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Deciding between a digital planner and a traditional paper planner? These days, the options have never been better — from beautifully designed digital sticker packs to cozy, well-made paper planners, there’s something for every planning style. If you’re wondering which is right for you, here’s an updated list of pros and cons to help you decide.
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Planning
✅ Pros of Digital Planners
- Quickly edit and rearrange plans using the lasso tool in apps like GoodNotes or Notability.
- Unlimited pen colors and the ability to change text color anytime.
- No printer, ink, or paper required.
- Hyperlinks remain functional even when duplicating pages.
- One-time investment in a tablet — my pick is the iPad + Apple Pencil combo — that can last for years.
- Sync your planner across multiple devices.
- Endless customization with add-ons like digital washi tape or custom covers.
⚠️ Cons of Digital Planners
- Apple Pencil feels heavier than a regular pen and takes adjustment.
- Switching between writing and read-only modes can slow you down.
- Typing on a tablet can be slower than handwriting.
- Extra screen time can cause eye strain.
- No battery, no access — unless synced to another device.
- Creativity is limited to digital tools, shapes, and stickers (though with matching digital paper packs, you can get close to the paper look).
You’ll probably love digital planning if you:
- Already own a tablet or iPad.
- Want to carry your planner everywhere without bulk.
- Like saving money on stationery supplies.
- Don’t have space to store paper planners.
- Have lots of recurring tasks you can copy-paste.
- Enjoy using digital stickers and seasonal inserts.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Planning
✅ Pros of Paper Planners
- Bigger writing space than a tablet screen.
- Lower upfront cost compared to buying a device.
- Endless creativity with physical washi tape, stamps, stencils, and paper accessories.
- Writing with a real pen is more precise for many people.
- Can view multiple pages at once.
- Greater variety in paper types, bindings, and covers.
⚠️ Cons of Paper Planners
- Paper isn’t reusable.
- Ink bleed-through with certain pens.
- No backup if lost.
- Must wait for delivery or buy in-store.
- Large planners can be heavy.
- Supplies like pens and sticky notes need replacing.
You’ll probably love paper planning if you:
- Remember things better by handwriting.
- Love decorating with physical stickers and washi tape.
- Enjoy journaling and scrapbooking in your planner.
- Don’t own or want to buy a tablet.
I personally use a mix of both. My day-to-day is usually on paper because I retain information better when I write it down, but I keep reference lists and travel plans in my digital planner setup for quick access anywhere.