When it comes to the best pens for journaling, eeeeeverybody has an opinion! And those opinions are usually coming from people who already have a favorite type of pen, whether gel pens, fountain pen, ballpoint pens, dip pens, or others.
But…which type of pen is best for journaling? Better yet, what are the best pens for the way you journal?
Lucky for you, we here at YouCanJournal.com have been journaling nerds for a long time and have had time to test a lot of great options. Here’s what we’ve found!
The Art of Journaling and Pen Selection
We don’t mean to sound dramatic but choosing the right pen can transform your journaling experience. Seriously!
The perfect writing instrument can enhance your creativity and make recording your thoughts feel more like a pleasure than a task.
Understanding Journaling Needs
Your journaling style dictates the type of pen you’ll enjoy most.
For daily reflections, you might prefer a smooth-flowing rollerball that glides effortlessly across the page. If you love adding sketches to your entries, consider a fine-tipped fountain pen for a more precise, fine line.
Art journaling enthusiasts often seek pens with archival-quality ink to preserve their creations. And water-resistant pens are great options if you plan to add watercolor washes to your pages.
Think about the paper in your journal too. Thinner pages may require a lighter touch, while thick, textured paper can handle bolder inks without bleeding through.
You’ll also want to ask yourself if you write quickly or take your time with each word. Fast writers (and lefties!) often appreciate ballpoint pens for their quick-drying ink, while those who savor the process might enjoy the ritual of using a fountain pen.
The Importance of the Right Pen
Your pen choice can significantly impact your journaling habit. A comfortable grip and smooth ink flow can make writing more enjoyable, encouraging you to journal more frequently.
Consider how your favorite pens feel in your hand.
A well-balanced pen reduces fatigue during long writing sessions. Some journalers even rotate between several of their favorite pens to alleviate strain and keep their entries visually interesting.
An Overview of Pen Types
Journaling enthusiasts have a variety of great options to choose from, each offering unique characteristics and writing experiences. Your choice can significantly impact factors like comfort, ink flow, and overall writing quality.
Gel Pens
Gel pens offer smooth writing with vibrant, quick-drying ink. You’ll find they glide effortlessly across the page, making them perfect for lengthy writing sessions.
Plus, their water-based ink comes in a wide array of different colors, allowing you to add creativity and flair to your journal entries.
Popular gel pens include:
These pens are known for their consistent ink flow and comfortable grip.
You might appreciate gel pens if you enjoy bold, crisp lines in your writing. They’re also great for adding color to your journal without bleeding through the paper.
Fountain Pens
For a touch of elegance and personalization, fountain pens are an excellent choice.
You’ll experience a smooth, effortless writing flow that can make journaling feel more luxurious. Fountain pens allow you to choose from a variety of nib sizes and ink colors.
Some top picks include:
With a fountain pen, you can easily adjust your writing style by changing the nib or ink. This versatility makes them ideal for both everyday journaling and special occasions.
Many fountain pen enthusiasts enjoy the ritual of filling and maintaining their pens.
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens are reliable, low-maintenance options for your journaling needs. You’ll find they work well on various paper types and are less likely to smudge compared to fountain or gel pens.
Their oil-based ink dries quickly, making them ideal for left-handed writers or those who tend to smudge their writing.
Popular ballpoint pens include:
These ballpoint pens are known for their durability and long-lasting ink.
You might prefer ballpoint pens if you’re looking for a no-fuss option that works consistently in different environments. They’re also great for quick note-taking or sketching in your journal.
Brush and Dip Pens
For those who want to add artistic flair to their journals, brush and dip pens offer unique possibilities.
Brush pens allow you to create varying line thicknesses with pressure, perfect for calligraphy or illustration. Dip pens provide a traditional writing experience and the ability to use a wide variety of inks.
Some top picks for brush and dip pens include:
These pens can help you add visual interest to your journal entries. You might enjoy using them for headers, quotes, or sketches alongside your written content.
While they require more practice to master, brush and dip pens can transform plain journal pages into works of art.
The Best Pens for Specific Journaling Techniques
Different journaling styles require very specific types of pens to achieve the desired effects. Let’s take a look!
Calligraphy and Hand Lettering
For calligraphy and hand lettering, you’ll want pens that offer varying line widths and smooth ink flow. Fountain pens are excellent choices due to their flexible nibs!
The Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen is a top pick for its soft, flexible nib that creates beautiful thick and thin lines. It’s perfect for adding flair to your journal entries.
Another great option is the Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen. Its smooth writing experience and classic design make it ideal for both everyday journaling and special calligraphy projects.
For beginners, brush pens like the Tombow Dual Tip Brush Pen are fantastic. They offer two tips – a flexible brush tip for thick lines and a fine tip for details.
Bullet Journaling
The best bullet journal pens are precise and quick-drying to prevent smudging. You’ll want top picks that allow for clean lines and easy color-coding.
The Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen is a popular choice among bullet journalers. Its fine nib creates crisp lines perfect for writing tasks and small symbols.
For color-coding, try the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner set. These pens come in lots of different colors and have a fine tip that’s great for detailed work.
