Setting Up Your B5 Undated Planner Songbird for the First Time

By Bullet Planners & Dot Grid Journals 160gsm pages | Paint Pens | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up your B5 undated planner Songbird from scratch, including choosing a start date, creating key pages, and building a flexible weekly layout that fits your life.

Quick Answer

Start by choosing a meaningful start date, then create a simple index and future log before designing your first weekly spread. Keep the setup minimal so you can adjust as you learn what works for you.

Why the B5 Songbird Works for First-Time Planners

The B5 Undated Planner: Songbird gives you a large, spacious layout that feels less cramped than smaller journals. Its undated format means you can begin any day of the year, which removes the pressure of missing pages or starting late.

The extra-thick 160gsm pages are designed to handle pens, markers, and paint pens without ghosting or bleed-through. That makes it a forgiving canvas for experimenting with different tools as you build your system.

Undated vs. Dated: What to Expect

Because the planner is undated, you decide which dates go where. This gives you total flexibility, but it also means you need to fill in dates yourself. If you prefer a set structure, this might feel like extra work—but it's also what makes the planner reusable if you skip a month.

When you're setting up for the first time, resist the urge to pre-fill every day for the whole year. Instead, fill in a month or two at a time so you can adapt to changes in your schedule.

Step-by-Step First-Time Setup

Choose a start date: Decide which day you'll begin. It can be today, Monday, or the first of the month. Write the date in the top corner of your first weekly spread. A common mistake is waiting for a 'perfect' date—just start now. Your start date doesn't need to align with a holiday or new year.
Create an index: Reserve the first two pages as an index. As you add collections or important spreads, note the page numbers here. This helps you find things later. A common mistake is skipping the index, which makes the planner harder to navigate. Keep the index updated as you add new pages.
Set up a future log: Use the next two pages as a future log. Divide each page into three sections for the next six months. Write down events, deadlines, or appointments that fall outside the current month. This prevents those dates from being forgotten. Check your future log weekly so nothing slips.
Design your first weekly spread: Open to a fresh spread. On the left page, list your top priorities or tasks for the week. On the right page, create a simple seven-row grid for each day. Keep it minimal—don't overcomplicate with decorations if you're new. Start with a basic layout and add flourishes later.
Add a daily reflection space: At the bottom of each day or on the opposite page, leave a small area for a one-line reflection or gratitude note. This encourages consistency without taking much time. A common mistake is making the reflection box too large, which feels intimidating. A single line is enough to build the habit.
Test your pens and markers: Before committing to a full page, test your pens, markers, or paint pens on a scrap page or in the margin. The 160gsm pages handle most tools well, but it's wise to check for drying time and smudging. Let ink dry before closing the planner to avoid smudges.

Planner Facts

B5 Undated Planner: Songbird: The B5 Undated Planner: Songbird features a large undated layout with extra-thick pages. The spacious pages give you room for lists and reflections, while the thick paper lets you use pens and markers without worrying about bleed-through.
B5 Undated Planner: Songbird