There’s something timeless and relaxing about junk journaling (or scrapbooking, if you’re a 90s kid like me). I remember saving every little piece of paper I acquired in a shoebox, ready to be used in my next journal spread. The layers of ripped paper, concert tickets, travel brochures, stickers, and cozy handwritten notes all mixed into a beautiful mess of memories.
But what if you could capture that same charm digitally on your iPad or tablet?
Whether you’re short on space or funds, love creating on-the-go, or just want a mess-free creative outlet, digital junk journaling is the perfect way to blend creativity and nostalgia in the modern world. It’s rare to actually get physical ticket stubs or printed photos these days anyway, so this is a great alternative to keeping those memories in an almost physical form.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to junk journal digitally on your iPad—from the best apps to use, to where to find stickers and ephemera (paper items), and even ideas for the kinds of journals you can make.
The Best iPad Apps for Digital Junk Journaling
Digital junk journaling is all about layering, customizing, and storytelling—so the app you choose should feel intuitive and fun to work in. Here are a few of the best to try:
🖊️ GoodNotes 6
Ideal for: realistic journaling, note-style spreads, Apple Pencil users (this is the app I use personally for my book journaling)
- Import custom stickers, washi tape PNGs, or digital paper backgrounds in an easy to use “element” library
- Use the lasso tool to move, resize, and layer elements
- Great for fans of traditional journaling and structure with a simple, digital twist
🎨 Zinnia
Ideal for: drag-and-drop scrapbooking, visual layouts
- Preloaded templates, stickers, fonts, and themed kits
- Intuitive, creative interface perfect for beginners
- Subscription-based, but packed with high-quality assets
✏️ Procreate
Ideal for: artsy creators, detailed collage, and those who want to also illustrate
- Advanced layer blending, brushes, and visual effects
- Perfect for creating totally custom junk journal spreads with a personal touch
- A bit more of a difficult learning curve, but highly rewarding and versatile
📓 Paper
Ideal for: sketching, mood journaling, minimalist spreads
- Feels like drawing in a Moleskine notebook
- Simple, intuitive layout with freehand tools and brush styles
- Great for inspiration boards or looser journal styles
Where to Find Digital Stickers, Ephemera & Backgrounds
One of the best parts of junk journaling is hunting for all the little scraps and textures. With digital journaling, you can collect them just as easily—and reuse them as much as you want.
Digital Sticker & Ephemera Sources
- Etsy – Search “digital junk journal kit,” “printable scrapbook,” or “vintage washi PNGs”
- Creative Market – Beautifully designed assets, ideal for aesthetic consistency
- Pinterest – Save photo elements for inspiration for your own use, but be aware you don’t own these and shouldn’t share them (and absolutely no commercial use)
- Free Resources – Try RawPixel, The Graphics Fairy, Freepik or Canva’s free design library
Pro Tip: Organize Your Kits
- Create folders in your Files or photos app labeled by theme: “Vintage Travel,” “Fall Journaling,” “Bookish Kit”
- Save transparent PNGs or full-page backgrounds so they’re easy to drag into your journal app
- In GoodNotes, use the Elements tool to save frequently used stickers for quick access
Types of Digital Junk Journals You Can Create
Junk journaling is deeply personal. It’s not about perfection—it’s about expression. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to use your digital journal:
Travel Journal
- Paste in digital maps, plane tickets, and local restaurant screenshots
- Add daily notes, photos, weather icons, or doodles of your adventures
- Great for road trips, vacations, or even cozy local exploring
Memory-Keeping Journal
- Add snapshots from your week, journaling reflections, and favorite quotes
- Use date stamps, washi tape, and decorative stickers to make it feel tactile
- Ideal for monthly recaps, seasonal spreads, or documenting daily life
Media Tracker
- Log the books you’ve read, shows you’re watching, or albums on repeat
- Rate, review, and decorate each entry with themed stickers or screenshots
- Try creating a “bookish scrapbook” with cozy vibes and Goodreads-style layouts
Mood & Inspiration Journal
- Capture aesthetic collages, color palettes, fonts, and ideas
- A vision board that evolves with your creativity or seasons of your life
- Use for seasonal resets or just as a way to collect your favorite vibes
Weekly or Monthly Reflections
- Use consistent templates to track goals, habits, or personal growth
- Add prompts, photos, and cozy notes about the month
- Think of it like a bullet journal meets scrapbook—without the pressure
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Digital Junk Journal Page
Here’s how to bring it all together into a spread that feels layered, cozy, and uniquely you.
- Open your journal app of choice and choose a blank or themed template/notebook
- Grid, lined, or textured backgrounds give that tactile paper feel
- You can choose landscape or portrait mode in most apps
- Import a background or “digital paper” layer
- Use soft textures like watercolor, vintage ledger paper, or linen for extra charm
- Use soft textures like watercolor, vintage ledger paper, or linen for extra charm
- Layer in your elements (this is the ultimate way to get that junk journal feel!)
- Drop in stickers, photos, scanned receipts, or handwritten notes
Use washi tape PNGs to “attach” items or layer them for depth
- Drop in stickers, photos, scanned receipts, or handwritten notes
- Add text, drawings, or prompts
- Use your Apple Pencil to write in your own handwriting
- Mix a combination of typewriter, vintage, and handwritten style fonts for visual interest
- Add tiny “imperfections” like hand-drawn doodles or torn paper edges
- Include sensory memories: what you were listening to, drinking, or feeling
- Layer, layer, layer! This gives it that “junk journal” feel
Junk Journaling Is Whatever You Want It to Be
Whether you’re preserving core memories, documenting a trip, or just making something beautiful for yourself, digital junk journaling is a cozy, creative hobby perfect if you just want to wind down and try creating something unique.
The best part? You don’t need fancy skills or a huge time commitment—just your iPad, a handful of digital scraps that speak to you, and a desire to slow down and romanticize your own life.