Printable Planner Tips for Beginners: Start Strong

Bullet Journal
Written By Bianca "Sunflower Child"

Using a printable planner is a fantastic way to stay organized, track your goals, reflect on your progress, and build better habits. But if you’re just getting started, it can feel overwhelming. To help you set up and use your planner effectively, follow this step-by-step guide.

This post may contain affiliate links. I would never recommend a product that I do not truly love. The price does not increase for you. Thanks for supporting Sunflower Child Designs. See my disclosure for more info.

Step 1: Determine Your Planner’s Purpose

Before you print or assemble your planner, decide how you plan to use it. This will help you choose the right pages and prevent unnecessary clutter.

Common Uses for Your Planner:

  • Planning and Goal Tracking – For structuring your daily/weekly/monthly schedule, tracking goals, and building habits.

  • Collection Pages – For one-time or reference pages, such as cleaning schedules, reading logs, important documents, and planting charts.

  • Memory Keeping and Reflection – For journaling, gratitude, and capturing memories.

Your planner can serve multiple purposes, but be mindful of how many pages you can realistically maintain.

Step 2: Choose the Right Planner for You

Some key things to consider:

  • Size: Do you prefer a full-size US Ltr (8.5 x 11 inches), A4, or a compact A5 size?

    If you're new to printable planners, sticking with your standard printer paper size is the easiest option. In the US, this is US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), which avoids the hassle of adjusting printer settings.

  • Layout: Do you like a structured format or more open-ended pages?

  • Theme: Minimalist, colorful, professional—choose what resonates with you.

    For a well-rounded planning experience, I recommend using the All-in-One Life Undated Planner. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to focus on what matters most while keeping everything streamlined. There are over 25 categories to get you started. This allows you to try out many different layouts and pages without breaking the bank. This planners comes in sizes US Ltr, A5 and A4.

Step 3. Pre-Fill Desired Pages and Choose Pages to Print

If you’re using a fillable planner, consider pre-filling recurring details such as habits or to-dos before printing. This saves time for things like a weekly habit tracker because the habits will already be written each time you print the page. You will not have to hand write them in each week.

Highlight Your Focus Areas on the Planner Index Page (if applicable)

If you grabbed the All-in-One Life Undated Planner print the Planner Index Pages and scan through each section. Highlight the top 2-3 pages in each section that align with your planner’s purpose. This will help you stay focused and avoid printing unnecessary pages.

Suggested Pages to Print Based on Purpose:

Weekly Planning and Goal Tracking

  • Recommended Pages: Daily, weekly, or monthly planners, habit trackers, meal and fitness pages, financial tracking pages.

  • How Many to Print: Start with one or two months’ worth to test the layout. For weekly pages, print at least 5 per month but no more than 15 to start.

Collection Pages

  • Recommended Pages: Cleaning schedules, meal ideas, home project trackers, financial pages, pet care logs, etc.

  • How Many to Print: 10-15 total pages to use as master lists or references.

Memory Keeping and Reflection

  • Recommended Pages: Gratitude journals, event pages, journal prompts, dream journals, travel memories.

  • How Many to Print: 2-4 pages per month, adding more as needed.

Step 4. Print Your Planner Pages Correctly

Printing your planner pages properly ensures they look polished and professional. Follow these tips for high-quality prints:

Printer

If you are looking for an inexpensive printer the below are great options. Please keep in mind that the printer makes all the difference, some printers are very low quality and the ink will look blotchy.

  • HP DeskJet 3755 compact but only prints up to 20lb paper (75 GSM) no duplex, no borderless

Paper

Recommended Paper Thickness for Printable Planners

Choosing the right paper for your printable planner can make a big difference in durability, writing experience, and overall presentation. Here are the best options based on your needs:

a. Standard Paper (20–24 lb / 75–90 gsm)

  • Best for: Basic planner pages, everyday use, budget-friendly printing

  • Pros: Widely available, works well with most home printers, cost-effective

  • Cons: May cause ink bleed-through with gel pens or markers, less durable for frequent handling

b. Premium Paper (28–32 lb / 105–120 gsm)

  • Best for: High-quality planner pages, color printing, reduced ink bleed

  • Pros: Thicker, smoother feel, holds up well to frequent use, minimal ghosting or bleeding

  • Cons: Slightly more expensive, may require higher printer settings for proper feeding

c. Cardstock (65–80 lb / 175–216 gsm)

  • Best for: Covers, divider pages, specialty planner sections

  • Pros: Sturdy, professional look, prevents wear and tear on frequently accessed pages

  • Cons: May not work in all home printers (check your printer’s specifications), higher ink usage

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Needs

  • For everyday planner pages: Go with 28–32 lb for a premium feel without bulk.

  • For pages that require more durability: Opt for 32 lb or lightweight cardstock (40–60 lb).

  • For covers or dividers: Use 65–80 lb cardstock for extra sturdiness.

