For anyone who finds themselves running late to meetings they themselves scheduled or who can’t remember if they’re supposed to be at yoga or picking up a third coffee, a daily planner template might just be your new best friend. And if you’re a stay-at-home parent trying to juggle PTA meetings, work deadlines, and somehow managing a kid’s science fair project that’s due tomorrow, it can be your lifeline.
A daily planner template isn’t just for type-A go-getters. It’s for everyone – parents, students, freelancers, and even that one friend who thinks “winging it” is a life philosophy. It’s for anyone who’s ever said, “Oh, I’ll remember that” and immediately didn’t. I know I’ve been guilty of that. Sigh.
Daily Planner Template Free Download
Comment “Daily Planner Template” on this post and I’ll email you my Daily Planner Template (pictured below) for free – no strings!
How do you structure a daily planner?
1. Date and Day of the Week
- Start with the basics! Write down the date and the day – you’d be surprised how handy this simple detail is when looking back at old entries.
2. Top 3 Priorities
- Identify the three most important tasks you need to complete by the end of the day. Think of these as your non-negotiables – the things that absolutely must get done, even if the rest of your day falls apart.
3. Hourly Schedule (Time Blocking)
- Create hourly slots, generally from when you wake up until when you go to bed. Block out time for each task or meeting, including breaks, meals, and downtime.
- Example: 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Emails and planning, 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Project work, etc.
4. To-Do List
- List smaller tasks that may not need specific time slots. These could be errands, emails, or anything that you’ll fit in during free pockets of time.
5. Notes Section
- Have a space for any random ideas, observations, or things you learn throughout the day. This is also a good place to note follow-up items or thoughts on projects.
6. Habit Tracker or Goals
- If you’re working on new habits (like drinking more water, exercising, or staying off social media), tracking them in your planner can be motivating.
- You can add mini-goals here too, like “Read 20 pages” or “No caffeine after 3 PM.”
7. Reflection or Gratitude
- At the end of the day, jot down a quick note about how things went. What went well? What could be improved? If that feels too formal, simply listing one thing you’re grateful for can be a great way to end the day on a positive note.
Example Layout:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Wake up & stretch |
| 7:00 am | Breakfast & get kids ready |
| 8:00 am | Priority Task #1 |
| 9:00 am | Emails & planning |
| 10:00 am | Project work |
| … | … |
| 8:00 pm | Reflection & gratitude |
A Few Tips for Success:
- Consistency is key – checking your planner at the same time each day makes a huge difference.
- Keep it realistic – don’t overload your planner; too many tasks can feel overwhelming.
- Customize as needed – try adding color-coding, stickers, or personal touches to make it uniquely yours!
How do I create my own daily planner?
Creating your own daily planner template can be a fun, creative way to tailor a tool that fits your personal needs and preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Decide on a Format
- Digital or Paper: Choose whether you want a digital planner (apps like Notion, Google Sheets, or even Canva) or a paper planner (either a notebook you design yourself or a printable template you can customize).
- Size and Layout: If you’re going with paper, decide on the planner size (A4, A5, etc.) and layout (portrait or landscape). Digital planners can be as structured or as flexible as you like.
Step 2: Determine Key Sections
Think about what’s most important for your day. Here are some common sections to consider:
- Date & Day
- Top Priorities (3-5 key tasks)
- Time-Blocked Schedule
- To-Do List
- Notes or Brain Dump Area
- Habit Tracker or Daily Goals
- Reflection or Gratitude
Feel free to include anything unique to your needs, like a meal planner, water tracker, or motivational quotes.
Step 3: Design the Layout
- Sketch it Out: Grab a blank sheet of paper and sketch out how you want your planner to look. This will help you visualize how much space each section needs.
- Choose Colors and Fonts: If you’re making a digital version, pick a few colors and fonts that make it visually appealing but not distracting. For printed planners, colored pens or highlighters work great!
- Grid or Free-Form? Decide whether you want everything to be in neat boxes (like a grid) or more free-form.
Step 4: Choose Your Tools
- Digital Tools: Try a design tool like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create your layout. Canva even has daily planner templates you can adjust to suit your preferences.
- Paper Tools: For a handmade approach, get a dot-grid or blank notebook, a ruler, and some fun pens or markers to lay out your planner. Bullet journals work wonderfully for this!
- Printable Option: If you want to print it, create a template in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or even Excel. You can then print as many copies as you need.
Step 5: Add Custom Touches
- Inspiration: Add space for a daily motivational quote or affirmation.
- Personalization: Leave room for doodling or jotting down a quick daily goal.
- Decorative Touches: Try using washi tape, stickers, or stencils for visual flair if you’re going with a paper format.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
- Try using your planner for a few days and see what works and what doesn’t. Make any adjustments to sections, spacing, or order to make it flow better.
Daily Planner PDF Free Download
Comment “Daily Planner Template” on this post and I’ll email you my Daily Planner Template (pictured below) for free – no strings!
What is the best free daily planner?
There are several great free daily planners out there, each with unique strengths depending on your style and needs. Here’s a rundown of some of the best options:
1. Google Calendar
- Best for: Simple time-blocking and scheduling.
- Features: Google Calendar is perfect for organizing events, tasks, and reminders, all color-coded. You can set recurring tasks and get notifications, making it ideal for both long-term planning and daily use.
- Tips: Use the “Tasks” feature for a to-do list, and add time slots for specific tasks like meetings or project work.
2. Trello
- Best for: Visual organization, projects, and flexible task management.
- Features: Trello’s boards, lists, and cards can be customized to create a daily planner. Use one board for daily tasks, with lists for “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” You can add due dates, checklists, and labels, which are especially helpful for tracking projects and priorities.
- Tips: Use Trello’s Power-Ups (like Calendar view) to see tasks on a calendar and plan your day visually.
Daily Planner Template PDF
Comment “Daily Planner Template” on this post and I’ll email you my Daily Planner Template (pictured below) for free – no strings!
In summary
Using our free daily planner template to organize your day isn’t just a helpful tool—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal goals, a planner template brings structure to your routine, helping you stay focused, reduce stress, and feel more accomplished as you tick off tasks one by one. It’s also a chance to reflect on what you prioritize, keep track of long-term goals, and create routines that feel meaningful to you.
