So, you’ve seen those gorgeous iPad screenshots on Pinterest. Maybe a friend swears by her digital planner. But you’re sitting there thinking:
“Where do I even begin?”
Good news — this guide is for you.
What Is Digital Planning?
Digital planning is like using a paper planner — but on your tablet. You use apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or Noteshelf to open a digital planner file (usually a PDF with clickable tabs) and write on it using a stylus.
Why People Love It
✅ No more piles of notebooks
✅ Instant erasing (no whiteout!)
✅ You can copy-paste stickers, move events, or change layouts
✅ Sync across devices
✅ It’s actually fun - like creative journaling meets productivity
What You Need to Get Started
- A tablet (iPad is the most common but also Samsung Galaxy S series is great fit)
- A stylus (Apple Pencil or for Samsung Galaxies S series included S pen, or alternative)
- A note-taking app (GoodNotes is super beginner-friendly)
- A dated or undated digital planner – pick one that matches your lifestyle
(Check out DigiPlannerDream’s beginner-friendly planners!)
How to Actually Begin
-
Choose your planner layout
Weekly? Daily? Monthly? Start simple. Weekly is a good first step. -
Import your planner into the app
Open your PDF file in your app of choice. GoodNotes makes this a breeze. -
Start planning
Add your name, pick a color theme, and try out a few days. Don’t worry if it’s messy — you’re learning. -
Use stickers and highlighters
They make things visual and fun. Try digital stickers for headers, to-dos, moods, or dates. -
Make it a habit
Set a reminder to plan each evening or Monday morning. Even 5 minutes can reset your week.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to use all the features from day one
- Buying too many planners before finding what works
- Forgetting to back up your files
- Comparing your pages to Pinterest-perfect ones
- Overplanning without leaving room for real life
Final Words
Starting digital planning can feel overwhelming, but once you dive in, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re planning your week, tracking habits, or just doodling — it’s a space that’s just yours.
Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly — enjoy the process.
I truly hope this guide made things a little clearer — or at least gave you that lightbulb moment about what digital planning is and how to start. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start. Play around, make it yours, and let it grow with you.
Now go on — open up that your first planner and tap into your planning groove ✨
If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to say hi — feel free to contact DigiPlannerDream. I’m always happy to help you on your planning journey ✨
Planning dreams into reality —
Eva from DigiPlannerDream