Inspiration

The holiday season is rapidly approaching which means it’s the perfect time to create your perfect Christmas wishlist. Whether it is large-scale gifts or small but thoughtful presents, a well-structured list can make holiday gift shopping a piece of cake for your family. Here we will explain how to make a list that will guarantee that the gifts are going to be exactly what you are waiting for, as well as save time for the gift-givers. We’ll also discuss the digital tools that can be used and printable templates to make the best out of your wish list this Christmas. So, let’s start with turning your 2025 list into a holiday hit together with the xTiles App!

What is a Christmas Wish List?

Christmas list refers to a list of gifts, which a certain person would be happy to receive as a gift during the Christmas period. It may help friends, family, and loved ones to get the right gifts knowing that gifts have to be gotten based on the desires of the intended receivers. As it has been said, the primary function of a Christmas wish list is to minimize the probability of receiving irrelevant or similar gifts. This can be useful objects and necessary products, creative or humorous gifts, significant purchases, and simple trifles. A great list of desires not only helps the person, who has to purchase gifts but can also guarantee that the thing is going to be pleasing to the recipient. This is a simple solution which would enhance the experience of the holiday season for all the people taking part in it.

Why You Should Make a Wish List

Setting a Christmas wish list has several advantages that make this process quick and interesting for all parties who are going to participate in the gift exchange. First of all, with the assistance of a wish list, friends and family members can choose the right gift without having any concerns regarding the fact that the person will not use it at all. When you state your likes and dislikes in an obvious way, it becomes easier for the shoppers to make their purchases.

The main convenience of digital wish lists over paper ones is the possibility of adding the necessary items from any shop online to create the most convenient list. Moreover, an online wish list is also helpful because instead of spending time looking for the gift, loved ones can easily scroll through the list and choose one. You can even consider using a browser plugin to make it easy to add gifts to your list while shopping online. Finally, it is very simple to share your list through email, social networks, or just send the link for everyone to know what to purchase. So, if you are looking for a ready-made template to plan your holidays, then you’d better follow our announcements to be the first one to try out our new Christmas planners bundle we have almost finished. If there is no time to wait for you, then you might check our no worse planners from Template Gallery or create your own within our sophisticated template builder.

Gift Ideas for Your Christmas Wish

Still, coming up with the finished list of all the things you want can be quite a challenging task. But no worries. We have prepared a no-fail strategy on how to create a wishlist that will totally meet your gift expectations. Follow these special tips:

• Add a pinch of personality to your gifts. Consider adding gifts that are unique and personalized, such as monogrammed towels or a customized phone case. This will not only make the present unique and individual but also will turn into a lasting memory with time.
• Make gifts not only practical but also fun and engaging. Consider presents such as a new game or a VR-quest ticket to spend time with your friends. You can also ask for a dream vacation to have a great time visiting new places like Paris or Rome.
• If practicality is your own characteristic, then think about adding gifts that are practical and useful, such as a new kitchen appliance or a set of cozy throw blankets. This is how you will get a thing that will serve its purpose for years and won’t be lying dusty on the shelf.
• You can also ask to gift you an item from a line if you are collecting some figures like Funko Pop, LEGO sets, or anything else. In this way, you will gather all the needed parts in a more quickly and less costly way while giving your present giver a clear instruction on what to buy you instead.

How to Create Christmas Wish Lists

Need a proven method of how to reach all your Christmas gift objectives? Catch our guide on how to create your wish list with ease and a 100% guarantee of achieving what you truly aimed for:

Brainstorm: Start by brainstorming ideas for gifts you would like to receive. Try to recall every little thing you have seen on the storefront and thought “I definitely want this”. Don’t be so pragmatic and strict with yourself. Even if you understand that this gift doesn’t have any practical use, let some silly purchase be if it will bring you emotions.

Choose Your Medium: Use a Christmas wish list template or printable to make it easy and fun. The paper or online one – it’s always up to you. We like it digital, so you can gather all the stuff with links, photos, and other beneficial resources in one place with a few mouse clicks.

Start Collecting: Add gifts from any online store, including Amazon, Etsy, and more. This is your assurance you will get that pretty bracelet or cashmere scarf. What is crucial is not to let your gifts make your relatives or friends go bankrupt. Choose items that are affordable but still pleasing to you and remember – attention is a key when making presents.

Sharing: Share your Christmas wish list with your loved ones, family, and friends to let them know what will truly bring you joy this holiday. If you’ve chosen the paper one, you can have a theme party and exchange the wish lists with the nearest ones. Whether you opt for a digital one, then you can just share it with one button push which is way simple and convenient.

Creating a Wish List for Others

When we have figured out how to get what we want under the Christmas tree, it’s time to care about others. While it may seem a problem pretty hard to tackle, once again, we have a perfect solution for how not to lose even if you do not know any gift preferences of the recipient:

• Consider their interests and hobbies when adding gifts to their list. If the person is fond of winter holidays, the Christmas tree decorations and toys will never be redundant. You can also add items like homemade sweets and candies to give your present a special charm of care and attention.
• Think about their needs and preferences so your gift will be used with benefit. Think of irreplaceable items like a new favorite mug or cozy soft slippers. You can also simplify the process significantly by creating a digital wish list site and asking your recipient to fill it in.
• Gifts that encourage new experiences or help someone pursue their passions can be incredibly thoughtful. If they enjoy outdoor activities, consider something like a new thermos, a set of hiking gear, or a cozy blanket for chilly nights around the campfire. For the more adventurous spirit, a gift card for an activity like cooking classes or a wine tasting could open up exciting opportunities.

In Conclusion

A well-structured wish list can make the Christmas shopping process easier and more fun for both the recipient and the giver. This means that by having a well-organized list, everyone gets exactly what is needed, from customized items to useful products. Use technological advancements such as the xTiles app that will enable you to capture, share, and update your list of wish list items without stress. You can level up the personality with customized presents, consider the recipient’s interests and hobbies, or propose the most unique gifts that can be an actually memorable holiday to them. Whether for creating a personal list or contributing towards someone else’s, xTiles helps to make holiday gifts enjoyable and easy. Come now and start creating your perfect wishlist now!

FAQ

What to write on a Christmas wishlist?

To start writing on your Christmas wishlist, you need to choose your template first. If it’s a paper one, create different sections like clothes, furniture, electronics, and others. If you are using a digital template, then you may use the present layout or rearrange it to suit your needs. Come up with all the items you have ever wanted, like this pretty blush from a cosmetics shop or a new vacuum cleaner. Jot it down into your template, decorate it to bring the Christmas charm, and share it with your friends or family. If you have opted for a digital planner, you can also add links to every gift to streamline the purchase process for your nearest people.

What is the 5-gift rule for Christmas?

The 5-gift rue for Christmas is a set of rules that helps people to make presents for others more thoughtful, beneficial, and enjoyable. This includes the following statements: “Something they want”, “Something they need”, “Something to wear”, “Something to read”, and “Something to do”. This way, the recipient will achieve something practical and valuable.

How to share a Christmas wishlist?

There are a few options for how to share your Christmas wish list based on the planner form you have chosen. If you have opted for a printable wish list, then you may exchange it with your mates and family during the party. With digital planners, it is much simpler to share your wish list. Simply share the link with your loved ones or send them an email so they will definitely know what will bring you joy this Christmas.

What should I put on my Christmas list in 2025?

For your 2025 Christmas list, consider a mix of practical and meaningful gifts that will bring you both pleasure and practical use. Consider adding items like home essentials, a cozy sweater, some book or paid subscription, and something exciting like a new experience or adventure.

In the quiet hours before Wall Street awakens, many billionaires are already starting their productive day. From Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, the world’s most successful people share common morning routines that set the foundation for their extraordinary achievements. Let’s explore these billion-dollar morning habits that contribute to their success, well-being, and mental health.

Build your billionaire morning routine list in xTiles

Your daily routine is the ground for your success. When you have a strict plan mapped out, you will get to the finish more easily than when you’re going blindly, hoping destiny, karma, or the universe will do something for you. Since this plan for developing good habits will be with you for a long time, it’s better to choose a tool that will be easy to use (especially easy to start) and easy to update.

xTiles is an app that allows you to build and maintain an effective schedule to develop daily habits that can enhance your life in all aspects. It offers you a workspace that spans between your laptop and smartphone or tablet to keep you effective wherever you go. It doesn’t require you to spend long hours working out how to set things up and use them. You can start in seconds by using our templates or pre-designed elements for pages. 

To start, you will need an xTiles account. You can sign up via your Apple ID or Google. If you already have the account, create a new project and add seven tiles — each for every day of the week. We will fill them in step-by-step by adding checkboxes for every routine in this article. You can also add sub-pages for every week of a month and pages for every month to gather all the data together. 

Embracing the Early Start

The most striking pattern among billionaires is their commitment to wake up early. While the average person usually hits the snooze button because they don’t want to go to the office to make money for somebody else, business titans like Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg are beginning their day early. These early hours provide precious quiet time for focused work and self-care before the world demands their attention. Think about this as an opportunity to work in peace while everyone else is having their additional 10 minutes in bed.

However, it’s not just about setting an alarm clock. We can have multiple alarms set up, and they won’t help if you went to bed late the day before. And even if, using the pure power of determination, you get up and start working, it is highly possible that you wouldn’t be able to show 100% of your potential simply because you didn’t get enough sleep.

Getting early is mostly about maintaining consistent sleep schedules that promote good health. Jeff Bezos, for instance, prioritizes getting enough sleep and often wakes naturally without an alarm, emphasizing that quality rest is an important thing for maintaining peak performance.

Meditate or Practice Mindfulness

Many billionaires practice mindfulness or meditation as a key component of their morning routines. This habit reduces stress levels and creates mental clarity for the work day ahead. It helps you reconnect with yourself and remember why you are doing this. Taking time for self-love and inner focus helps these leaders maintain balance despite their demanding schedules.

Also, mindfulness is a great practice not only to begin your day. It will be helpful when you feel like your main is going toburst. Just stop, take a deep breath, and think about everything you have already done and how far you have come. Think about what you’re going to do when you finish your tasks today. Thank yourself for all the effort you’re putting in daily. 

Exercising or Doing Yoga

Exercise stands as an essential pillar in the billionaire morning routine. The best thing about any physical activity is that it is great not only for your body but also for your mind and mood. It helps you release tension in all senses.

The kind of exercise you choose depends on your preferences. It can be a vigorous workout session, yoga for flexibility and mental focus, or sports activities like Richard Branson’s tennis matches. Additionally, you’re not bound to stick to one physical activity just because a billionaire you look up to do it. Mix highly effective exercises with something that helps you to calm down. 

Physical activity isn’t just about staying in shape — it’s about maintaining energy levels and mental sharpness throughout demanding days.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated and consuming essential nutrients should be a crucial aspect of your life whether you strive to become a billionaire or not. Many start their day by drinking water, often with lemon, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Also, many wait before they have their breakfast, allowing their body to wake up properly.

People with busy schedules often forget to drink enough water during the day. That’s why it’s an intelligent decision to have reminders for every hour or so to remember to take a short break for a glass of water. This healthy habit provides sustained energy and helps maintain good health throughout busy schedules.

Plan Out Your Day or Set Daily Goals

The most productive billionaires dedicate morning hours to planning their day. This often includes:

• Setting daily goals
• Reviewing important tasks
• Organizing schedules
• Planning strategic meetings

However, if you use a pre-designed system like the xTiles Daily Planner template to develop your daily routine carefully, you will get a basic plan that will work for most of your days, allowing you to spend just a few minutes keeping it updated by adding new tasks or meetings that aren’t part of your routine. xTiles allows you to automate your schedule with recurring tasks and notifications to ensure everything goes as it should with minimal intervention from you, since there are more important tasks for you to do.

