# Shovel Study Planner — Start Time-Blocking Your Tasks > Time-blocking study planner for stress-free student task management. (iPhone/iPad app by How To Study Smart, LLC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shovel-study-planner/id1467742357 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [How To Study Smart, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1467742356) - Category: Education, Productivity - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.10/5 from 195 App Store ratings · 82 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.5 · 28 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2019-07-22 - Data updated: 2026-08-25 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shovel-study-planner/id1467742357/reviews.md ## What is Shovel Study Planner? Become a STRESS-FREE student with TIME-BLOCKING and proper EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS. **This is only a companion app. Requires account setup on our web platform shovelapp.io** Shovel is a unique study planner that will help you build a solid foundation for life. Shovel is the only study planner that will tell you if you can get every task done on time or if you need to adjust your schedule, way before you run into trouble! SHOVEL FEATURES: TIME-BLOCKING • Plan exactly WHAT task you will work on, WHEN, and for HOW LONG. TIME CUSHION • Know if you have enough time to get your task done on time, continuously in REAL-TIME. EVERY TASK FROM EVERY CLASS IN ONE PLACE • Real-time information on every task • The Time You Have Available • The Time You Need to Complete Every Task • Time Cushion Information for Every Task YOUR IDEAL SCHEDULE • Build your dream week. Block out the times when you’re busy, including 'Me-Time' for fun and personal activities and see how it affects your study schedule going forward. Shovel will tell you if you can do it all, or if you need to adjust your plan. ROTATING CLASS SCHEDULE • Create events that repeat every XX weeks with ease. DETAILED TASK MANAGEMENT • Know how long each reading will take (we do the math for you!) • Estimate how long to study for each exam • Estimate how long you need for each assignment • See how changes affect your future study time • Track your progress on every task • Move tasks to Completed or Do-Later • Adjust on the go PLANNER ON STEROIDS • Assign tasks to specific study times • Know how long you’ll work on each task and when • See which tasks you haven’t planned or how much of a task you haven’t planned yet TIMELINE OF EVERY DAY • See how you use every minute • Classes, Activities, Meals, Me Time, and Events • Even the time you spend walking to and from • Unplanned Study Times • Planned Study Times (with the tasks you plan on doing) NOTIFICATIONS • Never miss a beat. Get notified about the things you have to do, and make sure you record the things you've done. TIME EVERYTHING • Use a built-in timer to track time spent on each task WEIGHTED GRADES • Know how you're doing in each class by putting in your grades properly weighted based on your grading rubric CREATE • Tasks • Weekly commitments • Events ADJUST ON THE GO • Adjust time needed based on your progress • Adjust estimated reading times with one click and instantly see how it affects your schedule • Adjust anything in your schedule COLLEGE IN YOUR POCKET • Your entire semester at your fingertips With Shovel, there are no surprises. You’ll be in complete control of your studies. You’ll know what’s next, how long it will take, if you have time to get it done, and when you’ll get it done. Get organized and become the best student you can be. *** REQUIRES SETUP IN WEB APP FIRST*** Because college syllabi have a lot of information, the fastest way for you to get started is to set everything up on your laptop in the Shovel web-app. Sign up at: https://shovelapp.io *** QUESTIONS*** Go to our website https://shovelapp.io and use the chat. We'll be more than happy to help. ## Key features - Time-blocking for tasks - Real-time time cushion estimates - Consolidated task management - Ideal schedule building - Rotating class schedule support - Detailed task progress tracking - Weighted grade calculation ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Lifetime plan | $46.99 | one-time | | Lifetime plan | $13.99 | one-time | ## What do users think of Shovel Study Planner? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 📚 Excellent for student organization and time management - ⏱️ Unique time-blocking and scheduling features - 🎓 Course and assignment-focused organization system - 💻 Desktop/web version works reliably and comprehensively - 🎨 Clean, minimalist, and aesthetically pleasing interface - 👥 Responsive and helpful customer support team - 🔄 Syncs with Canvas assignments and courses - ✅ Effective for reducing procrastination and stress - 🧠 Particularly helpful for ADHD and anxiety management **Cons** - 🐛 Mobile app frequently crashes and becomes unresponsive - 📱 Mobile app significantly less functional than web version - ⚠️ App shows blank screens and fails to load content - 🔌 Requires constant internet connection, no offline access - 🛠️ Appears to be abandoned with no recent updates - 💰 Expensive