Pretty pattern or scrapbook papers are something decorative planners and functional planers use regularly. Digital papers typically require minimal investment, and can be used repeatedly making them a convenient and cost effective solution for decorating and organizing you planners and traveler’s notebooks (TNs).

Digital or Printable Papers

Here are 7 ways to use digital or printable papers in your ring bound planners, disc bound planners, and traveler’s notebooks:

• Disc Bound Planners or Notebooks Covers – With a laminator, a hole punch, a ruler, scissors, and double sided printed digital papers, you can create disc bound planner or notebook covers in any size. Here are free templates to get you started with the standard disc system sizes, but the size options you can create are endless. If you use a Traveler’s Notebook, digital papers also make great covers for your inserts.
• Tab Dividers – Keep your planner organized with tab dividers. Use digital papers to print on both sides of card stock, then use Scrapcraftastic Tab Divider Templates to cut your dividers. The templates provide files for digital cutting or cutting by hand. Laminate for sturdy dividers and label to note each section in your planner. You can get creative and decorate your dividers with journal cards, washi tape and die cuts before or after you laminate. Add a clear self adhesive pocket for additional storage.
• Single or Double Dashboards – Make dashboards by laminating digital papers. Use them in your ring bound and disc bound planners or create a double dashboard to wrap around a group of inserts in your traveler’s notebook. Add sticky notes to your dashboard for easy access when you need them. As with Tab Dividers, get creative and decorate your dashboards with washi tape, journal cards and die cuts.

• Tabs or Word Tabs – Make your own decorative tabs with digital papers. If you want a more creative tab, try using Word Tabs (digital die cutting machine required).

• Pocket Folders – Whether you use a ring/disc bound planner or a traveler’s notebook, there is always a need for extra storage space for stickers, receipts, notes and more. Use digital paper to print and create folders for your planners and TNs. Make a simple DIY pocket folder with this tutorial or use Scrapcraftastic Pocket Folder Templates to manually or digitally cut your folders with digital paper.

• Envelopes – If pocket folders are not secure enough or you would like additional storage, try using your digital papers to make envelopes for your planners and TNs. Envelope templates are available on Pinterest Also, visit the shop here at Scrapcraftastic for a variety of envelope templates sized to fit most planners and TNs.

• Page Markers or Bookmarks – Use digital papers and card stock to create your own page markers or bookmarks. Print on both sides of cardstock and laminate. Typical sizes for bookmarks are 2″ x 6″, 2″ x 7″, and 2.5″ x 8.5″. You can also make page markers with digital papers that act as storage and decoration as well as a way to save your place. Here is a video to show you how.

BONUS TIP

• Upgrade Single Sided Scrapbook Paper – If you have single sided design scrapbook paper, trim it down to a size that will work with your printer. Print a digital paper pattern on the blank side of the scrapbook paper to make it double sided! Instant double sided scrapbook paper!

Printing Digital Papers

Many of these project require double sided papers. With digital papers, you are able to easily print front and back even if your printer does not have automatic duplex printing.

For best results when printing pattern digital papers, use a quality paper (32lb works great), photo paper (matte and gloss) or cardstock. Setting your printer for best quality for the type of paper you use will also yield better results. Many of the most basic models of modern inkjet printers are able to print vivid and clear photos. With the right settings and paper you should be able to achieve vibrant color and clarity with your home printer.

There is an expense for paper, photo paper, or cardstock as well as the expense of ink for printing at home, however the ability to print as many and as often as you need makes digital papers a great resource.

NOTE: If you have an HP printer that is instant ink ready, you can click here to subscribe and pay a monthly fee to have ink delivered automatically when needed.

Digital papers or printables are not only for the new breed of planner enthusiasts, digital papers are also a great choice for traditional scrapbookers, paper crafters and paper lovers in general.

Essentially, digital papers can be used in the same way as scrapbook papers without the need for physical storage space. Another great thing about using digital paper is you don’t have to worry about running out of your favorite designs! Have you tried digital papers?