Read News to Stay Up to Date

Reading news articles and staying up to date with world events is a common practice among billionaires. Many spend time in the morning reviewing the Wall Street Journal, industry news, important business updates, etc. However, it is wise to take information from a couple of sources to ensure you have a whole picture in front of you, especially if it concerns your industry.

Also, you can shorten the time you need to read an article by using different apps for your phone or laptop that can read the article for you while you’re cooking your breakfast or doing your yoga.

Check Emails and Important Notifications

Email routine can be the least enjoyable thing on the list. However, it is better to check it to stay informed on your tasks. You can apply the “Eat the Frog” approach — do the task you don’t want to do first thing in the morning, and this way, the rest of your day won’t be ruined by your thinking about it.

Spend Time With Family or Loved Ones

Despite packed schedules, successful people understand the importance of spending time with family. After all, our jobs aren’t the only thing we are loved for. Try to carve out quality time in your mornings for breakfast with family members, school drop-offs if you have kids, and brief but meaningful conversations, even if these conversations take place while you’re driving somewhere. 

This family time helps maintain work-life balance and provides emotional grounding to remember that you work so hard every day.

The Power of Cold Shower

An increasingly popular trend among successful people is taking cold showers or ice baths. Even though it might seem like a cruel thing to do to yourself, an ice bath can have lots of advantages, except for ensuring your waking up will be immediate:

• Boosts energy and alertness
• Strengthens mental resilience
• Improves circulation
• Enhances overall well-being

If you practice cold showers every morning, after some time, it won’t be so extreme, but the effect will persist. Also, you can try implementing this routine slowly. Take a regular shower and switch to cold water at the end for 20 or 30 seconds. Then, increase this time for a few seconds every day.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast or Have a Protein Shake

Your brain needs food to be effective for the next 12 hours or how many hours you’re planning to work. Don’t skipbreakfast, as it will lead to a quick loss of energy. Choose something full of protein and fat to ensure this meal will keepyou productive for a couple of hours. 

You can take a shortcut and have a protein shake instead. However, that is not the best option for regular breakfast. Try to mix it with something more to ensure you get all the macro and micronutrients for the day.

Building Your Own Billion-Dollar Morning Routine

While not everyone needs to wake up at 4 AM like some billionaires, incorporating elements of their morning routines can help anyone feel accomplished and more productive. Here’s how to start:

1. Choose a consistent wake time that allows for morning activities and add it to your project in xTiles. When you wake up, add a checkmark that this task for the day is done. It’s important to remember that if there are a few checkmarks missing on your planner, don’t worry. 
2. Begin with simple meditation or quiet reflection. This part can be done in your bed straight after you wake up, but try not to fall asleep again.
3. Include some form of physical activity. It can be yoga, jogging, or taking your dog for a walk.
4. Prioritize healthy breakfast and hydration. Your body needs strength to be able to reach all the goals you set up.
5. Set aside time for planning and goal-setting. This is important to stay true to your bigger plan.
6. Make time for family or personal connections because your work isn’t everything. There should always be a time when you don’t think about your tasks, at least for an hour a day, and not only when you are asleep.
7. Put your routine step-by-step in your xTiles planner. You can customize it to ensure you like to use it. You also can change it whenever you feel like you need something new. Add new elements, delete something you don’t like, use colorful banners to prioritize your tasks, etc.
8. Stay consistent with your routine, and even if it doesn’t make you a billionaire, it will definitely help you become a better, more productive version of yourself.

In the end, you will get something like that:

Remember that the best morning routine is one you can maintain consistently. Start with small changes and gradually build up to more comprehensive morning habits that support your dreams and goals.

Conclusion

The billionaire morning routine isn’t just about early rising — it’s a carefully crafted sequence of healthy habits that promote physical health, mental clarity, and productivity. While each successful person has adapted these practices to their unique situation, the core elements remain consistent: wake up early, practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, take care of your body, spend time with your family, and plan strategically.

By incorporating these proven practices into your own morning routine, you can build a foundation for success that mirrors the habits of the world’s most accomplished individuals. Remember, success isn’t just about working hard — it’s about working smart and maintaining the essential balance between personal well-being and professional achievement and xTiles can help you with that.

FAQ

Will I become a billionaire if I follow this morning routine?

No, following this routine alone won’t make you a billionaire. However, developing these healthy habits can improve your productivity, mental clarity, and overall well-being, which are important foundations for professional success. 

How early do I really need to wake up to follow this routine?

That depends on your own rhythm of life. You don’t need to wake up at 4 AM like some billionaires do. The key is finding a consistent wake time that allows you to complete your chosen morning activities before your workday begins. 

What if I can’t fit all these activities into my morning?

It’s not necessary to adopt every element of the billionaire morning routine at once or at all. Start with 2-3 core activities that resonate most with you (such as exercise, meditation, or planning) and build from there. 

How long does it take to see results from following this morning routine?

Some benefits, like increased energy and mental clarity, can be felt within the first few weeks. The key is consistency rather than perfection.

Ready to make your dreams come true? We at xTiles believe vision boards make goal-achieving easy and fun. Whether you want to take care of yourself first, grow in your work, or cultivate relationships, this digital vision board template is the space to make your vision come to life.

We’ll cover the benefits of vision boards, how to make one, and the science behind how they work. We’ll also give you tips on what to add and what to avoid so your dream board never loses its magic. In addition, we’ll show you how easy it is to create your personal board in 4 simple steps and share our expert vision board ideas.

Don’t miss a chance to turn your dreams into reality. Create your dream board now, and let’s start building your better tomorrow together.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a tool designed to help you stay on track with your life goals by giving you a clear visual of what you want. It’s basically a collage of your goals related to relationships, work, personal development, or health. A vision board is made by gathering quotes, words, and images that uplift and inspire you, acting as a physical reminder of your goals.

The idea of vision boards is simple: you’re more likely to stay motivated and on track with your goals when you see them visually. This tool is a daily reminder of your goals, which inspires you to take action toward them. Whether it’s career advancement or personal fulfillment, creating a vision board is a key step to achieving your dreams. With its help, you can keep your motivation at its highest and make your goals feel more achievable.

Regarding your personal needs and preferences, you can create a physical vision board or a digital one. Still, while making a paper inspiration board requires a scope of tools like magazines, scissors, glue, etc, crafting a digital vision board comes down only to your creativity and PC or laptop. Moreover, you can easily update your board as your goals change, thanks to the versatility and flexibility of the digital goal board.

Benefits of Using a Vision Board

Vision boards are not just pretty things; they are powerful tools that can impact your career and personal growth. Vision boards help to clarify your aspirations and help you remain motivated by showing you what your dreams and goals look like. Let’s look at some of the main reasons why using vision boards is key to achieving your goals.

More Focus: Vision boards help you stay focused on the important stuff. They act as a constant reminder of your goals by visually representing your wants, which helps you prioritize tasks that support your goals.

Powerful Manifestation Tool: Making a visual collage of your goals brings resources and opportunities to you by triggering the law of attraction. Thanks to vision boards, focus on your goals becomes more solid, achievements seem more accessible, and stamina for growth stays adamant.

Enhanced Flexibility: If you choose a digital vision board template over a paper one, this also gives you the opportunity for limitless customization and adjustments. This way, if your goals have changed or you start dreaming of something new, the digital vision board can contain all your ideas and change due to your needs without limiting you. So start with small steps and extend your vision board according to your ambitions.

More Confidence and Motivation: Seeing your goals visually makes you more committed and accountable. Every time you look at your board, you’ll get re-energized, ready to take action and overcome obstacles.

Goal Achievability: Using vision boards can help you feel more in control of your goals. By breaking down bigger goals into visual pieces, you can see the exact actions to take to achieve them, reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, and turn aspirational goals into achievable ones.

Overall, vision boards are great tools for anyone who wants to focus, bring their goals to life, and have a positive mindset while going for it. Creating a vision board allows you to self-reflect and helps you set your goals, prioritize, and figure out how to achieve them.

How to Create a Digital Vision Board

Making your inspiration board is how you make your dreams come true. It’s a series of actions that help you define your goals and their visual representation, which are not only insightful but also look pretty. Don’t know where to start? Then here’s our 4-step guide for an easy beginning.

Step 1: Clarify Your Vision

Take some time to think about your life goals. Think about your desires, whether it is your dream job, ideal life, or mental health achievements. Start forming your vision, which will be your guide for your board, and write down your thoughts and ideas.

Step 2: Choose a Medium

Choose if you want to make a vision board digitally or physically. We encourage you to use our xTiles app to create your digital template and make your vision board work for real. However, you may consider other digital tools or anything else you find funny and convenient to use. Choose a medium that inspires and feels natural to you so your creativity can flow.

Step 3: Gather Materials

Gather words, phrases, and images that excite and inspire you. Find inspiring images that match your goals in magazines, books, or online resources. Write down inspirational quotes and affirmations and build your goal-setting vision board from this collection.

Step 4: Create Your Vision Board

Make your poster board look pretty. Try out different styles and layouts until you find one that works for you. Do everything you feel inspired about to get a feeling your vision board really represents your dream life and gives you a clear direction on what you have to do to achieve it. Make sure your board is totally personal and fulfilling by adding motivational elements.

The Science Behind Vision Boards

Psychology and neuroscience back up vision boards. Visualization activates the brain’s mental imagery, and this can boost motivation and goal achievement. When you see your dreams, you feel they are more achievable because you are firing off neural pathways that mimic the real deal. This process not only boosts your self-confidence but also your commitment to your goals.

Research shows people are more likely to take action towards their goals when they see those goals visually. As Oprah says, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” This quote shows how powerful positive visualization is in creating an attitude that attracts success. By regularly looking at your vision board, you develop a positive mindset, which allows your goals to manifest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making a vision board can be fun, there are some common mistakes to avoid to make it work.

Keep it Simple: Don’t clutter. A simple layout keeps you inspired and focused on your goals.

Use Positive Language: Don’t use negative or limiting language. Use empowering and uplifting affirmations to boost your self-esteem.

Take Action: A vision board is just a tool, remember that. Make progress towards your goals regularly to make your dreams happen.

Be Specific: Vague goals or visions can make you lose your focus. Use clear and specific images that represent your goals.

Update Regularly: Your goals may change over time. Keep your board up to date and current to reflect your current goals.

This is how you can significantly reduce the possibility of breakdown by simply following these tips.

Tips for Effective Vision Boarding

When we have already figured out what to avoid when creating a vision board, then let’s have a look at which approach is better to implement during this process.

Define Your Goals

Visualize your dreams as clearly as possible. Think about every detail to have a precise visualization of what you really want. If this is a dream job, then what does your ideal day in this position look like? Which design is your personal office? What are you wearing? And so on.

Gather Inspiring Materials

Search for inspiring images in all the available resources. If it’s a paper board, then use the old magazines. If you choose the digital version, then look for inspiration in the available photo stocks. xTiles, for example, offers integration with Unsplash to make your material gathering as simple and pleasing as possible. Keep in mind that your photos should precisely match your visual representations.

Choose the Right Format

Selecting the right form of your visual board is also crucial. If you are a handy person, then you might try to make your poster board and spend some hours on making it. Still, if you want to keep everything well-organized and have it quick, a digital vision board is your go-to solution. Simply choose the template you like the most and adjust it to your needs. Simple as never seen before.

