Planner Essentials - Chapter 1: Guide to choose your perfect planner
We have different purposes, layout preferences and styles when using a planner, hence, no single planner can fits all. Some people use a planner for study, some people use a planner for work planning while some people use a planner for leisure, such as record daily life, café hopping, travel journal, etc. With so many options available, choosing the perfect planner can be overwhelming. Hence our first chapter of planner essentials will give recommendations on our range of planners according to your needs and preferences, then will give a guide on how to choose the perfect planner. The last section will give a brief summary and features of our planners. In next chapter we will test the paper quality of the planners with different pens, highlighters, markers and ink pads.
Decision Tool:
(Click here enlarge the image)
Guide to choose the perfect planner:
1. Purpose:
Before diving into the world of planners, the first step to consider is what do you use the planner for: Are you a student, a professional, or someone use for leisure? Clarifying your purpose will guide your selection process. Consider your scheduling requirements, whether you need space for to-do lists, goal tracking, or specific features like habit trackers or project planning sections.
2. Dated or undated:
Planners are available either dated or undated. For dated planners, the dates are preprinted on the page, while undated, you have to write the dates yourself. If you use your planner for daily for schedule plans and appointment, especially students and professionals, a dated planners are more suitable. On the other hand, if you use planner for leisure & life recording, an undated planner is more suitable.
3. Size:
Planners usually comes in compact sizes (eg. A6, B6) or larger sizes (eg. A5, B5). Both sizes has it advantages and disadvantages. Small sizes are compact, lighter in weight and easy to carry, but the spaces to write is lesser than larger sizes. On the other hand, if you require ample space for detailed notes or artistic expression, a larger size could be a better fit.
4. Bound books vs ring binders:
Again, there are advantages and disadvantages for using either a bound book planner or a ring binder. Ring binders offers flexibility because there are many kinds of layouts you can choose and you can mix and match them to create your personalised planner. However, they are usually bulky and heavier in weight. Bound books are lighter and easy to store on bookshelves (looks nice too!)
5. Layout and Format:
The layout and format of a planner can significantly impact your planning experience. Common formats include daily, weekly, monthly, or a combination of these. Another factor to consider is how much space you need for each day or week and whether you prefer a vertical, horizontal, or hourly layout.
6. Paper Quality:
The paper quality and thickness of a planner should be considered according to your habit and how you use the planner. If you need to carry the planner around, then thinner papers might be greater for you. If you use stamps to decorate your planner, then thicker paper might be greater to avoid inks to bleed through (but you can also use Versamagic to avoid the problem!)
7. Additional Features and Accessories:
Consider any additional features or accessories that could enhance your planning experience. Some planners include pockets for storing loose papers, bookmarks, elastic closures, or even stickers for personalization. Decide if these extras are important to you and if they align with your organisational needs.
List of Bound Book Planners:
Mark's 2024 Colour Planner - A6 Weekly Vertical
Mark's 2024 Storage.it A6 weekly Vertical
| Suitable for | Work, Study |
| Layout / Format | - Dated - Monthly (2 pages per month - from Sep 2023 to Dec 2024) - Weekly Vertical (Each week is spread onto 2 pages with a 16-hour frame from 07:00 to 22:00) |
| Size | A6 (W118 × L153 × H13mm) |
| Weight | 161g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Neo Agenda: Original notebook paper developed by Mark's which is high-quality, thin, lightweight, hard to bleed through and provides a smooth writing experience. FSC certified. |
| Cover Material | Recycled PVC (28% DEHP) cover |
| Additional Features | - Clear PVC cover with slide zipper to store small goods such as pens, memos, sticky notes, etc. - Contains public holiday information of 27 countries & regions |
Mark's 2024 Colour Planner Diary - A5 Weekly Vertical
| Suitable for | Work, Study |
| Layout / Format |
- Dated - Monthly (2 pages per month - from Sep 2023 to Dec 2024) - Weekly Vertical (Each week is spread onto 2 pages with a 16-hour frame from 08:00 to 23:00) |
| Size | A5 (W164 x L215 x H14mm) |
| Weight | 343g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Neo Agenda: Original notebook paper developed by Mark's which is high-quality, thin, lightweight, hard to bleed through and provides a smooth writing experience. FSC certified. |
| Cover Material | Recycled PVC (28% DEHP) cover |
| Additional Features | - Clear PVC cover with slide zipper to store small goods such as pens, memos, sticky notes, etc. - Contains public holiday information of 27 countries & regions |
Mark's Undated Log Diary - Daily
| Suitable for | Leisure |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly (2 pages per month x 6 | Blank) - Daily: One page a day (188 pages | Dot Grid) |
