Ultimate Guide to Digital Planning for Beginners [2023]

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Still lugging around your paper planner? Wondering what this term “digital planner” is that everyone’s talking about? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Digital planning has significantly grown in popularity, especially since we’re all trying to be more eco-friendly and reduce our paper consumption.

Instead of scribbling in your paper planner and throwing it out at the end of the year, digital planners open up a whole new world of possibilities. You can reuse many planners each and every year, simply “Undo” any error you make, and completely customize your digital planner to fit your specific planning needs.

And not to mention, we carry our devices with us everywhere anyway, am I right?

So if you’re interested in ditching your paper planner and want to make better use of your iPad or tablet device, then hopping on the digital planner train might just be for you.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about digital planning, whether you’re a beginner or planning pro. You’ll learn the pros and cons of digital planning, where to buy digital planners, how to start digital planning for beginners, and some helpful tips to get the most of your digital planning experience. 

Sound good? Then let’s get started!

Digital Planning for Beginners [2022 Guide]

What is Digital Planning?

Digital planning is the use of an iPad or tablet device to replace your paper planner, bullet journal, or other physical notebook. Instead, digital planning is done via PDF annotation apps on your tablet device. These apps allow you to create custom planning spreads, handwrite using a stylus, import photos and digital stickers, and more. 

In many cases, digital planning allows you even greater flexibility in your planning than your physical planner. This is because you’re taking advantage of state-of-the-art digital note-taking apps and tools.

What is a Digital Planner?

As I said before, digital planning involves the use of PDF annotation apps. Therefore, a digital planner is a hyperlinked PDF file that you annotate on your tablet device via an app. 

Hyperlinks are an important aspect of digital planners. They are the primary way to navigate around your planner and easily allow you to skip to different sections of the file.

As for their looks, digital planners are often designed to either resemble a physical planner on screen or mimic the look of modern apps/websites. Some even use a combination of the two for an updated, hybrid look.

Portrait vs. Landscape Digital Planners

Digital planners are also available in both portrait and landscape layouts. 

Portrait planners consist of 1 planning page that fills the entire screen of your tablet. These allow you to hold your tablet in portrait orientation and write on it like you would a notepad, for example. 

Landscape planners look more like an opened planner spread and have 2 planning pages displayed on the screen. For these, you use your tablet in landscape orientation and typically zoom in on the page you’re writing.

All-in-One vs. Categorized Digital Planners

Lastly, digital planners come in all different varieties but really fall under 2 main categories — all-in-one planners or categorized planners. 

All-in-One planners are for people who want all their planning needs in one place. These include your daily/weekly/monthly planning pages, along with finance, meal, fitness, productivity, habit tracking, etc. As you can imagine, all-in-one digital planners often include hundreds of pages but make it so you only need 1 digital planner for everything.

Alternatively, categorized digital planners are used for planning and organizing specific aspects of your life. For example, digital budget planners will include all the templates you could possibly need to organize your finances. Digital fitness planners will do the same for your health and exercise tracking.

One benefit to categorized digital planners is that they’ll often provide more in-depth tracking capabilities. This means you’ll often get more planning templates and spreads that allow you to really dive deep into that particular niche than you would in an all-in-one.  

Which you choose ultimately comes down to your own personal planning preferences. If a massive all-in-one planner sounds overwhelming to you, then you might want separate planners for different areas of your life. Or, if having a one-stop-shop planner that covers a little bit of everything sounds appealing, then all-in-ones are a great fit.

Paper vs. Digital Planning

Traditional paper planning has been around for centuries. And still to this day, enthusiastic bullet journal-ers and stationery fanatics (hey, I’m one too!) live on and continually share their unique planning spreads on social media.

And since my paper planner and I were inseparable for years, I can’t in good conscience definitively say that one form of planning is better than the other.

Rather, when comparing paper vs digital planning it’s important to realize they each have their own set of pros and cons. So choosing which is best for you really comes down to which pros sound most appealing to you, and which cons would hinder your planning habit and style.

So let’s take a look at some pros and cons of digital planning vs paper planning:

Digital Planning

Paper Planning

How to Start Digital Planning

So you’ve made the decision to go paper-free and enter the digital planning world. Yay!! 