Organize Thoughtfully

Arrange your images nicely. Group related goals together or make sections for different areas of life. If it is a desired adventure, then arrange it in one place on the board and your personal goals in the other. Or simply use different vision boards to keep your dreams sorted out. A pretty layout will boost motivation and focus.

Incorporate Affirmations

Add some quotes said by famous people that inspire you, or simply write down even your personal thoughts you find motivational for yourself. These will help you create a board that will motivate you to take action toward your goals and be a daily reminder of them. At times of discouragement or devastation, these phrases will also help you to stick to your journey and keep going.

Make It Personal

To make it really yours, add personal touches like your own drawings or images. This will increase the emotional impact and your personal commitment to the way toward your dreams. In this way, you can eliminate the risk of getting out of track and will most likely achieve your dreamed goals.

Review and Update

Review your board often to see your progress. Keep your vision fresh by updating your board to reflect your changing goals. You can even make an instant tab in your browser to have a look at your dream board every time you open it before your work. If it’s a paper board, then simply place it above your work desk or anywhere else you can take a sight at it easily during the day.

Your Dream Board Ideas

To make the creation process even more easy for you, here are our vision board examples from the xTiles team:

1. Dream Job. Visualize your ideal career by including images of your desired work environment, role, or company.

2. Financial Goals. Represent your financial aspirations with pictures of your dream home, travel plans, or specific savings objectives.

3. Relationships. Consider the relationships you wish to cultivate with partners, friends, and family. Add images that reflect meaningful connections and joyful moments.

4. Travel Dreams. Travel can ignite inspiration and fuel your dreams. Gather stunning photos of destinations on your bucket list and consider adding maps or postcards that symbolize your adventurous spirit.

5. Health Goals. Highlight your physical and mental well-being by including images of exercise, nutritious meals, and self-care practices.

6. Mental and Spiritual Growth. Reflect on how you want to grow mentally and spiritually. Incorporate visuals of mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, along with affirmations that promote self-reflection and positivity.

7. Desired Personality Traits. Identify and visualize the qualities you aspire to embody, such as kindness, resilience, or self-confidence.

8. Skills to Learn. Dedicate a section to your professional and personal development. Add images of experts in skills you want to acquire, like coding or meditation.

9. Hobbies and Passions. Consider what brings you joy and fulfillment. Include pictures of activities you want to pursue, such as hiking, painting, or playing an instrument.

10. Mindfulness and Emotional Goals. Incorporate images that represent calmness, gratitude, and emotional intelligence. Add affirmations that support resilience and self-acceptance, helping you stay centered and positive.

As you can see, there are tons of ideas you can implement into your vision boards. If the only thing that separates you from making your dreams come true is the right tool, then xTiles has already taken care of it. Our Vision Board Template is a perfect combination of flexibility and effectiveness, which will not only empower your creative sight of view with its comprehensive set of functions but also bring your dreams into reality faster.

Conclusion

Ready to make your dreams come true? Vision boards are powerful tools to get you motivated and focused on your goals. Get direction and clarity in your journey by putting your goals into the picture.

A customized vision board that inspires you daily can be made with a little imagination and intention. Start your journey to your ideal life by taking the first step.

Ready to start? Make your vision board with xTiles and watch your dreams come to life. Go now and trust yourself! you

FAQ

What does a vision board do?

A vision board helps people to achieve their goals by creating visual representations of their dreams. This is how people can have a precise picture of what they really want and remain motivated by having an instant reminder of their true desires.

How can I make a vision board?

You can make a vision board with the help of the xTiles app. Simply choose our Vision Board Template, adjust it to your needs and preferences, and start creating your personal goal-setting board for free.

What should be included in a vision board?

A vision board should include everything you want. Add images, personal photos, drawings, motivational quotes, phrases of famous people, links to educational courses, videos, or links – everything you feel inspired about.

Are vision boards healthy?

Yes, vision boards are healthy as they clarify goals, boost productivity, and reduce the possibility of being overwhelmed. Still, vision boards should work alongside actionable steps to make the dreams come true.

Notes are very helpful no matter what you do. However, without proper organizing, they tend to accumulate into an avalanche that might have a negative impact on your ability to plan, ideate, store, and review critical information. That’s why a person who regularly takes notes should also incorporate a note-taking system to ensure their notes actually work.

We all take notes in one form or another. However, only a few research how to organize notes, which is why a note-taking process works for some but is useless for others. Even though the part where you take handwritten notes or digital notes requires no further explanation. What to do with your notes afterward is quite a question and xTiles have an answer and can become one.

In this article, we will go over the different methods to organize your notes.

1. Cornell Method to organize study notes effectively

The Cornell Method is a well-known and effective way of note-taking that works regardless of your learning style and the subject. Developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University in the 1950s, this system helps you organize college notes into manageable sections so you can review and retain the important stuff.

To use the Cornell Method:

1. Divide your note-taking page into three sections: a narrow left column for cues, a wider right column for notes, and a bottom section for summaries.
2. During lectures or readings, jot down critical issues and key points in the notes column.
3. Use the cues column to write questions or keywords that match your notes so you can actively engage with the material.
4. When reviewing your study notes, cover the right column and use the cues to test your recall.

This spaced repetition technique helps with long-term memory retention. The Cornell Method is flexible and can be used for any subject, from humanities to sciences, so it’s a great tool for students looking to improve their study habits.

Cornell Method in xTiles

Organizing study notes is important. Its importance grows depending on how many subjects you have. Otherwise, you risk getting lost in your multi-subject notes that resemble a postmodern text more than something that can help with preparing for a test.

The Cornell Method might seem confusing if you have never seen it before. You will need to design all pages in your notebook to be prepared. However, there is a faster and easier solution. xTiles offers the Cornell Notes Template, which basically means you don’t have to spend your time with a pencil and ruler to make sections even page after page.

This template, besides its ready-to-use structure, offers you numerous tries and changes so that you won’t turn your notes into a nightmare if your handwriting is hard to decipher. Also, you can easily use bullet points, break down your notes with expanded blocks if you need to put a lot of data, and add comments and reactions to make your notes organized and lively. So, once you review your notes, you have a deeper understanding of the material.

You can create separate notebooks (projects) for different subjects with pages and sub-pages to reach a level of organization paper notes can’t give you. Additionally, you can share them without giving someone your notebook.

2. How to organize your notes with Color Coding

Even if you write clearly and legibly, sometimes it might not be enough for quick navigation. Note-taking and organization are key to academic success, and color coding is a great tool for that. This method involves using different colors to highlight and categorize the information in your notes so they are more organized and easier to review.

1. When taking notes, use color-coded bullet points, headings, and subheadings to break down the information into manageable chunks.
2. Assign a color to each type of information, including key definitions, dates, or names. This visual organization will help you to identify and recall information more easily during test prep and review.

Сolor coding is a versatile note-taking system that can be adapted to you. By organizing your notes like this, you will improve your understanding and retention of the material.

Color coding in xTiles

xTiles is about visual organization, and color-coding is an important aspect of this approach. It may seem that notes in a notebook are the most customizable ones. Yet, this is possible if you have an arsenal of colored pens and markers. In xTiles, you can arrange different colors using a color picker.

It is possible to choose a color for a tile (a basic unit for organizing notes in xTiles, which consists of blocks) or add a color banner to a certain note within one tile. It’s also possible to arrange colors for tabs (pages within your project). This way, your common notes become visual notes that are quick and easy to navigate and understand.

Detailed color coding can reduce the stress of reviewing your material months after you have learned it when you’re preparing for a test.

3. Organizing your notes with Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a great way to organize your notes and improve your study or work. Mind mapping is a visual note-taking method that organizes information in a non-linear radial way so you can connect ideas, concepts, and details more effectively.

1. To create a mind map, start with a central topic or key idea in the middle of your page.
2. From this central point, branch out with sub-topics, supporting details, and relevant information creating visual anchors around your central topic, using images, and symbols to show the connections between different parts.

This visual and interactive way of note-taking will help you understand and retain the information better as it mimics the way your brain processes and remembers information. Mind maps also encourage active engagement with the subject matter as you keep exploring and expanding the web of connected ideas.

Mind mapping in xTiles

Mind mapping in xTiles can be arranged through tiles. Put a tile with the main topic in the center of a page and add a sub-topic around it. The tiles can be of different sizes, making the creation easy and the final result look nice and legible.

The tiles can consist of as many blocks of information, such as dates, names, and definitions, as needed. However, to insert even more information into your mind map, you can use the extended blocks. This special kind of block allows you to add everything you need without taking much space on a canvas. The data will be accessible with a simple click.

Another great option for creating a mind map that works is using backlinks in xTiles. You can link tiles or even blocks (smaller units of information) to wherever you need them without the need to copy anything, because what you’ve linked will be displayed exactly as it appears in the main source.

This way, you have the main info in front of you, while details are hidden so they won’t distract you while you’re thinking. Also, for better brainstorming, you may also try our Brainstorming template.

4. Annotation Method for organized notes

One way to keep your notes organized and easily found is to use an annotation method. Annotating means adding extra information, context, or formatting to your notes to make them more structured and meaningful.

One popular annotation method we already discussed is the Cornell note-taking system. However, if you’re not a student anymore, the Cornell method might not be what you need, while the generic annotation approach might still be of use.

For example, another annotation technique is to use symbols and shorthand.

1. You could use a star, checkmark, or exclamation point to flag important info, a question mark for areas you’re unsure about, etc.
2. Create a legend of the symbols you use, and you can quickly identify different types of content.
3. You can also experiment with abbreviations, acronyms, and other shorthand to take notes more efficiently.

Whatever annotation method you choose, the key is to find one that works for you and your learning style. Consistent use of an annotation method can turn your notes from a messy collection of information into a useful study resource.

Annotaion method in xTiles

Annotation methods you can use to turn common notes into easily digestible pieces of information are versatile and depend on your preferences. In xTiles, you can build whatever system you want.

Reactions will help you add the needed details with emojis. You can choose among dozens of funny and relatable emojis to describe your note or task. Also, you can add comments where you can insert bits of textual content like abbreviations.  

5. Workspaces, Projects, and Grouping Pages to organize your notes

Many note-taking apps and tools allow you to create an organized system for your notes using workspaces, projects, and grouping.

By using workspaces, projects, and page grouping, you can create a robust organizational system for all your notes and research. This makes your information more accessible, contextual, and valuable over time. Try out different combinations of high-level workspaces and page-level organization to find what works best for you.

Workspaces, Projects, and Grouping Pages in xTiles

Workspaces in xTiles give you a high level of organization where you can create projects. For example, you could have workspaces for work, school, personal projects, or hobbies.

Within each workspace, you can create projects to further categorize your notes. Each project is like a separate notebook. Projects allow you to group together specific tasks, topics, or initiatives. This makes it easier to find and reference all the information for a given project or area of focus.

Finally, xTiles allows you to group individual pages or documents together, even across different projects. This page-level organization is useful for creating structured outlines, meeting notes, or other collections of related information.

You can nest pages within each other and add tags or labels to have notes organized and easy to navigate.

6. Tags or Keywords and Linked Pages or Backlinks to organize notes

Tags and keywords are great for categorizing and finding information in your notes. By tagging each note with relevant tags or keywords, you can create a flexible way of grouping related content. This way, you can quickly filter and find notes on a specific topic, no matter where they are in your hierarchy. For example, you might tag notes with project names, subject areas, or action items like “to-do” or “follow-up.”

