Whether you’re new to digital planning or already deep into your GoodNotes routine, one question always comes up:
Should I use a dated or undated digital planner?

Both planner types have passionate fans — the dated version offers structure and routine, while the undated version gives you freedom and flexibility. The key is understanding which one matches your productivity style, goals, and creative workflow.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about undated vs dated digital planners, including:

• The major pros and cons of each
• When to use each type
• How to design one yourself in Canva
• A detailed comparison table
• FAQs and expert recommendations

✨ What is a Dated Digital Planner?

A dated digital planner includes pre-set calendar pages — with exact days, weeks, and months already filled in for the year (e.g., January 2025 – December 2025).

You’ll often find them styled like digital diaries or work planners, perfect for people who love structure and deadlines.

✅ Advantages of Dated Planners:

• Automatic organization: You can start planning immediately without entering dates manually.
• Ideal for goal tracking: Great for setting monthly or yearly goals with clear timelines.
• Motivational momentum: Seeing dates pass helps build a sense of achievement.
• Easier for business planning: Entrepreneurs and students love them for accountability.

❌ Disadvantages of Dated Planners:

• Can’t reuse next year — you’ll need to buy or recreate a new one.
• Less flexibility — if you skip weeks, those pages become wasted.
• Can feel too structured for creative thinkers.

🌼 What is an Undated Digital Planner?

An undated planner doesn’t include specific calendar dates. You can start using it anytime, any year, and customize your planning pace.

Think of it as a flexible canvas that adapts to your mood, energy, or life stage.

✅ Advantages of Undated Planners:

• No wasted pages: Perfect for people who skip weeks or start mid-year.
• Timeless and reusable: Use it every year without re-downloading.
• Customizable: You can add digital stickers, your own dates, or themed templates.
• Eco-friendly: Since it’s digital and reusable, it saves resources long-term.

❌ Disadvantages of Undated Planners:

• Requires more setup time (adding dates manually).
• No sense of “calendar flow” for time-sensitive tasks.
• Might lead to procrastination for people who need deadlines.

📊 Comparison Table: Dated vs Undated Digital Planners

🖌️ How to Choose the Right Planner for You

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

💼 Choose a Dated Digital Planner if:

• You’re a student or entrepreneur managing multiple projects.
• You rely on deadlines to stay productive.
• You enjoy a consistent daily structure.

🌸 Choose an Undated Digital Planner if:

• You prefer flexibility and don’t like time pressure.
• You want to reuse your planner yearly.
• You’re a creative, freelancer, or content creator who plans in bursts.

🎨 Design Tip: Make Your Own Planner in Canva

If you’re into design, try creating your own dated or undated planner in Canva.

Steps to create one:

1. Open Canva and choose “Digital Planner Template.”
2. Decide your size (A4, A5, or tablet-friendly).
3. Add hyperlinked tabs for months or sections.
4. Use Canva fonts like Montserrat or Playfair Display for an elegant look.
5. Add stickers, icons, and pastel color palettes for a personalized touch.
6. Export as PDF for GoodNotes or Notability.

💡 Pro Tip: Offer both versions (dated + undated) if you plan to sell on Etsy or Payhip — that doubles your audience reach.

💻 Tip: Sell Both Versions on Etsy

On Etsy, the keyword “Undated Digital Planner” has high search volume with low competition in 2025. Offering both versions helps you appear in more search results and attract both planner types.

Include keywords like:

• “Digital planner for iPad GoodNotes”
• “Minimalist digital planner 2025”
• “Undated productivity planner template”

🧠 FAQs

1. What is the main difference between dated and undated planners?

Dated planners have pre-filled calendar dates, while undated planners let you customize your own schedule without yearly restrictions.

2. Which digital planner lasts longer?

Undated planners are reusable every year, making them a one-time investment for long-term use.

3. Can I convert a dated planner into undated?

Yes! In Canva, simply remove the date text boxes or layers before exporting.

4. Which one is best for students?

Dated planners are great for students who need structured deadlines and academic calendars.

5. What’s more popular on Etsy?

Undated planners currently dominate Etsy sales because they’re evergreen and cost-effective for buyers.

🧭 Conclusion: Your Perfect Planner Awaits

Both dated and undated digital planners are powerful tools — it all depends on your personality and workflow.

✨ If you crave structure and deadlines → go with a dated planner.
🌿 If you love flexibility and creative freedom → choose an undated planner.

Or, even better — use both for different areas of life (work vs personal).

📍 Ready to design your own planner?
Explore Canva Digital Planner Templates from Artisan Anthology and start planning your dream life today — one page at a time.

✨ About Artisan Anthology

At Artisan Anthology, we curate timeless digital creations designed to inspire and elevate every part of your lifestyle. Our collection includes brand books, digital templates, recipes, ebooks, wardrobe planners, fashion guides, printable wall art, and elegant home décor designs. We also specialize in wedding cards, invitations, baby shower cards, and engagement cards, each crafted to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.

For professionals and dreamers alike, our CV templates, guided journals, and manifestation planners are created with intention to help you tell your story beautifully and authentically.

✨ Discover our full collection of digital planners here → ArtisanAnthology.xyz