A warm and simple guide to choosing the right tools for your digital planner
If you’ve been dreaming about creating your own digital planner, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“What software do I use to create one?”
It’s such a good question — and a very exciting one. 😊
Because the truth is, you don’t need complicated or expensive tools to get started. With just a few easy-to-use programs, you can design a beautiful, functional digital planner right from home.
Let’s walk through the best software for creating a digital planner, in a way that feels simple and approachable.
First, What Does Digital Planner Software Do?
Digital planner design software helps you:
✔ Create planner pages
✔ Add layouts (daily, weekly, monthly)
✔ Design tabs and sections
✔ Export your planner as a PDF
Some tools even allow you to prepare your planner for hyperlinks, making it interactive and easy to use.
The Most Popular Software for Creating Digital Planners
Let’s explore the most commonly used tools — each one has its own gentle strengths.
1. Canva 🎨
Best for beginners and quick designs
If you’re just starting out, Canva is one of the easiest tools to use.
It offers:
🌸 Drag-and-drop design
📓 Ready-made templates
🎨 Fonts, icons, and elements
📱 Easy PDF export
You can quickly create beautiful planner pages without needing design experience.
👉 Perfect if you want something simple, aesthetic, and beginner-friendly.
2. Keynote 🍎
Best for creating hyperlinked planners
Many digital planner creators love Keynote because it makes it easier to:
✔ Design custom layouts
✔ Add clickable tabs (hyperlinks)
✔ Create smooth navigation
It’s especially popular for making planners used in apps like Goodnotes.
👉 Great if you want to create a more advanced, interactive planner.
3. PowerPoint 💻
Best alternative to Keynote
If you don’t use Apple devices, PowerPoint works very similarly to Keynote.
You can:
📂 Create planner pages
🔗 Add hyperlinks
📄 Export as PDF
Many creators build entire digital planners using PowerPoint.
👉 A great option for Windows users.
4. Adobe InDesign 🖋️
Best for professional designers
If you’re looking for more control and precision, Adobe InDesign is a powerful tool.
It allows for:
✨ Advanced layouts
📐 Precise spacing and alignment
📓 High-quality designs
However, it has a steeper learning curve.
👉 Ideal if you want a polished, professional-level planner.
5. Procreate ✍️
Best for creative, hand-drawn planners
If you love drawing or creating unique elements, Procreate is a beautiful companion tool.
You can:
🎨 Design stickers
✍️ Create handwritten elements
🌸 Add artistic touches
Many creators design assets in Procreate, then bring them into their planner.
👉 Perfect for adding personality and creativity.
What’s the Best Software for You?
It depends on your goals.
Here’s a simple way to choose:
✔ Beginner → Canva
✔ Interactive planner (tabs + links) → Keynote or PowerPoint
✔ Professional design → Adobe InDesign
✔ Creative artwork → Procreate
You don’t need to use everything — even one tool is enough to get started.
Do You Need Multiple Tools?
Not always.
Many creators start with just one program and build from there.
Over time, you might combine tools like:
🎨 Canva for layouts
🔗 Keynote for hyperlinks
✍️ Procreate for stickers
But in the beginning, keep it simple.
Final Thoughts
So, what software do you use to create a digital planner?
You have several wonderful options:
✔ Canva for ease and beauty
✔ Keynote or PowerPoint for interactive planners
✔ Adobe InDesign for advanced design
✔ Procreate for creativity
The most important thing isn’t the tool — it’s starting. 🌿
Because once you begin, you’ll slowly create something that reflects your style, your ideas, and your way of planning.
And that’s where the magic really is. 📓✨