Linked pages and backlinks create connections between your notes and a network of information. When you link to another page in your notes, you are creating an explicit relationship between pieces of information. Backlinks show you which other pages link to the current note, giving you context and revealing unexpected connections.

By combining tags and linked pages, you can create a robust organizational system. Use tags for broad categorization and linked pages for specific connections. This way, you can have structured organization and serendipitous discovery to find information and generate new insights by seeing the relationships between your ideas.

Tags or Keywords and Linked Pages, Backlinks in xTiles

In xTiles, users can link a tile, page, or project, creating a system that is interconnected and easy to navigate. Also, you can mention a tile in a different tile, which spares you from duplicating content. Just copy a tile link and insert it in the needed place. You can choose how much information you want to have visible in a new place, whether you need only a title or its content.

When opening your linked tile, you can see the list of places it was used and navigate through this list to find what you need. Moreover, you can utilize the search function in xTiles using keywords. This feature will provide you with results at both the tile and project levels.

Additionally, in xTiles, you can link not only xTiles pages but also, for example, your Google Docs and Google Sheets. The document will be visible and ready for changes in your tile.

7. Table or Database Method for organizing your notes

The table or database method for organizing notes is where you structure your information like a spreadsheet or relational database. This is great for managing lots of structured data or when you need to sort and filter your notes by multiple attributes.

In this system, each note becomes a row in your table or a record in your database. The columns are different attributes or properties of your notes:

• Title
• Created/Modified
• Tags
• Project/Context
• Status (to-do, in progress, completed)
• Priority
• Due
• Related links

Many note-taking apps now have database-like features where you can create custom fields and views of your information. You can then sort, filter, and group your notes by any combination of these attributes.

This method is great for repetitive or standardized types of notes:

• Task management
• Contact lists
• Reading logs
• Project tracking
• Research notes

The table/database approach gives you a highly structured and searchable system for your notes. It’s especially powerful when combined with tagging and linking features so you can create dynamic views of your information based on what you need or what project you’re working on.

Table or Database Method in xTiles

xTiles Collections allow you to manage complex notes and large amounts of information in a flexible way. You can choose from 4 types of Collections: Tables for big data, Galleries for visual notes, Boards for task tracking and sorting notes by topic or relevance, and Timelines for planning and scheduling. These Collections are databases, so you can create multiple views of your data and filter by specific parameters to display and access information in many ways.

By combining different Collection types, you can create a customized organizational system for your notes that suits your needs. You can go even further with your database by using relations, roll-ups, and the ability to link notes from different databases.

8. Zettelkasten Method to keep your notes organized

The Zettelkasten Method, developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann, is a way to organize and connect ideas. At its heart, it’s a network of notes that grow and evolve over time.

Key principles of the Zettelkasten Method:

• Atomic notes: One idea per note.
• Unique IDs: Each note has a unique ID, so you can reference it precisely.
• Linking: Notes are connected by links, a web of ideas.
• Non-hierarchical: No folders, just connections.

Emergence: As you add more notes and links, new insights and patterns emerge.

To use Zettelkasten:

• When you have an idea, create a note.
• Give it a unique ID.
• Write it in your own words.
• Link to related notes.
• Create an index or entry point notes for broad topics.

The magic of Zettelkasten is that it helps you be creative and see connections across domains. It’s great for research, writing, and personal knowledge management.

Many digital note-taking tools now support Zettelkasten-style linking, making it easier than ever to implement this powerful organizational system.

Zettelkasten Method in xTiles

xTiles is a flexible platform to implement the Zettelkasten Method. You can create an interconnected network of knowledge by using individual tiles as atomic notes. Each note is an idea or concept with a unique id. xTiles linking enables you to connect related ideas, which is the web of knowledge at the heart of Zettelkasten.

The tagging system makes it easy to categorize and retrieve notes, and the ability to create structured notes gives you entry points to different topics. xTiles Collections offers different views of the Zettelkasten, from database-like tables to visual boards, to fit your organizational needs.

You can dedicate a workspace to your Zettelkasten and use projects to separate knowledge areas if needed. Search and filter make it easy to find specific notes, and extended blocks allow you to elaborate on ideas without breaking the atomic nature of the main note.

The visual nature of xTiles makes it easy to review and discover new connections. This flexibility allows you to create a dynamic Zettelkasten that evolves with you and is a tool for knowledge management and idea generation. By using these features, you can build and maintain a solid Zettelkasten that improves your note-taking and thinking.

9. Second Brain to organize your notes

The Second Brain concept by Tiago Forte is a whole system for capturing, organizing, and using information. It’s designed to expand your mind by creating an external, digital brain.

Key components of the Second Brain method:

• Capture: Collect ideas, insights and information from everywhere into your system.
• Organize: Use the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) to structure your notes
• Distill: Summarize and extract the key information for future reference.
• Express: Use your knowledge to create new content, solve problems, or make decisions.

By creating a Second Brain system, you’ll have a personal knowledge management system that will boost your creativity, productivity, and learning. It’s perfect for knowledge workers, creatives, and lifelong learners.

Building a Second Brain in xTiles

xTiles is a great place to implement the Second Brain methodology, where you can capture, organize, and use your digital notes in a dynamic and flexible way.

For capturing ideas, you can create new tiles or pages in xTiles and jot down your thoughts, insights, or information from various sources in various forms. For example, you can use bullet points headings and subheadings, add visual aids, checkboxes, links (whether to sources within your xTiles ecosystem or external), turn your notes into active tasks, etc.

Organization in xTiles is flexible and supports the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) used in Second Brain systems. You can create separate projects or collections for each of these categories, or you can use the xTiles Second Brain template to cut corners without harm to note organization.

The distillation process, where you refine and synthesize your notes, is supported by xTiles’ editing features. You can easily go back and update your notes using extended blocks to expand on ideas without cluttering the main view. Color coding and tagging help to highlight important points and categorize information for easy retrieval.

For the express phase, where you use your organized knowledge, xTiles different view options come in handy. The Table, Gallery, Board, and Calendar Collections allow you to see your notes in different ways to turn your ideas into tangible output. You can easily collect related notes for writing articles, preparing presentations, or working on projects.

xTiles search and filter features allow you to quickly find what you need, a key component of a Second Brain system. The platform also allows for progressive summarization, where you can iteratively condense and highlight the most important parts of your notes over time.

With these features, you can build a full Second Brain system that stores information and helps you connect, generate ideas, and turn your knowledge into action. xTiles is visual and intuitive, so it’s the perfect tool to build and maintain a Second Brain, externalize your thoughts, and create a personal knowledge management system where your notes will be much more than pieces of information.

10. Combining Different Methods: Tips on organizing notes

There are plenty of methods to organize notes. Many of them can be combined to reach maximum effect. However, this step requires you to be careful because if you use too many approaches at the same time, you risk getting even more chaos than you have had before you tried any organization.

Here are some tips for combining different note-taking methods:

1. Hybrid approach: Combine elements from different methods that work for you. For example, the Cornell method can be used for lectures, and mind mapping can be used for brainstorming. 
2. Master index: Keep an index or table of contents that links to notes from different methods, so you have a central hub. Add a map with colors and symbols you use while you’re learning the new system.
3. Regular review: Review and update your notes regularly and transfer key info into a more permanent system like a personal wiki or Second Brain.
4. Consistent formatting: Use consistent headings, subheadings, and emphasis across different methods to keep it visually cohesive.
5. Cross-referencing: Link related notes together, even if they’re in different formats or taken with different methods.
6. Content dependent: Choose the method based on the type of information you’re capturing. For example, flowcharts for processes and bullet points and numbered lists for quick facts.

The key to success is to regularly test which combinations work for you and be willing to adjust your system over time.

Benefits with xTiles

Proper organization method saves time and energy whenever you need to return to your notes to study or work on them. A reliable note-taking app is what will help you stick to your system as it gives frames you need to work within, while physical notes allow too much freedom that might lead to chaos and poor organization.

xTiles is a versatile tool that can become a perfect place for writing down your notes, organizing them, elaborating on them, turn them into tasks and actionable steps. The app is for those who don’t believe that note is the final step. That note exists because of itself, but because it has to lead somewhere.

Besides allowing users to combine numerous methods for organizing notes, xTiles offers a wide range of pre-designed templates that will help with many of these approaches, from Cornell Notes to Second Brain, from the annotation method to using color codes.

Conclusion

Note organization is more than a good habit – it’s a game changer for your personal and professional life. In this article, we’ve covered ten ways to turn your scattered thoughts into a knowledge base. From the tried and tested Cornell Method to the new Second Brain approach, each system has its benefits for learning, productivity, and creativity.

The key takeaway is there’s no one size fits all. The best note organization system is the one that fits your thinking and adapts to your changing needs. Whether you like the visual of mind maps, the structure of Cornell notes, or the interconnected web of the Zettelkasten method, the goal is to find one that works for you.

Remember, the power of notes is not just in capturing information but in making that information actionable and retrievable. By using these methods, you’re not just storing data – you’re building a personal knowledge management system that can generate new ideas, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

If you’re ready to revolutionize your note-organizing system, sign up for xTiles now and take the first step toward a more organized, productive you. Your journey to mastering the art of note organization begins here!

FAQ

What is the best way to organize your notes?

Organize notes by using a combination of methods that work for you. This could be structured systems like the Cornell Method or Zettelkasten and digital tools that allow tagging, linking, and flexibility.

How to organize loose notes?

Use a system like color coding or tagging to categorize information. Then, move these notes into a digital tool that allows for the searching, linking, and grouping of related ideas.

Which program allows you to organize your notes?

xTiles is mentioned in the article as a tool for note organization. It has workspaces, projects, collections, and links that support different note-taking methods and organizational systems.

What is the best way to organize tasks and notes?

Organize tasks and notes by using a system that combines both, like the Second Brain method or a database/table approach. xTiles has Collections and task management that allows you to combine task tracking with note organization.

Note-taking is an important part of planning, working, learning, and ideation. When your key ideas are gathered together in a structured and organized way, you have a great starting point for developing them into something special.

Having your easy-to-use space for notes is worth a lot, whether you prefer a paper notebook or more advanced solutions. xTiles offers you a variety of notetaking templates for boosting the process and overall organization, as well as a bunch of features that can automate note-taking.

Templates for note-taking are not only shortcuts for those who lack organization skills but also a great tool for those who rely on their notes in their day-to-day operations. This article is a list of the best note-taking templates suitable for different types of notes and tasks.

1. Cornell Notes template for your study notes

The Cornell Method was developed in the 1950s at Cornell University and is a note-taking strategy that works for any subject. It involves dividing your page into 3 sections for organizing your lecture notes: a narrow left column for cues, a wider right column for notes, and a bottom section where a student can summarize the information. This way, students have enough space for key points, ideas, and their own reflections.

xTiles has a digital Cornell Notes Template that does all the page setup for you.

Suitable for: students and everyone who has decided to learn something new.

Benefits of using the xTiles Cornell Notes template

• The template offers a ready-to-use, fully customizable layout. You don’t have to spend time structuring every page in a notebook because now you can reach the same results by simple Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V in seconds.
• Multiple attempts and easy edits allow you to keep your lecture notes organized no matter how many changes you have made. This way, you can work on the same class note for a long time.
• Flexibility in formatting (bullet points, larger blocks for more info and important details, multimedia, tables, and diagrams for better understanding, etc.) helps to create functional notes, which are more
• Comments and reactions will help add notes and your reflections without spoiling the original structure of the Cornell note-taking system.
• Notes are organized into separate notebooks (projects) with pages and subpages, which allows for notes for all of your classes to be organized in one space, which is handy.
• You can share your notes without physical handover, meaning you still can use them while helping your friends catch up.
• You can make your notes as wast as you need to because you’re not limited by the page size. The canvas in xTiles can move down endlessly. Also, you can choose the size of the tile (section). On the page, they can be small, but when you press “show more,” you get all the data.
• The mobile app will help you jot down your notes when you are on the go. Everything will be preserved and available on your laptop for future use.
• If you practice task management or have a student schedule, you can assign tasks in your notes based on the material. You can also set reminders for important milestones, tests, assignments, etc.

