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Why You Should Switch to a Digital Planner
Are you still using a regular planner? Have you ever thought about going digital? Maybe you didn’t even realize there was such a thing as a digital planner? Well, let me tell you a little more about them and why you should make the switch to a digital planner (or bullet journal) today!
First, let me say I am not talking about using your Google Calendar or using some fancy calendar app. I am talking about a digital version of a physical planner. It looks like a paper planner and it acts like one too but better!
See, a digital planner is just a PDF that is made to look like a planner and then you upload it into a note-taking app that allows you to edit the PDF such as GoodNotes or Notability. I am an iPhone user so I use GoodNotes.
GoodNotes is only available for Apple users but Andriod users can use Notability and others. So here is an example of what a digital planner looks like. This is from GoodNotes Goods, Co. It has hyperlinks in the PDF to allow you to jump to certain sections of the planner, like the tabs on the right take you to each month.
It looks just like a real planner, doesn’t it?! So why make the switch to digital? Let’s talk about all the benefits you get from a digital planner that a physical planner just can’t do.
Pros of a Digital Planner vs a Physical Planner
- Can be used right from your phone or iPad
- More convenient to use
- Saves paper
- Only need one pencil
- Don’t have to buy a new one when it is full
- Easily add more pages
- Don’t have to buy stickers, tape, pens pencils markers
- If you do buy digital stickers you only have to buy them once, when physical stickers you only get one use out of them.
- You can use any font you want (not just what you can write)
- More customizable
- More efficient
- Easily make edits
- Add images and graphics
- Add charts and graphs
- Won’t rip or get all banged up
- You can add links to other sites or link within the planner
- Won’t bleed through and ruin the next page
Going digital you are able to make easier edits and adjustments with a few swipes of your magic wand…I mean stylus. I can’t do that on a regular planner. When I mess up (which happens a lot) I am stuck with that forever. Even if you are using a pencil it still isn’t the same.
Flaws of a Physical Planner or Bullet Journal
I joined a few Bullet Journal/Planner Facebook Groups to get inspirations and ideas on how to use my bullet journal. It is amazing how creative people can be! With a blank paper, they turn it into this beautiful functional work of art.
However, I have seen so many of these talented people share their layouts that have a smudge, a rip, or a bleed through on all their hard work.
For me, I struggle with having a steady hand and the patience to create a layout. But with each of these flaws I just see how much easier, it would be to use a digital version.
There are no mistakes that can’t quickly be fixed with a digital version that you can’t fix on a physical version.
What Is The Best Digital Planner
There is no one perfect planner that fits all. One layout may work better for someone than another layout. I think that is the beauty behind the bullet journal. You are able to customize each page to your own liking. It can be a planner, a mood tracker, a notebook, anything you can dream up! So to me, the best would be a digital bullet journal. I love them so much I created a free one just for you to test this whole digital process out for yourself! It works great with an iPad pro and the GoodNotes app or any other note-taking app.
What is GoodNotes
I will say that GoodNotes does cost I believe $7.99 for the app. But I have spent more on wasted planners than that so this way I can now reuse the digital planners and bullet journals I create over and over again in the GoodNotes app so it is well worth it to me.
Plus, the options that are offered in the app are what makes me love it so much. It makes using your planner so easy!
How Do I Import a Digital Planner into GoodNotes
Once you get the app there is a dotted square with a plus sign, click on that and then choose import, from there you just find the PDF you saved and import it! In the GoodNotes app, you can create folders to keep all of your notebooks and planners all organized. There are free templates and notebooks that you can create in the app as well.
Where Can I Purchase a Digital Planner
There are so many wonderful digital planners available on Etsy that you can purchase one and reuse. Or you could always create your own digital planner for free as I did. If you are thinking you may be interested in creating your own digital planner but need some guidance then no problem, I can help you!
I am launching a Digital Planner Course very soon and if you would like to be kept up to date on when it will go live then sign up here to get all the details!
What is All Included in The Digital Planner Creation Mini-Course
- A Walkthrough on How to Create Your Digital Planner
- Which Programs to Use to Create a Digital Planner
- The Different Styles and Types of Digital Planners
- How to Design Your Digital Planner
- The Best Apps to Use with Your Digital Planner
This is a perfect opportunity to start 2020 off with your own customized digital planner made for you by you!
I know you will love digital planner just like I do!
Thanks for reading!
Vanessa