DIY Hardbound 30-Month Planner

Build a Bold Hardbound 30-Month Planner That Lasts All Year

Craving a DIY project that’s as stylish as it is functional? This hardbound month planner tutorial shows you how to turn your favorite printable pages into a durable, personalized planner you’ll be proud to use—or gift!

Perfect for long-term planning, goal setting, or journaling, this project adds structure and elegance to your routine. The hardbound format offers a polished, book-like finish that’s sturdy enough for daily use, yet easy to create at home.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to measure, glue, and bind your pages into a sleek, minimal planner that reflects your style—using Planify Pro templates or your own designs.

Let’s get crafty and give your monthly plans the home they deserve. 🌟 See Planify Pro’s Planner Collections Here

Template

How to Export PDF

How to Export this Template from Planify Pro:

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

For 30 Month Planner: Go to Save/Export -> All Page -> Paper -> Select A4 -> Rearrange Booklet -> Set Sheet per Signature: 1 -> Click Generate PDF

How to Print PDF

Download the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader program for printing.

Recommended to use a Duplex Printer for this Project. You will need in Toal around 200+ Pages. Print the planner inserts at 100% scale, on both front and back side. Print the cover pages on white glossy sticker paper at 100% scale, if possible print Borderless. There are two pages in the cover pdf file. Only print out the first cover page. Trim off the white border if there is one.

You will need

Materials:

Chipboard 1.4mm or any thickness
Regular Paper 80gsm
White Glossy Sticker Paper
PVA Glue
Head band (book band)

Equipments:

Heavy Duty Paper cutter
Bookpress

Instructions:

Print and cut the inserts (120 pages in total) and trim them using a heavy duty paper cutter)
Fold each page one by one. Make sure the pages align and continue in the correct order after folding and combining together
Insert the stack with the folded pages into the bookpress. The folded spine side facing up - Apply a generous amount of PVA glue to the spine.
Use a sponge to spread the glue evenly
Press the stack to the left side and continue spreading the glue. This will make sure glue is distributed evenly.
Press the stack to the right side and repeat the step making sure the glue has been applied evenly throughout all pages
Move and secure the bookpress at the spine. Make sure the bookpress is pressing the pages evenly. To protect the pages and the bookpress from being glued or stuck together, insert some paper sheets as a protector between the book press and the glued pages
Let it dry for at least 1.5-2 hours. Better over night
Once dried remove the pages from the press and trim the edges with a heavy duty paper cutter to get a clean edge. This step is optional but it gives the planner a cleaner finish.
Take a piece of headband and make sure it’s as wide as the spine.
Glue it to the top and bottom of the book’s spine using PVA Glue.
Print out the cover design on white glossy sticker paper
Cut three chipboard pieces to following sizes 1) 10.5x15cm -> 2) 2.2x15cm -> 3) 10.5x15cm
Note: The middle second chipboard should be exactly the same width as the book’s spine
Note: The first and third chipboard which are the front and back covers should be around 2mm wider and taller to each side compared to the book itself. If you prefer a bigger cover you can also make these two pieces bigger
Remove the adhesive from the cover design and place the chipboards on to it. Make sure the chipboards are placed exactly centered on to the cover design. Best to make sure the second chipboard piece is completely centered before placing the other two chipboards next to it
Trim the corners of the cover design
Fold in all the sides
Take the planner book and apply double sided tape on to the front and back side of the planner book. Make sure the double sided tape is applied to the edge of the paper as close as possible. Apply tape to all sides, as well as diagonally in the center of the book
Place the book on to the cover, remove the tape’s adhesive and then fold down the cover so it attached to the front page of the book. Repeat this step for the back side as well
Optional: Score the book at the spine. Not necessary but might make it look more “book-like”