If you already have a ring binder planner you love the layout of, you don't have to give it up to switch to disc-bound. With the right punch and a set of discs, you can convert your existing setup in one sitting. Here's exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Choose your disc size
Before you punch anything, decide on your disc size. Our 28mm discs hold roughly 120 pages with front and back covers, while our 32mm discs hold closer to 160. If you're converting a fairly full binder, size up to 32mm so you're not stuck removing content to make it fit.
Step 2: Get a disc-compatible punch
You'll need a punch that creates the scalloped, disc-style holes rather than standard round ring-binder holes. These are sold separately from discs themselves, so if you don't already have one, factor it into your setup cost. A punch is a one-time purchase that will serve any future disc-bound conversions too.
Step 3: Remove pages from your ring binder
Carefully pull the rings open and slide your existing pages out. If your pages are in good condition, you can reuse them directly. If any pages are torn at the old ring holes, this is a good moment to reprint or recopy them onto fresh paper before punching for discs.
Step 4: Punch your pages for discs
Punch each page along the edge you want bound, lining pages up carefully so the holes stay level across your whole stack. Uneven punching is the most common mistake people make on their first conversion, so take it slow and use a few sheets as a test batch before running through your whole binder.
Step 5: Load your discs
Fan your punched pages slightly and press them onto the discs one at a time, starting with your cover. Our Silver 28mm discs and Bronze Butterfly discs both have a smooth edge that makes this step easier than it sounds; pages click into place without much force.
Silver 28mm Discs
Bronze Butterfly Discs
Step 6: Test the flex before finalizing
Once everything is loaded, flip through the whole planner and make sure pages turn smoothly and nothing catches. If a page feels stuck, it usually means that specific hole wasn't punched cleanly, so it's worth fixing before you start using the planner day to day.
What if my old pages don't fit the new size?
If you're moving from a smaller ring binder to a larger disc size (or vice versa), you may need to trim page edges slightly so the punched holes align correctly with the disc spacing. It's a good idea to punch and test one page fully before committing your whole stack.
Ready to make the switch?
Browse our full Planner Discs collection to find the size and style that fits your existing pages, and give your ring binder a new life as a disc-bound planner.