pricing for student budget - ⚙️ Requires desktop setup before mobile use - 📲 Limited mobile editing and modification capabilities - 🔐 Widget authentication issues and login problems - 📊 Missing monthly calendar view on mobile - 🎯 Mobile app lacks key features from desktop version **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes when attempting to edit task times - Blank white screen on app launch - Touch input not responding on iPad with Apple Pencil - Tasks and calendar items disappear after login - Tasks fail to save when entered - Widget shows 'log in' prompt despite being logged in - Notifications arrive at wrong times or not at all - Dropdown menus extend beyond screen on iPhone - App freezes when trying to resize tasks - SSL certificate lapsed, preventing login access - App crashes when typing in new task times - Duplicate notifications sent for single tasks - Calendar refresh is slow - Drag-to-reschedule functionality doesn't work properly - Free trial data disappears after trial ends without warning - App won't recognize password after web signup **Most requested features** - Push notifications for tasks and assignments - Dark mode for mobile app - Widget functionality that works reliably - Offline access and offline storage - Landscape mode for iPad - Monthly calendar view on mobile - Task repeat/recurring task options - Ability to edit and add tasks fully on mobile - Integration with Google Calendar - Pomodoro timer feature - Support for 6-day school cycles - Non-school related task/to-do list functionality - Downloadable desktop app for Mac - In-app purchase option for premium version - Better iPad optimization - Cushion feature on mobile app ## Recent user reviews (10 of 82) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shovel-study-planner/id1467742357/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Is this thing on? *2026-01-23, version 3.2.0* I have this app on my computer and phone and figured I’d install on my iPad so I can work and track my studies whatever tool I’m using. I installed and the app opens to the calendar but doesn’t respond to any touch with my hand or pencil pro. What is the deal? ### 3/5 — Love Desktop App *2025-08-20, version 3.1.3* Like I said, the execution in browser is very good, I would love to be able to view my schedule on the go though so please put this app back in development!!! ### 5/5 — Favourite app!! *2025-01-12, version 3.1.2* Shovel is definitely of my favourite apps out of many others I have tried. It helps me keep track of my timetable and schedule, as well as any deadlines for assignments. I love the idea and the aesthetics that are put behind this app, and the visuals help me understand exactly what I need to do today. Overall, great app for busy students, and anyone else who wants to conquer procrastination!! ### 5/5 — App Keeps Crashing *2024-12-03, version 3.1.2* I’m a lifetime member and i’m satisfied with The desktop version it works fine and the app has been very helpful in the past but this semester the App has been crashing all the time and wayy too buggy. needs to be fixed. ### 3/5 — Crashing *2024-11-28, version 3.1.2* App is great for task list, crashes about every month with a plain white screen. Have to delete and reinstall, such a pain. Desktop app on computer works flawlessly and the program is great. ### 1/5 — app doesn’t work *2024-11-23, version 3.1.2* it worked in the beginning, when i bought the lifetime subscription everything stopped working. i emailed about the issue and was told to delete and reinstall. worked for a bit, then back to blank pages. i spent so much just for absolutely nothing. really disappointing ### 2/5 — App and website glitch *2024-10-14, version 3.1.2* So there have been a few times where the app has completely glitched for days. I have had to erase the app and redownload it. When you are in a hurry this can be a problem. Both the website and the app are not reliable. It is a great platform but needs many changes. ### 1/5 — App not working *2024-10-14, version 3.1.2* Just shows a blank screen when I open it. I still use the desktop app so I’m worried the same will happen to that ### 2/5 — The concept is amazing but: *2024-10-02, version 3.1.2* I have a lifetime membership because I love this concept so much but I am disappointed that the widgets disappeared with iOS 18. Considering that the phone app is always crashing it was nice to be able to at least see a weekly overview of classes and and assignments from widget view without going into the app especially in different focus modes. ### 5/5 — Amazing tool! Amazing customer support. *2024-09-08, version 3.1.2* I’ve used this app for years. Its amazing. I had trouble on my iPad and iPhone thought but after convo with Petr, he suggested it might be a setting on my phone causing it. I hadn’t even considered that! If you have trouble on iPad or iPhone, check your app specific settings. I had the background app refresh turned off for all my apps, hoping to save battery life. Turned it back on and it works perfectly! I highly recommend this product and to be honest I very rarely do that. The customer service the offer is absolutely excellent! That’s so important