Free diary template: a classic dated diary page
This free diary template is a classic dated diary page: the date, the weather, a big Dear diary space to write about your day, and two short boxes for the best part and something to remember. Fill it in here, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Dear diary
What is in this diary template
- Date. Every diary page starts with one. It is what lets you find a day years later.
- Weather and where I am. A tiny detail that brings the memory back when you read it again.
- Dear diary. The main space. Write about your day in order, the way you would tell a close friend.
- Best part of today. One highlight, so even a hard day has something good on record.
- Something I want to remember. A funny line, a smell, a face, a small detail that would otherwise be lost.
How to use the diary template
- Write the dateInclude the day of the week, for example "Saturday, July 12".
- Note the weather and placeJust a few words.
- Write your entryStart with Dear diary and tell the day: what happened, who you saw, how you felt. Write the way you talk.
- Pick a highlightFill in the best part and one thing to remember.
- Print or save as PDFPress Print or save as PDF. Your typed words also save in this browser on this device until you press Clear.
Want to keep a diary every day without printing? Our free online diary keeps all your pages on your device with no sign up.
A filled in diary page example
See more diary entry examples for different ages and days.
Diary entry template for school
Teachers often ask students to write a diary entry, sometimes as a character from a book or history. This simple frame covers what most teachers look for.
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Day and date at the top | Monday, 3rd March |
| Greeting | Speak to the diary | Dear diary, |
| Opening | Say what kind of day it was | Today was the strangest day of my life. |
| Events | What happened, in time order, past tense | First... then... later... |
| Feelings | How you felt and why | I was nervous because... |
| Ending | Thoughts about tomorrow | I hope tomorrow is calmer. |
| Sign off | Close like a letter | Love, Maya |
- Write in the first person (I, me, my).
- Use the past tense for what happened today.
- Use time words like first, next, after that, finally.
- Show feelings, not just events.
Our guides on how to write a diary entry and the diary entry format go step by step. For younger children, use the diary template for kids.
Diary template PDF and Google Docs
There is no separate file to download. This page is the template.
- PDF. Press Print or save as PDF and choose Save as PDF. Save it blank to print many copies, or save each filled page.
- Google Docs. Make a new doc with the date, Weather and where I am, Dear diary, Best part of today and Something I want to remember as headings. Add a new section each day at the top.
- Word. The same layout works in Word. Save it as a template so each new day opens a fresh page.
Tips for keeping a diary
- Write at the same time each day, like just before bed.
- Short is fine. Five lines is a full entry.
- Include small details: what you ate, what someone said, a song on the radio. They bring memories back best.
- Be honest. A diary is private, so you can write what you really think.
- Stuck? Try our diary entry topics or diary ideas.
Questions people ask
Is this diary template free?
Yes. Fill it in online, print it or save it as a PDF for free. There is no sign up. Your typed answers save only in your browser on this device.
What should a diary page include?
A date, a greeting like Dear diary, what happened in the day, how you felt about it, and anything you want to remember. Many people also add the weather and the best part of the day.
How do you start a diary entry?
Write the date at the top, then Dear diary. Start with one sentence that sums up the day, like "Today was busy but fun." Then tell what happened in order and how you felt.
What is the format of a diary entry?
Date at the top, a greeting, the events of the day in time order written in the first person and past tense, your feelings and thoughts, then a closing line or sign off. See our full diary entry format guide.
How do I make a diary template in Google Docs?
Open a new Google Doc, type the date and a few headings like Dear diary, Best part of today and Something to remember, with space under each. Copy that block to the top of the doc each day and fill it in.
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