Want to make a DIY desk planner with a built-in tear-off notepad? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to design weekly spreads, a to-do list notepad, and a matching cover in Planify Pro, then print and assemble everything into a standing desk planner with wire binding. It’s a great project if you’re learning how to make a custom planner from scratch.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a customized cover with your favorite patterns and colors, create personalized weekly spreads to track your schedule and goals, make a handy tear-off notepad for daily to-dos, and assemble and bind your DIY desk planner like a pro. For more about binding options, see our guide to book binding methods.
What you’ll need to prepare before crafting your DIY desk planner:
- Paper to print out the inserts — see our best printers for planners guide
- PVA Glue
- Cardstock 150-220gsm
- Coil or O-Wire Binding
Design Your DIY Desk Planner Inserts
Steps for customizing your planner with Planify Pro
Step 1: Download and open the template
Go to Planify Pro and search for “Desk Planner.” Open the template for the internal pages to begin customizing your weekly spreads.
Step 2: Customize your design
Change the font, colors, and styling to match your preferences. Keep the layout and sizes as they are to ensure proper printing and assembly.
Step 3: Save and export settings
Save and export the design as a PDF. Select A4 or US Letter size paper and make sure “do not rearrange” is selected for proper page ordering.
Step 4: Print the inserts
Print pages 2-28 of the PDF first. Then re-insert those printed pages into your printer and print page 1 on the back to complete the weekly spreads.
Step 5: Review and organize your printed inserts
Check that all pages printed correctly and are in the right order. Organize all your printed pages in order and get ready to cut and bind them in the final assembly step.
Step 6: Final insert preparation
Do a final quality check of all your printed inserts before moving on to create the notepad and cover. Your weekly desk planner inserts are now ready!
Design the To-Do List Notepad
Creating your tear-off notepad
Step 1: Open the notepad template
In Planify Pro, find and open the “Notepad” template for the Desk Planner to create your tear-off to-do list pages.
Step 2: Customize the notepad
Adjust the colors and widgets to match your planner’s theme. Keep the sizing consistent to ensure proper fit when assembled.
Step 3: Export and print multiple copies
Export as PDF with “digital” and “double page” selected. Print the PDF multiple times (35 times recommended) to create a thick notepad with plenty of to-do list pages.
Create and Print the DIY Desk Planner Cover
Designing your planner’s exterior
Step 1: Open the cover template
Find and open the “Cover” template for the Desk Planner in Planify Pro to begin designing your planner’s exterior.
Step 2: Customize the cover design
Change the colors and text to personalize your cover. Keep the layout and sizing the same for proper assembly.
Step 3: Print on cardstock
Export as PDF with A4 or US Letter size selected. Print twice on thick cardstock (180-220 GSM recommended), preferably with borderless printing for a professional finish.
How to Bind Your DIY Desk Planner
This desk planner uses wire binding with a chipboard cover — similar to the technique in our half-hidden wire notebook and weekly desk planner tutorials. For other binding techniques, see our guides on signature binding and PVA glue binding.
Physical assembly steps
Step 1: Cut the planner inserts
Carefully cut all your printed weekly planner pages to the correct size, ensuring clean and straight edges for a professional look.
Step 2: Punch and bind the inserts
Use a hole punch to create binding holes in your inserts. Then bind them together using a spiral or wire binding machine for durability.
Step 3: Create the notepad stack
Stack all your to-do list pages together. Apply PVA glue along the top edge to bind them into a tear-off notepad. Let it dry completely.
Step 4: Prepare the cover
Trim and score the cover page as shown in the video tutorial. This will help create clean fold lines for a professional finish.
Step 5: Assemble the cover with chipboard
Fold the cover page and glue it around chipboard pieces to create a sturdy, rigid cover that will protect your planner.
Step 6: Attach the notepad
Use double-sided tape to securely attach the notepad to the inside of your planner cover, positioning it for easy access.
Step 7: Add finishing touches
Attach a ribbon to the back cover to create a closure tie. This adds both functionality and a decorative element to your completed DIY desk planner.
More DIY Planner & Notebook Tutorials
Enjoyed making this DIY desk planner? Explore these other handmade planner and notebook projects:
Ready to Create Your Own Planner?
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. Let Planify Pro help you on your journey to planner success!
