When it Comes to Reading Planners, Does Paper or Digital Win Out?

Are you tired of losing track of the books you’ve read or struggling to reach your reading goals? Keeping track of the books you have read can be challenging. Also, planning your reading goals and scheduling reading time can be difficult. If you are struggling with this, a reading planner might be your solution!
However, deciding whether to go digital or stick with a paper planner can be difficult with many options. This article will explore the different types of reading planners, their benefits, and which is better: paper or digital.

What is a Reading Planner?

A reading planner is designed to help readers track their reading progress, set goals, and plan their reading schedule. A reading planner can have many pages to help you reach your reading goals. Options include a reading habit tracker, a book wish list, a reading checklist, favorite quotes, and a monthly reading calendar. Also available are pages to track the books you loved, couldn’t get into or didn’t finish. Who knew? The individual page options are unlimited when you create a reading planner.

What is a Digital Reading Planner?

A digital reading planner is an excellent choice for people who want something simple and portable. A planner can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and can motivate you to stay on track. When you purchase your reading planner, you receive a PDF to download. Most reading planners are in letter size and A5. You would then add this file to your tablet’s notes app; I use Good Notes.

Using your reading planner with your favorite notes app is simple. The system allows readers to track their reading progress on their electronic devices. Digital planners are helpful, and they can be accessed from anywhere. If your tablet is linked to your phone, you can access this on the go! This gives you a quick check-in of your reading goals.

Digital Reading Planners: Are They Worth It?

Digital planners are worth it if you enjoy using technology and want to access your reading planner on the go. They are also ideal for people who prefer a minimalist system and don’t want to carry around a paper planner. A digital version is perfect for readers who want to reduce clutter.

Do Paper Reading Planners Even Matter?

So, which one is better? The truth is, it all comes down to personal preference. Some readers swear by digital planners, while others can’t imagine their reading life without trusty paper planners.
But here’s the thing: Whether paper or digital, a reading planner can be invaluable for achieving your reading goals. You will get the most out of your reading experience using any reading planner.

Creativity Matters

Both paper and digital reading planners allow you to use different colored pens, highlighters, or stickers. It’s a fun way to customize your planner and make it your own. In addition, there are many places to download digital stickers to add creativity to your digital reading planner. With a digital planner, you use a stylus made for your tablet.

Is It Better to Have a Digital or Paper Reading Planner?

Increasingly, more people are buying digital planners. Almost everyone is looking for ease rather than a new item to remember to carry. But wait! Don’t dismiss paper reading planners just yet. They might seem old-school, but something must be said about the experience.

Having a pen in hand and writing down on paper your reading goals is intentional. Some people find it easier to focus on reading using a paper planner, a break from the digital world.

The debate between paper and digital planners has been ongoing. While digital planners are convenient and accessible, many prefer paper planners. It might be how our brains are wired. What do you like? Let me know in the comments.

Reading Planner Tip

And here’s a bonus tip: Did you know that my vintage book store, Reading Vintage, offers reading planners for sale? I offer two styles of reading planners and am working on expanding the planners I offer you. Also available are many types of reading printables that are simple and functional to stay on top of your reading game in style. My favorite is the Retro Floral Reading Planner. With its charming floral design, this planner is practical and visually appealing. These downloadable pages can be printed to create a paper reading planner or used digitally.

So, what are you waiting for? Get a reading planner that works for you, and start making the most of your reading time!

Paper or Digital?

Ultimately, whether you use a paper or digital reading planner depends on what you prefer. Both paper planners and digital planners have advantages and disadvantages. Your personal needs and preferences will determine which option is best. Using a system that works for you is more important than using a paper or digital planner. Make use of them as a tool to assist you in achieving your reading objectives.

Let me know what you think in the comments; I’m curious.

Resources for More Learning

As you ponder the choice between paper and digital reading planners, here’s a selection of books and websites to deepen your understanding. These resources offer insights into the benefits and drawbacks of both mediums, helping you make an informed decision.

Books

1. The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr: In this book, Nicholas Carr explores how digital technology affects our minds and the way we engage with information. This perspective can be illuminating when weighing the cognitive effects of using digital versus paper reading planners.
2. The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future by Ryder Carroll: Ryder Carroll introduces the Bullet Journal, a paper-based method for tracking and organizing your reading and other activities. This book is an invaluable resource for understanding the benefits of a tangible, paper-based planner.
3. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport: Cal Newport provides insights into the need to be selective with digital tools. Understanding the principles of digital minimalism will help in choosing between digital and paper reading planners by assessing which aligns best with your values and goals.

Websites

1. Todoist Blog: Todoist’s blog offers articles, guides, and tips for digital planning and productivity. Reading through their posts can provide a deeper understanding of the benefits and techniques of using a digital planner for organizing your reading goals.
2. Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Blog: The official Bullet Journal blog by Ryder Carroll is packed with tips, tricks, and insights into the Bullet Journal method. It’s an essential resource for those looking to explore the potential of paper-based reading planners.
3. Lifehacker: Lifehacker covers a range of productivity tips and tools, including both paper and digital planners. It’s a great place to get insights, reviews, and comparisons to help decide which planner medium is ideal for your reading objectives.

By exploring these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to assess the pros and cons of paper and digital reading planners. Engage with the materials to identify which method resonates with your style, preferences, and objectives in planning your reading journey.

Happy reading!

Meet Pam of Reading Vintage, an ardent curator of quality vintage books. Join her journey from hunting hidden gems at estate sales and offering them to you at her online bookstore, Reading Vintage, to offering insightful resources on her blog, Vintage Book Lovers. Explore, learn, and reconnect with timeless literature.

“I am sure there is Magic in everything, only we have not sense enough to get hold of it and make it do things for us.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett, ‘The Secret Garden’