How to Choose a reMarkable Planner That Actually Works (And What to Avoid)
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If you've searched for a reMarkable planner lately, you know the problem.
Hundreds of options. Etsy, Gumroad, random websites. They all look great in the preview images.
And then you download one, upload it to your device, and something is off — links don't work, the file is so heavy it lags every time you swipe, or the layout doesn't actually fit how you plan.
Here's what to look for before you buy — and the red flags that tell you to keep looking.
What Makes a Good reMarkable Planner
1. Real Hyperlinks — Not Just Visual Tabs
This is the most important one.
A hyperlinked planner on reMarkable means you tap a button and it jumps instantly to that page. Weekly overview → tap Monday → daily page. Daily page → tap home → back to the overview.
The problem: a lot of planners on the market have visual elements that look like navigation tabs but aren't actually linked. You tap them and nothing happens.
What to check: Look for a demo video or GIF showing the actual navigation on a reMarkable device — not just screenshots. If the seller can't show you the links working on the device, there's a reason.
2. File Size Matters More Than You Think
reMarkable is an E Ink device with a processor built for focused writing — not for rendering massive PDF files.
A planner that's 500MB+ will lag. Pages take longer to load. Swiping feels slow. The whole experience suffers.
The best reMarkable planners are optimised for the device — clean layouts, compressed files, fast navigation.
What to check: If the file size is listed, anything over 150-200MB for a full annual planner should raise a question. If it's not listed and you can't find out — ask before buying.
3. Designed for reMarkable's Screen — Not iPad
A lot of "PDF planners for reMarkable" are actually iPad planners with a note in the description saying they work on reMarkable too.
They're not the same thing.
reMarkable has a 10.3" monochrome E Ink display (except the Paper Pro and Paper Pro Move which have colour). A planner designed for iPad's larger, colour, backlit screen looks different — and often worse — on reMarkable.
What to check: Is the planner explicitly designed and tested for reMarkable? Does it account for the screen size and the black-and-white display? Does it show previews of how it looks on the device, not just on a computer screen?
4. Structure That Fits How You Actually Plan
There's no single right structure — but there's a right structure for you.
Before buying, ask:
- Do I need a dated planner (specific months and days) or undated (fill in yourself)?
- Do I want daily pages, weekly pages, or both?
- Do I need project planning, habit tracking, or just a clean weekly layout?
A planner that has everything sounds good until you're scrolling past 40 pages you never use to get to the one you need.
What to check: Look at the table of contents or index. Does it have what you actually need — and not a load of extras you'll ignore?
5. Lifetime Updates — Not Dated Files That Expire
Some planners are sold as "2026 planner" — which means in January 2027, you need to buy a new one.
Others are undated and reusable, or come with lifetime updates so you always have the current version.
For something you'll use every day, this matters.
What to check: Is the planner dated or undated? If dated, what's included when the year ends?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
❌ No demo on an actual reMarkable device — screenshots only, no video of the links working
❌ File size listed as 300MB+ — likely to lag on any reMarkable model
❌ "Compatible with reMarkable" as an afterthought — designed for iPad or GoodNotes, not optimised for E Ink
❌ Broken links in reviews — if people mention navigation not working, believe them
❌ Thousands of pages you'll never use — more isn't better, especially on a device with limited processing power
What a Good reMarkable Planner Actually Feels Like
Fast. Clean. It gets out of your way.
You open it, tap where you want to go, and you're there. No lag, no confusion, no hunting for the right page.
The layout matches how you think — not how someone else thinks you should plan.
And when you pick it up on Monday morning, it takes five seconds to get started.
That's the standard worth holding out for.
👉 Our hyperlinked PDF planners are built specifically for reMarkable — optimised file sizes, real navigation, tested on every device in the lineup. No subscription, one purchase, lifetime access.
Browse PlanPro Templates and find the right system for how you plan.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by reMarkable AS. "reMarkable" is a trademark of reMarkable AS, used here solely to indicate compatibility. Templates only — reMarkable device not included.
