Many people are still on the fence about whether they want to switch to a digital planner. What is unclear about this decision is that there are many options to choose from. Some of these include what app to use and the type of digital planners. Inside this guide, we'll take a look at how to get started with planning digitally.
What is a digital planner?
Essentially, a digital planner is a PDF document. A digital planner can be a great way to make a plan for your day, week, or month. All you have to do is download a notetaking app along with the digital planner of your choice and start planning!
How do I get started?
If you've been a traditional paper and pen planner, you might be wondering how to get started using a digital planner. There's no question that technology has changed our lives. Today, more than ever, we rely on our smartphones, tablets, and computers to do just about everything. The only question is whether you should use a digital planner and, if so, which one to use. Let’s look at a few different options and see what each one has to offer.
One of the easiest things to start with is an app on your phone. There are several to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are called Goodnotes, One Note, and Noteshelf. While some apps are available across multiple platforms some like GoodNotes are only available for iOS devices.
The benefits of using a digital planner:
Thinking of switching to digital planning? Here are the pros and cons of using a digital planner:
Pros
- Can carry multiple planners with you at all times without taking up a lot of space
- You can store all of your information in one central place
- Digital planners make it easy to be creative with your planner spreads by easily adding digital stickers and photos.
- Easily undone mistakes: there's no need for white out when you make a mistake or your plans change, you can easily erase or hit the undone button
- Potential cost savings since you can use your planner supplies like stickers and washi tape over and over again
- Easy to customize to fit your needs as there are tons of planner inserts and widgets and you can even create your own
- Syncs between devices
Cons
- Learning to use a digital planner takes some time
- Writing on a tablet is not quite the same feel as writing on paper
- Requires having your charged device with you
- Limited access to some digital planning apps depending upon your device type
- Potential data loss
- Can be costly to get started, if you don't already own a tablet or iPad
Choosing Your Digital Planner
There are so many options when it comes to digital planning and I recommend you choose a planner you can stick with for a while. Don’t get me wrong, I love planners too, I’m just saying that if you don’t plan to stay with it all year, then the extra money you spend on the planner is just an extra expense you’re adding onto your monthly budget.
If you’re looking for pre-made, PDF planners to use with your planning app there are several versions you can select from:
- Portrait
- Landscape
- Split Landscape (these are the horizontal planners with a spiral in the middle)
- Bullet Journal
- Dated
- Undated
When choosing your digital planner you want to consider what things you would like to track in your planner as well as what layouts you prefer. Also, do you prefer your planner predated or un-dated? Undated planners allow you to use them year after year; however, when starting you may find it easier to start with a dated planner.
Here are a few places where you can purchase digital planners
You can find a wide selection of digital planners online from shops like:
Before purchasing a digital planner you may want to consider taking it for trial by picking up a free digital planner. With many free versions available online, you can see if digital planning is right for you. Because digital planners are instantly downloadable most shops don't offer refunds so trying out a free digital planner or journal ensures it will work on your device. Click here to claim your FREE digital planner now.
How to Learn Digital Planning
There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to digital planning but there are a few resources to help you learn to get started using your new planner:
- Youtube: you can find plenty of videos online showing you how to set up a digital planner
- App Manuals: whatever app you choose to use for your digital planning will likely have a guide on how to use their software
- Take a class: if you want to take a quick or deep dive into digital planning you'll find courses on sites like Skillshare
In Conclusion
As we have pointed out digital planning has many benefits as well as some cons. We have seen that the benefits are largely convenience and creativity. While there are many digital planners in the market to choose from, it's important to consider your device as well as your planning style. If you are into simplicity, digital planning might not be right for you.
For example, a pen and paper planner is an excellent choice for many. However, a digital planner can be a great choice for many.