Discbound planner systems are beloved by planner enthusiasts worldwide for three reasons: customization, accessibility, and affordability. But how can you build the best discbound planner for you? Keep reading to find out!
Table of contents
What is a discbound planner?
The term “discbound” refers to the binding holding the planner together. If you’ve ever seen a Happy Planner, you are already familiar with this system. Metal or plastic discs with ridges on their edges are the key to making this system work. Each sheet of paper is punched with a sort of mushroom head shape so the ridge will keep the paper in place on the disc. While we can move the sheets of paper around for easy organization, the discs keep the sheets firmly held in place.
Getting started with discbound planning is easy! And affordable! For most people, The Happy Planner is the gateway to discbound planning because it is available on Amazon and in many craft stores for under $30. It comes with everything you need if you are a beginner planner!
But if you are more advanced at planning or if Happy Planner isn’t your aesthetic, keep reading to find out how to build your own custom discbound planner from scratch!
How can I customize my discbound planner?
With so many elements to choose from, it is easy to create your own perfect system! All you need are each of the elements listed below!
Discs
The first thing you need to create your discbound planner is the discs. Discs are available from a variety of different retailers. But there are a few things you have to decide upon before you purchase.
Disc size determines the thickness of the planner. They are available in anything from a half inch like these from Cloth and Paper. Or as large as two inches like these from Levenger. If you are someone who likes to carry your planner with you wherever you go, opt for thinner discs so your planner fits in your bag. But if you like a chunky planner with a ton of different sections, go for for thicker discs.
Customize the color and material of the discs as well. There are so many discs available in so many colors! Some even have designs punched out in their centers. It is all about you and how you want to express yourself with your planner.
Paper Size
The next option that determines the size of the planner is going to be. As in the planner’s height and width. The large the paper, the more room there is to write. Here is a list of the most common sizes:
- Letter – At 8.5 by 11 inches, this is the largest of the most common planner sizes. It is exactly the size of a standard sheet of paper. That means it is easy to print your own additions to your planner.
- HP Classic – The HP stands for Happy Planner because this is the size of the most popular Happy Planner size. This 7 by 9.25 inch size is the standard for many popular coiled planner brands like Erin Condren and Plum Paper Planner.
- Half Letter – Called “half letter” because it is half the size of a standard piece of paper. These sheets measure 5.5 by 8.5 inches. Because of this size, it is easy to customize by printing out inserts of your choosing. All sizing just has to be done to 50% that of a normal sheet of paper.
- HP Mini – At 4.6 by 7 inches, this is the most portable Happy Planner size.
- CP Petite – Cloth and Paper offers inserts in this smallest size. 4 by 6 inches.
No matter the size of the paper, the punches for the discs are the same distance apart. This makes it easy to switch up brands and even incorporate smaller sized inserts into larger size planners.
Cover
Every planner needs a cover! The cover gives the planner structure and protects the pages. Covers for discbound planners can be found at a variety of retailers. Get basic plastic covers at Amazon. Or luxury covers at Notiq. Personalized and customized covers are available on Etsy. But some crafty planners can make their own using a laminator.
Inserts
Inserts are the guts of the planner. They are calendar and schedule pages. But they can also be anything else you need them to be. Like budget pages. Or a goal setting system. And journaling or notes pages. Anything you need or want for your planner is available somewhere or is something you could DIY.
Here are some of my favorite places to buy my discbound planner inserts:
- Cloth and Paper – The inserts from Cloth and Paper are sleek and minimalist in design. They sell several layouts for weekly planning, but also a variety of productivity and goal oriented inserts. Their inserts are available in every planner size but letter.
- Ellemon Paper Co – This company has great goal planning and focused inserts for half letter sized planners.
- 8 Lotus – 8 Lotus sells minimalist, functional inserts in a variety of discbound planner sizes. My favorites are the financial and project planner pages.
- May Paper Co – Are you a fan of David Allen’s Getting Things Done productivity method? May Paper Co has a variety of inserts dedicated to this system. And they’re available in a variety of discbound sizes.
My aesthetic trends towards minimal and functional. But there are a lot of options out there! Find the ones that speak to you. Or design and print your own!
