Frequently Asked Questions

First, you’ll receive the Planner Builder, which is a companion PDF that lets you choose your planner preferences and access the correct download for your customized planner. You’ll also receive the Easy Setup Guide to walk you through getting started.

Once you make your selections in the Planner Builder, it will take you to an automatic download link that opens in your browser. From there, you can share or import the planner PDF into your preferred annotation app.

Your planner includes all dated yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily pages, plus a template library with additional pages you can duplicate and organize into your custom sections. You’ll also find links to the matching digital stickers, covers, and inserts, which are stored in Dropbox for easy access.

As a bonus, you’ll also have the option to download a free set of matching app icons and wallpapers designed to coordinate with your chosen theme.

Digital planning is probably a good fit if you want the beauty of a paper planner with more flexibility. You can handwrite, type, add stickers, duplicate pages, move templates around, and keep your planner with you on your tablet instead of carrying multiple notebooks.

It may be especially helpful if you like having one organized place for your schedule, notes, goals, routines, wellness, finances, and projects. It is also great if you enjoy customizing your planning space and want a system that can change with your season of life.

Digital planning may not be for you if you prefer the feel of real paper, do not enjoy using a tablet, or want your planner to automatically update and sync like a calendar app. But if you like the idea of a flexible, beautiful planning system you can reuse, rearrange, and make your own, it may be a wonderful fit.

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I recommend Goodnotes for most iPad users because it gives the smoothest digital planning experience overall, but it does require a paid plan for fully dated planners like The Elegant Planner (this is due to the file size). So if you're just getting started, I recommend Notability to start with on iPad. For Samsung or Android tablets, I usually recommend Goodnotes for Android or Noteshelf, which may also require a subscription or one-time purchase depending on the app and device. The planner may work in other PDF annotation apps too, but these are the only ones I have guides written for so far.

For a full breakdown of app options, pricing, and compatibility, you can read my guide here: Annotation App Guide

These planners include built-in Google and Apple Calendar shortcuts, making it easy to add events to your calendar with just a tap. When you click a calendar shortcut, a pop-up will open with your chosen app (Google Calendar or Apple Calendar) with a the date pre-filled, making the process of adding events to both places easier.

However, these planners do not sync automatically with your calendar. You’ll need to tap the calendar link each time you
want to add an event!

Learn more about how the Calendar Shortcuts work here.

Technically, you may be able to open the planner on a phone, but it is designed for tablet use. A phone screen will likely feel too small for comfortable planning.

Technically, you can open this planner on your computer! However, you will find that it is difficult to edit your planner if you’re using a device that cannot use a pencil. I do know some people who do it and are happy with
typing on it instead! 

 With this being said, even though I do all my annotating on my iPad, with Goodnotes5, you can sync across devices, so if I’m out and about, I love that I can reference the planner on my other apple devices – iphone and macbook.

Just make sure you have syncing enabled in Goodnotes settings!

I don’t recommend printing this planner. There’s just so many pages and without the ability to use hyperlinks, it definitely wouldn’t be the ideal experience!

Most apps require you to switch out of writing mode before hyperlinks will work. For example, in Goodnotes, this usually means turning on read-only mode.

You can, but you usually don’t need to.

Digital planners often include lots of pages, sections, templates, and extras so you have flexibility for different seasons and planning styles. Most people end up choosing a few favorite layouts and using those regularly, while leaving the rest alone.

Think of your planner more like a beautifully organized toolkit than a workbook you have to complete. The extra pages are there when you need them, not waiting to be filled in perfectly.

And if you’re a perfectionist, consider this your official permission slip: you do not have to fill in every page to be “using it right.” A half-used planner that supports your real life is much better than a perfectly completed planner that stresses you out.

You technically can remove pages you know you won’t use, but I usually recommend leaving them in place. Deleting pages can sometimes affect the planner’s hyperlinks, especially if you remove key pages like monthly calendars, section dividers, or navigation pages. Some apps also offer a way to restore deleted pages, so if something goes wrong, you may be able to recover them through your app’s page management tools.

Your planner may not fill the entire screen because it is a PDF being viewed inside an annotation app. Most apps keep toolbars, menus, margins, or page-view settings visible, which can make the planner look like it has extra space around the edges.

This can also depend on your device size, screen ratio, orientation, and the app you’re using. For the closest full-screen view, try switching to read-only/presentation mode, hiding the app toolbar, or adjusting your app’s page display settings.

The planner is designed to fit as beautifully and functionally as possible across compatible devices, but the exact screen fit may vary slightly from app to app.

After selecting your preferences in the builder, your file will open up in your browser.

