Your 5 Step Guide on How to Make Your Own Calendar

Creating a custom Calendar is a fantastic way to showcase your favourite memories, promote your business, or raise money for a good cause. Whether you’re a creative professional or a complete beginner, this guide we’ll everything you need to know, from picking the perfect Calendar type to diving into the unique benefits of each.

We’ll share simple tips for working with printable Calendar design templates, guide you on setting up your artwork files for flawless print results, and spark your creativity with real-life inspiration from our customers’ standout designs. Whether you need something practical, stylish, or totally personal, you’ll find the support and ideas you need right here.

Image Credit – Good Tuesday

Step 1: Decide on the Type of Calendar That’s Right for You

The first and most important step is to choose the type that best fits your needs. The format you select will influence your Calendar design, budget, and overall goal.

• Wall Calendars: These are a classic choice and great for displaying large images. They’re perfect for family photos, showcasing artwork, or corporate branding. They offer a large canvas for your designs and are easy for people to hang and reference. You can choose from various layouts like Double or Single Page Wall Calendars or Thumb Cut Calendars that are perfect for hanging.
• Desk Calendars: Also known as desktop Calendars, these are smaller and ideal for personal gifts or corporate giveaways. They’re practical for people to keep on their desks and are a constant reminder of your brand or message. They often feature a sturdy stand and come in various sizes.
• Other Options: Don’t limit yourself to the basics. You could also consider a Poster calendar or a tear-off daily Calendar which could be created through printed Desk Pads. Thinking outside the box can really make your final product stand out.

Printed.com Calendar Printing

More tips on Choosing the Right Calendar Type

Here’s a more detailed overview the three most popular Calendar types we offer to help you decide which one suits your style and needs. Whether you’re looking for functionality or something visually striking, we’ve got you covered.

Desk Calendars

A Desk Calendar is a must-have for keeping your schedule in check, whether you’re working from home or in an office. It’s practical, accessible, and adds a touch of organisation to your workspace. Our printable Calendar templates make it easy to design and customise your own Calendar with just a few clicks. Plus, with options featuring sturdy white or gold wire binding and durable cardboard backing, you’ll have a design that stands up to even the busiest of workdays.

Image Credit – Ally Blaire

Double and Single Page Wall Calendars

A Double Page Wall Calendar lets you display a full-page image above with your monthly layout below, offering plenty of room to jot down appointments. Prefer a more streamlined option? A Single Page Wall Calendar focuses on the visual design while leaving space below for key dates. Either way, this type makes a great personalised feature for your home or office.

Image Credit – Humboldt House

Thumb Cut Calendars

Perfect for saving space, Thumb Cut Calendars are super versatile. Featuring spiral binding for effortless page-turning and smooth hanging, they’re available in six sizes, making them ideal for corporate gifts or special occasions. Their sleek design ensures they don’t just organise your time but also deliver in style. They come with a sturdy wire thumb hook at the top, ready for hanging, making them a functional choice too!

Image Credit – Moo and Boom

By exploring these formats, you can create a Calendar that not only keeps you organised but also reflects your personal taste. Taking a little time to experiment with your design ensures you’ll end up with a printable Calendar that ticks all the boxes!

Calendar Printing

Step 2: Prepare Your Design with a Template

Once you’ve settled on a Calendar type and size, it’s time to get your design ready. Using a design template is the best way to ensure your artwork is correctly sized and formatted for printing. We offer free downloadable templates to create your own Calendar and make sure your print is set up perfectly for the presses. These are available in all standard sizes in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and PDF formats and can be found on your choice of Calendar page.

New to designing? As part of our Personalised Photo Calendars, we offer a free 12 month 2026 template already designed for you to download and add in your photos. Also, trying design platforms like Canva could be a great help for anyone starting out, as they offer an impressive library of pre-designed templates and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. For those who want to get started quickly, these Calendar templates are a lifesaver.

• Download the Right Template: Make sure you download a template that matches your chosen type and size. This will save you from a lot of headaches later on.
• Familiarise Yourself with the Layout: Look at the template’s layers and guides. These will show you where to place images, text, and other design elements to avoid them being cut off during printing. Pay close attention to the “bleed” and “safe zone” areas.

Step 3: Plan Your Content for Each Month

Now for the fun part: filling your Calendar with content! Take some time to plan the images and text for each month.