This note-taking template helps with note organization, especially when you have multiple subjects. Clearer and more structured notes are easier to review and understand and help in better subject understanding and exam prep.

2. Brainstorming template for your ideas

Generic note templates are rarely suitable for brainstorming. Neither do notebooks. Using a whiteboard for this task is not always possible, especially if you need to work on a go or you work with your teammates online.

xTiles offers a digital brainstorming template that’s super flexible and changes the way teams generate and arrange ideas. It’s perfect for in-person and remote collaboration since it’s an adaptable space for all brainstorming methods.

Suitable for: professionals, managers, and anyone who is stuck with some issues, whether work-related or not.

Benefits of using the xTiles Brainstorming template

Here are the benefits users get with the xTiles template for brainstorming:

• The template stands out with its flexibility and ease of use. Add, remove, and move ideas around without affecting the overall structure, unlike static Word pages or traditional whiteboarding.
• You can use different text formats, which allows for organizing text into headings, subheadings, small text, etc. Also, the ability to incorporate multimedia
• The xTiles template’s visual format helps to convey ideas to stakeholders. Getting buy-in for new projects and communicating ideas is made easy by the layout’s clarity and organization.
• The ability to add multimedia helpers to the visual part of brainstorming will be especially helpful for visual thinkers.
• Users can set tasks directly from the template based on their ideas, and assignees will have them conveniently gathered in their taskbar menu and calendar.
• Mobile app synchronization will help to preserve all the ideas that come to your mind while you’re not brainstorming directly.

xTiles makes brainstorming simpler and creates a space for creativity to flourish by having a single place for ideas. It’s a must-have for teams that want to think creatively and tackle tough problems.

3. Mood board template for visual notes

Visualizing raw ideas takes time and effort. Your brain needs something to ground to work in the right direction. A plain piece of paper or a board and dozens of magazines might not do the thing since you’re limited by what you have in magazines and the time you need to spend researching. That might make that lightbulb near your head fade away.

The xTiles Moodboard template turns the old idea into a dynamic, user-friendly tool for personal and business use.

Suitable for: creative professionals, managers, and anyone who needs to visualize their ideas and dreams.

Benefits of using the xTiles Mood board template

Here are the benefits of the digital template for creative thinking:

• The flexibility of the xTiles Moodboard template is one of its best features. Users can add different types of content, such as text, images, fonts, colors, and even audio or video features. Compared to traditional mood boards, this multi-media method allows for a more detailed representation of ideas and concepts.
• The digital format of xTiles makes sharing and collaboration easy. A mood board can be worked on in real-time, which makes it perfect for remote work situations.
• Sharing mood boards with customers or stakeholders ensures everyone is on the same page with the project’s visual direction and speeds up the feedback process.
• Within one project, users can create multiple boards (pages and sub-pages), add comments or reactions, and group relevant parts together. This structured approach helps with managing complex tasks or exploring different angles of one idea.
• The integration with the xTiles Web Clipper is another big advantage. This tool makes finding and collecting inspirational content easy by allowing users to save it directly from the web to their mood board.
• The template is great for collecting fashion inspiration, planning home improvements, and setting goals for the future. Any user, regardless of design skill, can use it thanks to its user-friendly interface.

The xTiles Moodboard template is a digital alternative to traditional mood boards that saves time and resources and allows for more creativity. Users can create mood boards much faster and easier and update them to new inspiration or project requirements by creating, editing, and refining them regularly.

4. Meeting notes template for preserving your discussions

Taking notes during meetings is no easy task, especially if it is an all-hand meeting. Many valuable ideas and insights can be missed during discussions. A designated note template will help to preserve everyone’s input.

The xTiles Meeting Notes template is a digital tool to capture, organize, and share meeting information. This template provides a structured way of note-taking to improve team communication and productivity.

Suitable for: professionals from any industry, managers, remote workers, etc.

Benefits of using the xTiles Meeting notes template

Here are the benefits users get once they start using the xTiles template for meeting notes:

• The template has dedicated sections for key meeting components: meeting topic, attendee list, summary of discussion, action items, and a “parking lot” for random ideas. You can take your project notes here,
• The template is flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. Additional sections can be added easily for different types of meetings and organizational requirements. This flexibility makes the template suitable for all industries and team structures.
• One of the best features of the xTiles Meeting Notes template is its task integration. Users can set tasks directly in the template and assign them to team members. These tasks will then be automatically compiled into a central task list and available to assignees from any project in xTiles. No more manual task entries and action items are getting lost in the noise of the day.
• The collaborative nature of the xTiles platform makes the template even more powerful. Team members can access and edit the notes in real-time so everyone has a shared understanding of what was decided. This is especially useful for remote or distributed teams as it keeps everyone aligned no matter where they are.
• The template also allows for multimedia. Users can attach documents, links, or visual aids discussed during the meeting so you have a complete record beyond text notes.

The xTiles Meeting Notes template is a powerful tool for conducting thorough meetings that lead to results and actions, not to another meeting. It will help to easily record, organize, and review everything that was discussed during the meeting, which is important for project development, stakeholders, team members who couldn’t be present, and new hires who need the information to become a part of the process fast.

5. Interview Notes template for conducting effective interviews

The xTiles Interview Notes template is a tool to help you conduct better interviews and manage the information gathered during those conversations. It’s a structured way to capture and store interview insights so you can easily access the key points after the meeting.

Suitable for: HR managers and everyone responsible for hiring new candidates.

Benefits of using the xTiles Interview Notes template

Here are the benefits of the xTiles template for interview notes that is designed to guide you through the whole process from preparation to post-interview analysis:

• You can customize the template to fit your needs – add or remove sections whenver required, add more pages, change colors, or section placement, etc.
• It has a very simple structure where you can collect your questions and mark them as the interview progresses with checkmarks to ensure you move as planned.
• Integration with the xTiles ecosystem makes the template even more powerful. You can link related documents like resumes or project briefs directly into the interview notes so you have a complete dossier for each interviewee or project. This is super useful for people who do multiple interviews and need to manage a large amount of information.
• Also, the linking can work backward. For example, you have an interview on your calendar, where you can add your plan and have everything handy.
• xTiles is collaborative, so multiple team members can contribute to and access the interview notes, have a shared understanding, and make better decisions. This is especially useful when different team members are involved in different stages of the interview process, from the team lead to the CTO, etc.
• The template also allows you to include multimedia elements. You can attach audio recordings, photos, or other relevant files to the document. This adds to the interview record and provides context that might be missed in text-only notes.
• For people who do interviews as part of their daily work, the xTiles Interview Notes template is a way to standardize their approach across multiple interviews. This consistency will improve the quality of the information gathered and make it easier to compare and analyze results across different interviews or candidates. Also, for those who only learn how to conduct interviews with candidates, it will help to stick to the plan and develop their skills.
• The searchability of digital notes in xTiles is a big plus. You can quickly find specific information from past interviews. This is super useful when reviewing candidates, preparing for follow-up meetings, or processing information from multiple interviews.

With a comprehensive, customizable, and collaborative way to manage interview notes, xTiles Interview Notes turns the messy process of interviewing into a smooth, structured, and insightful one. It helps you to interview better, capture and retain more information, and make better decisions from those conversations.

6. Second Brain template for organizing your notes into a system

The xTiles Second Brain template is a digital tool to help you organize your notes, thoughts, ideas, and knowledge in a structured way. It’s based on the idea of building a personal knowledge management system that extends your cognitive abilities.

Suitable for: everyone who feels the need to have an organized and structured space for all of their notes.

Benefits of using the xTiles Second Brain template

This template is a master template for an extensive note system. If you want to have a designated space where you can organize your notes from different spheres or if you have accumulated so many valuable notes you can’t manage them by now, it will be your perfect solution.

Here are some of its benefits:

• The template has a flexible structure to capture and organize information across different areas of your life, work projects, personal goals, and creative pursuits. It has separate sections for different types of content, notes, tasks, and resources so you can store all your thoughts and ideas in one place.
• One of the biggest features of the xTiles Second Brain template, which will come in handy to those whose minds work like a monkey going from a branch to a branch, is the ability to link related ideas and concepts across different sections. This interconnectedness is how our brains form associations and makes it easier to find new insights and connections.
• The template is customizable, so you can adapt it to your needs and thinking patterns.
• The digital format means your second brain is always with you, so you can capture ideas and review information whenever inspiration hits.

By providing a structured yet flexible way to manage your personal knowledge, the xTiles Second Brain template helps you be more productive and creative and learn more. It turns the often overwhelming task of information management into a simple and intuitive process for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Good note-taking is key to success in many areas of life, from studying and brainstorming to meetings and interviews. The six xTiles note-taking templates we’ve looked at offer solutions for organizing information, productivity, and collaboration. Whether you’re a student using the Cornell Notes template, a professional using the Meeting Notes template, or anyone building a Second Brain, xTiles has flexible, customizable, and feature-rich tools for you.

By adding multimedia, task management, and collaboration features, these templates turn note-taking into a dynamic and efficient process. They adapt to your needs, so your ideas, insights, and knowledge are captured, organized, and easily accessible.

Get started now, and don’t let good stuff fall through the cracks. Try xTiles today and see how it can simplify your workflow, boost your productivity, and make the most of your thinking. Also, you can continue developing your notes using other templates from the xTiles Gallery.

FAQ

Why notetaking is important?

It helps to gather key ideas in a structured and ordered way and is a great starting point to build on.

What is the best notetaking template?

he best notetaking template depends on you. xTiles has various templates for different purposes, such as Cornell Notes for studying, Brainstorming for idea generation, Meeting Notes for discussions, and Second Brain for knowledge management. Choose what resonates with you, or start from a scratch with an empty project, using pre-designed elements.

Can a notetaking template assist with team brainstorming?

Yes, the xTiles Brainstorming template is designed for team ideation. It’s flexible, easy to use, and perfect for in-person and remote collaboration to generate and arrange ideas.

Can I use a notetaking template for my lectures?

Yes. The Cornell Notes template in xTiles is for lectures. It has a customizable layout with sections for cues, notes, and summaries to help you organize your lecture notes.

How can I organize my notes?

The xTiles Second Brain template is a structured and flexible way to organize notes across your life. It helps you capture, link, and access information and makes information management a breeze.

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Writing your thoughts and ideas down helps clear your head and better understand yourself. It’s been a practice that humanity has used since we learned how to write. Even cave paintings are probably journal entries that were possible thousands of years ago.

Thankfully, today, we can journal easier, faster, and more effectively than ever with personal apps like xTiles Journaling App that allow customization, synchronization, and working when on the run.

Let’s see what you can get the moment you start journaling with xTiles.

What is Digital Journaling?

Digital journaling is the next step in the evolution of journaling. It means keeping a journal using digital tools and apps. Unlike traditional journaling, where you write in a physical notebook, digital journaling allows you to write entries on various digital platforms, mobile apps, web apps, and desktop software.

