Create a Digital Planner in Canva: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

In this friendly tutorial, we'll walk through the process of creating a customizable digital planner in Canva. From setting up the canvas size to adding clickable tabs and exporting the final product, you'll learn how to build a professional-looking planner that you can edit and share with your customers.

Step 1: Set Up the Canvas 🖌️

Before diving into the design, it's crucial to set up your canvas correctly. This ensures that your planner will look professional and be functional.

Create a New Design

First, open Canva and click on the "Create a Design" button. A dropdown menu will appear.

Set Custom Dimensions

In the dropdown menu, select "Custom Size." For a two-page spread, set the width to 1336 pixels and the height to 960 pixels.

Choose a Background

After setting the dimensions, it's time to choose a background. This will serve as the base for your cover page.

• Find a background you like

• Drag and drop it onto the canvas

• Ensure it covers the entire canvas

Step 2: Design the Cover Page 🎨

Now that your canvas is set up, it's time to design the cover page. This is the first thing people will see, so make it eye-catching!

Add the Cover Elements

Start by adding a cover. This will be your front cover, so make sure it's centered.

• Drag and drop your cover image

• Center it on the canvas

Incorporate a Coil

To give your planner a realistic look, add a coil to the side. This mimics the look of a physical planner.

• Find or create a coil image

• Drag and drop it onto the canvas

• Resize it to fit the edge of your cover

Add Text

Next, add text to your cover. This will include the title of your planner and any other relevant details.

Create the Main Title

Add a heading for the main title. Make sure it's bold and eye-catching.

• Click on "Add a Heading"

• Type "Monthly Planner"

• Change the font to something bold

• Resize and position it

Add a Subheading

Below the main title, add a subheading for additional details. This could be the year or a tagline.

• Click on "Add a Subheading"

• Type "2023"

• Choose a script font

• Resize and position it

Customize Colors

Finally, customize the colors of your text and elements to match your brand or theme.

• Select the text

• Change the font color

• Ensure all elements have a cohesive look

Step 3: Create the Monthly Pages 📆

Once your cover page is ready, it's time to create the monthly pages for your planner. This involves setting up a consistent layout for each month.

Label Each Page

Start by labeling each page with the corresponding month. This makes navigation easier.

• Click "Add a Page"

• Name the page "January"

• Repeat for all 12 months

Copy the Background and Layout

Use the same background and layout for consistency across all pages.

• Copy the background from the cover

• Paste it onto each monthly page

• Add plain white boxes for writing space

Adjust the White Boxes

Ensure the white boxes are well-aligned to leave room for tabs and other elements.

• Eyeball the size of the boxes

• Position them on the left and right sides

• Keep enough space on the left for tabs

Create a Two-Page Spread

For a functional planner, make a two-page spread for each month.

• Left side for notes

• Right side for calendar

Now you have a consistent layout for January through December!

Step 4: Add the Faux Coil Design 🌀

To give your digital planner a realistic look, add a faux coil design. This mimics the spiral binding of a physical planner.

Select a Coil Design

Choose a coil design that matches your planner's aesthetic.

• Find or create a coil image

• Pick a color that complements your theme

Position the Coil

Place the coil between the left and right pages of each spread.

• Center the coil on the canvas

• Ensure it aligns with the edges

Maintain Consistency

Use the same coil design throughout your planner to keep it cohesive.

• Copy the coil from the cover page

• Paste it onto each monthly spread

Consistency in design elements like coils makes your planner look polished and professional.

With these steps, your digital planner in Canva will not only be functional but also visually appealing. Happy planning!

Step 5: Insert the Monthly Divider Tabs 📅

Adding divider tabs makes your digital planner easy to navigate. Let's get started on this essential step.

Calculate the Tab Size

First, you need to determine the size of your tabs. This ensures they are evenly spaced.

• Measure the height of your page

• Divide by 12 (number of months)

• Adjust the tab size accordingly

Insert the Tabs

With the size calculated, you can now insert the tabs. This gives your planner a professional look.

• Create a rectangular shape

• Adjust its height to the calculated size

• Move the tab to the right side of the page

Copy and Paste

Once you have one tab, you can easily create the rest.

• Copy the tab

• Paste it below the first tab

• Repeat until you have 12 tabs

Adjust the Colors

To differentiate the tabs, change their colors. This helps to visually separate each month.

• Select a tab

• Change its color

• Use contrasting colors for each tab

Send Tabs Backward

Ensure the tabs are behind the main content. This keeps your planner clean and organized.

• Select all tabs

• Click "Send Backward"

• Make sure they are behind the page elements

Step 6: Link the Tabs to the Corresponding Pages 🔗

Now that the tabs are in place, it's time to link them to the corresponding pages. This makes your planner interactive and user-friendly.

Add Text to Tabs

Start by labeling each tab with the corresponding month.

• Select a tab

• Add text (e.g., "Jan")

• Rotate text 90 degrees

Hyperlink Each Tab

Linking the tabs to their pages makes navigation seamless.

• Click on a tab

• Select the "Link" icon

• Choose the corresponding page

Remove Underline Formatting

Hyperlinks often come with underlines. Let's remove them for a cleaner look.

• Select the text

• Click the "Underline" button to remove it

Repeat for Each Tab

Ensure all tabs are linked and properly formatted. Consistency is key.

• Label each tab with the month

• Hyperlink to the corresponding page

• Remove underline formatting

Adjust Tab Positions

Make sure all tabs are aligned and easy to read. This enhances the planner's usability.

• Select all tabs

• Use arrow keys to adjust positions

• Ensure even spacing

With these steps, your digital planner is now both functional and visually appealing. Enjoy your newly created planner!