Ready to ditch paper planners and go digital? Whether you use an iPad, Android tablet, or an e-ink device like the reMarkable Paper Pro, Kindle Scribe, BOOX Note Air4 C, or Supernote Nomad, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start digital planning in 2026.
What Is Digital Planning?
Digital planning is the practice of using a tablet or e-ink device with a stylus to write, organize, and manage your life—just like a paper planner, but with superpowers. Instead of a physical notebook, you use an interactive PDF or app-based planner that lets you:
- Navigate instantly – Tap hyperlinks to jump between months, weeks, and sections
- Never run out of pages – Duplicate templates endlessly
- Undo mistakes – Erase and edit without messy corrections
- Search everything – Find notes from months ago in seconds
- Sync across devices – Access your planner anywhere
- Go paperless – Reduce waste and declutter your life
Whether you want to track goals, manage projects, build habits, or simply organize your schedule, digital planning offers flexibility that paper never could.
Who Is Digital Planning For?
Digital planning works for everyone, but it is especially powerful for:
- Busy professionals – Manage meetings, deadlines, and projects in one place
- Students – Track assignments, exams, and study schedules
- Entrepreneurs – Plan business goals, content calendars, and finances
- Creative types – Sketch, brainstorm, and journal without limits
- Minimalists – Replace stacks of notebooks with one device
- Anyone who wants to get organized – If youve struggled with paper planners, digital might be your answer
Step 1: Choose Your Device
The first decision is picking the right device for your planning style. There are three main categories:
Option A: iPad (Best for Features)
The iPad is the most popular choice for digital planning thanks to its powerful apps, vibrant display, and Apple Pencil support. Best for users who want:
- Color-coded planning with stickers and decorations
- Access to premium apps like GoodNotes and Notability
- Multitasking (planning while watching videos, browsing, etc.)
- A device that does more than just planning
Recommended iPads: iPad Air, iPad Pro (11″ or 12.9″), or the base iPad 10th generation for budget-conscious planners.
Option B: Android Tablets (Best for Flexibility)
Samsung Galaxy Tabs and other Android tablets offer excellent digital planning experiences with more flexibility in file management and app choices.
- Samsung Notes is free and powerful
- More affordable options available
- Better file system access than iPad
- Works with various stylus options
Recommended: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S8, or the budget-friendly Tab S6 Lite.
Option C: E-Ink Tablets (Best for Focus)
E-ink devices like the reMarkable, Kindle Scribe, BOOX, and Supernote are purpose-built for distraction-free writing and planning. They feature paper-like screens that are easy on your eyes and feel natural to write on.
Best for:
- Writers and note-takers who want zero distractions
- People sensitive to screen glare and blue light
- Minimalists who want a single-purpose device
- Professionals who need week-long battery life
Popular e-ink devices:
- reMarkable Paper Pro – Premium build, color e-ink, best writing feel
- Kindle Scribe – Budget-friendly, integrates with Amazon ecosystem
- BOOX Note Air 3C – Android apps + color e-ink display
- Supernote A5X – Ceramic stylus tip, excellent for long-term notes
Not sure which e-ink tablet is right for you? Check out our complete guide to the best e-ink tablets for digital planning.
Step 2: Get the Right App
Your planning app is where the magic happens. The right app makes digital planning seamless; the wrong one makes it frustrating. Here are the top options by platform:
Best Apps for iPad
| App | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| GoodNotes 6 | Free / $9.99/year | Most popular, great organization |
| Notability | $14.99/year | Audio recording + notes |
| Noteshelf | $14.99 one-time | Beautiful templates |
| Zinnia | Free / Premium | Journal-focused planning |
Best Apps for Android
| App | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Notes | Free | Samsung devices, PDF annotation |
| Penly | Free / Premium | GoodNotes alternative for Android |
| Xodo | Free | PDF annotation on any device |
| Noteshelf | $5.99 | Cross-platform option |
Best Apps for E-Ink Tablets
E-ink devices typically use their native apps, which are optimized for the paper-like display:
- reMarkable – Native app with excellent PDF support
- Kindle Scribe – Built-in notebook feature
- BOOX – NeoReader + Android apps like Penly
- Supernote – Native app with gesture navigation
For detailed app comparisons, read our guide: Best Apps to Start Digital Planning.
Step 3: Choose Your Digital Planner
A digital planner is a specially designed PDF file with hyperlinked pages that let you tap to navigate. Think of it as an interactive notebook where you can jump from your monthly calendar to a specific day, then to your goals page—all with a single tap.
Types of Digital Planners
- Dated planners – Pre-filled with specific dates (e.g., 2026 calendar)
- Undated planners – Flexible, start anytime
- Vertical layout – Days stacked vertically (traditional style)
- Horizontal layout – Days spread horizontally (timeline style)
- Specialized planners – Finance, fitness, meal planning, student planners
What to Look for in a Quality Digital Planner
- Hyperlinked navigation – Tap tabs to jump between sections instantly
- Multiple layouts – Daily, weekly, and monthly views
- Bonus pages – Goal setting, habit tracking, notes sections
- Device compatibility – Make sure it works with your specific device
- Clean design – Easy to read and write on
Our Recommended Planners
At Digital Planner Boutique, we create planners specifically designed for each device type:
- Ultimate reMarkable Planner 2025-2027 – Works on reMarkable, Kindle Scribe, BOOX, Supernote, and iPad
- reMarkable Color Planner 2026 – Optimized for Paper Pro and color e-ink devices
- Custom Digital Planner – Personalized layouts for your specific needs
Step 4: Set Up Your Planner
Once you have your device, app, and planner, follow these steps to get started:
For iPad Users (GoodNotes)
- Download your planner PDF file
- Open GoodNotes and tap the “+” button
- Select “Import” and choose your PDF
- Open the planner and start writing!