Though it might seem overwhelming at first, there are really just 5 simple steps to start your digital planning journey. Let’s break them down…

1. Buy a Tablet and Stylus

If you don’t already have them, then the first items you need to buy is an iPad or other tablet device, as well as a stylus (highly recommended). 

The best tablet for digital planning is one that’s on the latest operating system and has plenty of storage space for your digital planner, covers, and digital stickers files.

Digital planners will work on almost any tablet available today. So let’s take a look at some of the best tablets for each operating system…

iOS (iPad)

By far the most popular tablet for digital planning is the iPad. After all, the 2 most popular apps for digital planning are Goodnotes and Notability which only run on iOS. 

As well, you’ll find more tutorials and digital sticker packs made for iPad users than any other tablet device. Huge perks!

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air have more than enough power and functionality to handle your digital planning needs. You can also use the iPad Mini but keep in mind that your planning space (i.e. screen size) will be much smaller.

Android Tablets

For my Android users out there, don’t fret! Android tablets are also great devices for digital planning, especially if you use the Noteshelf or Samsung Notes apps (more on that later…). 

So for Android tablets, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. And for a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung Galaxy A7 is also a great choice. Samsung Galaxy Tabs also come with the S pen stylus, so you get more bang for your buck. 

I should point out: 

I do not recommend Amazon Fire tablets at all. Although they technically run the Android OS, it’s a limited version (called Amazon Fire OS) and notably doesn’t give you access to the Google Play app store. This means you won’t be able to install the best PDF annotation apps and will therefore severely limit your digital planning abilities.

Microsoft Tablets

If you’re a die-hard Windows user then you too have some fantastic options when it comes digital planning. 

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a popular tablet series and is more than powerful enough for digital note-taking and planning. It has excellent accessories available (sold separately), like the latest Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus and loads of different detachable keyboards to choose from.

As well, an excellent (and cheaper!) alternative to the Surface Pro is the Surface Go 3. It doesn’t have the CPU power of the Surface Pro or the pen and keyboard, but still comes with the full Windows OS and at a great price.

2. Choose a Digital Planning App

Digital planning requires the use of PDF annotation apps on your tablet device. So another important part of getting started is choosing which app you’ll use.

Here are some recommended apps for each operating system so you can take advantage of all digital planning has to offer…

iOS

iOS users have the best and most choices when it comes to PDF annotation apps. As well, the majority of digital planners will come with digital sticker books in proprietary formats for these apps.

Android

After iOS, Android devices are the second best digital planning tools out there. This is really thanks to these 2, top-notch PDF annotation apps.

Microsoft

Microsoft tablets are powerful machines, built to serve as both full-blown computers and mobile devices. 

However, to get similar functionality to iPad and Android tablets, you’ll need to pay for a good PDF annotation app for your digital planning. Here are my recommendations:

3. Buy a Digital Planner

Once you have your tablet and app ready to go, it’s time for the exciting part—getting your first digital planner! Woot!

Take a look at some of my all-in-one digital planners in the Snazzy Pixels shop! You can also get your feet wet with my digital notebooks and start practicing your handwriting and getting to know your PDF app. 🙂

4. Grab some Digital Planning Accessories

To really get cozy in the digital planning world, you’ll need to grab some key digital planning accessories for sure. 

Here are my Top 5 accessories every digital planner needs:

1. Stylus

A stylus is the #1 most important accessory you need to plan digitally. Not only do they make the switch to digital planning much much easier, but they also provide a range of cool features your #basic ballpoint pen could only dream of.

The best stylus for digital planning is truly the Apple Pencil. So if you’re an iPad Pro or iPad Air user, this one is a MUST. It allows you to handwrite in your planner, convert your handwriting to text, easily switch between editing tools with a quick double-tap, and much much more.

The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil is for the newest generation iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. If you’re on an older generation of these, then you’ll still get all of these excellent features with the Apple Pencil 1st Gen.

For my Android users out there, check out the Active Stylus Pen. It’s incredibly affordable, compatible with a wide range of Android tablets, and comes in fun colors to boot!

