Free Digital Planner Hack: How To Make A Planner

Digital Planner Using Keynote and GoodNotes

Table of Contents:

How to Create a Digital Planner Using Keynote and GoodNotes

Are you looking for an efficient way to stay organized without carrying around a physical planner? Creating a digital planner using Keynote and GoodNotes can be the perfect solution. This guide will walk you through creating, designing, and using a digital planner to manage your schedule, notes, and more—all while using your iPad.

Why Switch to a Digital Planner?

Convenience and Portability

A digital planner consolidates all your planning tools into one device. By using Keynote to design the planner and GoodNotes to interact with it, you can easily carry your schedule, notes, and to-do lists without the bulk of traditional planners.

Customizable and Reusable

Digital planners offer unlimited customization options. You can design templates, change colors, add interactive tabs, and use digital stickers, making your planner both functional and visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Digital Planner in Keynote

1. Start a New Presentation

  • Open Keynote and choose a basic, blank presentation template.
  • Delete any existing placeholders to create a clean slate.

2. Design the Background and Layout

Change the background color to something that suits your style. You can also search for wooden or textured backgrounds online for a realistic touch. Adjust the background color through the Style option in Keynote.

3. Create Your Planner Pages

  • Use the shape tool to outline the planner size you want. A simple rectangle with rounded or sharp corners works well.
  • Add text boxes for titles, dates, and other elements. You can download additional fonts for customization.

4. Add Decorative Elements

Design a personalized cover page by importing images or using Canva. For extra details, add digital stickers or decorative elements like borders.

5. Insert Planner Rings

Search for “planner rings” or “spiral notebook rings” with transparent backgrounds on Google. Import the image and adjust its size. Duplicate the rings to create a realistic binding effect.

1. Adding Tabs

Use the shape tool to create tabs for each month or section of your planner. Customize the color and label each tab using the text tool.

2. Linking Tabs

Click on each tab, select the Link option, and connect it to the corresponding slide number. This will create clickable navigation that allows you to jump between sections.

Importing Your Digital Planner into GoodNotes

1. Save and Import

Save your Keynote presentation as a PDF and import it into GoodNotes. GoodNotes is a paid app, but it offers valuable features like writing tools and sticker capabilities.

2. Customize with GoodNotes

GoodNotes allows you to write, draw, highlight, and even add digital stickers to your planner. You can also use the lasso tool to move elements around and customize your pages.

Creative Tips for Your Digital Planner

Incorporate links to important documents or web pages directly in your planner. This is especially helpful for joining virtual meetings or accessing resources.

Use Templates and Stickers

GoodNotes lets you add pre-made templates for weekly, monthly, or daily views. You can also create your own stickers in Canva or download them from sites like Pinterest or Etsy.

Habit Trackers and Goal Sections

Design sections specifically for habit tracking and goal setting to enhance productivity. A digital planner allows you to check off your completed habits and stay on track with your goals.

Benefits of Using GoodNotes with a Digital Planner

One-Time Purchase

GoodNotes is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. This makes it a cost-effective option compared to other monthly service apps.

Note: GoodNotes 6 is now subscription based.

Versatile Tools

With tools for writing, highlighting, and image insertion, GoodNotes offers a complete set of features to maximize your digital planning experience.

Conclusion

Switching to a digital planner using Keynote and GoodNotes simplifies your planning process and helps you stay organized, whether you’re at home or on the go. Customize your planner to match your needs, add unique stickers, and enjoy the flexibility digital planning offers. With this guide, you’re ready to create a planner that fits your lifestyle and keeps you on top of your tasks.

My daily planner has become apart of my day to day as an entrepreneur. Want to learn more about digital planning click here.

FAQs

  1. Why use Keynote for designing a digital planner?
    • Keynote provides flexibility and is easy to use, allowing for customizable templates and quick editing.
  2. Can I use other tools besides GoodNotes?
    • Yes, you can use apps like Notability or Adobe PDF for writing on your digital planner.
  3. Is GoodNotes worth the cost?
    • Yes, it’s a one-time purchase that offers extensive features for note-taking, highlighting, and planning.
  4. How do I add stickers to my planner?
    • Import images with transparent backgrounds into GoodNotes, or use its built-in sticker feature.
  5. Can I create a digital planner in Canva?
    • Yes, Canva is also a great option for designing a digital planner and exporting it as a PDF.

Watch the full video below.

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Key Timestamps in this video:

00:00 – Introduction
Transitioning to a fully digital planner in 2022 and its advantages.

00:11 – Why Go Digital?
Discussing the convenience of digital planners, especially for traveling.

00:36 – Keynote Basics for Planner Creation
Starting the digital planner design process using Keynote.

01:19 – Choosing Background Colors and Styles
Customizing the planner’s look with solid colors, gradients, or imported images.

02:03 – Determining Planner Size
Setting up dimensions for the planner pages and cover design.

02:44 – Adding Rings for the Planner
Using transparent images of spiral rings to mimic a real planner.

03:25 – Creating the Planner Cover
Designing a unique cover with text, colors, and imported images.

05:03 – Setting Up Inside Pages
Adding interior pages, adjusting colors, and preparing for content.

07:14 – Adding Tabs and Quick Links
Creating clickable tabs for seamless navigation within the planner.

09:24 – Designing Monthly Calendar Spreads
Using grids to build structured calendar pages for each month.

11:02 – Weekly Planner Layouts
Setting up sections for daily tasks, goals, and habit tracking.

13:18 – Incorporating Stickers and Notes
Adding personalized stickers and note-taking areas to enhance usability.

16:17 – Importing into GoodNotes
Moving the completed planner to GoodNotes for writing and editing.

17:02 – Using GoodNotes Features
Exploring stickers, handwriting tools, and templates within GoodNotes.

20:00 – Alternative Tools for Digital Planners
Discussing Canva and other apps as options for designing planners.

25:01 – Closing Thoughts

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