Digital journaling started to gain popularity over a decade ago with the rise of mobile technology and diary apps. Unlike the limitations of a physical notebook, journal apps can store unlimited entries, support multiple formats (text, photos, videos, and audio), and have features like end-to-end encryption, auto-backups, and password protection to secure your data.

In short, digital journaling has moved from being a digital version of traditional journaling to a tool for personal growth, mental health, and daily reflection. You can create, organize, and protect your journal entries in ways you never thought possible. 

Journaling is a useful habit for everyone who are ready to spare 10 minutes of their time daily to become a professional observer of the world they live in.

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see, and what it means. What I want and what I fear.”

— Joan Didion

Different Types of Digital Journaling

Since digital journaling comes in many forms to fit your interests and goals, it’s super flexible and can be tailored to you. Many personal apps have multiple journaling styles, so it’s easy to pick the one that suits you. Here are some examples of digital journaling formats and their benefits:

1. The daily log 

You can use a daily log to write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout the day. By logging over time, this type of digital notebook will give you insight into your own progress, mood swings, and life events. By keeping a daily notebook, you can practice mindfulness and stay present in your busy life. This simple journaling style is available in most personal apps, so it’s easy to start a new post every day and build up a big diary over time.

2. The gratitude journal 

A gratitude journal helps you remember your blessings. Writing down your blessings regularly can improve your overall well-being, reduce stress, and increase optimism. Counting your blessings is a great way to personal development and mental health. Gratitude prompts and sections are a common feature in diary apps, so they are great tools for anyone wanting a more positive outlook on life.

3. The travel journal 

Keeping a travel journal is a great way to document your adventures. Unlike a traditional travel journal, a digital one lets you record written notes and pictures, videos, maps, and links to places you’ve visited. It’s easy to share and relive your experiences in this multi-faceted way. The best diary apps are perfect for creating rich interactive travel journals as they accept multimedia and have location tracking.

4. Fitness Journal

This journal is for fitness enthusiasts to record their workouts, progress, and overall physical and mental health. By logging your workouts and food, you’ll find out what works for you and keep track of your fitness goals. Many personal apps have fitness tracking features that let you combine your diary entries with your health stats to get a full picture of your wellness journey.

5. Dream diary

A dream record can be a part of your digital journal. Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up to recognize recurring themes and tap into your subconscious. As you do this, you’ll get to know yourself. The thing about recording your dreams is that you need to do it quickly while you still remember them. Voice-to-text is available in many great dream journaling apps that let you record your dreams quickly before they slip away.

6. Vision Board

A digital vision board lets you visualize your goals and desires. Instead of collecting physical objects, you can collect inspirational images, quotes, and other digital content. By writing like this, you can stay focused on your goals. Many personal apps have vision board features that let you set and edit goals right on the same interface where you keep your daily journal.

You can try the xTiles Vision Board template if you prefer visual organization and vast and easy rich media integration. We also offer you a guide on how to create a vision board to empower your dreams.

7. Picture diary template

A picture diary lets you combine written words with images to visually record your feelings and experiences. This artistic way of journaling is great for preserving and recalling life’s special moments. Picture journaling has become superpopular thanks to apps like Day One that link your diary entries to your camera roll.

8. Brain Dump

A brain dump journal is great for clearing out your mind of clutter. This unstructured approach lets you write whatever comes to mind without worrying about organization or sense. Many journal apps have a “quick entry” feature perfect for those impromptu brain dump sessions.

You can try the xTiles Brain Dump template if you feel like you need clear you mind and have the extracted information organized for the later use.

9. Mindfulness journal

This kind of journal allows you to record your mindfulness or meditation sessions, reflect on your emotions, and note new discoveries. Many personal apps now have mindfulness journaling features, so you can easily fit this into your daily routine. This detailed record keeping allows you to see patterns in your practice and areas in which you can grow. Some journal apps even have guided prompts or questions to help you reflect more deeply on your experiences, so it’s perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

A journal app that covers at least a few of these types gives you options and lets you keep your journal entries organized. The best personal apps usually combine a few of these journaling styles and give you a multipurpose platform for self-reflection and personal growth. Whether you want to track daily habits, set goals, or just express yourself creatively, there’s probably an app out there that’s perfect for you.

Benefits of Digital Journaling Over Traditional Journaling 

Before digital or online journaling, there was (and still is) a traditional journaling process. It is an old practice where you write your thoughts and reflections by hand, seen as a meditative process that connects you more to the writing. However, digital journaling has several advantages over the traditional method. 

Here are the cool features you get when you choose a journaling app to be your place of truth instead of a paper notebook:

• Write new entries on the go across multiple devices so your journaling habit stays consistent no matter where you are.
• Tag entries and add photos or videos to make journaling more fun and interactive.
• Use daily prompts to inspire new entries to keep your journaling habit consistent.
• Store and organize multiple journals for different parts of your life, like a work journal, mental health journal, or a shared journal with others.
• Enjoy features like dark mode, widgets, and notifications to make journaling apps more usable.

xTiles Digital Journal App

Digital journaling has become super popular, and there are so many journaling apps out there. However, sometimes, the ability to choose between a few apps for journaling could be a disadvantage because you limit your options in terms of journaling.

Additionally, having a separate app for journaling only means you must deal with one more thing to write. So, what is the solution? An all-in-one app can become the best journaling app by offering a workspace where you can do much more than simply take down your notes and ideas.

xTiles is a versatile tool that serves multiple purposes and allows you to satisfy your planning, keeping track, brainstorming, and, of course, journaling needs in one shot. It works on Windows, Android, and iOS devices. 

Advanced Features of Digital Journal in xTiles

Here are the advantages a user gets when they choose to create journal entries using xTiles:

1. The ability to embed external links to journal entries so users can keep track of articles, websites, or other resources that inspire their journaling. This is useful for those who use their digital journal for research.
2. Users get unlimited journals. They create pages, sub-pages, or even projects and workspaces if they need to keep their travel journaling separate from meditation or mindfulness journals.
3. xTiles Web Clipper will help to gather useful, interesting, or simple amusing data all over the internet when idly scrolling through your feed. All the data will go to the Inbox, from where you can frag-and-drop it whenever you think it belongs.
4. xTiles allows users to combine text with photos, videos, and even audio entries. This multimedia approach enriches each journal entry, providing a fuller context and making the journaling experience more immersive.
5. Gallery (a special kind of database in xTiles) allows for the creation of a picture diary that can be visually engaging and easily organized.
6. Templates for writers will enhance the journaling experience. They provide structure and inspiration, making it easier for both novice and experienced journalers to express their thoughts and emotions effectively.
7. Your entries will have a visual hierarchy thanks to different types of text content blocks, like text, small text, heading 1/2, quotes, tables, different types of lists, colorful banners, etc.
8. Customization options allow you to make the space for your notes as comfortable as possible. 
9. Sync across your devices, meaning you will have access to your journal entries from your other devices whenever you need it.
10. Also, xTiles lets you create sub-pages for each day to keep your entries organized without cluttering the main template. This way, you can manage daily thoughts and reflections and keep everything tidy and smooth in the long run.

How to Use the xTiles Journaling Template

Setting up your diary app in a way that suits you is the first step to developing a journaling habit. If an app doesn’t respond to your needs and preferences, the chances you’ll use it regularly are low. In this sense, xTiles is a great app, allowing you to customize, arrange, rearrange, change, replace, etc., the way you like, the moment you want.

1. Set up your template

1. Theme and layout 

Make it pretty to you. Change the theme, turn on dark mode, or change the cover image.

2. Change сover

Hover over the cover image at the top of your template and click edit to choose a new cover.

3. Change tile colors

To change your journal tiles, hover over the tile header and click the brush icon. Choose your color or style.

4. Multiple journals

Do you want to combine different kinds of journaling (e.g., gratitude, morning reflections)? Add more pages. You can even link other xTiles templates to your journal for different purposes.

2. Start your daily entries

The template is designed for daily entries. Here’s how to use each section:

1. I’m Looking Forward to

List three things you’re excited about today. This sets a positive tone and helps you stay mindful throughout the day.

2. This Morning I Felt

Write down how you feel at the start of the day. Use emojis or simple words like “Happy” or “Tired.”

3. Affirmations/Thankfulness

Write what you’re thankful for or affirmations that resonate with you. This helps cultivate gratitude.

4. Three Moments to Remember

Record three moments from your day. These might be random acts of kindness, memorable experiences, or personal achievements.

5. One Thing to Explore

Jot down any thoughts or ideas you want to dig into. This could be a concept, a project, or something you want to research.

6. This Evening I Felt

Reflect on how you felt at the end of the day compared to the morning.

7. Other

Include moments that inspired you and the people who made you smile during this day.

If some of these sections do not seem to be of great help to you, you can replace them with something else or delete them and rearrange the rest of the tiles using the drag-and-drop feature. Additionally, if you are planning on creating your digital journal from scratch, this template can become an example. Think of sections you would need and create them in your document. You may also want to add sections like:

• Daily goals
• Health tracker
• Mood tracker
• Mind map
• Daily quote, etc.
• Create journaling routine

3. Start small

Write short entries. You don’t have to write long posts every day. A few sentences are enough. It’s important to create a habit with these entries.

1. Link to a habit

Journaling after breakfast or before bed can help establish a consistent routine for self-reflection. By linking your journaling practice to these daily activities, you create a natural trigger that reminds you to write, making it easier to maintain the habit.

2. Get past obstacles

Even brief entries can be valuable for maintaining consistency and capturing important thoughts or feelings. Try the Pomodoro technique for focused short sessions, setting a timer for 25 minutes of uninterrupted writing followed by a 5-minute break. You can add a widget to your template to have it at hand.

3. xTiles Collections

As your journal grows, organizing becomes important. xTiles lets you categorize entries by theme using sub-pages, backlinks, expanded blocks, different types of text content blocks, nested tiles, etc., so it’s easier to navigate.

4. Gallery for Visuals

If you prefer visual journaling, store photos or visual entries in the Gallery view to make your template look nice.

4. Build a habit with reminders

Consistency is everything regarding a journaling habit, and xTiles helps you with that by allowing you to set reminders directly in your template. In the “I am looking forward to…” section you can add tasks, such as events or activities, that will sync with your calendar. These tasks will then appear in the taskbar next to your avatar so you can remember to journal regularly.

Unlike other apps, xTiles integrates journaling with your daily schedule, making this app more than just a diary. Whether you need a blank page to reflect or want to add multiple photos to your journal, this web app gives you the flexibility to journal consistently.

xTiles makes sure your journal grows with you. Each reminder keeps you on track and helps you build a habit.

5. Add multimedia

Add images to your textiles journal to make your entries more visual. You can upload it from your camera roll or search online to make it more personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a picture of an inspiring scene, a loved one, or a memorable event of this day, these images will add depth to your journaling.

This visual element allows you to make your journal more vivid and engaging, capturing emotions that words alone might miss. By incorporating images, your journal entries become not only a record of thoughts but also a creative expression of your daily experiences.

Conclusion

Digital journaling is a new and interactive way to track personal growth, set goals, and reflect on daily life. With a journaling app like xTiles, you can create new entries, customize your space, and sync across devices, so it’s perfect for building a habit. Unlike traditional methods, journal apps allow multimedia so you can bring your thoughts and memories to life. They give you unlimited journals and tries so you can pour your thoughts from the start. They also provide numerous features for organization and customization to turn every layout into a wonderful app that answers all requirements.

If you’re looking for a free app to start your journaling journey, try xTiles, which has ready-to-use templates, flexibility, and easy information input and capturing.

