Printable vs Digital Planner: Which Is Right for You?

Should you plan on paper or on a tablet? There's no single right answer. The best planner is the one you'll actually open every day. Here's how the two compare, and how a printable PDF lets you use both.

Why people love paper planners

• No distractions. A sheet of paper doesn't buzz with notifications.
• Always visible. A weekly plan or chore chart on the fridge reminds the whole family without anyone opening an app.
• Writing helps you think. Many people find that writing by hand slows them down just enough to prioritize.
• Print only what you need. Print one week at a time and start fresh whenever you like.

Why people love digital planners

• Everything in one place. A whole year of pages on a tablet you already carry.
• Easy to fix. Erase, move and redo plans without crossing things out.
• No printing. No ink, no paper, no binder.

The best of both: a printable PDF

Every Bitshelf planner is a PDF, so you can use it either way:

1. To print: open the file, choose the US Letter or A4 version, and print at 100% (actual size).
2. To use on a tablet: import the PDF into GoodNotes, Notability or any PDF annotation app and write on it with your stylus.

Plenty of people mix the two: a digital planner for work and a printed weekly plan or chore chart on the fridge for the family.

Which should you choose?

• Choose paper if you like to see your plan at a glance, plan with family, or find screens distracting.
• Choose digital if you already take notes on a tablet and want a whole year in one place.
• Not sure? Start with a printable. You can always import the same PDF onto a tablet later.

Browse all our planner templates, or start with the 2027 planner, which works on paper and on iPad.

Keep reading: How to plan your day in 10 minutes · How to make a weekly schedule