Print Settings

  • Page Size: Choose the correct page size in your printer settings—US Letter, A4, or A5—based on your paper type.

  • Scaling: Set scaling to 100% or "Actual Size" to prevent resizing.

  • Print Quality: For the best results, especially with color prints, select "Best" or "High Quality" in your print settings.

Borderless Printing

Borderless printing removes white margins, making it ideal for planners with full-page designs or colorful layouts.

  • Adjust your print settings to “Borderless” or “Edge-to-Edge” (options vary by printer).

  • Borderless printing may not work on black-and-white prints with regular paper. If needed, select a thicker paper (even if using standard paper) and turn the color setting on.

  • Note: Not all printers support borderless printing.

Printing on Thicker Paper

Using heavier paper (28–32 lb) enhances durability and gives your planner a premium feel.

  • Ensure your printer can handle thicker paper, as some models struggle with cardstock or heavy-weight paper.

  • If using specialty paper, select the appropriate paper type in your print settings to avoid jams.

Double-Sided Printing

  • If your planner is designed for double-sided printing, make sure your printer supports duplex printing and test how pages flip.

  • Learn which direction to flip the page when manually printing on the back to maintain proper alignment. You can write the correct direction on a sticky note near your printer or keep a demo page with instructions on it nearby.

Test Print First

Before printing a full batch, print a single test page to check alignment, colors, and formatting. This helps you avoid wasting paper and ink.

Step 5. Bind Your Planner for Durability and Ease of Use

Once your planner pages are printed, binding them ensures they stay secure, organized, and easy to use. There are several options, but the easiest and most beginner-friendly method is using a three-ring binder. It requires no special tools, allows for easy page removal and addition, and is widely available.

Three-Ring Binder (Recommended for Beginners)

  • Why it’s best: Simple, affordable, and requires no extra equipment.

  • How to use: Print your planner pages, punch them with a standard three-hole punch, and place them in a binder.

  • What to look for: Choose a sturdy binder with metal rings that open and close easily. For frequent use, a binder with reinforced edges and a locking mechanism is ideal.

  • Sizes: Available in A5, US Ltr (8.5 x 11 inches), and A4, making it a versatile option.

    Recommended Binders and Hole Punches

    US Letter (8.5" x 11") – Standard for Printing & Note-Taking

    A4 (8.27" x 11.69") – Common for International Users

    • Binder: 1.5-inch or larger binder for more capacity and durability.

    • Hole Punch: Standard 3-hole punch that fits A4 pages.

    A5 (5.83" x 8.27") – Ideal for Compact Planners & Notebooks

Staple or Clip Binding (Simple and Temporary)

  • What it is: A quick method for keeping pages together without commitment.

  • How to use:

    • Stapling works for planners under 30 pages .

    • Binder clips or paper clips work for small sections or temporary planning inserts.

  • Who it’s best for: Those who want to test out a planner layout before committing to a more permanent binding method.

Other Binding Options (Not Recommended for Beginners)

While a three-ring binder is the easiest and most flexible option for beginners, there are other ways to bind your planner. These methods require special tools or external services, making them less beginner-friendly.

  • Disc-Bound System – Uses plastic or metal discs with special hole punches (e.g., Happy Planner, TUL, Levenger). Great for flexibility but requires proprietary equipment.

  • Spiral Binding – A permanent, notebook-style binding done at print shops or with a spiral binding machine. Ideal for planners that don’t need page rearrangement.

  • Coil or Comb Binding – Similar to spiral binding but allows for some page adjustments. Requires a binding machine or print shop service.

Since these methods involve extra tools or professional services, we recommend starting with a simple three-ring binder before exploring more advanced options.

Final Thoughts on Binding Your Planner

  • If you want the easiest, most beginner-friendly option → Go with a three-ring binder.

  • If you just need temporary binding → Stapling or clips are quick fixes.

  • If you want a permanent, polished look → Spiral or coil binding works best.

Step 6: Build Your Routine

Once your planner is set up, establish a consistent routine to make the most of it.

Set a Reminder

Add an alarm on your phone to remind you to check your planner. You can set it to go off daily, weekly, or monthly to build the habit.

Keep Your Planner Visible

Leave your planner in a place where you’ll see it daily—your desk, bedside table, or kitchen counter—so it’s easy to access and use.

How to Use Your Planner Effectively:

  • Weekly Planning – Set aside 15-20 minutes each week to plan schedules and update trackers. Choose a designated time, such as Sunday evenings.

  • Collection Pages – Use these pages as needed and update them weekly, monthly, or seasonally.

  • Memory Keeping – Spend time each week capturing reflections, gratitude, or journaling moments.

Step 7: Adjust and Expand as Needed

Each month, reflect on how well your planner is working for you:

  • Add more weekly or daily pages if you need additional planning space.

  • Expand your collection pages based on new interests or priorities.

  • Print extra memory-keeping pages to continue capturing important moments.

Tip: Keep your planner flexible! Print only what you need for a month or quarter at a time, and customize it as you go.

