How to Refillable Journal

Design an A5 cover and lined Note refill pages in Planify Pro, print the cover at 120% and inserts at 100%, then join the chipboard covers with 18mm Chicago screws.

Ready to create a journal that’s as unique as you are? Dive into this fun and easy DIY tutorial on crafting your very own refillable journal! Whether you’re a seasoned journaler, a creative spirit, or simply seeking a personalized space for your thoughts and ideas, this guide is your perfect starting point.

We’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect materials to assembling a journal that’s both beautiful and functional. You’ll learn how to create a sturdy cover, bind your pages, and add those special touches that make it truly yours. The best part? It’s refillable, so you can keep adding to your journal for years to come!

Let’s get started on this creative journey and craft a journal that will inspire you every day.

What you’ll need to prepare before crafting your refillable journal:

Paper to print out the Notes Pages	Chipboard / Book Board ×2	Screws & Rivets Kit 18mm
Sticker Paper

Design Journal Cover

The Planify Pro home screen where a new planner project is started

Clicking Create a Planner to begin the journal cover file

Choosing A5 from the Size menu for the journal cover

Switching Edit layout to ON so the cover widgets can be customized

Selecting the Full display option in the Pattern menu for the cover

Design Your Journal Cover

Click Create a Planner
Select A5 size from the Size menu at the top
Switch Edit layout to ON to customize widgets as you like
Go to Pattern, select Full display option and choose the design you like
Go to Save/Export, click Generate PDF and download the file

Design Journal Refill Paper

Returning to the Pattern menu in the same file to start the refill pages

Selecting the None pattern to leave the refill page blank

Switching Edit layout to ON on the blank refill page before adding a widget

Adding a widget to the blank refill page

Selecting Note and picking a template for the refill journal paper

Changing the refill paper line colors from the Color menu palette

Applying a style to the refill journal paper from the Style menu

Using the L to R icon to duplicate the left page design onto the right

Create Your Refill Pages

Continue from same file as cover, go to Pattern
Select None to create blank page
Switch Edit layout to ON and add widget
Select Note and choose your preferred template
Customize your refill journal paper using the right menu bar
Go to Color to change the line colors from the color palette or by entering a color code
Go to Style to apply the desired style to your refill journal paper
Click the L to R icon to duplicate the design from the left page to the right page
Go to Layout and adjust the spacing according to the guide above
Go to Sticker Mode, choose the stickers you like, and apply them to both sides

Print Covers and Refill Paper

The exported journal PDF opened in Adobe Acrobat ready to print

The Acrobat print dialog where paper type and printer are set

Setting print scale, 120% for the cover and 100% for the inserts

Print Your Journal Pages

Go to your PDF file and open with Adobe Acrobat
Set the scaling, paper type and printer and click print
*Note: In this tutorial, we recommend scaling the cover to 120% and the inserts to 100%

How to Make Refillable Journal

Peeling the printed sticker cover away from its backing sheet

Placing the chipboards onto the middle of the peeled sticker cover

Positioning the chipboards with a gap left for the journal spine

Trimming each corner of the sticker cover before folding it over

Folding the sticker cover edges over onto the inside of the chipboard

Laying white sticker paper over the chipboard to line the inside cover

Making the binding holes through the finished cover

Where the binding holes sit along the spine edge of the cover

Pushing 18mm Chicago screws through the holes in the cover

Adding the printed refill inserts onto the screw posts

Tightening the Chicago screws to close the finished journal

The completed refillable journal with its custom printed hardcover

Assemble Your Refillable Journal

Peel the sticker cover and place the Chipboards in the middle, following the guide above
Trim each corner of the sticker cover
Place white sticker paper over the chipboard to cover the inside of the cover
Make holes for binding, following the guide above
Insert Chicago Screws through the cover and planner inserts, and then screw them tight

So, there you have it! Creating your own refillable journal is a breeze, and the results are uniquely yours. It’s the perfect way to add a personal touch to your journaling routine, or to create a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Plus, with your newfound skills and a bit of creativity, you might even consider turning your journal designs into a fun side hustle! So, grab your supplies, let your imagination soar, and start crafting that perfect journal today. Who knows, you might just unlock a hidden passion for design!

What you need to get started

Chipboard / Book Board	Guillotine Paper Cutter	Cinch Binding Machine
Binding Wires	Sticker Paper	Cardstock Paper