The Four Planner Types

No planner type is universally superior to another; each one serves different needs.

You might prefer a paper notebook for daily thoughts and a more structured system for work, or you may choose various digital tools for different aspects of your life. Any combination is acceptable as long as it works for you.

At times, it seems there are more planner options than there are sheep in New Zealand! It’s no wonder selecting just one can be challenging.

Before making a final decision, it is wise to clarify your priorities regarding information organization and retrieval. Rank the following items based on their significance to you, with 1 being the most important and 12 the least. Alternatively, you can assign a star rating out of 5 to each item.

• A lightweight setup that’s easy to carry
• The ability to write by hand
• Having notes backed up and synchronized across devices
• The tactile feel of a real book made of paper
• Decorating planner pages with colored pens and stickers
• No specific app obstructing access to your notes
• Easily adding audio to your notes
• Access to a robust database
• Manipulating notes from multiple applications
• Integration of your digital calendar into your notes
• Converting handwritten notes to standard text
• A budget-friendly or free way to create and access notes
• Extending your system’s functionality with plugins or code

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

1. Paper Planners

   Ideal for those who enjoy writing by hand on actual paper and don’t mind carrying a substantial, single-purpose notebook.

   Paper planners can be enjoyable to personalize, and taking a break from screens to write can be beneficial. However, your notes are only accessible when you have the (often bulky) book with you. Make sure it doesn’t get wet, left behind, or lost!

   These planners can take up space and must be stored or disposed of at the end of the year. Some hybrid paper planners can be scanned into an app or feature reusable pages.

2. Planner Apps

   Perfect for individuals who prefer typing over handwriting, want their notes accessible on all devices, and don’t mind a third party handling their data.

   Digital planning applications are versatile and user-friendly. Many require an internet connection (which is a downside for me), while some offer calendar integration (a plus).

   Typically, they focus on typed notes rather than handwritten ones. Purpose-built planning apps usually cater to a specific workflow, whereas free-form apps can be overly complicated and distracting.

3. Interactive Planners

   Great for tablet users who appreciate a simple, paper-like interface, with the option to write by hand or type, and want access to their notes on all devices.

   Interactive planners are special PDF documents used within a notes app, generally on a tablet. They provide space for handwriting, typing, sketches, links, audio, and additional materials.

   Like their paper counterparts, interactive planners can feel structured and immersive, as if you’re writing in a high-tech book.

4. Plain Text Files

   Best suited for those desiring full control over their data while having access to notes across all devices.

   Plain text planners consist of various text files that are platform-independent. Files can be interlinked through hyperlinks.

   Applications like Obsidian come with plugins for database functionality and options for handwriting and drawing within your notes. Logseq is excellent for outlining, while Notenik specializes in flexible, built-in metadata. Although there’s a learning curve, many online resources can help you get started.

A Checklist and Recommendations

Now that you’ve pinpointed your ideal planner type, it’s time to consider your options. Just kidding! Sort of. If you're experiencing a revelation, I won't stop you from spending, but I will offer some advice on what to consider before making a purchase.

• Are your preferences evenly split among planner types? Do you thrive on variety? You may want to select one format for work and another for personal use.
• Will the chosen digital format be acceptable according to your workplace's firewall policies? This is a valid concern for someone I know.
• Is budget a crucial factor? Think carefully before committing your hard-earned money to a subscription.
• Are you prone to switching between notebooks/apps frequently? I completely understand! Opt for something straightforward, and give it a fair chance before moving on.

Now for some recommendations.

Note: I won’t attempt to cover every option or preference. I lean toward simple, understated designs (no judgment if you prefer a more vibrant style), and I particularly focus on productivity for educators, which reflects in my recommendations. No affiliate links here, just a little promotion for my own products.

1. Paper Planners

   Some brands offer both plain notebooks and dated versions.

   • Moleskine — My top pick for everyday notebooks is the lined Cahier, though I also enjoy the hardcover version. Their line spacing is just right.
   • Leuchtturm1917 — I use one for my five-year diary. Their paper is excellent for most fountain pens.
   • Rhodia — Known for its incredibly smooth paper, a fountain pen enthusiast's delight.
   • Baron Fig — This one has gained a lot of followers.
   • Passion Planner — I can’t recommend this product and its company highly enough.
   • The Momentum Planner — This structure inspired my plain text planner. They also offer a digital version.
   • Hobonichi Techo — Beautifully simple Japanese design (swoon).
   • Planner printables — Momentum and Passion Planner provide free printables, and Etsy has an overwhelming selection for those who enjoy embellishments.

   Specialist:

   • The Teacher’s Weekly planning range — Designed by educators, for educators. Available as printables or ready-made.

2. Planner Apps

   • The Momentum Planner — Excellent but available online only; $10 a month. Check out their paper versions as well.
   • Agenda — Freemium, date-focused note-taking.
   • Things 3 — Links to emails, web pages, and files.
   • Clickup — Freemium. Built for collaboration, but suitable for solo users. A great option for teachers.
   • Notion — Powerful and free, with numerous third-party templates available.

3. Interactive Planners

   The apps:

   • Noteshelf — My favorite due to its writing tools.
   • Goodnotes — Extremely popular. My choice for presentations when teaching via Zoom.
   • Notability — Freemium.

   The planners:

   • Passion Planner — A bit pricey, but outstanding.
   • Goodplanr — Japanese-inspired design. So stunning!
   • The Teacher’s Weekly — (Yes, another one of mine.) Offers great value, covering everything teachers need to manage dates, schedules, classes, professional development, and communication. Available in dated or undated versions.

4. Plain Text Planners

   • Noteplan — Excellent calendar integration but surprisingly pricey.
   • Obsidian — My favorite. Check out my adventures in plain text planning here and here. I'm exploring how to implement plain text planning in an educational context.
   • Logseq — Ideal for those who think in outlines and have a bit of a geeky side.
   • Notenik — A grassroots, free plain text option. Mac only.

My Planning Workflow

I utilize three primary 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’m a strong advocate for this app, I have been reevaluating its structure to minimize reliance on Obsidian-specific features. This allows me to leverage the capabilities of other applications like iA Writer and Notenik on the same files. Call it prudent planning, digital doomsday preparation, or paranoia; I don’t mind. It’s my approach, and I intend to stick with it!

In the classroom, I primarily use the Teacher’s Weekly interactive planner on my iPad for everything. I initially used the paper version but switched to digital for automatic backups and accessibility. If you hadn’t noticed, I’m a bit paranoid about losing things.

I also keep a paper notebook handy for casual notes when pulling out a device doesn't feel appropriate, as well as for journaling.

Final Thoughts

I initially thought it would be amusing to correlate planner types with personality and lifestyle traits, but there was too much overlap for that to be effective, even in jest.

Paper enthusiasts might yearn for vintage typewriters, but so do I, and I’m mostly paperless. App aficionados may fall victim to shiny object syndrome, but many do not. Text-oriented individuals might be science-minded coding fanatics, but I know firsthand that’s often not the case. You see the dilemma.

Now, if you’ve identified your planner type but are unsure which app or brand is best, stop right there. There is no definitive best option. What matters is what works for you today. Tomorrow’s needs might differ, and that’s perfectly fine.

Download free productivity resources (including an Obsidian Planner demo vault) from my Gumroad store. For a weekly dose of plain text insights, check out my Plain Text, Paper-Less Productivity Digest.

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