Chapter 1: Introduction to Paperless Planning

From the moment I learned to write, I've been fascinated by planners, journals, diaries, and calendars. While digital tools might lack the tactile experience of their paper counterparts, they seamlessly blend my interests in organization, productivity, note-taking, and technology. Currently, I’m navigating this digital realm, particularly using plain text, while still appreciating the familiarity of a physical notebook.

This article is primarily focused on Obsidian, featuring aspects unique to this application. However, the concepts discussed can be adapted to any note-taking software that supports linkages, such as NotePlan, Roam, Logseq, Joplin, TiddlyWiki, or Notejoy. My formatting approach allows me to better manage my daily focus.

In the following sections, I’ll outline what a typical day looks like in my planner, providing raw data from my template. Additionally, I will recommend streamlined methods for Apple users to input information into their daily notes, even without having Obsidian open.

New to Obsidian?

If you’re just getting started with Obsidian, you might find this tutorial a bit daunting. The term “simple” in the title might feel misleading if you find the interface overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged! I’ve been where you are, and I suggest reading through the entire article first to grasp the layout before diving in. As you read, jot down any questions, then refer to the Obsidian Help Files or search online for clarification. Numerous helpful YouTube videos and posts on the official Obsidian forum and Reddit cover various aspects of using the application.

Once you're familiar with the interface, my instructions will guide you in setting up a planner that largely automates itself. If my explanations are unclear, feel free to leave comments, and I’ll do my best to improve them.

If you find this article too intricate, I recommend checking out my previous piece, which provides a broader overview of my plain text productivity system. If you want a minimalist approach to planning, Junji Zhi's article on using plain text can be a great resource—return once you're ready to embrace the philosophy of plain text with added features.

Chapter 2: The Daily Note as Your Captain's Log

While many refer to it simply as a daily note, I affectionately call it my Captain’s Log—a term I adopted during my two-year journey with The Archive as my plain text notes manager. As a lifelong Star Trek fan, Captain Kirk’s meticulous daily logs aboard the Starship Enterprise have greatly influenced my approach.

My daily note is the first thing I open each morning and the last thing I review while writing my day’s summary. It serves as the central hub for my ongoing projects, capturing thoughts and information for future reference. You can generate your daily note at the start of each day, or even plan several days or months ahead. I prefer to set my daily notes at least a month in advance to stay organized by adding known events and tasks.

Before You Start

This tutorial assumes you have a basic understanding of the Obsidian interface and know how to create links and install Community Plugins. If any of these terms seem unfamiliar, consult the Obsidian help files for guidance.

Creating Template Files

A template is a standard file that contains the information you want the Periodic Notes plugin to display in your daily note. Create template files for daily, weekly, and monthly planning, then assign them in the Periodic Notes plugin preferences.

Transcluded Notes and Blocks

Transclusion allows you to display linked files entirely or specific blocks within your current file. For complete files, use an exclamation mark before the double square brackets. A transcluded block displays only a specific section, requiring matching references at both the source and destination.

Plugins to Consider:

• Calendar
• Periodic Notes
• Customizable Page Header and Title Bar
• Note Refactor
• Hover Editor
• Dataview
• Admonition
• Tag Wrangler

Daily Note Template Breakdown

1. YAML Front Matter: While understanding this section is optional, it allows you to add functionality and metadata to your notes. Insert specific text between triple dashes at the top of the page.
2. Year and Month Reference Links: This block provides links to my year and month overview pages, ensuring a clean layout while maintaining functionality.
3. Today's Date: Use the Periodic Notes plugin to format the date according to your preferences.
4. Week Reference Links: This information is generated by the Periodic Notes plugin and transcluded to your daily note page.
5. Events: Here, I list appointments, either in a code block or styled using the Admonition plugin.
6. Today's Tasks: This section highlights repeating tasks or important objectives for the day.
7. Week and Month Intentions: I write down my intentions for both the week and month, using transclusions to keep everything connected.
8. Notes: The core of my Captain’s Log, where I document anything significant that I want to remember.

The first video titled "How I Plan My Day | Most Useful Obsidian Plugins & Templates" offers an in-depth look at the plugins and templates I utilize to streamline my daily planning process.

The second video, "Obsidian Daily Note Template Tour and Tutorial," guides you through my daily note template, showcasing how I organize my tasks and notes effectively.

Final Thoughts

Will this template work for you? Only time will tell! If you encounter any obstacles, remember that the delete key is a powerful ally. Feel free to customize the template to suit your needs. There’s no “right way” to structure your daily note. I hope my method inspires you, but feel free to adapt or completely overhaul it to align with your workflow. Embrace experimentation and remain open to new possibilities! My Captain’s Log is uniquely crafted to fit my style, guiding me toward insights and productivity every day. I remain dedicated to my digital productivity mission, exploring the paperless world of plain text while pushing boundaries just enough to keep it future-proof.