2. Screen Protector

Okay yes, a screen protector protects your screen from scratches and hides a lot of those smudges.

But when it comes to digital planning, a screen protector takes on another important role — making your tablet feel more like a paper planner.

With a Paperlike, matte, or other paper-feel screen protector, you’ll have a little resistance (just like paper!) when you’re writing in your digital planner. And the good news is Paperlike is available for nearly every iPad model that ever was.

For Samsung Galaxy Tab users, you too have great paper feel screen protectors available. Some good brands to check out include MOBDIK and Bersem.

3. Case

You are going to be taking your tablet nearly everywhere. Don’t risk it without a case!

A good case will protect your device, ideally have a spot to attach and/or charge your stylus pen, and potentially even include a detachable keyboard. It truly can do all these things at once for you!

The iMieet iPad case is solid standard case that includes a spot for your Apple Pencil to charge and comes in a wide variety of colors.

A similar option for Samsung Galaxy Tab users is the Fintie case which will provide great protection from physical damage and has a spot for your S Pen.

4. Keyboard

Even though you’ve got a stylus, there may come times when you want to type text onto your digital planner and fill out tracking templates quickly. Having a detachable or Bluetooth keyboard is a great way to do this.

Some iPad cases will include a keyboard, spot for your Apple Pencil, and protect your device, like this Blutlotus one. These all in ones are especially appealing if you’re taking your iPad with you to college classes, work meetings, etc.

Another iPad/tablet keyboard trend that’s gaining steam recently are retro-style Bluetooth keyboards like Logitech’s POP series. These are fun, colorful, and take you back to the days of your old PC with the tactile feedback and sounds it makes as you type.

If you’re primarily working with your device at home or will only use a keyboard with it occasionally, the POP keyboard will add some flair to your home work station!

5. Stylus Grip

Getting accustomed to digital planning is all about comfort. If your Apple Pencil keeps sliding out of your grip or feels too much like you’re writing with a metal rod, then do yourself a huge favor and get an UPPERCASE NimbleGrip!

The NimbleGrip slides easily onto your Apple Pencil when you’re working with it, and makes the Pencil soooo much nicer to hold. It also gives you greater control over your handwriting, and for me, makes an enormous difference in how nice my handwriting looks. It makes your Apple Pencil feel more like a comfy ballpoint pen!

5. Start Planning!

Now for the most exciting part…start planning! You have everything you need to make digital planning your new favorite pastime. 

Remember to set aside a little planning time each day! Play around with your planner, practice writing with your stylus, and start using your new digital tools to get organized 🙂

How to Choose the Right Digital Planner for You

Choosing the right planner for you is incredibly important. Ultimately, there’s no harm in trying out a few different style planners and seeing which one sticks. 

After all, the right planner for you is the one that helps you conquer your to-do list and achieve your goals!

So to pick your perfect digital planner, ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. What are my current planning habits? Do I make time to plan daily or weekly? What do I like about my current planner?
2. Which area of my life needs organizing the most?
3. What goals do I hope to achieve in each area?
4. What type of planning templates do I need to achieve those goals? (For example, if you want to pay down your debt than you would need a debt-tracker. If you want to eat healthier than you’d need a meal tracker/planner.)
5. Do I want all of these templates in one place? Or are there one or more categories I’d like to dive deep into?

Really take some time to ponder these questions and think about what you’re looking for and what you need a digital planner to help you with. 

Now, you’re ready to start the hunt for your perfect planner!

Where to Buy Digital Planners

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge into the realm of digital planning, it can be a bit confusing as to where to purchase a digital planner. After all, you won’t find them on Amazon. 

Good new is, you can browse and buy digital planners on other major platforms you’re probably already familiar with.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to purchase digital planners:

1. Etsy

Etsy is by-far the biggest platform to buy digital planners. Etsy is the first place many digital creators (like myself!) list their products because it’s where the community is. 

Purchasing your digital planner(s) through Etsy comes with many benefits. Firstly, it’s a highly trusted platform and online community. With Etsy, you can rest assured your payment information is in good hands. And should you need any assistance getting up and running with your planner, the seller is just a quick message away. 

