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Digital planners are modern alternatives to traditional paper planners, designed for use on smartphones and tablets through note-taking applications like GoodNotes or Notability. They provide flexibility and convenience, allowing users to plan on the go. This article outlines the steps to create your own digital planner using Canva, a free online design tool that offers a variety of templates.
Before diving into the design process, take some time to brainstorm the content you want to include in your planner. If you plan to sell it on platforms like Etsy, researching existing planners can provide valuable insights. Analyze what features are popular and what your target audience is looking for. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and ensure that your digital planner is functional and user-friendly.
Once you have a clear idea of your planner's content, create an account on Canva. From the drop-down menu, select 'planner' to find suitable templates. The 8.5 x 11 size is ideal for digital planners. While some templates require a subscription, many are available for free. Start by creating a blank planner to design your cover.
To design your planner cover, explore various templates and graphics available on Canva. For example, you can search for floral graphics and customize them to your liking. Adjust the background color and add elements creatively. Using transparency effects can create depth, while adding shadows can give a more polished look. Finally, add text for your planner title, choosing a font and color that resonates with your design.
After designing the cover, proceed to create the homepage of your planner. Use shapes like rectangles to create sections for each month. Copy and paste these shapes to create dividers, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Add a small icon for the homepage and include text for each month. This organization will help users navigate through the planner easily.
To enhance user experience, make each month and the homepage clickable by adding hyperlinks. Select the elements you want to link, right-click, and choose the link option. Ensure that both the icon and the rectangle link to the correct pages. For text links, remember to disable the underline option for a cleaner look. This feature will make your digital planner user-friendly.
Once the homepage is set, focus on designing the interior pages. You can create tables for each month, allowing users to fill in their schedules. Incorporate sections for goals and notes, using simple text boxes and lines. Canva's extensive library of elements makes it easy to find what you need. If you're unsure about the design, consider using existing templates for inspiration.
After completing your design, download your planner as a PDF to ensure that hyperlinks function correctly. Once downloaded, you can set up your shop on Etsy and list your planner for sale. To stand out in a competitive market, aim to create multiple planners consistently. This strategy will help you identify which designs resonate with customers and can turn into a profitable side hustle.
Q: What is a digital planner?
A: A digital planner is a modern alternative to traditional paper planners, designed for use on smartphones and tablets through note-taking applications like GoodNotes or Notability.
Q: How do I brainstorm content for my digital planner?
A: Take time to brainstorm the content you want to include, and research existing planners to gain insights into popular features and what your target audience is looking for.
Q: How do I get started with Canva for creating a digital planner?
A: Create an account on Canva, select 'planner' from the drop-down menu to find suitable templates, and start by creating a blank planner to design your cover.
Q: What should I consider when designing the cover of my planner?
A: Explore various templates and graphics, customize them, adjust background colors, and add text for your planner title using a font and color that resonates with your design.
Q: How do I create the homepage of my digital planner?
A: Create sections for each month using shapes like rectangles, copy and paste these shapes for dividers, and add icons and text for easy navigation.
Q: How can I add hyperlinks to my digital planner?
A: Select the elements you want to link, right-click, choose the link option, and ensure that both icons and rectangles link to the correct pages without underlining text links.
Q: What should I include in the interior pages of my planner?
A: Design tables for each month, incorporate sections for goals and notes, and use simple text boxes and lines to enhance functionality.
Q: How do I finalize and download my digital planner?
A: Download your planner as a PDF to ensure hyperlinks function correctly, then set up your shop on Etsy to list your planner for sale.