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The new year is here… and maybe your planner is still sitting empty 👀 If you’ve been curious about digital planning but feel a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
- ❓ Which planner should I choose?
- ❓ What app should I use?
- ❓ Where can I find resources & freebies?
You’re in the right place, friend. This guide walks you through everything you need to start digital planning in 2026… and yes, there’s a free planner waiting for you at the end so you can try it right away.
What's covered in this post
📖 What is Digital Planning?
Digital planning is like having a paper planner… but smarter. You’ll use an iPad, tablet, or computer with a stylus to write, draw, and customize inside a PDF planner.
- 💡 Portable — your entire planner in one device
- 💡 Customizable — add pages, stickers, and layouts
- 💡 Reusable — no buying a new book every year
📲 Best Digital Planning Apps for 2026
The most loved app is still Goodnotes ✨ now with AI-powered search and better syncing. But you’ve got great options:
- 🏆 Goodnotes — Popular, polished, and easy to use
- ✏️ ZoomNotes — Flexible and perfect for creative layouts
- 🆓 Notability — Free tier + solid handwriting tools
- 📒 Noteshelf — Smooth, paper-like handwriting feel
- 🆓 Xodo — Budget-friendly and works on multiple devices
- 🆓 CollaNote — Simple, beginner-friendly, and free
💡 Tip: Most planners are PDF files — make sure your app supports annotation + hyperlink navigation.
👉 Read my updated comparison: Goodnotes vs Notability
📚 Where to Find Digital Planning Resources
- 🎥 YouTube Tutorials — Step-by-step guides + cozy plan-with-me videos
- 📖 The Beige Journal Blog — Tips, ideas, and productivity hacks
- 🎁 Freebie Library — Planners, stickers, and more
- 🛍 Etsy — Thousands of digital planners & stickers from indie creators
- 💬 Facebook Groups — Search “digital planning” to join active communities
- 🌐 Freebie Websites — My curated list of freebies
🛠 Digital Planning Starter Kit
- ✅ Tablet or iPad — I recommend a Refurbished iPad for budget-conscious beginners
- ✅ Stylus — The Apple Pencil is the gold standard
- ✅ PDF annotation app — Goodnotes, Notability, or Xodo
- ✅ Matte screen protector — My fave is this paper-feel one for smooth handwriting
- ✅ Digital stickers — See my favorite Etsy packs
- ✅ Custom covers + inserts — Seasonal and themed options
🎁 Grab Your Free Digital Planner!
Before you invest, try it for yourself…
- 📥 Download your free digital planner from the Freebie Library
- 🖊 Test different apps
- 🎨 Play with stickers & layouts
In a few days, you’ll know if digital planning is your new obsession ❤️
💬 FAQs
Can I add or remove pages?
Yes — but removing pages may break hyperlink navigation.
How do I add fonts to my iPad?
Check out my quick tutorial on YouTube.
☕ Cozy Takeaway
Digital planning blends creativity + productivity beautifully. Start small, play with your free planner, and find a rhythm that feels natural. Messy, colorful, minimal, or over-the-top… your planner should feel like you.
Download the FREE digital planner
Learn how to use this planner on YouTube
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