Digital planners are a great tool to keep organized and on track. Digital planners also allow you to produce print-outs, so you can get that paper feel and printed schedule if that is what works best for you.

Since digital planners are on an electronic device, there are a ton more features at your fingertips compared to a paper planner. Things like like alarms, timers or all your important information together in one place – it’s really hard to forget or misplace something that is digitally stored. Digital planners are super convenient for anyone who travels extensively so they don’t need to carry or misplace paper.

What should be included in a digital planner?

Digital planners should be set up with customized calendars and to-do lists that match your needs. Start with layouts you’re used to using in your paper planner, such as daily, weekly, and monthly views.

The great part of a digital planning is that you can try things you never have before when it comes to layouts, and you can very simply add a new page to be a habit tracker.

Here are some ideas on what to use in your planner:

  • Daily layouts
  • Daily tasks
  • Daily schedules
  • Weekly layouts
  • Monthly layouts
  • Yearly layouts
  • Meal Planners
  • Budget Planners
  • Grocery Lists
  • Class schedules
  • Daily Gratitude Journal
  • Reading lists
  • Bucket lists
  • Chores lists

The best thing about a digital planner?  It is quick and easy to put anything you want in it!

What app do I use for a digital planner?

You’ll need a note taking app to get started with digital planning.

GoodNotes is the best digital planner app around, and it is for iPad/iOS. It is loaded with features and functionality – but I will admit I hesitated at the $7.99 price point.

The good news it is worth every penny and works seamlessly across iPad, iPhone and Mac!

With good notes, I set up my own notebook with dot grid paper, and began to use it as a planner immediately! It is super simple to use once you get the hang of it, and you can also add your own digital planner templates, clip art, images, and digital stickers. There’s nothing you can’t find for your digital planner!

How do I create a digital planner?

You can create your own digital planner by setting your digital notebook up just like you would your favorite planner. You can also download a ton of digital planning templates to make it super simple to use.  A digital planner template comes in the PDF format, and you add it to your note taking app.

You can also set your own fun digital planner covers!  If you’re looking for the perfect planner, you can create an amazing digital one to fit your specific needs.

Digital Planner Hacks

Because there are so many options when it comes to digital planners, it is very easy to get overwhelmed!  My adivce is to simply start with a blank GoodNotes notebook, and write down what’s top of mind and important.

If you have a paper planner, you may want to mimic your paper planner layout (either manually or with a digital template), and start using it that way.

Also create one sheet in your notebook to keep track of what you wish your planner had!  That way once you are comfortable with digital planning, you can then start to look for specific templates that meet your needs, or even create your own!

Getting Started with Digital Planners

Here’s everything you need to get started digital planning!

  • A tablet and Stylus (I love my iPad and iPad Pencil)
  • A notetaking app (I love GoodNotes!)
  • Digital planner templates (optional)

If you’re just getting started, and a bit nervous about the whole thing like I was I have something for you!  A completely free 2022 digital planner!  It looks just like a regular planner, and has daily, weekly, and monthly views – everything you need to get started!

digital planner for 2022 free download

Just click the image to get it!

I’m so happy I finally took the plunge and got started with planning on my iPad!  Stay tuned for more great stuff the more I plan!

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