While nothing quite compares to traditional pen and paper, there are tons of fun, effective benefits to creating a digital book journal or digital reading journal.
Using an iPad or tablet for digital journaling offers including portability, customization, and easy integration with various reading and productivity apps. Because it’s not permanent and easily changeable, you can try different themes, formats and book tracking habits until you truly find something that resonates and works for you. If you’re an artistic type, digital journaling literally offers you endless possibilities where your creativity can truly run wild.
This guide will walk you through the best digital book journal setup on an iPad, covering everything from optimizing your tablet layout and focuses for reading to selecting the right apps and tools for creating a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing book journal that you’ll actually want to use!
Setup Your iPad “Focus” for Reading
I’m a full believer of “setting the vibes” and romanticizing your life to fully immerse yourself in hobbies and enjoy the moment. When it comes to reading more, I love utilizing the iPad’s amazing Focus feature. Using this setup I know I’ll have everything you need to cozy up, sit back and enjoy my current read! Here’s a quick how-to guide to get you started:
– Organize Your Reading Home Screen: Swipe to an empty page on your iPad, and this will serve as your “reading” hub. Arrange ONLY your reading related apps on this page (more on these suggested apps later!).
– Enable Focus Mode: You can use Focus Mode to minimize distractions while reading. Not only does this allow you to block or allow notifications only from essential apps, but you can also hide all of your other homescreens and simply view yoru “reading” hub as mentioned previously.
– Adjust Display Settings: Set your iPad to True Tone and Night Shift to reduce eye strain during prolonged reading sessions.
This focus can be turned on and accessed two ways:
First, by swiping down on the top right corner of the iPad, and clicking “focus”
OR from the lock screen, press/hold on the lock screen and you can swipe between your focuses
BONUS TIP: You can even go to your wallpaper settings on your ipad and pair specific wallpapers to each focus, so your reading focus can be even more aesthetically tailored to you!
Use Widgetsmith to Create Aesthetic Reading Widgets
Widgetsmith is a versatile app that allows you to create custom widgets for your home screen, enhancing your reading experience. You can use functional widgets like clocks and countdowns or simply cozy, beautiful pictures to simply look at and get inspired!
You can choose extra small, small, medium, large and extra large sizes on Widgetsmith, allowing you to create thousands of different options!
Pomodoro Timers: Use these to structure your reading sessions and avoid burnout. Set a timer for 25 minutes of reading followed by a 5-minute break.
Date Countdowns: Track important reading deadlines, such as library return dates, or count down to a highly anticipated release date!
Aesthetic Clocks: Add visually pleasing clocks that match your iPad’s wallpaper and theme, creating a harmonious reading environment.
These widgets not only make your home screen look really cute and aesthetic, but can also provide simple, functional benefits that enhance your reading routine.
Download All Your Reading, Tracking and Entertainment Apps
Maximize your reading options by downloading the best reading apps available, from Kindle ebook purchases to free resources for getting library books:
- Libby: Borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library.
- Hoopla: Access a wide range of digital media, including eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and movies.
- Kindle App: Sync with your Amazon account to access your Kindle library on your iPad.
- Goodreads App: Track your reading, discover new books, and connect with other readers.
- Apple Books: Purchase and read books directly from Apple’s bookstore.
- Amazon: Not just for new books…you can mainly use it to manage your Kindle books and discover new releases to add to your wishlists, TBRs and more!
- YouTube: This is helpful for me to put on ambiance and background music, and I can prop up the iPad easily with my case to have open while reading!
I personally choose to not have any social media apps on my reading focus, so I can minimize the temptation to scroll! If I want to take any pictures for content, I can snap them on my phone and then keep it on do not disturb for the remainder of my reading time!
Download a Journaling App for Your Book Journal and Reading Tracking
To keep a detailed book journal and track your reading progress, you’ll need an notetaking app. There’s a lot out there, and I recommend doing some research on what you’re really looking for in a digital book journal: is that freedom to draw and create more visual boards, or are you looking for something more structured where you can type and create lists? Your journaling style will impact what you need in a note taking app.
There’s two parts to this process: first you need an app (like goodnotes, evernote, etc.) to open, view and edit your digital reading journal, which is really just an editable PDF file.
Second, you need a digital journal file to insert into your above note taking app! This can either be a journal with blank pages you create yourself or a downloadable file you purchase.
[more on these in a later section]
There are tons of options for the app to house your digital book journal or reading journal, but some of the most popular and highly rated are:
- GoodNotes: One of the more well-rounded notetaking apps for lots of flexibility
- Notability: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, including audio recordings synced with your notes.
- Evernote: Ideal for comprehensive note-taking with powerful search capabilities and integration with other apps.
- OneNote: A free app from Microsoft that offers extensive organizational features and cross-platform compatibility.
These apps provide various functionalities to cater to different journaling styles and preferences.
BONUS TIP: Use iPad shortcuts to create an easy shortcut directly to your reading journal, so you can just click, and you’re ready to track your reading and express yourself in your book journal!
Create Your Own Digital Reading Journal File
For those who prefer a more creative and artistic approach to book journaling, explore these apps where you can actually design your own book journal to fit your own needs and aesthetic.
- Freeform: Apple’s built-in app for freehand drawing and sketching. Use it to create visual book spreads, mood boards, book reviews and more!
- Procreate: A professional-grade and highly loved drawing app that allows for detailed and intricate illustrations. Perfect for those who want to add a creative flair to their book journals.
These apps enable you to go beyond text-based journaling and incorporate visual elements, making your book journal unique and personalized.
Digital Planners Can Be Purchased or You Can Make Them Yourself
Digital planners offer structured templates for tracking your reading habits, book lists, and goals. Here are some options:
Purchased Digital Planners
Etsy: Find a wide range of pre-made digital planners designed specifically for readers and book lovers.
GoodNotes Marketplace: Purchase planners that integrate seamlessly with GoodNotes.
Small Shops: There are lots of small businesses that specialize in creating digital journals, some of my favorites being PaperNRoses and Flourish Planner.
DIY Digital Planners
Creating your own digital planner allows for complete customization. It’s a bit more in depth than this, but here’s the basic rundown of how to do it:
Design Templates: Use apps like Canva or Adobe Spark to design your planner pages.
Import into Journaling App: Once designed, import the templates into your preferred journaling app.
Customize: Add interactive elements such as hyperlinks and clickable tabs for easy navigation.
You’re Ready to Use Your iPad for Reading!
Whether you choose to purchase a pre-made planner or create your own, digital planners can significantly enhance your book journaling experience by providing structure and organization.
Setting up the best digital book journal on your iPad involves a combination of optimizing your device for reading, selecting the right apps, and customizing your journaling tools. The last thing you want to do is create a system that is too complicated that you don’t actually use – so be sure to just take what works for you, and leave the rest!
I hope this helps romanticize your book reading experience, whether you’re a dedicated book content creator or a casual book enjoyer.
Happy reading!
