Start a New Journal in Zinnia (iPad, iPhone, & Mac)

Ready to dive into a fresh new journal? Whether you're starting from scratch, choosing a pre-designed layout, or bringing in your own PDF, Zinnia makes it easy to get going. Here’s how to start your next masterpiece—Zinnia-style.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you’ve got the basics in place:

  • Zinnia installed on your iPad
  • iPad running iOS 15.5 or later
  • A stable internet connection (especially for browsing Ready to Use Journals or importing content)
  • Keeping your app updated is always a good idea—especially if something isn’t working as expected

Let’s Get Started

  1. Open the Zinnia app on your device.
  2. Head to the Journals page (top left corner on iPad and Mac, Bottom left on iPhone).
  3. Tap New Journal and choose from the following options:

Option A — Start with a Basic Page

Pick a preset or custom color and select your page style (you can always switch it up later).
Confirm your choices to create your new journal.

Option B — Start with a Ready to Use Journal

Browse our Ready to Use Journals to explore beautifully designed full journals & planners.
When one stands out, tap Begin New Journal to get started.

Option C — Import a PDF

Bring in your own PDFs to use in Zinnia! Follow the prompt to add the PDF as a new journal (any embedded links within your PDF will continue to work in Zinnia).

Tips and Notes

  • Use the Preview feature in Ready to Use Journals to check the design before committing.
  • If your internet connection is unstable, you may have trouble browsing or importing—try switching to Wi‑Fi and try again.

FAQ

Q: Why don’t I see New Journal?
A: Make sure you’re on the Journals page. Close and reopen the app, then try again.

Q: Why aren't my Ready to Use Journals loading?
A: Check your internet connection and retry. If the list still doesn’t appear, relaunch the app.

Q: Can I change color or page style later?
A: Yes. You can adjust these after creating a Basic Page journal.

Q: Can I preview a Full Journal before creating it?
A: Yes. Tap a journal to preview, then select Begin New Journal.

Q: Can I import my own PDF as a journal?
A: Yes. Use the Import PDF option and follow the on‑screen steps.

Q: Do I need to be online to create a journal?
A: Basic creation can be done offline, but browsing Ready to Use Journals or using the Studio requires internet.

 

Related Links

User Guide for iPad

User Guide for iPhone

Getting Started with Zinnia Video Tutorial

Import a PDF into Zinnia