Another benefit to purchasing your digital planner on Etsy is that you can read reviews of an item before you purchase it. Etsy reviews will highlight some of the perks and downsides you might find with a digital planner, so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it’s right for you.

2. Digital Creators’ Websites

Some digital planner creators have left Etsy and started selling products on their websites. This is because Etsy charges sellers a lot in re-listing, transaction, and payment processing fees.

So by purchasing a digital planner on a creator’s shop page, you’re supporting their small business even more <3

Shop pages on websites are typically created using popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and SendOwl. 

While you might initially hesitate to buy on a small-business’ site, eCommerce platforms use high-security payment processing systems like PayPal, Stripe, and even Apple Pay. The site owner or website itself does not store or have access to your payment information. Instead, the transaction is entirely handled by these third-party payment systems. 

Long story short, purchasing digital planners on digital creators’ websites is safe. Just verify which payment options they use and stick to the ones you trust. Also look out for a “secure SSL payment/checkout” badge somewhere on the site.

3. App Subscriptions

Lastly, another place you can find digital planners is through PDF annotation and journaling app subscriptions.

For example, Notability (iOS) offers an annual subscription ($11.99/year) that includes access to some basic digital planners, digital stickers, and other premium features. 

As well, digital journaling apps like Zinnia Journal have a monthly subscription ($9.99/month) that includes full journals, page templates, and stickers.  

Obvious downsides are that it’s yet another subscription (ugh) in a world full of them. So instead of a one-time payment for a planner, you have to renew every month or year to have access to your digital planner. 

Also in terms of designs available, you’ll find more features and better layouts from digital creators elsewhere. But maybe I’m a bit biased 😉

How to Use a Digital Planner

The exact steps for how to use your digital planner will obviously vary, depending on which app you’re using to annotate the file. 

But let’s do a quick overview of some key steps you’ll want to take in order to get started.

1. Import the Planner PDF into your PDF Annotation App

The first thing you’ll need to do is import your digital planner PDF file to the PDF annotation app you’re using. 

For most applications, you’ll want to first open up the app and navigate to its main/home screen. Then, look for an Import option which is typically signified by a Plus + icon. 

If multiple options for import pop up, choose Import From Files or a similar option. Next, locate your planner PDF file either in your downloads folder or wherever it’s saved on your device and tap on the file to import it.

2. Rename the File

You should now see your planner PDF added to your app’s main menu screen.

Since the file retains its original file name, you’ll most likely want to rename this to something you’ll remember, such as: My 2023 Planner, or 2023 Budget Planner, etc. 

To do this, you’ll either press and hold on the planner file icon, or tap on its current file name to rename it.

3. Understand Read Only vs. Edit Mode

In almost every PDF annotation app, there are 2 modes that’ll you toggle in and out of while using your digital planner.

The first is Read Only mode. This mode allows you to read the file (duh) but also use any hyperlinks. 

So in order to navigate around your digital planner via hyperlinks, you’ll need to be in Read Only mode. 

In Edit Mode on the other hand, you cannot use hyperlinks. Instead, this mode lets you annotate the current page that you’re on. So when you’re writing with your stylus or adding stickers, for example, you’ll be in Edit Mode. 

Here’s what the Read Only and Edit modes look like in Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf.

4. Use an Apple Pencil or Stylus to Write

To achieve the best results with your digital planner, you’ll want to purchase an Apple Pencil, Active Stylus Pen, or similar stylus. 

Why?

Because adjusting to digital planning is made easier if it feels like the real thing—paper planning. 

We’re all pros at writing on paper with a pen, so you want your tablet planner to feel as close to that as possible. It’ll still feel a bit strange at first, but with consistent use and practice, you’ll find that your stylus is a serious upgrade from that ol’ ballpoint pen. Trust me.

Again for iPad users, you’ll definitely want the Apple Pencil. It truly is the best stylus out there and is fully compatible with iOS and many apps.

For Android tablets, the Active Stylus Pen is a fantastic choice. It’s highly compatible with a range of Android tablets and is one of the most popular ones.

