Still Confused About reMarkable Templates and Layers? Let’s Fix That 💭✨
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If you’ve ever opened your reMarkable, tried to “make your own template,” and five minutes later wanted to throw the tablet out the window… you’re not alone. 😅
Between built‑in templates, PDF planner templates, and “DIY templates” using layers, it’s easy to feel lost.
Today’s blog is your friendly guide to reMarkable templates vs. layers—so you can stop fighting the software and start actually planning again.
What a “Template” Really Is on reMarkable 📄
On reMarkable, template can mean a few different things:
- Built‑in templates – the default lined, grid, checklist, weekly planner etc. you choose when you create a notebook.
- PDF planner templates – imported planners or layouts (like the ones from PlanPro Templates) that behave like normal pages but already have a designed structure.
- DIY templates with layers – when someone draws a layout once on one layer, then writes on another layer above it and reuses that base drawing.
The last one is where most of the confusion (and drama) starts.
What Layers Do (And Why People Use Them) 🧅
Layers are like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other.
You can write or draw on one layer without permanently changing what’s underneath.
So some users:
1. Draw a habit tracker or weekly grid on Layer 1.
2. Write their daily notes on Layer 2
3. Erase Layer 2 at the end of the week and reuse the layout on Layer 1.
Clever? Yes.
Risky? Also yes. 👀
The Hidden Problems with “Layer Templates” ⚠️
Using layers as templates sounds genius until something goes wrong:
- You forget which layer you’re on and erase or draw over your layout.
- You merge or delete layers and lose the “template” forever.
- Notebooks get heavy and laggy because there are too many layers.
- Exported PDFs flatten everything anyway, so your fancy setup isn’t reusable outside reMarkable.
If you just want a calm, reliable planner, this can feel way too technical.
Why PDF Planner Templates Are Usually the Easiest Option 🌿
For most people, a good PDF digital planner template for reMarkable is the simplest, safest choice:
- Your layout is already designed (monthly, weekly, daily, trackers, budgets, projects).
- You just duplicate pages instead of rebuilding layouts with layers.
- Hyperlinks (if included) let you jump between months, weeks or sections quickly.
- Exports look exactly like what you see on your tablet.
Layers are powerful—but planners built as PDFs are much more user‑friendly and much harder to “break.”
The Smart Way to Combine Templates + Layers 🧠
You absolutely can use both—without chaos—if you keep this simple rule:
- Let PDF planners handle the structure.
- Let layers handle the extras.
For example:
- Use your PDF planner template as the base.
- Add a top layer only for doodles, color accents, or temporary notes.
- If you ever mess up that layer, you just clear it—your planner layout underneath stays perfect.
No more rebuilding spreads from scratch.
Common Mistakes (And What to Do Instead) 🚫➡️✅
Mistake 1: Drawing your whole planner layout on a layer every week
✅ Instead: Import a proper reMarkable planner template and duplicate the pages you need.
Mistake 2: Erasing notes and accidentally wiping the layout
✅ Instead: Keep your base layout and your writing on different layers—or avoid layout-on-layers altogether and use PDFs.
Mistake 3: Expecting built‑in templates to behave like full planners
✅ Instead: Use built‑ins for quick notes. Use a dedicated PDF planner for full systems: goals, finances, routines, business, etc.
Quick Rule to Remember ✍️
When you’re not sure what to use:
- If it needs to look the same again and again → use a template (PDF or built‑in).
- If it’s temporary or decorative → use a layer.
That’s it. Simple, calm, and very reMarkable‑friendly.
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Ready to skip the DIY stress and just enjoy planning?
👉 Explore our ready‑to‑use digital planners for reMarkable here: SHOP NOW
Got questions or need help choosing the right planner? Email info@planprotemplates.com and get personal support for your setup.
Your reMarkable is meant to feel like peaceful, modern paper—not a tech puzzle. Let your templates do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your life, your work, and your next big idea. 🌙