Using OneNote to create a digital bullet journal

Why bullet journal?

A bullet journal is more than just a fancy to-do list. It combines the planner element with the creativity of a diary and sketchbook. Many people enjoy bullet journals because you can personalize the organizational system to work for you, rather than filling in a pre-established printed template. Often, bullet journalers make copious use of doodles, decorations, and colors—turning their mundane record-keeping into works of personal expression.

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So, why take your bullet journal digital? Here’s some reasons to consider.

Advantages of OneNote bullet journals

• Syncs across all your devices. With a paper bullet journal, you lug it around with you everywhere. And if it gets lost? There’s no backup, and all your hard work, record-keeping, and future tasks suddenly vanish. Now, you can consult your bullet journal from your phone, tablet or desktop—whatever is in front of you at any given moment, and cloud backup means it will never fully disappear.
• Erasing is as simple as hitting delete. The typical paper bullet journal is written in ink and part of the satisfaction is crossing or checking items off your list. But plans change, goals change, and being able to backspace can be a gift. Digital planners offer you that flexibility and minimize the headache of a schedule in flux.
• Environmentally friendly. A OneNote digital planner doesn’t use paper, and as mentioned above, can be altered with the click of a button, meaning less waste is created.
• More mediums. Have you wished you could just link to an article in your handwritten notes? Or add a photo of a special moment for inspiration? Maybe even a playlist? The digital space expands your possibilities for expression. You can add embed files and make cross-media connections in a way that would require a lot of glue and scissors or be downright impossible with a paper journal.
• It can be faster and more accessible. Some people find it easier to type than write. If you’re one of those people, a digital bullet journal is user-friendly for you right from the get-go.
• It’s free. OneNote comes standard with a Microsoft subscription and has app versions available across Android and Apple products, saving you money on both the journal and the pens involved.
• Easier organization. Whether you prefer creating multiple bullet journals organized by topic or subcategorizing your bullet journal with different tabs, OneNote offers flexibility for a variety of preferences. A paper bullet journal might require an extra layer of thought or extra journals to accomplish the same goal.
• Potentially password protected. Adding a password to your files can be a game-changer in terms of your personal security and ability to express yourself. Even if your bullet journal isn’t overly personal, protecting your schedule and data is still important. And with no paper notebook lying around, no one can casually pick up your diary and learn things you thought were just for your eyes only.

How to get started with your digital bullet journal

If you’ve never used OneNote before, check out this video training series to get a sense of the basics. Feel free to watch it with an eye towards looking for features that you think would translate well into bullet journaling.

Whether you’re an experienced bullet journaler or someone looking to get their life on track with this unique, personalized strategy, using OneNote to digitize your bullet journal is a savvy, thoughtful move that can up your organization and writing game.