For reMarkable Users
- Download your planner PDF to your computer
- Open the reMarkable desktop app or web interface
- Drag and drop the PDF into your library
- Sync your device and open the planner
- Important: Tap hyperlinks with your finger, not the stylus
For device-specific setup guides, check out:
- How to Use Digital Planners on BOOX
- How to Use Digital Planners on Supernote
- How to Upload PDF to reMarkable
Step 5: Build Your Planning System
Having a planner is one thing—using it effectively is another. Here are proven strategies to make digital planning stick:
The Weekly Review
Spend 15-30 minutes each week reviewing your planner:
- Check off completed tasks
- Move unfinished items to the new week
- Review your goals and progress
- Plan the upcoming week
The Daily Check-In
Each morning (or the night before), open your planner and:
- Review todays schedule
- Identify your top 3 priorities
- Block time for important tasks
- Check upcoming deadlines
Color Coding (Optional)
If using an iPad or color e-ink device, create a simple color system:
- Blue – Work tasks
- Green – Personal/health
- Red – Urgent/deadlines
- Purple – Events/appointments
Common Digital Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others mistakes so you can hit the ground running:
- Over-decorating – Stickers are fun, but dont let them distract from actual planning
- Perfectionism – Your planner doesnt need to look Instagram-worthy
- Ignoring your planner – Build the habit of checking it daily
- Overcomplicating – Start simple, add complexity later
- Wrong device choice – Make sure your device matches your needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is digital planning better than paper?
Neither is objectively better—it depends on your preferences. Digital planning offers unlimited pages, easy editing, and searchability. Paper offers tactile satisfaction and no batteries required. Many people use both!
Do I need an expensive tablet?
No. Budget options like the base iPad, Samsung Tab S6 Lite, or Kindle Scribe work great for digital planning. You dont need the most expensive device to get started.
Can I use a phone for digital planning?
Technically yes, but the small screen makes it impractical for serious planning. Tablets (8-13 inches) provide a much better experience.
What if I lose my device?
Most apps sync to the cloud automatically. GoodNotes syncs with iCloud, Samsung Notes with Samsung Cloud, and reMarkable with their cloud service. Your planners are backed up and accessible from other devices.
Are digital planners worth paying for?
Quality digital planners with proper hyperlinking, multiple layouts, and bonus pages save you hours of DIY work. Free options exist but often lack the polish and functionality of premium planners.
Start Your Digital Planning Journey Today
Digital planning has transformed how millions of people organize their lives. Whether you choose an iPad for its versatility, an Android tablet for its flexibility, or an e-ink device for its focus—the best time to start is now.
Ready to begin? Browse our collection of digital planners designed for every device, or explore our other guides:
- Digital Planning for Beginners: Complete Guide
- Best E-Ink Tablets for Digital Planning 2026
- Best Apps for Digital Planning
- 10 Productivity Hacks for Digital Planners
Have questions? Drop us a message—were here to help you on your digital planning journey.
Start Your Digital Planning Journey Today
We offer planners for every device and planning style:
- Custom Digital Planner – Perfect for iPad & GoodNotes, customize in under 2 minutes
- Ultimate reMarkable Planner 2026-2027 – Works on all e-ink tablets
- Digital Notebook for E-Ink Tablets – Flexible notebook with 8 paper styles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital planner?
A digital planner is a PDF or app-based planner used on tablets instead of paper. It includes hyperlinked navigation to jump between dates and sections, and you write on it using a stylus just like a paper planner. Changes can be erased, pages are unlimited, and your entire planning system fits in one device.
What is the best tablet for digital planning?
For app flexibility and color, iPad with Apple Pencil is the most popular choice. For a paper-like, distraction-free experience, reMarkable tablets lead the market. Budget-conscious users often choose Kindle Scribe ($339) or Android tablets with stylus support.
Do digital planners work offline?
Yes. Once downloaded, digital planners work completely offline on your tablet. You can plan on airplanes, in remote locations, or anywhere without internet. Cloud syncing happens when you reconnect, but is not required for daily use.
Related Guide: If you love the bullet journal method, check out our Digital Bullet Journal Guide for BuJo-specific tips and spreads.
Related Guides
Continue exploring digital planning with these related guides:
- Digital Planning for Beginners: The Complete Getting Started Guide
- How to Choose the Right Digital Planner: Complete Buyer’s Guide
- How to Use Your Digital Planner: Complete Setup Guide
- Free Digital Planner Guide: Where to Find Free Planners & What to Expect
Recommended Planners
Ready to start planning? Check out our professionally designed planners: