Which Planner Layout is Right for You?
The key to building a planner you’ll actually use? Start with a layout that matches how you think and plan your days. Whether you love making lists, blocking out every hour, or just need a new space to see the big picture, we’ve got you covered. We’re breaking down the most popular layout options to help you find the one that’s just right for your new setup.
Vertical Weekly Layout
Time-blocking, Managing Schedules, and Daily Routines
If your days tend to be full with meetings, classes, or appointments—the Vertical Weekly layout could be the best fit for you. This format spreads your entire week across two pages, giving each day a vertical column with a lined layout. It’s extremely flexible: plan by the hour, jot down top priorities, or create a task list that changes from day to day.
Some planners use this layout for time-blocking their workday, while others use it to balance appointments with personal goals. You can even try color-coding different types of tasks for quick visual organization.
You don’t have to plan every day the same way. One day might be by-the-hour, the next just a to-do list, and that’s the beauty of it.
Horizontal Weekly Layout
Ideal for journaling, reflection, and balanced weekly overviews.
The Horizontal Weekly layout offers a balanced blend of guidance and freedom. Each week spans two pages, with a horizontal row for every day, giving you space to jot down plans, thoughts, or even journal entries. Alongside the daily rows, there are mini sections for checklists, notes, and highlighting important dates.
This layout is ideal if you’re keeping track of something over time like habits, health goals, or creative routines. It’s structured enough to stay on track, but open enough to let your planning style shine through.
Tip: Use the checklist for daily habits or priorities, the notes section for reflection or a gratitude log, and the important date box to highlight one key thing to focus on each week.
Week on One Page + Notes
A minimalist weekly view with space to think, track, and brainstorm.
Need a compact way to stay on top of your week? This layout gives you just the right amount of structure without overwhelming your space. One page holds a clean weekly view, complete with a task checklist and habit tracker (with checkboxes for Monday through Saturday). On the facing page, a full notes section gives you freedom to make it your own.
This layout is perfect if you’re using multiple planners, like one for work and another for personal or school life, and want something sleek to complement your system. It works beautifully for people who want just the essentials, but still need a place to think, reflect, or brainstorm.
Tip: Use the Lined Notes Planner Inserts with the Weekly Admin Planner Inserts for anything from meeting recaps and reminders to weekly reflections or creative ideas. Some planners even use it to journal lightly through the week.
Daily Layout
Detailed planning for your schedule, tasks, and daily priorities.
The Daily Layout is designed for those who need to dive deep into their day. The Dated Daily layout features two days per page. Each day includes three structured sections: a task checklist, an agenda for scheduling, and a memo section for quick notes or reminders.
The Undated Daily layout offers a clear hourly schedule (from 7 AM to 9 PM) plus lined spaces for top priorities and task checklists—each with space to check off what you've completed.Use any of these layouts if you need to keep everything in order. It’s ideal if you like to structure your day in small, manageable pieces, and it’s also perfect for entrepreneurs, or anyone juggling several roles.
Tip: Maintain focus and clarity by blocking out your top three priorities for the day in the task checklist, and use the memo section for quick reminders or important thoughts that might distract you from staying on track.
Monthly Layout
Big-picture planning to map out your month at a glance.
Sometimes, you need to see the big picture, and the Monthly Layout is here for that. With two pages dedicated to each month, you get a full overview of your key deadlines, events, and important dates. This layout allows you to track the big milestones and plan out your goals without the clutter of daily details.
Perfect for long-term planning, whether you're managing a project, content calendar, or personal goals, this layout helps keep everything visible and organized. You can even use Dot Stickers or Bar Stickers to color-code and easily track recurring events or tasks.
Tip: On the second page, you’ll find a lined section for writing down additional notes, reminders, or tasks that you can later add to your calendar. If last-minute changes pop up, the Square Transparent Page Flags fit perfectly in each date box, making it easy to add notes without cluttering your calendar.
Functional Inserts
Add-ons to personalize your planner and support every part of life.
Your planning needs go beyond just appointments and to-dos, and your inserts should, too. Whether you're tracking personal goals, building new habits, or managing big projects, adding functional inserts can transform your planner into a custom system that truly supports your life.
Here are three of our favorite ways to personalize your setup:
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Track Your Mind & Body
Wellness isn’t just about exercise—it’s about finding balance, staying present, and checking in with yourself. Our Wellness Inserts give you the space to track your mental and physical well-being, making self-care a priority, not an afterthought. Whether you're tracking therapy sessions, journaling gratitude, or managing daily routines, these inserts help you stay focused on what matters most.
Must-have Wellness Inserts:
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Daily Wellness Planner Inserts to track habits, moods, and reflections
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Therapy Planner Inserts for keeping notes on your sessions and progress
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Gratitude Log Planner Inserts to foster positive affirmations every day
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Tip: If you're building a wellness-focused planner, pair your wellness inserts with a Weekly or Daily Layout for a holistic, balanced approach to your week.
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Manage Projects with Confidence
Whether you’re managing a large team project, planning a big launch, or simply organizing your thoughts for a personal goal, our Project Management Inserts give you the tools to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. These inserts keep you on track and ensure that no detail slips through the cracks.
Top Project Management Inserts:
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Goal Mapping Planner Inserts to outline your vision and milestones
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Gantt Chart Planner Inserts for visualizing project timelines and dependencies
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Project Management Inserts for documenting the details of your upcoming home project, collaborations, projects — or whatever else you have coming up in your life.
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Tip: If you're managing multiple projects or have a long-term goal, consider pairing these inserts with the Vertical Weekly layout or Weekly Admin Planner Inserts for detailed time-blocking and actionable steps.
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Build Consistency & Momentum
Consistency is key to achieving your goals—whether that’s sticking to a morning routine, developing healthy habits, or building a productive workday. Our Routine & Habit Inserts are perfect for planners who want to track their daily habits, routines, and long-term growth. These inserts make it easy to stay accountable and motivated.
Key Habit & Routine Inserts:
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Arched Habit Tracker Planner Inserts for tracking daily, weekly, or monthly habits
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Routine Builder Planner Inserts to craft and monitor your daily routines
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Minimal Skincare Routine Inserts to stay on top of your self-care goals
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Tip: Pair these inserts with a Monthly Layout to track progress on a larger scale or with Daily Layouts to stay on track with micro-goals each day.
So, Which Layout Fits You Best?
Some people thrive on structure; others need a bit more breathing room. Maybe you’re all about lists and goals, or maybe you like to leave space for spontaneity. The good news? You’re not locked into just one way of doing things. You can mix and match layouts, build a setup that shifts with your seasons, or layer in inserts as your life evolves.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Planner? Start with your purpose—then pick the layout that helps you plan with clarity and ease. Browse our full collection of inserts here to find your match, and build a custom planner that’s as unique as your daily routine.
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