5. Learn How to Add/Duplicate/Rearrange Pages

Once you’ve mastered the first 4 steps, it’s time to move onto some more advanced and key aspects of digital planning—adding additional pages from other documents, duplicating existing templates, and re-ordering your planner pages.

As I’ve said before, one of the main reasons why digital planning beats paper planning is its flexibility and myriad ways you can customize your planner. And rearranging and adding additional pages to your planner is key to that.

So to do this in most apps, you’ll need to locate a View All Pages option or icon. In Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf they look like this:

Goodnotes

From this screen, you can tap on the arrow next to each page thumbnail and find your duplicate and add page options. 

To reorder pages, press and hold on the thumbnail and drag to the desired place in your planner file.

Notability

In Notability, the ellipsis will reveal your Add Page and Copy page options. 

If you want to rearrange pages, you’ll first Copy the page then scroll to the page just before where you’d like the page to go. Then tap Paste.

To rearrange, press and hold on the thumbnail and drag to the desired place.

Noteshelf

Noteshelf users will want to press, hold, and let go on the page thumbnail to pull up the Insert Page, Copy, and Duplicate options.

To reorder your pages, you can press and hold and drag as well. 

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It’s important to note that these steps will vary depending on your device and app. However in general, the majority of apps function in very similar ways. So don’t be afraid to try pressing and holding to see what options come up and what you can do.

Tips for Switching to Digital Planning

1. Give Yourself TIME

Getting used to digital planning is not something that happens overnight, trust me. 

While I absolutely love my digital planner now, it took a loooong time for us to get used to one another.

But now that we’re best pals, I won’t ever go back to carrying around my paper planner everywhere. I mean, heavy tote bags get old real quick. 

Digital planning is just not something you’re used to yet, and that’s okay. Just make sure you give yourself as much time as you need to grow accustomed to it.

Maybe in the beginning you continue to do most of your planning on paper and slowly move things over to your digital planner. Whatever works for you, there are no rules!

2. Open Your Digital Planner Every Day

Here’s an understatement: It’s hard to form new habits. 

Just ask me about my yoga practice…

But new habits open up new possibilities. And like with any habit you try to squeeze into your already tight schedule, it ain’t easy. 

So to start, just focus on opening up your digital planner each and every day, even if it’s only for 5 minutes while you’ve got Netflix on in the background. Play around, experiment, and jot down a few things—that’s it. 

A little bit each day goes a long way to incorporating digital planning into your life.

3. Get a Paperlike Screen Protector

This was absolutely essential for me. No joke. 

If your frustrated because your stylus is sliding all over the screen and your handwriting is atrocious because of it, then stop what you’re doing right now and get a Paperlike screen protector. 

Paperlike and other paper feel screen protectors more closely mimic the resistance and feel of real paper. This does wonders for your handwriting and ability to feel comfortable writing on your device. 

Not to mention, screen protectors protect your screen from scratches, smudges, and all the mysterious ways device screens get mucky.

4. Practice Your Handwriting

Practice, practice, practice! I can’t say this enough.

I still to this day have a digital notebook called “Scribbles” where I just practice my handwriting. (To be fair, my handwriting on paper has always been absolutely atrocious, so I had a long way to go)

But writing with a stylus neatly, and beautifully like all the videos and images you seen online is possible for everyone. You just need to keep on going with it, I promise!

5. Use Handwriting-to-Text Tools

Almost every tablet and stylus these days has a handwriting-to-text feature available to you. 

These tools will convert your handwriting into a beautifully typed text box far more easily than fiddling around with text boxes yourself. 

For iPad users, this is called Scribble which can be found under Settings > Apple Pencil. 

On Samsung tablets using Samsung Notes, this can be done with the icon on the bottom menu bar. 

For Android users in Noteshelf, first tap on the Selection tool then draw a box around your handwritten notes. Press and hold anywhere on the selection then let go to find your To Text option. 

How to Sync Your Digital Planner to Other Devices

Unlike your paper planner, one of the key benefits to digital planning is the ability to sync your digital planner to your smartphone, computer, or other devices.

Whether or not you can do this depends on which PDF annotation app you’re using and the operating system(s) of your desired device(s).