Optional Accessories
Planner accessories aren’t necessary. But they can add more functionality and style to your planner. Here are my favorites.
A Punch
Investing in a punch for your discbound planner opens up an entire world of possibilities. With this tool, you can add your own disc holes to any piece of paper. If you want to add things to your planner, a punch is an absolute must.
Like anything else, punches are available at various price points. At Happy Planner, you can pick up a punch for under $40, but it will only go up to the HP Classic size. A punch that can go up to letter size and handle up to 15 sheets at a time is available from Circa, but for just shy of $100. There are many options in between these two. What you buy should depend entirely on your needs. But, despite the many brands who offer discbound planner products, all punches should be compatible with all brands and sizes.
Folio and Agenda Covers
Folio covers can protect your planner. But many of us use them for style and not function! Folios can add personality or professionalism. It completely depends on the brand and the style.
I keep my 2024 planner in a black, vegan leather Notiq Saffiano agenda cover. For me, this provides the perfect blend of luxury, professionalism and style. I also splurged on the matching pencil case! This combination makes me feel elegant and put together when I have it on my desk at work.
When shopping for an agenda or folio for your discbound planner, you will want to double check two things; that it is ringless and that it is the proper size. Rings will impede your discs. And if you don’t get the right size, your planner won’t fit.
There are dozens of options out there. Different colors, materials, functionalities. If you want a folio, hunt for the one that’s best for you.
Dividers
Dividers help you easily turn to any section in your planner. You don’t need them. However, without dividers, you may struggle to find what you’re looking for.
Dividers come in all sizes. And there are different types. Dividers with side tabs, top tabs or even bottom tabs. I use side tabs to define the different sections in my planner and top taps to separate out the months.
Dashboards
If you are someone who likes to add aesthetic flair to your planner, or someone who finds motivational quotes inspiring, you’re going to love adding a dashboard to your discbound planner!
Most dashboards are purely decorative. But that doesn’t mean they are unnecessary. Dashboards are a great way to add personality and decor to your planner.
But what is a dashboard? Dashboards are an insert, usually made of thicker paper, card stock or vellum, that adds decor to the planner. They can be layered. Or even used to accentuate the different sections in your planner.
Though they are mostly decorative, some are functional. Like these Inbox Dashboards from Cloth and Paper.
Watch me create my 2024 planner in the video below!
Discbound Planner FAQ
Are discbound planners affordable?
They are as affordable as you want them to be. There are so many options at so many different price points. You can spends as little as $20 for a Happy Planner Mini. Or you could spend, much, much more. You have the power. It all depends on what you choose to add.
Do the pages fall out?
They do not! They stay secure on the discs until you want to remove them. The higher the quality paper, the less chance of any wiggling or looseness on the discs.
Is it difficult to write with the discs in the way?
Sometimes. But you can remove the sheet of paper, write on it, and then put it back in. The ability to remove the sheets makes this a great option for left-handed people who may sometimes feel obstructed by coiled planners.
What makes discbound different from ringbound?
A ring system works more like a binder. Unlike the discs, rings need to be opened and closed in order to move things around. It is just a slight obstacle, but something to consider. Ring systems are also available in different sizes than disc planners. It all comes down to preference.
Are Discbound Planner Systems Interchangeable?
Yes! The sizes and the spacing for the punched holes are standard across brands. But be aware that not all brands offer all sizes.
Because the systems are interchangeable, it is easy to mix and match to find your perfect setup. But beware! Sometimes more options can mean more opportunities to spend!
How do I choose my disc size?
Consider how you are going to use your planner. Do you want to carry it around every day? Do you want it to hold every aspect of your life? The size depends on the function.
One trick you could try is to buy your planner inserts first and then measure their thickness. That should give you an idea of what size discs you may need.
Is It Right for You?
If you are someone who loves flexibility, wants to customize your aesthetic or who wants the freedom to add things to your planner, this may be the way you finally find planner peace!
Still unsure about discs? Read all about one of the most popular coil planner brands here.
Do you use a discbound planner system? Let me know in the comments below!