If you are on your iPad, look for the share icon (usually near the url bar at the top). Tap Share, and scroll until you see Open in Goodnotes or Share to Notability, depending on which app you are using.

If you are on your computer, look for the download button in the browser PDF reader. From there you can try emailing or airdropping the PDF to your tablet.

Please reach out if you need to exchange your product with a different theme. I'm happy to help! Please send me your order details so I can verify your purchase.

Most apps require you to switch out of writing mode before hyperlinks will work. For example, in Goodnotes, this usually means turning on read-only mode.

You can, but you usually don’t need to.

Digital planners often include lots of pages, sections, templates, and extras so you have flexibility for different seasons and planning styles. Most people end up choosing a few favorite layouts and using those regularly, while leaving the rest alone.

Think of your planner more like a beautifully organized toolkit than a workbook you have to complete. The extra pages are there when you need them, not waiting to be filled in perfectly.

And if you’re a perfectionist, consider this your official permission slip: you do not have to fill in every page to be “using it right.” A half-used planner that supports your real life is much better than a perfectly completed planner that stresses you out.

You technically can remove pages you know you won’t use, but I usually recommend leaving them in place. Deleting pages can sometimes affect the planner’s hyperlinks, especially if you remove key pages like monthly calendars, section dividers, or navigation pages. Some apps also offer a way to restore deleted pages, so if something goes wrong, you may be able to recover them through your app’s page management tools.

Your planner may not fill the entire screen because it is a PDF being viewed inside an annotation app. Most apps keep toolbars, menus, margins, or page-view settings visible, which can make the planner look like it has extra space around the edges.

This can also depend on your device size, screen ratio, orientation, and the app you’re using. For the closest full-screen view, try switching to read-only/presentation mode, hiding the app toolbar, or adjusting your app’s page display settings.

The planner is designed to fit as beautifully and functionally as possible across compatible devices, but the exact screen fit may vary slightly from app to app.

If you think you’ve found a broken hyperlink, please reach out and let me know! I do my best to test every planner and journal before release, but with so many interactive links, it’s always possible for one to slip through.

When you message me, please include the page you were on, the link you tapped, and where you expected it to go. A screenshot or quick screen recording is also incredibly helpful.

I’ll take a look as soon as I can. If there is an issue with the file, I’ll work on getting it corrected and send you an updated version.

The journals are designed in three formats: one for iPad and reMarkable devices, one for Samsung tablets with a 16:9 screen ratio, and one printable version formatted for standard US Letter 8.5" x 11" paper.

For the digital versions, you’ll need a device that can open and annotate PDF files, such as an iPad, Samsung/Android tablet, or reMarkable-style tablet. They work best in a compatible PDF annotation app like Goodnotes, Noteshelf, Notability, or a similar app that supports handwriting, typing, page duplication, and hyperlinks. Click here to learn about annotation apps.

You can technically open the digital journal on a phone or computer, but the best experience is on a tablet with a stylus or pen. If you prefer pen and paper, the printable version is included so you can print the pages and use them physically instead.

The journal is undated, including the daily pages, so you can start any time and reuse it each year. You can even try a different layout from year to year.

Once you purchase the builder, you can create unlimited versions of the journal. Mix and match layouts and structures until you find your perfect fit.

The side tabs appear on every page of the planner, so there isn’t a practical way to add custom text to them in a way that updates globally across the entire PDF.

However, there are still easy ways to label and organize your sections. Each custom section includes a divider title page where you can write in your own section name. There is also a table-of-contents-style area on the Home dashboard where you can fill in the names of your custom sections, so you can quickly remember what each section is for.

From there, you can duplicate templates, move pages around, and organize your planner in the way that works best for you.

Yes! The journal includes a printable version formatted for standard US Letter 8.5" x 11" paper, so you can print it and use it as a physical journal if you prefer pen and paper.

Please note that the printable version is simplified for printing, so it does not include the digital side tabs. It also does not include all of the dated daily pages from the digital version. However, you can still print the included daily templates whenever you need daily pages.

The digital version is best if you want hyperlinks, tabs, and full dated navigation!

I recommend Goodnotes for most iPad users because it gives the smoothest digital planning experience overall, but it does require a paid plan for fully dated planners like The Elegant Planner (this is due to the file size). So if you're just getting started, I recommend Notability to start with on iPad. For Samsung tablets, I usually recommend Goodnotes for Android or Noteshelf, which may also require a subscription or one-time purchase depending on the app and device. The planner may work in other PDF annotation apps too, but these are the only ones I have guides written for so far.

For a full breakdown of app options, pricing, and compatibility, you can read my guide here: Annotation App Guide