Give xTiles a go and see how it fits in with your lifestyle. Simple notes or detailed entries with multimedia, we’ve got you covered.

FAQ

Why do writers need digital journaling?

Writers need digital journaling because it’s a flexible space to jot down ideas, draft content, and reflect on their writing process. Organizing entries, adding multimedia, and accessing the journal across devices is a must for creativity and productivity.

What are the benefits of a digital journaling app?

Journaling apps offer many benefits, including access across multiple devices, the ability to add multimedia, and organization through tags and categories. Plus, features like encryption and auto back up so your entries are safe and easily recoverable.

How do I start digital journaling?

Start with choosing a personal journaling app that offers features you need to feel comfortable while journaling. Customize your journal to your style, set reminders to keep you consistent, and start with short, manageable entries. As you go, you can grow your journaling habit into your daily routine.

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Study apps are the latest answer to the challenges students are facing. Only imagine how grateful would students of the past be have they had a tool to capture, organize, stay focused, remember everything, and study at their disposal instead of all those notebooks with ink stains.

These tools offer a range of features designed to enhance student’s learning experience and academic performance. Here’s a portion of the benefits these apps bring:

1. Enhanced organization
2. Improved time management
3. Versatile built-in or easy-integrating learning tools
4. Collaborative capabilities
5. Accessibility and convenience
6. Personalized learning

Let’s choose your study app or apps!

How to choose an app to make student life easier?

Before going over the most popular apps for students on the market, let’s take a quick view on what to take into consideration when deciding on the app to go.

1. When choosing an app, check the product or service review.
2. Ensure device compatibility (Android, iPad, laptop)
3. Look for free versions or trials
4. Consider integration with other tools (e.g., Google Calendar)
5. Evaluate user interface and ease of use
6. Assess organizational features
7. Look for collaborative functions
8. Consider long-term value and adaptability
9. Examine specific features for your field of study
10. Consider storage capacity (especially for note-taking apps)
11. Look for customization options

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an app that truly enhances your productivity and makes your student life easier.

1. xTiles

Available on: Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

Pricing: xTiles offers a free plan. Paid subscriptions start at $5 per month. However, students can get a 50% discount for the Plus plan (the most advanced one) for a year through submitting the form.

xTiles is an all-in-one tool for managing all aspects of student life. It combines a note-taking app features for your lecture notes, a learning app for studying, a storage and capturing app for new ideas, a time management app for making everything on time, budgeting apps for managing finances wisely, helping students stay organized and focus no matter the workload they experience at the moment.

This app will be perfect for those who prefer to keep all of their eggs in one basket without a need to download other apps to manage all of their tasks, which is especially useful if you’re pressed by storage memory on your device.

Tiles (cards) are a basic structural unit in xTiles that consists of blocks that can be of various forms like lists, bookmarks, images, tables, different kinds of text, etc. These options allow you to create notes that truly represent your lectures and respond to your brain’s thinking and creating style.

xTiles key features

xTiles study templates will help with creating routine documents in a few clicks. Also, traditional planners like the xTiles Weekly Planner Template will come in handy in planning your week in the way your academic and personal tasks are balanced. These templates can help with various extracurricular activities as well. Your fitness, reading, travel planning, habit tracking, and planning student budget can be covered in the same place.

Students can collaborate in xTiles by sharing their notes or working on the same project, which helps to build stronger bonds with their classmates. Reactions and comments will help you share ideas seamlessly.

xTiles study app is fully and easily customizable. You can arrange your documents online the way you prefer due to the drag-and-drop interface. The ability to integrate content organically increases the potential of your lectures.

Another great feature is Google Calendar integration. You can track all of your assignments, due dates, exams, etc., in one place. Moreover, the Calendar is available from any point in xTiles. You won’t have to leave what you’re working on at the moment to check your schedule.

Also, students can enhance their time management using xTiles tasks. You can assign tasks to yourself from any place in your planner. You can view them in your Calendar and in a special panel where all tasks will be gathered.

xTiles Collections is a special kind of databases that allow to creation of documents of various structures, from Galerry for visual learners to Tables to collect and organize data.

The tagging system allows you to set the needed properties to your tasks and notes to help you have everything in order and easily accessible and a focus mode will enhance concentration and deep work sessions.

The number of features and opportunities in xTiles won’t lead to chaos thanks to its hierarchy: Workspace -> Project -> Pages -> Subpages -> Tiles -> Blocks.

Last but not least, xTiles also has a mobile app to help you stay on track while you’re on the go. Jot down everything you need, and it will appear in your desktop app.

Overall, xTiles is an app that will guide you through your student years, allowing you to devote time to your other activities, and then will help you later with managing your working tasks, which means that in xTiles you get a tool that can be with you on all stages of your life.

2. Notability

Available on: Windows and iOS devices, but Apple users will find this app more useful.

Pricing: The free plan offers multiple features to support students in their academic journey. Those who want advanced features can try premium ($14.99 per year, but the price is different from region to region).

Notability is changing the digital note-taking experience for students, especially those who use iPads. This app focuses on the seamless integration of sketches and handwritten notes in a digital workspace.

The app is especially useful for subjects like Math and Chemistry, where complex formulas and structures are everywhere. Writing a math equation or drawing a chemical structure becomes infinitely easier when students can just draw on their iPads instead of typing symbols or using pre-made diagrams. It also will be suitable for people who like to arrange mind maps for a deeper understanding of the concepts they are studying.

Notability key features

One of Notability’s best features is the ability to import scanned PDFs and textbooks and annotate them. This bridges the gap between traditional and digital learning resources so students can interact with course materials in a more engaging and personal way.

The app’s Replay feature makes it easier to take detailed notes during lectures. By recording audio and syncing it with notes, students can make sure they don’t miss anything. This is especially helpful for reviewing complex topics or catching up on things they might have missed in class.

Notability also has a collaborative learning aspect with its Gallery feature. Students can share their class notes and access others’ work for inspiration and create a community of learners. This fits with the principles of social learning and students learning from and inspiring each other.

3. SoundNote

Available on: iPad and Macs exclusively.

Pricing: $4.99.

SoundNote combines typing, drawing, and audio recording in one place so you can capture and revisit lecture content. By allowing you to do all these at the same time, SoundNote makes sure you don’t miss anything during fast-paced lectures or study sessions.

By combining audio file recording with visual and textual note-taking, SoundNote caters to the different learning styles of modern students. Visual learners can use the sketching feature, auditory learners can rely on high-quality audio recordings, and kinesthetic learners can engage through typing and drawing.

SoundNote key features

One of SoundNote’s best features is its smart audio-text synchronization. When you tap on a word or sketch in your notes, the app jumps to the corresponding part of the audio recording. It’s like a digital bookmark. You can quickly revisit important parts of a lecture without having to scrub through hours of audio.

The app’s saving and sharing feature is also very efficient, making it a great tool for collaborative learning. You can share your notes and recordings via email or transfer them to your Mac for review. SoundNote uses M4A audio file format which is a balance between quality and file size. One hour of high-quality recording takes only 20MB of storage.

4. Google Drive

Available on: Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

Pricing: Free.

Google Drive is a full cloud storage solution that integrates with all Google services. This super helpful app can become a collaborative workspace and document library all in one. With free storage and the ability to access from any device, Google Drive has become a must-have for college and university students.

Google Drive key features

Collaboration is where Google Drive really excels as one of the best apps for group projects. Students can share folders and documents with classmates and work on assignments in real-time. Leaving comments, suggesting edits, and tracking changes make group work more efficient and transparent. This is especially useful for university students working on complex team projects or sharing lecture notes.

Google Drive’s search function is also a standout. You can quickly find specific documents or information within your files.

Google Drive offline mode means you can work on documents even without the internet when on the go. Changes will sync once the device is back online, so it’s perfect for studying during commutes or in areas with limited connectivity.

Google Drive is a part of the bigger ecosystem that combines other tools to enhance the study process – Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. That opens nimerous opportunities like saving attachments from your email directly to Drive or submitting assignments through learning management systems linked to your Google account.

5. Trello

Available on: iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

Pricing: Individuals can use Trello for free. The price for small teams starts at $5 per user per month.

Trello is a project management tool that can help students with organization and collaboration. The app allows you to create digital cards, each one representing a task, idea, or piece of information. These cards can be customized with color labels, due dates, and attachments, so you can categorize and prioritize work across different subjects or projects. You can group these cards into columns, usually to do, doing, and done, just like a traditional kanban board.

Trello key features

One of the best features of Trello is the drag-and-drop functionality. You can move cards between columns as tasks progress. This visual workflow helps you see at a glance what’s being done and what’s not, so no task gets missed. You can also create checklists within cards to break down larger tasks into smaller subtasks.

You can share boards with classmates, assign tasks to specific people, and comment and attach files. This is especially useful for complex group projects, so everyone is on the same page and deadlines are met.

The app is flexible and can be used for different aspects of student life. Whether as a class schedule planner, assignment tracker, or even a digital space to create and organize study materials, Trello can be customized to fit your needs.

6. MyStudyLife (MSL)

Available on: Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

Pricing: Free.

MyStudyLife (MSL) is an app for students to get their academic life in order. This digital student planner is built around three main features: scheduling, tasks, and reminders that work together so nothing slips through the cracks. Basically, it’s a Google Calendar, but for your student activities solely.

MyStudyLife (MSL) key features

Students can input not just daily class times but entire semester schedules. This gives a bigger picture of the academic year and allows for better coordination with holidays and social events. A nice touch is the ability to know when university breaks are and pause reminders during those times so you can have a mental break.

In task management, MSL goes beyond to-do lists. Its progress tracking system allows students to see their progress with percentage completion indicators. This is super helpful for college students juggling multiple projects so they can allocate time and energy better.

The customizable reminder system is also a bonus. Users can set reminders for classes, exams, and tasks and strike a balance between being informed and not being notified too much. This level of control is key to developing time management skills which is important for university life.

7. Forest

Available on: iOS and Android devices.

Pricing: Free.

Forest is a unique productivity app, since its functionality is pretty limited, yet its advantage is pretty obvious. It helps you stay away from your smartphone while working. If you stay focused and don’t switch apps or get distracted, the tree grows. However, if you leave the app, the tree withers and dies.

It is more like a supportive app for your other productivity tools, allowing you to concentrate on what is crucial at the moment.

Forest is based on the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short, focused bursts (typically 25 minutes) followed by brief breaks. This method helps users maintain concentration and avoid burnout.

Forest key features

The app uses a tree-planting metaphor to gamify the Pomodoro process. When you start a timed focus session, a seedling is planted. As you complete focus sessions successfully, you build up a virtual forest of trees that you’ve grown.

You can whitelist certain apps or websites that you need access to during your focus sessions so they don’t count as distractions.

Forest tracks your productivity statistics and awards achievements for streaks, total focus time, and other milestones to encourage consistent use.

8. Google Docs

Available on: Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

Pricing: Free

Google Docs is an extremely useful app for creating and editing documents online. It has become one of the best apps for students, changing the way we create, edit, and collaborate on written work.

Google Docs key features

One of the coolest things about Google Docs is the auto-save feature, which saves work to the cloud. No more worrying about losing work due to computer crashes or power outages, a common problem with traditional word processors.

Multiple people can work on a document at the same time, with changes showing up in real-time. The comment and suggestion features make it easy to give feedback and discuss ideas without having to meet up in person. This is super helpful for university students with busy schedules and complex team assignments.

Google Docs also has a range of templates, from essays to lab reports, that can help students structure their work.

For students looking to improve their writing, Google Docs has a spell check and integrates with grammar-checking extensions. These tools can help students refine their work, catch errors before submission, and potentially get better grades.