because you know you’ll get help if there is an issue. I think I’ve been using this app for 4 or 5 years now and it’s honestly so helpful! ## Frequently asked questions about Shovel Study Planner ### What does Shovel - Study Planner do? Shovel is a study planner designed to help students manage their academic workload using time-blocking techniques. It allows you to plan exactly what task you will work on, when, and for how long, while also providing real-time feedback on whether you have enough time to complete your tasks. ### What are the key features of this app? Key features include time-blocking for specific tasks, a 'Time Cushion' that indicates if you have enough time for tasks, consolidated management of tasks from all classes, building an ideal weekly schedule, support for rotating class schedules, detailed task management and progress tracking, and weighted grade calculations. ### Is this app free to use? The app is free to download and use, but it operates on a freemium model. While core planning features are available, there are in-app purchases that likely unlock advanced functionalities or premium features to enhance the user experience. ### What devices is Shovel - Study Planner compatible with? This app is designed for mobile devices. However, it is important to note that it functions as a companion app and requires initial account setup and configuration through its web platform, shovelapp.io, before you can effectively use the mobile application. ### How does this app help with student stress? By providing clear visibility into your schedule and task completion times, the app aims to reduce student stress. The 'Time Cushion' feature proactively alerts you to potential scheduling conflicts, allowing you to adjust your plans before issues arise and ensuring you have a realistic understanding of your workload. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.3.1 — 2026-08-21 Your schedule, on the home screen. Add the Shovel Calendar widget to see what’s happening now, what’s next today, and how many tasks are due — without opening the app. This update also makes the in-app calendar faster, and includes a round of bug fixes. ### 3.3.0 — 2026-08-20 Your schedule, on the home screen. Add the Shovel Calendar widget to see what’s happening now, what’s next today, and how many tasks are due — without opening the app. This update also makes the in-app calendar faster, and includes a round of bug fixes. ### 3.2.0 — 2025-11-11 New in Shovel! Your favorite study planner just got faster, smoother, and smarter. Improved calendar performance, new 2-day view, study streak tracking, and more ways to plan your tasks and events. Smarter. Faster. More Shovel. Full Update Details: - Improved Calendar Performance — faster, smoother, better. - Faster Loading — less waiting, more studying (or Netflix). - Swipe Between Days — cruise through your schedule like a pro. - Go to Today — never lose track again. - 2-Day View — see what's coming without feeling overwhelmed. - Study Streak Tracking — keep your momentum going! - Improved Navigation — find everything easier. - More Event Repeat Options — because class does happen every week (: - Create Courses & Activities — get organized your way. - Improved Task & Event Creation — faster setup, fewer taps. - Option to Remove Completed Tasks from the Top Bar — for that clean, satisfying look. ### 3.1.3 — 2025-01-28 Improved notifications and bug fixes. ### 3.1.2 — 2024-08-31 Showing start dates in task cards Bug fixes ## Apps similar to Shovel Study Planner | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [My Study Life - School Planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-study-life-school-planner/id910639339) | 4.5 (6,203) | Free | Education | | [Smart Timetable: Study Planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-timetable-study-planner/id1278473923) | 4.6 (3,350) | Free | Education | | [Class Schedule Planner: Tibly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/class-schedule-planner-tibly/id1500111859) | 4.6 (305) | Free | Education | | [School Planner: Class Schedule](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/school-planner-class-schedule/id1603039692) | 4.6 (21) | Free | Education | | [B4Grad: Homework Planner App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/b4grad-homework-planner-app/id1352751059) | 4.3 (1,926) | Free | Education | | [School Timetable - class study](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/school-timetable-class-study/id1444231921) | 4.5 (437) | Free | Education | ## More apps by How To Study Smart, LLC - [Fluent 5000](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluent-5000/id6742911664) All apps by How To Study Smart, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1467742356 ## Related topics [shovel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shovel) · [shovel run 3d](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/shovel-run-3d) · [time study module](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/time-study-module) · [time study buddy](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/time-study-buddy) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*