Ah, bullet journaling! With a system so productive and let’s face it, pretty, we could dedicate an entire website just to bullet journals.
But alas, there are lots of different journals types worthy of our time and attention! So instead of a full-blown website, please accept our rundown of the best bullet journal choices on the market today and how to know which is the right journal for your particular needs.
Understanding Bullet Journaling
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of bullet journaling, it’s essential to understand that a bullet journal is a customizable organization system. It can be your to-do list, sketchbook, notebook, and diary, but most likely, it will be all of the above.
Bullet Journal Method
The Bullet Journal Method is a system developed by Ryder Carroll to help you keep track of your daily tasks, and manage your past and future events in an organized manner.
The core idea is to use bullet points as the basic structure for your entries. The method encourages you to live more intentionally, a practice which can positively impact your mental health.
Bullet Journal Pages
A bullet journal typically contains several types of pages to help manage your life.
- Index: Helps you locate content in your journal.
- Future Log: An overview to jot down future events and long-term goals.
- Monthly Log: Allows you to view the month at a glance, with tasks and events.
- Daily Log: Where you list your tasks, events, and notes for the day.
Bullet journaling pages like the future log and monthly log are crucial as they enable you to record plans and track shorter-term goals, while the daily log is ideal for keeping an eye on immediate responsibilities. By using symbols and short-form notations, your bullet journal becomes an efficient way to manage your time and tasks.
Choosing Your First Bullet Journal
When selecting your first bullet journal, it’s first essential to consider the paper quality and type of cover you prefer, since these features will significantly impact your journaling experience.
Paper Quality and GSM
Your bullet journal’s paper quality is crucial for a smooth writing experience and preventing ink bleed-through.
Opt for high-quality paper with a higher GSM (grams per square meter) which means the paper is thicker and more durable. For a balance between quality and affordability, look for journals with around 100-160 GSM paper.
- White paper is a popular choice as it provides a clean background for your entries.
- Papers with a GSM of 160 are considered high-quality, often found in options like the Scribbles That Matter Bullet Dotted Journal.
Hardcover vs Soft Cover Options
Hardcover notebooks like the LEUCHTTURM1917 are durable and great for archiving your memories, while a soft cover like Moleskine offers flexibility and lighter weight, perfect for on-the-go journaling.
For an aesthetic twist, hardcover journals with vegan leather covers offer a sophisticated look while tending to be durable.
Bullet Journal Layouts and Pages
When you start your bullet journal adventure, the page types you choose lay the foundation for your journaling experience.
Different types of pages serve various purposes and can enhance the way you organize your thoughts, tasks, and creativity. For this reason, it’s important to consider how you want to use your bullet journal in order to decide the type of page that will best suit you.
Blank vs. Dot Grid Pages
When it comes to choosing between blank pages and dot grid pages, consider your journaling needs.
Blank pages provide a clean slate, with no visual interruptions, giving you unlimited creative freedom. They can be perfect for those who sketch and doodle or prefer a minimalist approach to journaling.
On the other hand, dot grid pages combine the best of both structure and flexibility.
They’re less rigid than lined or squared pages, yet provide enough guidance to help you keep your writing and designs aligned. Ideal for creating an index or various customized layouts, the dot grid notebook is a versatile choice that supports both structure and imagination on your bullet journal pages.
Finding the Perfect Bullet Journal
When searching for the perfect bullet journal, you’ll also want to consider how size affects portability, and weigh the quality of the notebook against its price for the best value.
Size and Portability
You’ll want a bullet journal that matches your lifestyle.
If you’re always on the move, a compact size like an A7 (3 by 4 inches) may be best. For those who prefer more space, opt for larger sizes such as A5 or even A4, the standard notepad size.
- A5: 5.7 x 8.26
- B6: 5 by 7 inches
- A7/Micro: 3 by 4 inches
Consider also the back cover of your notebook — a sturdy back cover will come in clutch if you often write on the go.
Price and Value
Your budget is key when choosing a bullet journal. The perfect notebook doesn’t have to break the bank.
Look for options that balance a reasonable price point with durable binding and high-quality paper to prevent ink bleed-through. Don’t overlook journals that come with extra features, like pre-numbered pages or a pocket in the back cover, which can provide additional value.
Best Features of Bullet Journals
When diving into the world of bullet journaling, certain features stand out for their ability to improve organization and creativity. Your journaling experience will be more enjoyable and efficient with these functionalities.
Additional Functionalities
- Pen Loop: Never lose your pen again. A sturdy pen loop keeps your writing instrument attached to your journal, ready whenever inspiration strikes.
- Elastic Closure: Protect your thoughts and keep your journal secure with an elastic closure. This feature ensures pages stay intact, and loose papers don’t escape.
- Pen Test Page: To ensure your pens don’t bleed through, a dedicated pen test page lets you try them out before committing ink to your pages.
- Back Pocket: A built-in back pocket serves as a convenient spot to store extra notes, stickers, or business cards, keeping all your journaling accessories close at hand.
Best Bullet Journal Options
Now that you know which paper quality, cover, pages, size, and features you want in your bullet journal, you can choose which journal is best suited to your needs and lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorites:
- LEUCHTTURM1917: Our go-to for the majority of our bullet journals! With a durable hardcover, a dedicated table of contents, numbered pages, and a back cover pocket, it’s no wonder these journals have a cult-like following.
- Moleskine: These journals come in hard or soft covers, with soft covers often coming in 3 packs of complementary colors. Plus, with some cool bags and limited edition covers, they’re just plain fun to shop.
- Official Bullet Journal: For those new to bullet journaling, these journals come with a set up guide that explains how to structure your journal and use different symbols to navigate it. They’re designed by LEUCHTTURM1917, so you’re getting the same high quality journal with a few additional pages and guides.
