Creating Beautiful Patterned Covers for Your Digital Planners

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to create stunning patterned covers for your digital planners using Affinity Publisher. This tutorial will walk you through the entire process, from selecting a pattern to applying it perfectly on your planner cover. Let’s get started!

Watch on YouTube - http://youtu.be/KZUUxFnZMUU

Download 1000s of patterns to use below.

Step 1: Hide the Existing Cover

If you’ve been following my recent videos, you’re likely working with the same file. Before we start, you’ll want to hide the existing leather-look cover.

Hide Existing Layers: Locate the layers representing the leather cover and toggle off their visibility. This gives us a fresh canvas to work with.

Step 2: Add a New Shape

Next, we need to add a new shape that will serve as the base for our patterned cover.

Draw the Shape: Use the shape tool to draw a rectangle or any shape that matches the cover of your planner.

Step 3: Use the Gradient Tool

To apply a pattern to our shape, we need to use the gradient tool. While it may seem unusual, the gradient tool is essential for this task.

Activate the Gradient Tool: Click on the gradient tool or press G on your keyboard.
Set Gradient Type to Bitmap: On the context-sensitive toolbar at the top, the gradient type is initially set to solid. Click the dropdown and select "Bitmap." This option allows you to fill the shape with an image pattern.

Step 4: Choose a Pattern

Now it’s time to select a pattern for your cover.

Select a Pattern Image: When you click on "Bitmap," you’ll be prompted to navigate your file system. Choose a pattern image you’d like to use. For example, I’m starting with a fire pattern.
Adjust the Pattern: You’ll see an "L" shape with three points on the screen. These points allow you to manipulate the pattern. Drag to scale the pattern, and rotate it until it looks just right for your cover.

Step 5: Add a Name Plate

Most planners have a name plate or title area, so let’s add one to our cover.

Draw a Name Plate Shape: Create another shape on top of the patterned cover. By default, this shape might take on the last fill used. Change this to a solid white fill.
Centre the Name Plate: Use the move tool to centre the name plate on your cover.
Add Text: Click inside the name plate to add text, such as “Back to School.” Centre the text using the move tool.

Step 6: Apply Pattern to Inner Pages

To give your planner a cohesive look, you might want to apply patterns to the inner pages as well.

Add a Shape on a Page: Navigate to one of your inner spreads. Draw a shape on one of the pages.
Apply a Pattern: Repeat the process by using the gradient tool (G), selecting "Bitmap," and choosing a pattern like a coffee-themed one.
Position Behind Planner Rings: To use this as a divider, ensure the shape is positioned behind the planner rings.

Step 7: Scale Without Distortion

When resizing, patterns can sometimes distort. Here’s how to maintain the integrity of your pattern:

Scale with Object: By default, the "Scale with Object" option is turned on, which causes the pattern to distort when you resize the shape.
Turn Off Scale with Object: To keep the pattern consistent, turn off "Scale with Object" in the gradient tool’s context-sensitive toolbar. Now, when you resize the shape, the pattern remains undistorted.

Step 8: Explore Pattern Options

There are endless possibilities when it comes to patterns. Here are some examples:

Light Flowers on a Dark Background Pattern

Browse Free Patterns: I’ve provided links in the description to a massive collection of free patterns online. You can find anything from floral designs to retro 80s patterns.
Experiment with Different Styles: Try out different patterns on your cover to see what suits your planner best. For instance, you might opt for a gothic style, a back-to-school theme, or something entirely unique.

Quick Recap

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

Hide the Existing Cover: Toggle off the visibility of the old cover layers.
Add a New Shape: Draw a new shape for the cover.
Use the Gradient Tool: Set the gradient type to "Bitmap" and choose a pattern image.
Adjust the Pattern: Scale and rotate the pattern to fit your cover.
Add a Name Plate: Create a name plate and add your desired text.
Apply Patterns to Inner Pages: Repeat the process on inner pages and ensure no distortion by turning off "Scale with Object."
Explore Patterns: Experiment with various free patterns to find the perfect look for your planner.

And there you have it! You’ve created a beautiful, customized patterned cover for your digital planner. If you enjoyed this tutorial and want more tips and tricks, be sure to check out my free training at ElaineGiles.com/VIP. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new tutorial.

If you have any specific tutorial requests, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next time.

Thanks for reading and watching, and see you next time!