For example, Goodnotes, Notability and Noteshelf all have iPad, iPhone, and Mac versions of their app. So all you have to do is install the apps on these devices and your digital planner will sync across them all. This is done through iCloud and can be found in each app’s settings. 

If you’re not on an iPad, then you’ll need to research if your app supports a similar cloud-sync feature and is compatible with your other devices. 

Let’s take a look at those recommended apps again and dive into each one’s syncing abilities:

5 Ways to Get the MOST Out of Your Digital Planner

1. Use Digital Stickers

Digital stickers, widgets, washi tapes, oh my!

Let’s just say that digital stickers are where the digital planning fun really starts. The possibilities are literally endless!

Digital stickers are image files (typically in PNG format) that are made to look like traditional scrapbooking and planner stickers. Because they’re image files, you simply import/add them to your digital planner via the Add Image annotation tool in your app.

Just like with traditional planning, adding stickers to your planner spreads spices it up with some fun, colorful, and thematic decorations. 

So for your February monthly planner page, you can add Valentine’s Day themed digital stickers, like hearts, cupid arrows, pink and red washi tapes, and more! 

Digital stickers also come in the form of “widgets”. These are more functional digital stickers—like weekly habit trackers, meal plan widgets, appointment widgets etc.—so you can easily add them to any page of your digital planner and customize your spread.

2. Add a Cool Cover

Digital planners can also have covers…who knew?!

While it might seem unnecessary at first, digital planner covers are actually a great way to make your digital planner stand out on your PDF annotation app’s main screen. 

Typically, this just shows a list or grid of all your PDF documents with the first page as the thumbnail image. Umm…Boring!

As well, a thumbnail image of the first page of your planner makes it really difficult to tell what it is.

Digital covers make your planner easily identifiable, so you can locate it and open it more quickly when you need it. 

To add a digital planner cover, you’ll need to make it the first page of your planner PDF file. This is done by adding the digital cover PDF or image file to your planner, then dragging and rearranging the pages so that it’s now page 1.

3. Take Advantage of Hyperlinks

We’ve talked about how hyperlinks allow you to easily go to different pages of your planner, but there’s another thing they’re good for — linking to websites, YouTube videos, music, and more!

You may not think about it at first, but incorporating hyperlinks to these things inside your planner is an amazing way to consolidate ideas, inspiration, and take your note-taking to the next level.  

For example, you’ve jotted down in your digital planner that today is Yoga day. So next to that, you link to a yoga YouTube video of a flow you’d like to try, and also maybe link a nice relaxing tune on Spotify to listen to while you do it. 

See what I mean?

Hyperlinks are a game changer. They allow you to consolidate all your digital inspo and information in one place!

4. Use HEX Codes

Half the fun of digital planning is getting all colorful about it. You don’t need hundreds of colorful markers, you’ve got a digital color wheel!

And when you’re choosing your highlighting color, pen color, or shape shades, you’ll probable see a box labeled HEX or with a # next to it. This is where you can type in what’s called a HEX code for a specific color. 

All of the Snazzy Pixels planners have HEX codes included on the Index pages. Just select and Copy the code or briefly memorize it. 

Then type it into your HEX box and voila! Your writing, drawing, and annotation will now match the color scheme of your planner.

5. Add a Shortcut to Your Planner on the Home Screen

Most tablets these days know we love shortcuts to things. Not a single one of us wants to tap on 5 icons to get to where we want to go.

And since you’ll be using your digital planner daily, creating a shortcut to it is all the more important. 

The Shortcuts app on iOS devices allows you to create an icon on your home screen for your digital planner, just like any other app! 

Find out how in this handy guide..

Conclusion: Don’t be afraid to experiment!

In the beginning, digital planning is going to seem a little overwhelming. There are so many ways to customize your planner, infinite number of stickers to use, and all these different annotation tools that you won’t quite have perfected yet. 

But the best thing to do is experiment and keep experimenting!

Each and every one of us has our own way we like to plan and ideas of how we’d like our planner to look and function. 

So play around with every editing tool, try out different planner widgets, mess around with various color schemes and font styles. Go on!

Before you know it, your digital planner will start to resemble your own personal style and give you that feeling of “home” every time you open it up.