Vertical Vs Horizontal Planners: How To Choose

There's no better feeling than having your days fully organized - especially when you're always on the go. Of course, to make your planner work for you, you'll first want to think about the type of layout you need.

The layout of your planner can make a huge difference to your planning - and it can make it so much more fun! This is particularly important when it comes to staying consistent and using your planner to its full potential. After all, you don't want to lose motivation.

At Plum Paper, we're serious about helping you find the perfect planner. So, in this guide, we'll walk you through how to choose a planner layout. From who these planners are best for to the pros and cons of each, you'll find your ideal planner in no time.

Finding the right planner starts with the layout. But what exactly is a 'planner layout'? And why is it so important?

A planner layout is the way the planner's pages are designed to help you organize your life. You can think of it as the framework that guides how you plan your days, weeks, and months. However, different layouts have their own unique styles that tend to suit specific planning needs. That's why finding one that suits you is so important.

For example, vertical layouts stack from top to bottom. This gives you more flexibility in organizing your appointments and tasks. On the other hand, horizontal layouts arrange your days from left to right, which is great for tracking tasks. But more on these layouts later...

Choosing the right planner layout is super important. After all, it can affect how well you stay organized. A layout that fits your thinking style can make planning less stressful and more enjoyable. In turn, this will help you use your planner more consistently and get the most out of it and your time.

Vertical Layout

A vertical weekly layout is designed with the days of the week running from top to bottom. This allows you to plan your week in an easy-to-follow format.

Typically, each day gets a dedicated column, which means you can take a quick glance at your schedule and see what's coming up. Of course, many vertical planners also include additional sections at the bottom or side for lists, habit tracking, or notes. These sections make it easier to keep everything in one place (or on one page).

This setup is perfect if you like to break your day up into distinct segments or if you juggle numerous appointments, meetings, or events each day. It's also the ideal choice if you enjoy breaking your tasks down into categories, including:

• Work
• Goals
• Household chores
• Meal planning
• Financial planning
• Academic planning

So, if you find comfort in having a clear organizational system that allows you to see your week at a glance, a vertical planner may be just what you need.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of vertical layouts is their appeal to enthusiastic list-makers and anyone who thrives on structure. If you like to categorize your tasks - like splitting your day into morning, afternoon, and evening or separating work from personal tasks - this layout is perfect for you.

Additionally, the columns offer a blank canvas for more creative planning, allowing you to personalize your planner with stickers and color codes Since vertical layouts are flexible, they can also prevent burnout and keep your planning fresh, engaging, and fun.

Cons

A vertical planner may potentially have a few drawbacks, too. For example, if you enjoy journaling or writing lengthy notes in your planner, the vertical columns are quite limiting.

You may also find yourself running out of room if your days are jam-packed and your planner page isn't large enough. This is quite common for individuals like teachers, who have to keep track of multiple classes, student information, grade tracking, and so much more.

Plus, if you prefer more freedom with your planning without strict structures or categories, the vertical layout may be too rigid for you.

Fortunately, that's where Plum Paper comes in handy! For instance, we have a range of custom teacher planners that are completely customizable. So, if you prefer a vertical layout but need more room, you can create a teacher planner that suits you.

Horizontal Layout

Horizontal layouts feature days that are aligned from left to right. Generally, each day will have a row dedicated to it, with enough space beneath it to jot down longer notes. They include extra lines or open spaces, naturally allowing for more detail.

Of course, some planners have sections with minimal structure, so you can customize your layout according to what you need. This kind of flexibility makes them perfect if you like to jot down thoughts, ideas, tasks, and more without the constraints of a more rigid vertical layout.

Ultimately, horizontal planners are best if you have a less structured daily schedule. For instance, they work well for students who have different classes, subjects, and activities each day. They even allow students to take more comprehensive notes, making it the perfect back-to-school tool at the start of the academic year.

Pros

As we've mentioned, the best part about using a horizontal weekly layout is the generous writing space. If you're someone who likes to combine mindfulness into your planning, write longer notes, or track multiple tasks in detail, then this layout can meet all of your needs with ease.

This functional layout is particularly helpful if you like to approach your planning based on priorities rather than fixed time slots. Plus, you can combine various categories like journalling and planning into one cohesive daily planning space.

Cons

On the downside, horizontal planners aren't ideal if you're a fan of time-blocking or precise scheduling. So, if you need to plan your day down to the hour, you may find this layout a little lacking.

Additionally, because of their design, horizontal planners are less compatible with decorative elements like using planner stickers or washi tape. This is because the layout doesn't feature the vertical spaces that most of these decorative accessories are made for.

Vertical Vs Horizontal Planner Layouts: Which Is Better?

Finding the right planner can make a big difference in how organized and inspired you feel each day. But which type of planner layout is best for you?

Identify your planning style

Try to think about how you typically approach your day. If you're someone who thrives on lists and likes a bit of structure, a vertical layout may suit you best.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more open-ended approach and like jotting down notes or reflecting on your day, you may want to pick a horizontal planner.

Consider your daily routine and goals

What does a normal day look like for you? If you have a lot of appointments, meetings, or a structured schedule, a vertical layout's sections will help you keep track of time-specific tasks. You can also pick a vertical hourly planner to make your planner more functional.

However, if your days are less focused on time blocks and more about balancing your to-dos, personal notes, or even some journaling, then a horizontal layout offers you plenty of space.

Think about your aesthetic and creative preferences

If adding a creative touch to your planner makes the experience more enjoyable for you, then it's important to know how each layout works with your style. Vertical planners are usually more popular for decorative planning because they're easy to customize with stickers, washi tape, and color coding.

In contrast, a horizontal layout has clean, open space that's great for planning with a more minimalistic look.

FAQs

What can planners be used for?

Planners can be used for just about anything! From organizing your day to setting goals, tracking your habits, and managing your schedule, your planner can be made your own. Here are some more unique ways to use your planner:

• Financial planning
• Managing meetings and deadlines
• Personal reflections
• Creative writing
• Wellness tracking

Who are planners best for?

Planners are perfect for anyone who wants to stay organized. However, they're especially helpful for business owners, busy professionals, students, and people who balance multiple roles (like working parents).

How do I maximize my planner?

To make the most of your planner, you'll want to try and use it consistently and personalize it to suit your needs. You can even create a routine for updating your planner, like first thing in the morning, throughout the day at certain times, or in the evenings if you want to add daily reflections.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a horizontal or vertical planner layout may seem daunting, but once you're more familiar with how you like to plan, it becomes much simpler!

With Plum Paper, you’re not limited to a standard, “one size fits all” planner. You can customize every aspect to suit your personal style, whether you prefer a horizontal or vertical layout. Choose from over 50 different layouts, each of which can be tailored to your specific planning habits. Create a planner that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle and reflects your personality.