The offline mode is another win for students. Work can continue even without the internet. This is super helpful for students who may not always have reliable internet but need to work on assignments.

9. GoodNotes

Available on: available exclusively on Apple platforms, including iOS devices (such as iPhone and iPad) and macOS devices (such as Mac computers).

Pricing: It is available for a one-time purchase fee of $7.99 on the Apple App Store for iOS devices and $7.99 on the Mac App Store for macOS devices.

GoodNotes is a note-taking application designed specifically to cater to the needs of iPad users and digital note-takers. With a primary focus on handwriting and digital planning, GoodNotes offers a seamless and intuitive platform for users to jot down ideas, sketch, and organize their notes digitally.

GoodNotes key features

Its key features include robust handwriting support, allowing users to write naturally using a stylus, Apple pencil, or their fingers, replicating the experience of traditional pen and paper.

Another notable feature is PDF annotation, which enables users to annotate and mark up PDF documents directly within the app, making it a versatile tool for both note-taking and document management.

10. Quizlet

Available on: Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

Pricing: 7-day free trial, after that, $7.99 per month or $35.99 if paid for the whole year ($2.99 per month).

Quizlet has emerged as one of the most helpful apps for students that changes the way we study and memorize. This extremely helpful app is loved by college and university students, with 90% (according to the app’s reports) of users reporting higher grades after using it. At its core, Quizlet is an education app that allows users to create electronic flashcards for easier and quicker memorizing things.

The app works because it capitalizes on the power of active recall over passive review. Simply re-reading notes can be ineffective, Quizlet electronic flash cards make you actively engage with the material, and you’ll retain and understand better.

Quizlet key features

One of the best things about Quizlet is its massive library of pre-made flashcard sets for over 100 subjects. This saves students time that would be spent creating cards from scratch. On the screen you can see the US Constitutional Amendments already ready for you to learn them.

The shuffle feature when you practice quizzes adds an element of surprise to study sessions and prevents rote memorization. Quizlet progress tracking lets students see where they’re strong and weak so they can focus their study time better.

Device syncing means students can move from phone to laptop without losing progress. This flexibility is a must-have for students with busy lives and multiple commitments.

For extra support, Quizlet Plus has expert solutions for textbook problems for 64 subjects. This turns Quizlet from a flashcard app into a full learning platform that can cater to all your academic needs.

Conclusion

There are plenty of student apps on the market today, which is both a curse and a relief. The key is to focus on an app that truly enhances your productivity and aligns with your specific study habits and academic requirements. Constant shuffling from one app to another might cause distractions, loss of focus, and loss of time.

Remember, the best apps for students are those that seamlessly integrate into your daily routine, making student life easier rather than adding complexity. Whether it’s a comprehensive note-taking app, a collaborative project management tool, or a simple study timer, the right app can significantly boost your academic performance.

FAQ

What to look for in a study app?

Device compatibility, free trials, integration with other tools, user interface, and features for your field of study. Also, check reviews and long term value and adaptability.

Is there an all-in-one app for managing student life?

Yes, xTiles has got you covered. It’s a note-taking, task management, time planning and budgeting app all in one, perfect for managing all aspects of student life.

Are there any apps specifically designed for iPad users?

Yes, Notability and GoodNotes are great for iPad users. Handwriting support, PDF annotation, and seamless integration with Apple Pencil for a natural note-taking experience.

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Having a plan accounts for 50% of your success. A well-crafted study plan is key to achieving good results and reducing students’ stress levels. It also helps develop habits you’ll need after school, such as time management and prioritization.

This article will help you create your personal study plan. Let’s find out how a good plan can turn your study schedule into something positive and increase your grades.

What is a study plan?

A study plan is a customized schedule and strategy that outlines how, when, and what you’ll study over a certain period. It’s a time management plan tailored to your learning style,  schedule, and academic goals.

The main purpose of having a study plan is to get support with overwhelming and challenging tasks students face, except for studying new material, such as managing time effectively. It helps create a structured approach to learning by breaking down big tasks into smaller chunks and coordinating study sessions with class schedules, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.

What elements should a good study plan include?

1. Weekly calendar with classes, study times, and other activities
2. Learning goals sections for each study session or week.
3. Study materials and resources for each subject or topic.
4. Time allocation for each subject is based on difficulty and importance.
5. Scheduled breaks to rest and avoid burnout.
6. Time to revisit and reinforce previously learned material.
7. Room to adjust for unexpected events or changes in priorities.

What are the benefits of a study plan?

A study plan works in different ways. However, the list of benefits is pretty impressive, making it worth a try:

1. Better time management

By scheduling study sessions, breaks, and other activities, students can make the most of their time. This structured approach means important tasks aren’t missed and prevents last-minute cramming before big exams.

2. Better productivity

Students are more likely to stay focused and avoid distractions when following a study plan.

3. Less stress and anxiety

When students know they’ve allocated enough time for each subject and assignment, they won’t feel overwhelmed. A good study plan also prevents the anxiety of looming deadlines by keeping steady progress toward overall goals.

4. Better grades

A good study plan ensures all subjects get equal attention. 

5. Better long-term retention of information

By revisiting material at increasing intervals, students are more likely to move information from short-term to long-term memory. 

How do you make a study plan in 8 steps?

Your study plan needs to be in some form to solidify everything you’ve planned and help you track your progress. One of the options to have it on hand at all times is the xTiles Ultimate Student Planner template, which will be a centralized hub to schedule time for all your assignments and study sessions, set goals for study and personal life, and maintain accountability.

The planner has dedicated pages to support you with learning and organizing new information. It also has an Index page to help you reach the needed spot of your planner in seconds after opening it. You can change pages and element placement to make them suit you more. You can also customize its look by adding new elements, pages, or groups of pages.

However, if you already have a planner, prefer to use a paper one, or keep everything in your head, the guide will help you as well by providing clear tips for every stage of creating an effective study plan.

1. Analyze your current study habits and routine.

This stage is mostly about brainstorming. You can do it in the xTiles project that is going to become your study plan. 

Start by looking at your current study habits and answering some questions to make a better study plan:

1. What’s your learning style? Are you a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner?
2. What’s your study schedule like? Do you study in long blocks or short, bite-sized chunks?
3. What are your non-academic commitments, and how do they impact your study time?
4. What are your challenges? Time management or focusing during long study sessions?

Write down the answers. They will be your foundation for the plan.

2. Set up your study plan for a week

After some reflections on your study sessions, habits, and the time you spend studying, it’s time to set goals to understand what you want to reach by having a study plan. Let’s start small – weekly goals.

Start by defining your learning goals for the next 7 days. Break down your overall goals into manageable chunks, like mastering a particular skill, preparing for major exams, or completing all your work for the week. This will give your study sessions direction.

Once you have your goals set, the next thing to determine is the number of hours that you will be willing to take to study.

Take a view of your weekly schedule, the classes, activities, and all other commitments you might have in a week. What regular intervals can you spare in a day for a study session?

Given all of these, how many hours are you willing to dedicate daily toward study? In case extended periods of time are available on specific days, you can arrange for multi-hour study sessions, while shorter portions can be used for a brief check-up or study recess.

3. Prioritize your goals, subjects, and tasks

The next step is to prioritize your subjects and tasks.

First, identify the subjects that need your attention for the next few classes. Dedicate time to review the study material for these topics to get ahead. You can keep your lectures in the planner, conveniently gathered on the dedicated pages that are “built-in” into the planner’s structure so that you can save tons of information while still having a neat and clean planner.

If some subjects are tougher or need more time, prioritize them in your study plan. So you have time to understand the material fully. However, don’t focus only on one subject. Spread your study time across multiple subjects, and give each one the attention it needs while keeping in mind the study balance.

If prioritizing isn’t easy for you, you may use the Eisenhower Matrix template to decide where you need to use 100% of your focus and where you can relax a bit.

Finally, adjust as needed. Students find that priorities change as new assignments or tests come up. Be flexible with your study plan and adjust as needed to achieve your academic goals.

The planner also allows you track your personal goals to help you build your study plan according to what you want to achieve.

4. Prepare space for your lecture notes

Open your courses group page and start by labeling built-in pages with the course name, date, and topic. Have your previous notes nearby. Ensure you have everything you need – add relevant links, notes, insights, etc. 

It’s important to clear your space of distractions. Don’t put anything irrelevant on these pages. You will likely find a designated space for them on other planner pages. If you still need to, you can add a page or a new section. This will create a space for you to insert the information as the lecture goes on.

5. Collect your academic info

Start by gathering your reading lists for each subject, including textbooks, articles, and any other resources. Put these into a digital or physical folder so you can access them easily. Next, get your existing knowledge base, which consists of your past notes, assignments, and study guides. 

Create a system to categorize this information by subject or topic. Remember to include important dates like exams, project deadlines, and paper submissions. This is your academic foundation, so you can see where you need to focus and plan your study sessions more effectively. Update this regularly so you’re always working with the most up to date resources and requirements.

6. Develop healthy habits to support your study

Building healthy habits is part of a good study plan. Choose habits you think you need to become more productive. However, review your habit tracker regularly to see what works for you. 

By implementing your new habits gradually and tracking weekly you’ll have a holistic approach to studying that supports both your grades and overall well-being.

7. Keep track of your finances

The finance planner is a key part of your study plan especially if you are managing your budget. This section helps you track and manage your education expenses so you can focus on your studies without financial stress. Start by listing all your income sources, scholarships, part time work, family support, etc. Then, categorize your expenses and essentials like tuition, textbooks, and living costs.

By having a clear overview of your finances, you can make informed decisions about work hours, course loads, and lifestyle choices that support your academic success without compromising your financial health.

8. Choose effective study techniques

Now it’s time to choose the study techniques that will help you make the most of your dedicated time.

Choose techniques that match your weekly goals. For example, if your goal is to get a chapter ahead in a subject, use techniques like summarization or mind mapping to help you quickly absorb and retain the key points. If you want to grasp new information quickly, try the Feynman Learning Method.

The planner offers the Pomodoro technique, where you break your study sessions into focused intervals followed by short breaks. You will get a timer widget for this purpose.

Adjust techniques to fit the material. Not all study techniques work for every subject. If a technique isn’t helping you achieve your weekly goals, be flexible and try a different technique that fits the material.

By choosing the right study techniques, you’ll retain more, stay on track with your study goals, and make the most of your dedicated study time.

Conclusion

Making a study plan takes time and effort. By looking at your current study habits, setting goals, managing time, prioritizing subjects, and using reliable and advanced tools, you can make a plan that helps you learn and stay organized.

The xTiles Ultimate Student Planner can become your personal studying assistant for this. It lets you schedule study sessions, track goals, manage study materials, and use techniques like the Pomodoro method all in one place. It’s flexible yet structured, so you stay on top of your academic and personal goals.

Use this and the xTiles template to make a plan that suits you and your success. Get started now with xTiles!

FAQ

What is a study plan for?

A study plan helps you manage your time, break down big tasks into smaller ones, and coordinate study sessions with your class schedule and other commitments. It gives you a structured way of learning, reduces stress, and increases productivity.

What should be in a good study plan?

A good study plan should have a weekly calendar with classes, study sessions, and activities, clear learning goals, study materials, time allocated to each subject, breaks, and flexibility to adjust for unexpected events.

How will a study plan help me get better grades?

By ensuring all subjects get attention, no last-minute cramming, and regular review of notes, a study plan will help long-term retention and understanding and, therefore, better results in exams and assignments.