• Choose Your Visuals: Select high-resolution photos, illustrations, or graphics for each month. Think about a theme that ties everything together. For example, a family Calendar might feature seasonal photos, while a business Calendar could highlight a different product or service each month.
• Add Important Dates: Go beyond the standard holidays. Add personal dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or company milestones. This makes your Calendar more useful and personal for the user.
• Create Your Monthly Grids: Design the monthly grid layout. You can keep it simple or get creative by adding small illustrations, custom fonts, or even quotes to each month.

Step 4: Finalise Your Design and Choose Your Finishes

With your design complete, you’ll need to choose the final touches that will make your Calendar look professional. This is where you decide on the physical feel and look of the finished product. Choosing the right paper choice can make a big difference in how your Calendar looks and feels.

• Silk Paper: This is perfect for making photos and colours really pop, giving your images a vibrant, eye-catching finish.
• Uncoated Paper: For a more subtle and elegant feel, without lamination provides a matte finish that reduces glare and provides a perfect base for writing on.
• Eco-Friendly Options: If sustainability is important to you, consider our Recycled Uncoated Paper to align with your environmental values.

Using a thicker GSM for the cover is a great way to add durability and a premium feel. Choosing the right paper stock lets you customise the look and feel of your Calendars, whether you want them to be vibrant and glossy or durable and elegant.

• Additional Finishes: Elevate your Calendars by opting for a different coloured wire binding. Consider a lavish gold to instantly make your prints feel more high-end. You can also add lamination or other special finishes like foiling or even Spot UV, available through our Bespoke Service.

Step 5: Send It to Print

Once your design is finalised and you’ve selected your finishes, you’re ready to send your files to the printer.

• Review Your Files: Before uploading, double-check everything one last time. Make sure all images are high-resolution, fonts are embedded or outlined, and the file is saved in the format the printer requires (PDF if you are printing through with us!).
• Upload and Order: Follow the printing service’s instructions to upload your files and place your order. If you’re still a little unsure you have the option to select your artwork to be checked over by one of our printing professionals or take advantage of our Customer Support Team who are always here to help. 

And that’s it! Your custom Calendar is on its way to becoming a reality. Sit back, relax and wait for the final product!

Looking for Some Design Inspiration?

Now that you’ve got the technical steps down, you might be looking for some creative ideas to make your own Calendar truly stand out. A great Calendar design isn’t just about images; it’s about telling a story or creating a specific mood. Whether you’re aiming for something personal or professional, here are a few of our favourite designs from our customers to spark your imagination:

• Millie Illustrates 2025 Travel Calendar: We absolutely love the intricate, hand-drawn details in this Calendar. Each month features a unique travel destination, transporting you to a new place. It’s a perfect example of how a consistent artistic style can create a cohesive and beautiful theme.

Image Credit – Millie Illustrates

• Essoldo Designs 2025 Calendar: This design uses stunning watercolour illustrations with a seasonal twist for each month. The choice of a vibrant, velvet-finished cover adds a luxurious feel that elevates the entire Calendar. This shows how your choice of finishes can make a big impact on the final product.

Image Credit – Essoldo Design

• Chiara Celini’s Noted 2025 Calendar: This innovative design goes beyond a simple planner by including “notes to your future self.” Each month features a gentle reminder to stay on track with your goals, turning the Calendar into a tool for motivation and self-reflection. This is a great example of how to create your own Calendar with a unique, interactive element.

Image Credit – Chiara Celini

• Kai Kathleen’s 2025 Calendar: This Calendar is a burst of positive, colourful energy. The vibrant designs perfectly represent the artist’s work, which focuses on uplifting LGBTQ+ voices. It’s a wonderful reminder that your Calendar can be a powerful medium to showcase your values and passions.

Image Credit – Kai Kathleen

These examples prove that the best printable Calendars are those that reflect a unique vision. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different themes, art styles, and finishes to make your Calendar a true work of art.

Your Next Steps

Now that you have all the tools and inspiration you need, it’s time to bring your vision to life. The process to make your own Calendar is simpler than you might think, and we’re excited to see the unique designs you create for the upcoming year.

If you have a specific idea that doesn’t fit a standard template, don’t worry. Our Bespoke Service is always here to help you turn your most ambitious Calendar design concepts into a tangible, beautiful product. We’re looking forward to seeing your 2026 printable Calendars!