Try to find a binder that uses small rings that aren’t very long. This will allow you to modify the dimensions of the binder without affecting the binder’s rings.

Use an exacto knife to produce a clean cut. Hold the ruler down with pressure along the outline and carefully make your cut. [2] X Research source You can also use scissors if an exacto knife isn’t available to you. The spine will be 3 or 4 inches depending on what binder you picked out. Don’t try to tamper or cut the ring holes. Modify the binder’s size based on the ring holes. You’re not required to cut your binder, but planners are generally smaller than standard binders.

It is also a popular choice to paste an inspirational figure onto the cover like Nelson Mandela or Serena Williams. Choose whatever design you feel connected with. [3] X Research source

If you decide not to use a cover or spray, consider covering the edges of the binder with tape. You could even use a colorful duct tape to add something flashier. An adhesive spray could also be used as an alternative to a waterproofing spray. You could also glue a laminated sheet of paper onto the cover to act as a cover.

For most planners, it’s okay to combine Saturday and Sunday into one column.

Add the month on the top or bottom of the page in a legible size. Add an inspirational quote for each month to add variety. If you’re unable to add the dates of the month, fill them in manually with a pen as you use the planner. Be sure to create enough weeks for each month. Look at a calendar to help you design. Frontload and include what’s the most important to you. For instance, if you like weekly to-do lists, make the weekly box larger. If you prefer daily planning, make the days of the week boxes bigger.

Stack multiple pages on top of each other for a quicker cut. Be sure all the pages are aligned evenly. Do not rush through cutting the pages or else you might damage or tear one of the pages.

You can hole punch multiple pages at a time depending on your hole puncher.

It is also common to decorate these pages in a similar theme as you did for your planner’s cover.

Hole punch the tabs once cut to the proper dimension. Do not cut the edge where the tabs are overlapping. Use tabs to separate the months so you can access the month and date quickly.

Your reference page should be in the beginning of your planner.