Canva Series: Create Your Own Planner Template

I’m a big believer in To-Do lists, planners, and journals–really anything that helps me keep track of my own life.

If you’re anything like me, then you know how important it is to have a system that helps you stay on top of your day-to-day schedule. Whether you’re a student or working professional, a planner is especially helpful for staying organized and prioritizing your mental health.

There are a ton of planners on the market. But if you still haven’t found one you love, then today’s blog post is for you.

I’m going to show you how to create your own planner template on… you guessed it, Canva! This way, you can create something that really works for you, your schedule, and your work style.

This is a continuation of our Canva series which includes our previous posts on How To Use Canva To Create Your Own Branding and How To Make A Virtual Business Card To Use As An Email Signature.

Head To Canva

You know the drill, on Canva’s homepage, click “Create a design” in the top right corner. Search “planner” and choose the first option that measures 8.5 x 11 inches. This is important for being able to print out your template later on.

Now, onto the planner templates!

Decide What Type Of Planner You Want To Create

1. Daily Planner

If you’re someone who’s days are jam-packed from start to finish, this could be the option for you. This type of planner template will help you prioritize your tasks and hold you accountable for your progress throughout the day.

Some things your daily planner should include:

A Header → Leave some blank space at the top of the page to write the day and date.

Time Slots → This should create the main section of your planner template. Break this down into hour-long time slots. I recommend doing this with a 12 hour window that aligns with your schedule. For example, 8am to 8pm. If this system is too rigid for you, break up your daily planner template with morning, afternoon, and evening sections, and include blank space underneath each one.

2. Weekly Planner

If you’re like me and just want to keep track of the big picture goals of the week, this option is for you. I use this type of planner to outline daily tasks, meetings, and deadlines. This weekly planner system helps me stay productive on my own because I can see what needs to get done and when.

A Header → Leave some blank space at the top of the page to write the month, dates of the week, etc.

Days of the Week → This should make up most of your planner template. Divide up seven sections for each day of the week. Include as much blank space under each day as you need. For example, you might include more space for weekdays and then combine Saturday and Sunday if those days are less busy.

Bonus Tip → Space out the days in a way that makes the most sense for you. For example, I hate when planners begin the week with Sundays, so I like planner templates that list Monday as the first day. You can also decide whether to list the days horizontally, vertically, or any other way.

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Other Things To Include

No matter how organized you are or how well you plan out each day, there are going to be times when extra things pop up on your To-Do list. This could be an extra work task, or maybe you just need to remind yourself to run an errand. Leave extra space on your planner template to create a checklist or notes section.

Customization

No one likes a boring template–unless of course you do–then no offense. But this is an opportunity to spice things up and make a planner template you really love and will actually use.

Here are some ways to customize your planner template:

Add a quote you love somewhere on the page
Pick fun header fonts
Add a background image (although this could result in using a lot of ink)
Decide between lined or blank sections
Add virtual stickers or design elements to give it a personal touch

Lastly…

Once you’ve created your own planner template, download it as a PDF and print. If you decide on the daily planner option, print out five to seven to cover the whole week. If you choose the weekly planner option, print out enough to cover the current month.

Happy planner-ing!

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Meet The Writer!

Hello! My name is Lea Rose and I am an avid writer with a love for all things international. I recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Communication Studies as well as Dance Performance and hope to be a full time travel writer one day. My writing primarily focuses on the ways places and experience shape us as individuals. Please feel free to check out my blog or connect with me through LinkedIn or Instagram @writtenworldblog.