Tips for Success

Blend Digital and Paper Tools

Using digital tools alongside your paper planner can help streamline tasks and organization. If you already rely on a digital calendar such as Google Calendar, do not replicate it in your journal. Focus on unique, helpful pages that complement your planning system. Some things are simply better digital, like always having access to your account logins on the go, recurring tasks, quick lists, and automated reminders—while others work best on paper, such as goal-setting, journaling, and habit tracking. This balance helps minimize unnecessary pages in your printable planner while keeping everything efficient. Try these free tools to enhance your planning experience:

  • Bitwarden – Securely tracks accounts, cards, and passwords.

  • AnyList – Effortlessly save recipes from the web and generate smart grocery lists that automatically categorize your items for easy shopping.

  • Empower – Keeps all your spending in one place, making budget tracking effortless. Easily update your paper weekly or monthly budget tracker with accurate, up-to-date insights.

  • Todoist – Ideal for daily task management on the go. Grab two free months of Pro to unlock advanced features. Once signed up, try the “Last Time I” template—it includes recurring reminders for essential tasks like changing your air filter, so you never miss a maintenance check!

    • Tip: Add the quick-add widget to your lock screen for easy task entry!

Start Small

Begin with just a few key pages instead of printing your entire planner all at once. This prevents overwhelm and allows you to gradually build your system.

Use One-Page Trackers

Opt for pages that combine multiple elements, such as a monthly habit tracker instead of a weekly one. This reduces flipping between pages and keeps everything streamlined.

Reflect and Adjust Monthly

At the start of each month, take 5-10 minutes to review what’s working and what’s not:

  • Remove unused pages.

  • Add new sections if needed.

  • Adjust layouts to better fit your planning style.

By staying flexible and making adjustments, you’ll create a planner that grows with you and supports your productivity, goals, and lifestyle.

Use Repositionable Tabs for Easy Organization

Keep your planner organized with repositionable tabs. These sticky or snap-in tabs allow you to mark important sections, such as monthly spreads or goal-setting pages, and can be easily moved as your planner layout evolves. They're perfect for quick access and keeping your planning system flexible!

OPTION: Use Planner Digitally

If you prefer, you can upload any PDF planner to a note-taking app such as GoodNotes, Evernote, or Notability on a tablet. This allows for note-taking, highlighting, and adding images while keeping pages clean and reusable. Keep in mind that rearranging pages is difficult.

Recommended Supplies for Printable Planners

Recommended Everyday Pens and Tools - All on Amazon

Paper and Binding Supplies

US Letter (8.5" x 11"): Standard size for printing and note-taking.

A4 (8.27" x 11.69"): Common size for international users.

A5 (5.83" x 8.27"): Ideal for smaller notebooks or planners.

Final Thoughts

A printable planner is a powerful tool when used consistently and customized to fit your life. Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as needed. Over time, you’ll develop a routine that works for you and turn your planner into a trusted system for organization, goal tracking, and reflection.

Now it’s time to start planning and make the most of your printable planner!

Grab the All-in-One Life Undated Planner today—your go-to tool for organization, memory keeping, reflection, and planning. With collection pages, guides, and references, it’s designed to help you stay on track and inspired!

All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
$29.99

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Click here for the All-in-One Life Undated Planner.

  • Yes! This is a printable planner, meaning you can print only the pages you need and use them in a binder, disc-bound system, or even as loose sheets. The planner also includes print guides to help you get the best quality prints.

  • Absolutely! While it is designed as a printable planner, you can also use it digitally on apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or any PDF annotation tool for a paperless experience.

  • The planner is designed for U.S. Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), A4, and A5 sizes, giving you flexibility in how you use it. You can choose the size that best fits your needs, and if needed, adjust your printer settings to scale it accordingly.

  • Yes! The planner includes blank templates, lined paper, dot grid pages, and more, allowing you to add personal notes, sketches, or additional sections that fit your needs. Plus, vital sections are available as fillable PDFs, so you can conveniently type and organize information digitally before printing or using it on a tablet.

  • Definitely! Whether you’re new to planning or an experienced planner, this undated, flexible system allows you to start small and expand as needed. A Quick Start Guide is included to help you navigate the sections.

  • That’s the beauty of this planner! You only print and use the sections that work for you. Some people may focus on habit tracking, while others use it for goal setting, self-care, or journaling—it's designed to adapt to your lifestyle.

  • Yes! The planner includes a variety of guided prompts and challenges, such as the 30-Day Self-Care Challenge, 75 Soft & Hard Challenge, Gratitude Challenge, and various journaling exercises for self-reflection and motivation.

  • This planner is for personal use only, meaning you cannot resell or distribute it. However, you can purchase additional copies for family, friends, or colleagues who might also benefit from it.

  • Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a download link where you can access all the planner pages immediately. From there, you can print or use it digitally!

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All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
$29.99
Bianca "Sunflower Child"
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