Discovery Phase Index File Template

The master blueprint I build before designing any custom planner — now available as a fill-in template you can use for your own client projects.

What is an Index File?
An index file is the master blueprint for your planner project — created before a single design pixel happens. 

It maps out everything in one document: 

  • The moodboard and visual direction
  • The creative brief (brand, audience, tone, design guardrails) 
  • Every page in the planner — sections, page types, page order, quantities 
  • Size, layout, binding, date format, and production details 
  • Your expert page suggestions on top of what the client requested 


 It keeps you and your client aligned on exactly what you're building — so there are... 

  • No scope misunderstandings
  • No surprise revision rounds
  • No "I thought we agreed on something different" conversations.

What you get:
  • Affinity Publisher 2 template (.afpub) + Adobe Illustrator file — fully editable, ready to customize for each client 

  • PDF example filled so you can see what the finished version looks like 

  • Written instruction guide with prompts and examples for every section 

  • Video walkthrough where I walk you through every page and what to write
FRIENDS TRIP EDITION
— 20+ Products
For groups planning getaways — organized, on budget, unforgettable.

  • Ultimate Travel Planner
  • Travel Journal Workbook
  • Group Expense Splitter
  • Photo Memory Keepsake Journal
  • Travel Sticker Sheets

...and 13 more planning tools, worksheets & notepads.
What's inside the template:
  • Cover page 
  • Moodboard page 
  • Creative brief page
  • Page planning page 
Who this is for:

Planner and stationery designers who want a clear, organized way to map out their client's entire project — the visual direction, the page structure, and every production detail — before they start designing.

FRIENDS TRIP EDITION
— 20+ Products
For groups planning getaways — organized, on budget, unforgettable.

  • Ultimate Travel Planner
  • Travel Journal Workbook
  • Group Expense Splitter
  • Photo Memory Keepsake Journal
  • Travel Sticker Sheets

...and 13 more planning tools, worksheets & notepads.

GRAB IT FOR JUST $37

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Planner Layout Inspiration: 216 Creative Designs Examples

One-time offer, only $99 $66!
You just mapped out every page in your planner — now design them.

This PDF gives you 216 layout examples across monthly, weekly, daily, and workbook styles. When you're filling in your page plan and need to decide how each page should look, this is where you start.

Payment information

You will not be charged for this purchase, but if you choose to make an optional purchase later, this card info will be used to complete that transaction!

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    • 1xDiscovery Phase Index File Template$37
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    All prices in USD

    Due to the nature of digital products, they are non-refundable, so please make sure you have read all details as well as the software requirements before you purchase.


    All prices are in USD

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    Frequently Asked Questions
    • What software do I need?
      The template comes in Affinity Publisher 2 and Adobe Illustrator formats. The video walkthrough is filmed in Affinity Publisher 2, but you can follow along in whichever you prefer.
    • Can I use this for journals too, or just planners?
      Yes — the framework works for planners, journals, and any custom stationery project. The sections apply the same way.
    • Can I reuse this for multiple clients?
      That's the whole point. Fill it in for one client, export the PDF, then start fresh for the next one. One purchase, unlimited projects.
    • What if I've never built an index file before?
      The instruction guide and video walkthrough cover every section — what to write, how much detail to include, and what the finished version looks like. You don't need any prior experience.

    Founder of Digital Planner Academy and The Pink Ink    |    The Pink Ink 2018-2026. All right reserved.    |    Legal & website policies