Most calendars suck. This is due in large part to their inability to show you how the months stitch together. Often, the final days are crammed onto the same last row as the previous week. And what happens a fortnight from the final weekend? Who knows.

demonstration calendar

A demonstration on why typical calendars are awful

A few years ago, I created for myself a simple calendar, which I’ve been updating ever since. Creatively, I named it SimpleCal. It features a seven-week view of each month, with weekends grouped on the right side and shaded out to emphasise the working week. American holidays are marked with a simple underline. Just made the 2021 version, and it’s here for free.

SimpleCal 2021 thumb

SimpleCal 2021 — a better, simpler calendar

I’ve also included the InDesign file so you can remix and create your own. Add colour, change the fonts, make it horizontal — whatever. The usual rules apply — if you make a new version, let me know so I can give you props! And it would be nice if you shared a link back to my site.

My recommendation for printing is that you use the back of some already-printed paper. Thicker stock works better. Then just use a binder clip and hang the calendar at your desk, or in your kitchen, or wherever you need to know the date!

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About the author: Prescott Perez-Fox

Prescott Perez-Fox is a graphic designer, brand developer, and educator with 18+ years experience in branding, packaging, graphic design, and web design. He runs The Busy Creator.

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