As a freelancer juggling client deadlines, a business owner managing daily operations, or an entrepreneur building your brand, staying organized can feel like a constant challenge. Whether you’re tracking tasks, planning projects, or scheduling meetings, having a reliable digital planner can help you keep everything on track—without the need for technical expertise.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free platforms where you can easily create your own digital planner, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Key Insights
Digital planners offer flexible, device-synced organization with customizable layouts for tasks, schedules, and projects, surpassing traditional paper planners.
Free platforms like Canva, Notion, and Trello provide robust tools to create tailored planners, though some features may require paid upgrades.
Collaboration and offline access are common across platforms like Any.do and Google Calendar, but free tiers often limit sharing or advanced customization.
Beginner-friendly apps like Any.do and GoodNotes suit simple planning, while Notion and ClickUp cater to complex, personalized project management.
What Exactly Is a Digital Planner?
A digital planner is a digital paper-like planner used on mobile devices or computers for organizing and managing tasks, schedules and projects all in one place, synchronization of all your devices makes it easy to access, unlike traditional paper planners. However, there is always a backup feature to safeguard your plans and prevent data loss. You can comfortably design a custom planner to suit your needs.
Let’s dive into the best platforms to create a digital planner without breaking the bank.
Best Platforms to Create Digital Planners (absolutely free)
1. Canva
Canva serves as a versatile digital planner, allowing users to create customized layouts tailored to their needs (personal productivity, professional or organizational).
Features:
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Free templates for daily, weekly, or monthly planners, easily customized with text, images and colors
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The drag and drop feature makes designing very easy
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Allows for real time collaboration
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Cloud based storage in case of accidental deletion
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Synchronization on any of your devices making it accessible anywhere
Limitations:
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Some templates and features require a paid subscription (canva pro)
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Requires internet connections to access and edit designs
You can access Canva through their official website or download the Canva app from Apple Store or Google Play Store.
2. ClickUp
ClickUp is a popular project management tool that helps individuals organize their tasks and projects. It is designed to help users focus and achieve productivity.
Features:
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Free plan provides unlimited tasks, users and views (list, calendars, boards)
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Sync with other tools like Google Calendar and Trello
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Personalization of dashboard or workspace
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It records time spent on tasks (time tracking)
Limitations:
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ClickUp can be overwhelming for new users
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Free plan has limitations on features and storage
You can access ClickUp on mobile apps for iOS, Android and desktop.
3. Todoist
Todoist is a sophisticated app for task-focused planners, perfect for list lovers. It is a tool everyone needs if you need to get work and your life organized.
Features:
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Organize task into sections with offline access
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Sync with Google Calendar
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Free plan lets you create projects with due dates and priorities
Limitations:
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Free users do not get reminders
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Limited options for layouts and designs
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It may be quite overwhelming for new users due to its numerous tools and features
4. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a straightforward digital planner focused on scheduling events and tasks. It is really helpful when it comes to staying organized with work and your life.
Features:
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Create custom events, reminders, schedules synced with other devices
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Offline access lets you view and edit your planner without internet connection
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You can share calendars with others for group planning
Limitations:
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You can’t make fancy layout designs, just a calendar and task list
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Duplication of calendars; when multiple calendars are synced, Google Calendar might duplicate events like birthdays and events
Access Google Calendar on the mobile apps (iOS and Android) or a web browser. Go to calendar.google.com. Sign in with your Google account to view, create, or manage your calendars.
5. Trello
Trello is a Kanban-style dynamic planner that organizes tasks in boards, lists or cards. It is perfect for creating digital planners.
Features:
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Sync with Google Calendar
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It has the drag and drop feature
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View and edit boards offline after syncing so you can plan anywhere
Limitations:
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Free plan limits you to ten boards, so you might run out of space for multiple planners
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Setting up boards, lists, and cards takes time, unlike apps with ready-made templates
6. Notion
Notion is a flexible app for building planners from scratch for personal projects to project management that needs tracking or reminders, perfect for those who want a unique planner.
Features:
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Free plan offers unlimited templates
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Drag and drop features
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Create daily, weekly, or monthly layouts with task tables or calendars
Limitations:
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No built-in reminder for free users
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It may be a little bit difficult for beginners
7. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is a note-taking app but can be used to create a digital planner by importing or designing planner templates using hyperlinks (clickable links), making it easy to move around sections. Check out their website and start planning.
Features:
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Use ready-made planner pages or create simple ones for daily or weekly planning
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Add links (clickable links) to jump between websites, like flipping through pages
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Accessible in offline mode and sync with any of your devices
Limitations:
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GoodNotes doesn’t have planner pages, rather you have them from somewhere else which is extra work
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You can only make three planners in the free version
8. Any.do
Any.do is an easy-to-use digital app, popular for its to-do list and calendar feature. It can be accessible on the website for iOS and Android.
Features:
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Simple interface, ideal for beginners
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Add tasks with due dates and reminders
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Integrate your list or planner with your calendar
Limitations:
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Limited color tags and themes for custom
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You can only share a list with two people
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Conclusion
Creating a digital planner doesn’t require technical skills or a hefty budget. Free platforms such as Canva, Notion, Any.do, and GoodNotes simplify the task and project management process for freelancers, business owners, and entrepreneurs. These tools offer customizable templates, device syncing, and a level of organization that paper planners simply can’t match. While some features may be limited in their free versions, these platforms provide top-notch solutions to help you stay organized and productive without spending a dime.
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