E-ink tablets have become the favourite planning tool for business owners who want the feel of paper without the notebooks. No notifications, no inbox, just you and your plan.
The short answer: a digital productivity planner is a hyperlinked PDF you load onto your e-ink tablet and write on with the stylus. You tap tabs to jump between your yearly, monthly, weekly and daily pages, and plan exactly as you would on paper.
Here’s how to set one up on reMarkable, Kindle Scribe and Onyx Boox, and how to use it day to day.
Which e-ink tablet suits your planning?
| Device | Best for | How you load a planner |
|---|---|---|
| reMarkable | The most paper-like writing feel and a distraction-free design | The reMarkable app on your computer or phone |
| Kindle Scribe | Readers who also want to plan, in the Amazon ecosystem | Amazon's Send to Kindle |
| Onyx Boox | Flexibility, with Android apps when you need them | USB, BooxDrop or cloud storage |
What is a digital productivity planner?
A digital productivity planner is a planner in PDF form, designed to be written on with a stylus. A good one is fully hyperlinked: tap a tab and you jump straight to that month, week or section, just like flicking to a page in a paper planner.
On an e-ink tablet, it gives you the focus of paper with the convenience of digital: one slim device, no ink bleed, and your whole year in your bag. The MY PA Digital Planner is the same system as our printed productivity planner for business owners, built for tablets and e-ink.
Why e-ink tablets are so good for planning
No distractions. No notifications or inbox, so planning time stays planning time.
It feels like paper. Writing with a stylus on e-ink is much closer to pen and paper than a glossy tablet.
Easy on the eyes. E-ink screens aren’t backlit like a phone or laptop.
Everything in one place. Your planner, notes and reading on one light device.
If you’re still deciding, read is Onyx Boox good for productivity? and our comparison of Onyx Boox vs Kindle Scribe vs reMarkable.
How to use a digital planner on reMarkable
Download your planner PDF to your computer or phone.
Open the reMarkable app, sign in and drag the PDF in (or use the import option).
It syncs to your tablet. Open it and start writing.
Tap the tabs to move between sections.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see how to upload the MY PA Planner to the reMarkable. Planner for this device: MY PA digital planner for reMarkable.
How to use a digital planner on Kindle Scribe
Download your planner PDF.
Send it to your Kindle Scribe using Amazon’s Send to Kindle (from the website, the app or email).
Open it on your Scribe and write directly on the pages with the pen.
Tap the tabs to navigate.
Planner for this device: MY PA digital planner for Kindle Scribe.
How to use a digital planner on Onyx Boox
Download your planner PDF.
Transfer it to your Boox by USB cable, BooxDrop or a cloud storage app.
Open it in the Boox reading app and write on it with the stylus.
Tap the tabs to navigate.
Planner for this device: MY PA digital planner for Onyx Boox. Want to see it in action? Read how I plan my week on Onyx Boox.
A simple planning routine for your e-ink tablet
The method is the same as paper. Only the tool changes:
Weekly (20 minutes): open your weekly page, choose your top priorities and add appointments and deadlines.
Daily (5 minutes): pick three priorities and time-block them before opening your laptop.
End of week (10 to 15 minutes): review what worked and carry over what didn’t. Here’s how to do a weekly review.
For the full system, read how to use a productivity planner.
Tips for getting the most from a digital planner
Choose a planner made for your device. A layout designed for your screen size is far easier to write on than a generic iPad PDF.
Keep a backup. Save the original PDF somewhere safe, so you can reload it if anything goes wrong.
Plan before you open your laptop. Five minutes on the tablet first sets your priorities before email sets them for you.
Use the same time each week. A routine matters more than the device.
Frequently asked questions
Do hyperlinks work on e-ink tablets?
Yes, on the main e-ink tablets you can tap the tabs and links in a hyperlinked PDF to move between pages. Make sure you buy a planner made for your device.
Can I use the same digital planner on an iPad?
Yes. The MY PA Digital Planner also works in GoodNotes, Notability and Noteshelf on iPad. See all digital planners.
Is a digital planner as good as paper?
For focus, an e-ink tablet comes very close to paper. Some people still prefer the real thing, which is why MY PA comes in both formats.
Try the system free
Download the free 2027 planner and test it on your device before you buy.