We have already dealt with how to create a notebook journal. If you have not yet checked out that article, kindly do so. Let us now look at how to create a digital journal. This can most likely be a favourite of many given the digitized operating environment we are in. The same principles and rationales for journaling, in general, apply here. The only major difference is that here we are focusing on the digital plane. This refers to the use of digital components such as computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, cloud services, the internet, software, mobile apps, and the like.

Mobile Apps Or Relevant Software Applications

This is the most comprehensive domain of options you can consider.

Default Apps Or Software

For starters, computers or laptops, depending on operating systems have inbuilt word processing packages. For Windows, this can refer to Microsoft Word, Notepad, or WordPad. These are options you consider using in your digital journaling journey. The same goes for mobile smart devices e.g. smartphones, tablets, and the like. You can download, for example, the Microsoft Office package to access Microsoft Word. You could use Microsoft Excel for financial journaling. These are basic ways through which you can immediately start journaling, digitally. You can order your entries using separate documents by placing them in folders.

Journaling Apps Or Software

Then we have mobile apps or software applications specifically tailored for journaling. Some of them are available only for mobile, whilst others are available as desktop versions. There are those which exist for both scenarios. There are innumerable options that you can choose from. Examples are Day One, Reflect, Momento, Diarium, Five Minute Journal, Diaro, Daylio, My Diary, Daybook, and 750 Words, amongst others. They come with different features so you can choose the ones that suit your needs. Some are so comprehensive that they can allow you to include photos, audio, and videos in your entries.

Cloud-Based Platforms

There are some cloud-based platforms that you can use for journaling. A good example is Google Docs; you can effectively use it in the journal. This is because of the features that it has that allow you to order, structure, and even add media to your entries. Google Drive can come in handy as your repository for your digital journaling entries from e.g. Microsoft Word. Some people also recommend Google Keep which has features relevant to digital journaling. These are just a few examples but chances are there are several cloud-based platforms you can use for digital journaling.

Other Approaches

Video Or Audio Recordings

This can work for some especially those who feel they cannot clearly express themselves in writing. Video and audio can capture the depth and emotions behind what one is expressing. Of course, there can be limitations in terms of storage i.e. you would need a lot of it. Then doing searches can be tricky since it is much easier with text-based material. Regardless, you can come up with good journal entries using video or audio. I know of people who keep digital recorders on them at all times.

Online Diaries

This is in some ways similar to how blogging is. You will be having an online blog-like platform where you make your entries. Then there will be options for other people to read your entries and even respond. At the most basic you can do this by starting a journal blog of sorts. This will largely depend on the extent of detail you want to share. For example, such an approach can be ideal for a travel journal. Then there are hosting sites that are built for digital journals. A good example of such a site is LiveJournal. It is freely accessible and you can make your entries with the possibility of engaging with other people.

That is my breakdown of how you can create a digital journal. There are numerous options you can choose from; just ensure that they are safe and secure. Journals are typically personal and as such you would not want your sensitive information in the wrong hands. The overall idea is to settle for an option that makes it easy to weave journaling into your daily routine.