Want to make a DIY planner journal booklet you can use or sell? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to design a cute cherry-themed weekly planner with covers in Planify Pro, print it as a booklet, and bind it with staples for a professional result. It’s one of the easiest bookbinding projects for beginners — and a great way to start making custom planners.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a customized cover with your favorite patterns and colors, create personalized weekly and monthly spreads with custom sections and layouts, make a handy to-do list notepad with tear-off pages, and assemble everything into a finished planner journal booklet.
If you’re interested in other binding techniques like wire binding or Coptic stitch, check out our guide to book binding methods for a full comparison.
What you’ll need to prepare before crafting your DIY planner journal booklet:
- Paper to print out the Inserts — see our best printers for planners guide for recommendations
- Cardstock 220gsm
- Stapler
Design Your DIY Planner Journal Booklet
Choose a Template
- Choose a Template: Start by selecting a planner template from Planify Pro that suits your needs and style. You can find a variety of templates, from daily and weekly planners to specialized templates for goals, habits, and more.
Customize Your Planner Pages
- Customize: Personalize your planner by adjusting the colors, fonts, and adding any decorative elements you like. You can also add, remove, or rearrange pages to create a planner that perfectly matches your preferences.
Design the Cover
- Add a Cover: Design a unique cover for your planner. You can use a pre-made template from Planify Pro or create your own design using images, text, and other elements.
Export and Print Your Planner Booklet
Export as PDF
- Export as PDF: Once you’re happy with your planner design, export it as a PDF file. Make sure to select the correct paper size (A4 or US Letter) and choose the “do not rearrange” option to ensure the pages print in the correct order.
Print Your Pages
- Print: Print your planner pages on your chosen paper. If you want a sturdier planner, consider using thicker paper or cardstock.
Bind Your DIY Planner Journal Booklet
This booklet uses simple staple binding — the quickest and easiest method for thin planner journals. For thicker projects, you might prefer wire binding, signature binding with Coptic stitch, or PVA glue binding.
Prepare the Cover
- Prepare the Cover: Cut your chosen cover material to the appropriate size, leaving a little extra space for folding over the edges.
Staple and Assemble
- Staple Bind: Align the interior pages inside the folded cover and staple along the spine to bind everything together.
Finishing Touches
- Add Finishing Touches: Decorate your planner cover with embellishments like ribbons, stickers, or washi tape. You can also add a personalized touch with your name or initials.
More DIY Planner & Notebook Tutorials
Enjoyed making this DIY planner journal booklet? Explore these other handmade planner and notebook projects:
Want more tips and inspiration for building your own custom planner or launching a personalized planner brand? Check out our blog for a helpful beginner’s guide: “What You Need to Start a Planner Shop” and Courses to help you get started. Planify Pro has more DIY tips to help you personalize your planner, whether you’re designing a gift, building a product line, or just creating a layout that works for you.
Check out these easy tutorials and bring your custom planner ideas to life Click Here! Don’t forget to visit our Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest for more inspiration—and to explore our wide selection of premade planner templates, design stickers, and fonts for making your own personalized planner. Let Planify Pro help you on your journey to planner success!