- STM: Scribbles That Matter (STM) is an up-and-coming journal line that offers plain covers, doodled covers, journals with templates and blank pages, and even a journal with black pages to “journal in dark mode.”
- Paperage: Looking for a deal? Paperage offers a wide variety of bullet journals, pens and markers, and sketchbooks at a slightly lower price point than other brands.
- Amazon: Looking for an even better deal? Amazon offers its own line of journals with many of the same features as higher-end journals at a much lower price. However, beware of page thickness depending on your writing utensils – product details don’t mention page GSM and several reviews mention issues with bleeding.
Bullet Journals and Writing Instruments
When you choose the right writing instruments for your bullet journal, your planning and journaling experience can be greatly enhanced. The paper quality of your bullet journal will determine which pens work best without bleeding or feathering, ensuring clean and legible entries.
Fountain Pens Compatibility
Fountain pens are known for their smooth writing experience and are a popular choice for many bullet journal enthusiasts. When using a fountain pen, you should opt for bullet journals such as Leuchtturm1917, which is highly recommended for its ink-friendly pages that prevent bleeding and ghosting – a common problem with thinner papers.
- Pros:
- Smooth writing
- Variety of ink colors
- Cons:
- May bleed on low-quality paper
- Requires a journal with higher paper weight
Brush and Ballpoint Pens Use
With brush pens, you have the ability to create dynamic lettering and illustrations in your bullet journal. Look for options like the RETTACY Dotted Bullet Grid Journal which offers 120gsm paper weight, ideal for brush pens, as it minimizes bleeding and allows the pigments to shine.
Ballpoint pens are a universal instrument, well suited for bullet journals due to their convenience and reliability. They’re less prone to bleeding and can work well with a variety of bullet journal paper types.
- Pros:
- Versatile use
- No bleeding
- Cons:
- Less expressive than fountain or brush pens
- May require more pressure to write
Bullet Journal Aesthetics
When it comes to creating your bullet journal, aesthetics can turn your organizational tool into a personal work of art. It’s important to choose a design and employ embellishments that reflect your style and make the process enjoyable for you.
Design and Color Choices
The design and color choices you make will set the overall mood for your bullet journal.
For a cohesive look, stick to a color palette that resonates with you; this could range from soft pastels to vibrant neons. Start with a base color and select a few complementary or contrasting shades to add variety without overwhelming your pages.
Washi Tape and Stickers
Washi tape is a bullet journal enthusiast’s best friend. This decorative tape comes in an array of colors, patterns, and widths, allowing you to effortlessly decorate borders, highlight sections, or create tabs.
Using washi tape makes it easy to section off areas for to-do lists, goals, or even mood tracking. Meanwhile, stickers can add flair and convey themes without the need for artistic drawing skills.
Community and Inspiration
When you start your bullet journal journey, the community you’ll encounter is as diverse as it is creative. Social media platforms are bustling with bullet journalists who share their layouts, themes, and tips, which can be a fantastic source of inspiration for your own bullet journal.
Social Media Influence
Platforms: The vibrant bullet journal community thrives on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. These spaces showcase a multitude of bullet journal themes, from minimalist designs to ornate, artistic spreads that capture the essence of personal expression.
- Instagram: Here, you can follow #bulletjournal and see daily posts from fellow enthusiasts.
- Pinterest: Think of Pinterest as your visual idea box, overflowing with bullet journal spreads for every occasion.
Connection: Social media not only displays inspiring content but also helps you connect with seasoned bullet journalists who often share their experiences and advice.
- Hashtags: Use hashtags like #bujoinspo and #bujocommunity to find posts from all skill levels.
- Direct Interaction: Don’t hesitate to reach out to those whose work you admire; the bullet journal community is known for its support and encouragement.
Official Presence: If you’re looking for a structured approach to bullet journaling, the official Bullet Journal notebook might be the perfect fit for your needs. It’s designed with the system in mind, giving you a functional and stylish foundation to personalize.
Remember, social media is not just about browsing; it’s a space to share your own unique spin on bullet journaling too. Your creativity might just be the spark someone else needs to start their bullet journal adventure!
Now that you know which bullet journal features to consider for your own needs and lifestyle, which journal is the best bullet journal for you? Be sure to share your favorite journals in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
This section aims to address common queries and help you navigate the various aspects of bullet journaling, from spurring creativity to selecting the right tools.
What are some bullet journaling ideas to inspire creativity in beginners?
To spark your creativity, you can explore different themes, use color-coding for tasks, or integrate sketches and stickers. Bullet journal social media pages offer personalized solutions and suggestions for unique page layouts.
How do I choose a bullet journal notebook with no ink bleeding issues?
Select a bullet journal with high-quality, thick paper, like the Leuchtturm1917, which is designed to prevent ink bleeding and ghosting, ensuring a clean and readable journal.
Can you recommend some widely-praised bullet journal apps for organization?
While traditional journaling has its charm, apps like Notion and Trello can complement your bullet journal experience. They offer customizable templates and sync across devices for convenient access to your organized content.
What distinguishes top bullet journal brands from others?
Top bullet journal brands offer quality features such as sustainably-sourced paper, pre-numbered pages, and a variety of layouts. These details enhance functionality and user experience.
In terms of usability, how do A5 and B5 bullet journal sizes compare?
A5 journals are compact and portable, ideal for carrying around. B5 journals provide more space for detailed tracking and complex layouts, suitable for those who work primarily from one location.
Are there templates available that can simplify the process of starting a bullet journal?
Yes, many bullet journal enthusiasts and brands provide downloadable templates that can be printed and added to your journal. These act as a guiding framework to help you get started smoothly with structure and style.
Disclosure: While all opinions are our own, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, at no additional cost to you.