| Size | Square (W140 x L140 x H12mm) |
| Weight | 175g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Neo Agenda: Original notebook paper developed by Mark's which is high-quality, thin, lightweight, hard to bleed through and provides a smooth writing experience. FSC certified. |
| Cover Material | PU |
| Additional Features |
Pen holder |
Mark's Undated Log Diary - Weekly
| Suitable for | Leisure |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly (2 pages per month x 12 | Blank) - Weekly Blocks (2 pages per week x 54 | Dot Grid) |
| Size | B6 Variant (W132 x L186 x H9mm) |
| Weight | 171g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Neo Agenda: Original notebook paper developed by Mark's which is high-quality, thin, lightweight, hard to bleed through and provides a smooth writing experience. FSC certified. |
| Cover Material | PU |
| Additional Features | Pen holder |
Iconic Turn the Page Undated Diary
| Suitable for | Leisure |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly (2 pages per month x 12 | Blank) - Weekly Blocks (2 pages per week x 30 | Blank) |
| Size | Square (W153 x L165 x H12mm) |
| Weight | 257g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | Hard Paper Cover |
| Additional Features | Elastic band closure |
Iconic Bubbly Diary
| Suitable for | Leisure |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly (2 pages per month x 12 | Blank) - Weekly Blocks (2 pages per week x 60 | Blank) |
| Size | B6 Variant (W153 x L175 x H17mm) |
| Weight | 324g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | PVC |
| Additional Features | Transparent pocket on the front |
Iconic Better Day Study Planner
| Suitable for | Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly Plans (4 pages) - Daily Plans (124 pages) |
| Size | B6 Variant (W125 x L187 x H13mm) |
| Weight | 324g |
| Type | Bounded book with spiral ring, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | Hard Paper Cover |
| Additional Features | Other pages include: Plan by subject, timetable, 4 month review, etc |
Iconic Better Week Study Planner
| Suitable for | Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly Plans (6 pages) - Weekly Plans (30 pages) |
| Size | B5 Variant (Approx W260 x L235 x H12mm - When flat / Approx. W260 x L80 x H190mm - When standing) |
| Weight | 396g |
| Type | Bounded book with spiral ring, able to lay flat and stand on desktop. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | Hard Paper Cover |
| Additional Features | Other pages include: Plan by subject, timetable, weekly review, etc |
Iconic Campus Study Planner
| Suitable for | Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly Plans (2 pages per month x 4) - Daily Planner (124 pages) |
| Size | A5 (W152 x L216 x H17mm) |
| Weight | 422g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | PVC Cover |
| Additional Features |
- Front page pocket to put your favourite photos and cards. |
Iconic Office Planners
| Suitable for | Work |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Monthly Plans (2 pages per month x 12) - Weekly Plans (2 pages per week x 60) |
| Size | A5 (W150 x L210 x H18mm) |
| Weight | 442g |
| Type | Bounded book, able to lay flat. |
| Paper | Thick 120gsm paper. |
| Cover Material | PVC Cover |
| Additional Features |
- Front page pocket to put your favourite photos and cards. |
List of Binder Planners & Refills:
Jam Studio A6 Wide Square Dairy Paper Cover
| Suitable for | Leisure, Work, Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Can be personalised with the wide range of refills |
| Size | A6 Wide Square (W170 × L190 × H25mm) |
| Weight | 167g (including 30 sheets of refills) |
| Type | 6 Ring Binder |
| Cover Material | Paper |
| Additional Features |
- 1 colourful band |
Jam Studio A6 Wide Square Diary PVC Cover
| Suitable for | Leisure, Work, Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Can be personalised with the wide range of refills |
| Size | A6 Wide Square (W180 × L210 × H30mm) |
| Weight | 157g |
| Type | 6 Ring Binder |
| Cover Material | PVC |
| Additional Features |
- A mini pocket to store name cards or memos |
Jam Studio A6 Wide Square Diary Refills
Refill Samples:
Mark's A5 System Planner Covers (with trial refills)
| Suitable for | Leisure, Work, Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Can be personalised with the wide range of refills |
| Size | A5 (W185 x L237 × H38mm) |
| Weight | 260g |
| Type | 6 Ring Binder |
| Cover Material | PU |
| Additional Features |
- Pen Holder |
Mark's A5 System Planner Refills
Refill Samples:
Miyu Handmade Washable A5 Planner Covers
| Suitable for | Leisure, Work, Study |
| Layout / Format | - Undated - Can be personalised with the wide range of refills - Compatible with Mark's A5 System Planner Refills |
| Size | A5 (W155 x L216mm) |
| Weight | 156g (without refills) |
| Type | 6 Ring Binder |
| Cover Material | Fabric |
| Other Features | Washable - beautiful fabric cover and waterproof inner core |
Miyu Handmade Washable A5 Planner Refills
Conclusion:
Choosing the perfect planner is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and needs. By considering factors like purpose, size, layout, paper quality, design, additional features, you can narrow down the options and find a planner that becomes the best partner in your planning journey. Happy planning!