Types of Planners

No planner type is objectively superior; each serves distinct needs. You might prefer a physical notebook for daily ideas while opting for a structured approach for work. Alternatively, you may utilize different digital systems for various aspects of your life. Any mix is acceptable, as long as it meets your requirements.

Sometimes it feels like there are more planner options available than sheep in New Zealand! It’s no surprise that selecting just one can be a challenge.

Before finalizing your choice, identify your priorities regarding how you organize and retrieve information. Rank the following features based on their importance to you, with 1 as the most significant and 12 as the least, or rate each item out of 5 stars:

1. A lightweight, portable setup
2. The ability to write by hand
3. Backed-up notes accessible on all devices
4. The tactile feel of a physical book
5. Decorating planner pages with colored pens and stickers
6. No specific app obstructing your notes
7. Easy audio note integration
8. Access to a functional database
9. Multi-app note access and manipulation
10. Integration with your regular digital calendar
11. Converting handwritten notes to text
12. An affordable (or free) way to create and access notes
13. Extending functionality with plugins or code

After ranking, compare your top-rated features with the following planner types:

1. Paper Planners

   Ideal for those who enjoy writing on physical paper and don’t mind carrying a bulky planner. While they can be delightful to personalize, paper planners limit access to notes unless you have the planner with you. Additionally, be cautious of water damage, misplacing it, or losing it altogether. These planners can also take up space for storage once the year concludes.

2. Planner Apps

   Best suited for those who prefer typing their notes and want them accessible across all devices. While digital planning apps offer convenience, they often require an internet connection and may have calendar integrations. Many are designed for specific workflows, which can sometimes be overly complicated.

3. Interactive Planners

   Perfect for tablet users who appreciate a paper-like experience with the option to write or type notes, plus access across devices. Interactive planners are special PDFs used in note-taking apps, providing space for handwritten notes, typed entries, and various multimedia elements.

4. Plain Text Files

   Ideal for users desiring complete control over their notes across all devices. Plain text planners consist of text files readable on any platform, often linked with hyperlinks. Apps like Obsidian and Logseq enhance this experience with additional functionalities.

A Quick Checklist and Recommendations

Now that you’ve identified the planner type that best suits your needs, it’s shopping time! Just kidding—sort of. If you’re experiencing a moment of inspiration, go for it, but consider these points before making a purchase:

• Is your preference evenly split across planner types? If you thrive on variety, consider using one format for work and another for personal use.
• Will the digital format work within your workplace’s security protocols?
• Is budget a key concern? Think carefully before committing to subscriptions.
• Are you prone to frequently switching planners? If so, choose something simple and give it a solid trial before changing again.

Here are some recommendations, reflecting my preferences and experiences:

1. Paper Planners
   • Moleskine: My go-to everyday notebook, especially the lined Cahier.
   • Leuchtturm1917: Excellent for my five-year diary.
   • Rhodia: Offers exceptional paper quality.
   • Passion Planner: A fantastic product from a great company.
   • The Teacher's Weekly: Designed specifically for educators.
2. Planner Apps
   • The Momentum Planner: Great but requires an online connection.
   • Notion: A powerful, free tool with many third-party templates.
3. Interactive Planners
   • Goodnotes: Popular choice for presentations.
   • The Teacher's Weekly: Tailored for teachers with all necessary features.
4. Plain Text Planners
   • Obsidian: My favorite for plain text planning adventures.
   • Logseq: Perfect for those who think in outlines.

My Planning Methodology

I rely on three main productivity tools: a paper notebook, a handwritten interactive PDF planner, and a plain text planner. Currently, I access my plain text files through Obsidian.

While I appreciate this app, I’ve been rethinking its structure to minimize reliance on Obsidian-specific features. This allows me to utilize other apps like iA Writer seamlessly.

In the classroom, I use the Teacher's Weekly interactive planner on my iPad for comprehensive organization. I transitioned to digital for easy access and automatic backups, as I have a tendency to misplace items.

I also maintain a paper notebook for spontaneous notes and journaling when I prefer not to use a screen.

Final Thoughts

Initially, I considered matching planner types to personality traits, but there was too much overlap to do so effectively.

Ultimately, once you’ve identified your planner type but are uncertain about which app or brand to choose, remember there’s no single “best” option. It’s all about what works for you today, as your needs may change tomorrow.

For additional resources, consider downloading free productivity tools, including an Obsidian planner demo vault, from my Gumroad store. Stay updated with my weekly Plain Text, Paper-Less Productivity Digest.

Discover how to find the perfect planner system tailored to your needs in this insightful video.

Watch this video for a comprehensive guide on choosing the right planner for your lifestyle.