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Want to make a DIY sliding notebook with tear-off pages? This unique desk notebook uses Chicago screw binding and a sliding cover mechanism — so you can tear off finished pages and slide in new inserts without re-binding. It’s a Mediterranean-themed project that’s perfect for anyone who loves making custom planners and notebooks.
In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to design beach-themed covers and note pages in Planify Pro, print them on sticker paper, and assemble the sliding notebook with chipboard covers and perforated tear-off inserts. If you’re new to bookbinding, check out our guide to book binding methods to compare different binding techniques.
What you’ll need to prepare before crafting your DIY sliding notebook:
| Paper to print out the Notes Pages — see our best printers for planners guide for recommendations | ![]() Chipboard / Book Board ×2 | ![]() Screws & Rivets Kit 18mm |
![]() Sticker Paper | Paper Cutter with Perforated Blade |
Design Your DIY Sliding Notebook Cover


Create a Blank Page
Click Create a Planner
Select A5 size from the Size menu at the top
Switch Edit layout to ON to remove all widgets to create a blank page


Add Background Sticker
Switch to Sticker Mode on the top left
Choose stickers to add to your template
Click and drag the sticker to expand it and make it your background


Customize Cover Text
Click Widget on the left menu bar to add and customize text
Customize your text using the menu bar at the top


Design the Back Cover
Add a sticker for the other side of the book cover


Export and Print the Cover
Go to Save/Export, click Generate PDF and download the file
Set the print scale to 110% and select the paper type that matches your paper
Design Notebook Inserts


Create Insert Pages
Create a blank page
Go to Widget and choose note template


Customize the Style
Customize the color of your note using the menu at the top
Go to Style to change the style to your preference


Duplicate and Decorate
Click the L to R icon to duplicate the design from the left page to the right page
Add stickers as you like

Export and Print the Inserts
Adjust the layout for binding according to the guide provided above
Go to Save/Export, click Generate PDF and download the file
Set the print scale to 100% and print out
How to Bind Your DIY Sliding Notebook
The sliding notebook uses Chicago screw binding — a unique method that lets you add and remove pages without re-binding. Unlike wire binding or signature binding, this technique is fully refillable.


Prepare the Covers
Print the internal pages on A5 or A4 paper depending on your preference. If you use A4 paper, you will need to trim it in half after printing.
Cut out the cover page and inserts.
Assemble the notebook by inserting the chipboard between the front and back covers.


Punch the Holes
Use a hole puncher to create holes in the front and back covers.


Create Perforated Tear-Off Pages
Use a paper cutter with a perforated blade to create perforated lines on the internal pages.


Final Assembly with Chicago Screws
Insert Chicago screws through the back cover, inserts, and front cover to secure everything together.

Your Sliding Notebook is Complete!
Your DIY sliding notebook is ready to use. Tear off pages as you fill them and slide in new inserts whenever you need more space.
More DIY Planner & Notebook Tutorials
Enjoyed making this DIY sliding notebook? Explore these other handmade planner and notebook projects:
DIY Half-Hidden Wire Notebook Create a professional wire-bound notebook with a hidden spine technique DIY Folding Gratitude Notebook Make a wire-bound gratitude journal with folding cover and moon theme How to Make a DIY Lay-Flat Sketchbook Create a sketchbook with PVA binding that opens completely flat DIY Booklet Binding Tutorial: Signature Binding Master the Coptic stitch for sewing professional booklets DIY Double-Door Christmas Planner Double wire binding with a folding holiday cover design Book Binding Methods Guide Compare wire, coil, PVA, and signature binding techniques
What you need to get started
![]() Chipboard / Book Board | ![]() Guillotine Paper Cutter | ![]() Cinch Binding Machine |
![]() Binding Wires | ![]() Sticker Paper | ![]() Cardstock Paper |
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