The Uni-ball Signo UM-151 Gel Pen is another excellent option! It offers smooth writing and a wide range of different colors, making it perfect for organized bullet journal spreads.
Bible Journaling
Bible journaling requires pens that won’t bleed through (incredibly!) thin paper. You’ll want options that allow for both writing and artistic expression without damaging the delicate pages.
The Pigma Micron pens are ideal for bible journaling. They come in various tip sizes and different colors, allowing you to write notes or create detailed illustrations without bleeding through.
For adding color, consider switching it up with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. They’re gentle on thin paper and offer vibrant colors for your artistic expressions.
Kaweco Perkeo Rollerball Pens are some of the best pens with a bit more ink flow. Their smooth ink and lightweight design make them comfortable for extended writing sessions.
Features That Make a Great Journaling Pen
When choosing the best pens for your journaling goals, it’s important to consider certain qualities that can enhance your writing experience. The right ink, comfortable grip, and appropriate tip style can make all the difference in how smoothly your thoughts flow onto the page.
Ink Flow and Quality
Great pens should have smooth, consistent ink flow. You want your words to glide effortlessly across the paper without skipping or blob formation.
Look for pens with quick-drying ink to prevent smudging, especially if you’re left-handed.
Acid-free ink is crucial for preserving your journal entries over time. Some of the best pens offer water-resistant or archival-quality ink, ensuring your thoughts remain intact even if your journal gets damp. (Ask us how we know!)
Consider color options too. While black and blue are classic choices, you might enjoy having a range of different colors to express different moods or categorize entries.
Comfort and Pressure
Your journaling sessions might last for extended periods, so comfort is key. A pen with an ergonomic grip can reduce hand fatigue and make writing more enjoyable.
Rollerball pens often require less pressure to write, which can be a boon for long journaling sessions. This reduced pressure can help prevent hand cramps and allow you to write for longer without discomfort.
Weight is another factor to consider. Some writers prefer a heavier pen for a more substantial feel, while others opt for lighter pens for extended use.
Tip Styles and Line Thickness
The tip of your pen greatly influences your writing style and the overall look of your journal entries.
Finer tips (0.3-0.5mm) are excellent for detailed writing or small journals, while medium tips (0.7-1.0mm) offer a balance of readability and ink conservation.
If you enjoy varying your line thickness, consider a fountain pen with a flexible nib. These allow you to create thicker lines with more pressure and fine lines with a lighter touch, adding more visual interest to your entries.
For those who like to sketch or doodle in their journals, pens with broader tips or brush-like ends can be great for adding artistic flair to your pages.
Color Your World: Pen Ink Varieties
Pen ink comes in a vibrant spectrum of different colors to enhance your journaling experience. The right ink color can influence your mood, inspire creativity, and add visual interest to your journal pages.
Choosing Pen Colors
Gel pens offer a wide range of vivid colors for your journaling needs. You might opt for a set of colorful fineliners to add flair and variety to your entries.
For daily reflections, softer hues like blues and greens can create a calming atmosphere. Bright colors like red or orange can energize your writing for goal-setting or brainstorming sessions.
Experiment with various shades to find what resonates with you.
The Classic Elegance of Black Ink
Black ink remains a timeless choice for journaling.
Its versatility and readability make it a favorite among many journal enthusiasts. You’ll find that black ink provides a clean, professional look to your entries.
For archival purposes, black ink is also usually the most durable. Brands like Sakura Pigma Micron offer archival-quality black ink that resists fading over time.
Consider using black ink for important thoughts or main entries, then adding color for emphasis or decoration. This approach can create a visually appealing balance in your journal pages.
The Role of Color in Creativity
While black ink is classic, using colored inks can boost your creativity and make journaling more enjoyable. Different colors can help you organize your thoughts or highlight important information.
Try color-coding your entries based on themes or emotions.
For example, use blue for reflections, green for goals, and purple for dreams. This system can make it easier to review and find specific entries later.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliners are great for adding pops of color to your journal. Use them to create colorful borders, doodles, or to underline key points in your writing.
Maintaining Your Pens for Longevity
Proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping your new pens in top condition. By following a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your favorite writing instruments and ensure they continue to perform well for a long time.
Proper Pen Storage and Care
Store your pens horizontally to prevent ink from pooling at the tip. This helps avoid clogs and leaks.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to protect the ink and pen materials.
Clean your pens regularly.
For fountain pens, flush the nib and feed with lukewarm water every few weeks. Rollerball and gel pens benefit from occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
Always cap your pens when not in use to prevent the ink from drying out. If you’re using a retractable pen, make sure to click it closed.
Handle your pens with care. Avoid dropping them or subjecting them to excessive pressure.
Regularly inspect your pens for signs of wear and tear, especially if you notice changes in writing performance.
When traveling, use a protective case to prevent damage. This is particularly important for delicate fountain pens.
So…which are the best pens for journaling? Well, that depends on you and your journaling goals. Whichever pens you choose, we wish you a smooth writing experience and, as always, happy journaling!
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.