Digital vs. Printable — What’s the Difference?

Not sure which version is right for you? Here’s a simple breakdown so you can choose with confidence.

Shop Digital Shop Printable FAQ
Quick tip: If you want clickable tabs and plan on an iPad or tablet, choose Digital. If you want pages you can print or keep simple, choose Printable.
DIGITAL

Digital Planner (GoodNotes / Penly)

Hyperlinked Tablet Planning Reusable
  • Designed for use in planner apps like GoodNotes or Penly.
  • Includes clickable tabs and navigation for easy jumping between sections.
  • Write directly on the pages using a stylus (Apple Pencil, S Pen, etc.).
  • Delivered as a digital download — nothing is shipped.
Best for: iPad/tablet users who want an interactive, all-in-one planner experience.
PRINTABLE

Printable PDF (Print or Static Use)

Print at Home Binder / Disc Simple Tablet Use
  • Designed to be printed and used in binders or disc systems.
  • Can also be imported into apps as static pages.
  • Ideal if you prefer paper planning or want to print only the pages you need.
  • No interactive tabs like the digital planner.
Best for: paper planners or users who want simple, non-interactive pages.

FAQ

What does “static” mean?
“Static” means the pages act like regular document pages. You can write on them, but they don’t include clickable tabs or built-in navigation like our Digital planners.
What are GoodNotes and Penly?
GoodNotes and Penly are third-party planner apps that allow you to write on digital planners using a stylus. Our Digital Planners are designed to be used inside these apps.
Which app should I use?
  • GoodNotes is most popular on Apple devices (iPad) and is also available on some Android tablets.
  • Penly is the most compatible option for Android tablets and Android phones.
Are GoodNotes or Penly included with my planner purchase?
No. GoodNotes and Penly are separate apps that require their own purchase or subscription through the App Store or Google Play. Your planner purchase does not include access to these apps.
Can I switch if I ordered the wrong version?
If you realize you ordered the wrong format, email us as soon as possible with your order number and we’ll help you figure out the best option.
Questions? Email us at support@papersplanners.com

Planner Recommendation

Not sure which planner is right for you? Here’s a simple breakdown of what each one includes — especially the pages/features that make them different.

Find your best fit Jump to Comparison FAQ
Find your best fit
Tap all that apply — we’ll recommend your top 2.

Digital Budget Planner (Hyperlinked PDF)

Hyperlinked Tablet Planning ~500 pages
  • Dated digital planner made for planner apps (tap tabs to jump instantly)
  • Massive library: budgeting + daily spending + meal planning + food journal + sleep/vitamin trackers
  • Life admin pages: meeting notes, phone call logs, routines, household + family planning
  • Bonus sections: baby planning, back-to-school planning, and more
  • Customize freely: duplicate pages as many times as you want
Shop Digital

Legacy Planner (Physical + PDF option)

Fan Favorite Weekly Planning Budget Built-In
  • Full-size, viral OG — elegant hardback, gold spiral, gold metal corners
  • Weekly planning + 2-page monthly calendars (undated)
  • Paycheck budgeting (up to 5 per month) + expense trackers
  • Savings + debt tracking, savings challenges, and goal planning (year + 4 quarters)
  • Scripture included (faith-forward, but still balanced with budgeting)
Shop Legacy

Budget Book (PDF only for now)

Budget-Only Printable No weekly pages
  • Smaller “Legacy-style” budgeting — budgeting sheets only (no weekly planner pages)
  • Includes paychecks + a 1-page monthly budget
  • Great for printing + punching into any binder/disc system you love
  • Physical spiral is returning soon — for now, it’s PDF only
Shop Budget Book

Mom Planner (Physical only)

Scripture heavy Home + Kids Softbound
  • Family of up to 6: routines, meal planning, grocery planning, extracurriculars, tuition, and more
  • Scripture-heavy and focused on home/life management first
  • Not budget-focused: includes one monthly budget page (that’s it)
  • Undated (12 months)
Shop Mom Planner

Beginner Budget Planner (Debt-focused, simple)

Beginner-friendly Debt focus 74 pages
  • Simple, no-overwhelm budgeting for beginners
  • Undated monthly calendar + monthly budget breakdown
  • 3 expense trackers per month + monthly close-out
  • Debt + savings tracking pages to watch balances move
  • Best for: getting consistent fast (especially if debt payoff is your main goal)
Shop Beginner Budget

FAQ

Why does my tracking look “stuck”?
You’ll receive a tracking number once your order is packed and a shipping label is created. After the label is printed, it can take up to 24–48 hours for the carrier to show the first scan/update. Some packages won’t show movement until the carrier completes the first physical scan (pickup or drop-off).
Can I cancel my order?
Yes — you can cancel anytime before your order ships. Email us with your order number and we’ll take care of it.
What are GoodNotes and Penly?
They’re planner apps used to write on digital PDFs with a stylus.

GoodNotes is most common on Apple (iPad/iPhone), and it’s also available on some Android tablets.
Penly is one of the most compatible options for Android tablets/phones.

These apps are not free, and purchasing a Papers Planners digital file does not include the app subscription/purchase.
What do you mean by “hyperlinked” on the digital planner?
“Hyperlinked” means the pages have tap-able tabs/buttons (like a website). Tap to jump between months, sections, and pages instantly — no endless scrolling.
Need help? Email us at support@papersplanners.com with your order number and we’ll take care of you.