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You may have read my post on how to start a bullet journal. It has quickly become one of my most popular posts on my blog ever. I have over 60,000 views on that post and counting! Since publishing that post, you may have noticed that my June bullet journal was done digitally. I really enjoyed this style of journaling and I’m sure I’ll carry on this method for a while.
Because of this, I thought I’d create my guide on how to make a digital bullet journal. It’s a lot easier than you think!
What do I need to start a digital bullet journal?
You’ll need a tablet of some sort (I have the iPad 7th generation). You also need the app Goodnotes (£7.99) on the App Store. The first person to use this code “HH7RLFA7XT6K” will get the app for free!
These are the bare minimum of digital bullet journaling. Some other things I have found incredibly helpful are a stylus of some sort (I have the Apple Pencil 1) and the app Procreate (£9.99) on the App Store. I find that procreate is a lot easier to draw on and I’m happier with the outcome of drawings that I do on there.
What are the benefits of digital journaling?
I’ve found quite a few benefits of journaling digitally over regularly. First of all, you can just get rid of what goes wrong, when this is set in pen on paper, you’ll have to compromise for that mistake. There’s also a lot more colour options available and pen types that you may not have access too. You also don’t have to worry about pens running out of ink. You can also just copy and paste images into your journal rather than printing them off and cutting them out. I do like paper for the traditionalism of it all but I’ve found digital journals are much more versatile.
But I’m not artistic at all!
Me too! I always get so many compliments on my bullet journal posts despite not being the most artistic. The beauty of procreate is that it allows you to trace images! Simply save the image off google and upload to procreate. Then, add a draw layer over the image and trace it. Once you’re happy, you hide the photo layer and you’ve mastered it! I’ve done this for my July theme but it’s a surprise so you can see a different tracing I did for fun here. You’ll know how much of a big deal this is to me as I LOVE Winnie the Pooh! It was my may bullet journal theme but I only made reference to him through “hunny”. My hand drawn, non-traced drawing would have shamed him greatly!
I don’t have to time to journal…
That’s what I used to think, especially when on paper because it takes hours to draw out individual drawings for mood trackers. Luckily digital bullet journaling is so much quicker. I can just copy and paste one drawing however many times I need. To colour in (procreate) you can just drag the colour from the top right-hand corner and drop it into the drawing you want. It’s super quick to draw graphs too on Goodnotes as you can have a pen that straightens all your lines. You don’t have to keep fiddling with a ruler. There’s no excuse for not setting up a digital bullet layout!
Where can I get theme ideas?
Like I said on the traditional version of this post, you can get loads of ideas and inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram. I’m awful at thinking of ideas so these are my go-to places to get ideas. You can check out my bullet journal Pinterest board if you want some ideas. I love looking for simpler themes that I can spruce up a little and give it my own twist.
Are there negatives to be aware of?
There are a few as there is with any activity. Of course, if you don’t have an iPad, it can be difficult to start a digital bullet journal. I’d recommend investing in one however as goodnotes can also be used for lecture notes and it’s good for watching shows on too! I obviously recommend my iPad 7th generation. It’s a newer model but it’s also a more affordable model too! It can also be quite difficult with getting to grips on writing on an iPad screen. I’m slowly getting there but I am thinking of getting a paper-feel screen protector as this’ll make it even easier!
So where do I actually start?
I’d recommend downloading procreate first and just start doodling! This will help you find inspiration for your first digital bullet journaling theme! If you’re really struggling with the drawing side though, I’d recommend buying a template off of Etsy. It does add extra cost but they’re usually inexpensive (around $5). They’re also often undated so you can use them over and over. If this is the route you choose, then you upload it on goodnotes. Then, just play around until you’re happy with it!
What spreads do I need to add to my digital bullet journal?
There’s no particular spread that you need to add to your bullet journal. My personal recommendations however, are a cover page, monthly spread, mood tracker and weekly spreads as a minimum. There are so many different spreads and as I said inspiration is everywhere whether it be Instagram, Pinterest or even my bullet journal posts…
Some really interesting ones that I love are reading lists, a gratitude log and finance planning. I honestly need to start managing my finance. I’m not awful with money but I could definitely do better!
What’s your best tips for those starting a digital bullet journal or even a regular one?
I’d say start simple! You may want to decorate it as much as you possibly can but it can lead to a big mess! Start simple and get the basics down then add a few small decorations to the page.
Practice! Practice your handwriting. I was so eager to start that some of my titles didn’t look as good as they could’ve. I know however, that my next month will have better titles. Find a handwriting style you like, copy it into goodnotes and copy it! Imitate that handwriting style until you have it nailed!
Finally, find out why you want a bullet journal. If you don’t have a why then you won’t be motivated at all to go back and fill it all in. My why is organisation and to-do lists. If I didn’t have weekly spreads then I probably wouldn’t fill it in everyday. I write a to-do list everyday so I’m always going back and marking things off. There’s so many reasons you could want a bullet journal and once you’ve realised, you’ll easily be filling it in!
Do you journal? Which method do you use?
I so wish I was organised and creative enough to make and maintain a bullet journal!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
It’s so much more convenient on my iPad! Xx
I always love seeing your bullet journal, and it being done digitally is just as beautiful! It sounds great to be able to do it digitally, as I can imagine its annoying when you make a mistake on paper and can’t get rid of it. The tracing feature also sounds so handy!xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thank you so much! It’s definitely annoying when it happens and now I don’t have that problem! Xx
This is such a great post, I’ve never thought about doing a digital bullet journal before!
