DIY Clipboard Notepad: Refillable Notepad with Clipboard Clip and Folding Cover

How to Make a DIY Clipboard Notepad with Refillable Inserts

This DIY clipboard notepad tutorial shows you how to build a notepad with a clipboard clip mounted on a folding chipboard cover, plus a refillable notepad holder inside so you can swap pads whenever they run out. The clipboard clip holds loose papers, reference sheets, or receipts on the front, while the refillable notepad inside gives you a dedicated space for writing.

This design combines the best features of a clipboard and a notepad into one portable tool. The folding cover protects the notepad when closed, the clipboard clip keeps important papers secured on the front, and the internal holder lets you slide in a fresh PVA-bound notepad whenever the current one runs out. It is a practical project for anyone who likes having a writing surface with clip storage in one package.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to build a three-panel folding chipboard cover, wrap it with sticker paper, install a clipboard clip with eyelets, make a refillable notepad holder from cardstock, and bind a PVA notepad to slot inside. Customize the cover and notepad designs with templates from Planify Pro. Visit our Planner Collections for more ideas.

Looking for more planner inspiration? Explore our complete guide to custom planner makers in 2026, browse 50+ planner template ideas for sellers, or see our step-by-step roadmap on how to start a profitable planner business on Etsy.

Template

How to Export PDF

Notepad: Go to Save/Export -> Selected Page -> Paper -> Select A4 -> Click Generate PDF
Cover: Go to Save/Export -> Selected Page -> Paper -> Select A4 -> Click Generate PDF

How to Print PDF

Download the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader program for printing.

Print notepad at 100% scale only front side. in total around 60 pages. Print two cover pages at 130% scale at best quality.

You will need

Materials:

Regular Paper
PVA Glue
Chipboard
Clipboard Clips
White Glossy Sticker paper
Cardstock
Double Sided tape

Equipments:

Heavy Duty Paper cutter to cut paper
Hole Puncher
Tool to secure Clipboard Clip such as Eyelet press or grommet press

Instructions:

Print the notepads (each 60 pages) and trim them to size
Apply PVA Glue to the top edge and let it dry for 15 min
Print both cover templates at 130% scale (2x covers) on white glossy sticker paper
Trim off the white edge
Overlap them in the middle so they form one big piece
Remove the adhesive on the back
Prepare three pieces of chipboards: 1) 15.8x22cm 2) 1.5x22cm 3) 15.8x22cm
Place them on to the cover
Fold in the sides
Apply white glossy sticker paper on the inside
Score the folds
On the front side of the cover, mark where you want to attach the clipboard clip
Punch two holes at the marks
Install the clipboard clips. You can use an eyelet press or grommet press for this step
Prepare two pieces of white cardstock. They can be any size, they just need to be wider than the notepads and around 7cm in height, then place them between the chipboard and the notepad pages
Turn over the notepad
Fold in the overlapping cardstock and apply double sided tape
Place the notepad with the cardstock on to the inside of the covers
Remove the notepad. You should be left with a notepad holder for refills