Thank you! Xx
I really like the idea of doing an digital bullet journal! I’ll have to try this.
I 100% recommend! Xx
What a great post!
I can’t wait to start mine – I love the idea of bullet journaling!
Thank you and you’ll love it! Xx
This was such an intriguing post. I’ve never thought about doing it digitally before but it’s such a good idea.
Thank you! It’s very convenient! X
Sadly I don’t have a tablet so I can’t create a digital bullet journal but if I did, I definitely would! Great tips 🙂 xxx
Thank you! Xx
I have always wanted to start a bullet journal, but I haven’t taken the leap. A digital bullet journal does sound like a good idea & my bf has a Samsung galaxy tab which I sometimes use so I could start a journal there!
Definitely recommend it! It’s so relaxing! Xx
Great post! I had never heard of a digital bullet journal till now and it seems like a really good idea!
Thank you! It’s definitely convenient xx
This is such a cool thing to do I love it! I don’t think I’ve known anyone to have a digital journal!
Amber – https://theunpredictedpage.com
I’ve seen them quite a lot on Instagram and I loved how creative they looked! Xx
Great post! I don’t know a lot about bullet journals so this was a really good overview. Your blog is beautiful :))
Thank you so much! Glad it could help! Xx
I’ve been meaning to look into this recently! I’m absolutely horrendous with anything artsy so maybe it’s a little easier to do digitally?! Can’t wait to give it a go soon x
Definitely easier to do it digitally! Xx
I love this!! I’m always so jealous of people who are good at digital art. I didn’t realise tracing was a possibility!!
I need to get an iPad but I think I’ll start with a traditional bullet journal. It seems like such a therapeutic activity 🙂 xxx
It is so relaxing honestly! Xx
I don’t know why I’ve never thought of doing a bullet journal digitally before! Thanks for sharing, I’m definitely going to try this now.
Thank you! It’s so helpful to have!
Great post, love the tips. I’ve been thinking to start journaling lately cause I need to be more organized. And making a digital bullet journal sounds like a good idea. Thanks for sharing! ×
Thanks! It definitely helps me a lot! Xx
I dont have an ipad but I am interested in options for Samsung users to develop their own bullet journal. It’s a really cool idea.
I may be wrong but I think you can get goodnotes on Samsung! Xx
I am OBSESSED with your digital bullet journal. I ended up giving up doing a bullet journal years ago because I am a perfectionist and every time I made a mistake I’d have to rip out the page and start again… but doing a digital one would eradicate that frustration!! I’m definitely going to give it a go xx
I definitely recommend! Xx
It ’s so pretty. You had me at Etsy. For someone who isn’t artistic and a neat drawer, this is a brilliant solution. Thank you for sharing. I’ve subscribed to the blog.
Thank you so much! Xx
Wow! I love this so much!!! I will make one. Thank you for the inspiration.
Yay!! Happy to help! Xx
I love the idea of a digital bullet journal! I’ve always wanted to start a bullet journal but the thought of making a mistake then not being able to erase it kind of put me off the idea but the digital journal is genius! Thanks so much for sharing lovely!
Samantha | https://samanthajblogs.co.uk
Thank you for reading and it’s definitely less stressful! Xx
Omg I didn’t know digital bullet journaling was a thing! The one thing that put me off normal bullet journals was the fear of making a mistake and either hating the results or always starting again! This is such a good idea, I’m definitely going to look into this!
100% recommend! Xx
This post was made for me! I’ve always read about people doing amazing written journals and I’m just so forgetful, so a digital version is ideal! xo
Makeup Muddle
It’s so much more convenient! Xx
I have never made a bullet journal, but I’ve been tempted for a while to start one. I’d definitely consider a digital one as it looks much quicker and easier. Your Winne the Pooh is so cute! I don’t have an i-pad but I have a galaxy tablet so I would have to see if any of those apps are available on there. x
Thank you! I think they should be and it is definitely quicker! Xx
I have been bullet journaling for a long time. I love using a physical journal, but I know people also benefit from digitally journaling. Your designs look great!
Thank you! I’ve been using a physical one for ages but it’s so convenient on my iPad xx
I have never created a bullet journal and never thought of creating it, this posts will help me alot in creating it. Thank you so much for creating out time in putting these together.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Xx
I didn’t realise I needed this on my life – but I do!!
It’s so useful to have around! Xx
Love this idea! I bullet journal on paper but it’s definitely not as decorated. It’s a bit sterile looking. Your idea makes bullet journaling much more creative.
I’ve used my paper journal for years now and I’m loving digital so far! Xx
Love this post! I’ve been thinking about creating a digital journal lately and this post was really nice to read!
Thank you so much! Xx
I love journaling and digital journaling is the next level. I have an iPad but I’m sure the code would have been used 😞. I will still take a look at goodnotes nonetheless. Thanks for sharing
You can always try! Thanks for reading! Xx
I’d never even thought of a digital bullet journal before! What a great idea – I tried bullet journaling a few years back but couldn’t find the time to keep up with it. Great post x
Thanks! Xxx