Wiki
  • The History of Journal Notebooks
    • What is a Journal Notebook
      • Is a Journal Just a Diary?
      • How Honest Should I Be in My Journal?
      • Why Should You Journal Every Day?
      • What is the Purpose of a Personal Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Log Book?
      • Is it OK to Journal on a Laptop?
      • How Do You Start a Beginner Journal?
      • What is a Journal and How Does It Work?
      • What is the Best Size for a Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Paper?
    • How To Start A Journal
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Diary?
      • How Can I Start My Own Journal?
      • What to Put on the First Page of My Journal?
      • What is a Simple Journal Entry?
      • What is an Example of Journaling?
      • How Do You Make a Simple Journal Entry?
      • What to Write in a Daily Journal?
      • How Do You Start a Small Journal?
      • What is a Good Sentence Starter for Journals?
      • Is Journaling Good for You?
    • What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?
      • How to Pick a Notebook for Journaling?
      • How Many Pages Should a Journal Notebook Have?
      • What is the Best Size for a Journal Notebook?
      • What Kind of Notebook is Good for Journaling?
      • Is it a Good Idea to Have a Journal?
      • How Do I Choose a Good Journal?
      • How Do You Tell If a Journal Is a Good Journal?
      • Which Brand of Notebook is the Best?
      • How Do I Start Journaling?
      • What Should I Include in My Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Notebook?
      • Is It Better to Journal in a Notebook or on a Computer?
    • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Notepad?
      • Is a Journal Just a Notebook?
      • Which is Better: Notepad or Notebook?
      • Is It Better to Write or Type a Journal?
      • Can I Use Any Notebook to Journal?
      • Can I Use Notes for Journaling?
      • How Do I Use Notepad as a Journal?
      • Can You Take Notes in a Journal?
      • What is the Main Difference Between a Journal and a Diary?
      • How is a Journal Different from Notes?
      • Should You Carry a Notepad?
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On this page
  • Key Characteristics of a Good Journal
  • Evaluating a Journal
  • Popular Journal Brands Known for Quality
  • Conclusion
  1. The History of Journal Notebooks
  2. What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?

How Do You Tell If a Journal Is a Good Journal?

PreviousHow Do I Choose a Good Journal?NextWhich Brand of Notebook is the Best?

Last updated 10 months ago

Choosing a good journal involves evaluating several key factors that contribute to its overall quality and suitability for your needs. A good journal enhances your writing experience, motivates you to write regularly, and supports the specific type of journaling you wish to pursue. This guide will help you identify the characteristics of a good journal and determine if a particular journal meets your expectations.

Key Characteristics of a Good Journal

High-Quality Paper

The quality of the paper is crucial for a pleasant writing experience. Good journals have paper that:

  • Prevents Bleed-Through: The paper should be thick enough (typically 80-120 GSM) to prevent ink from bleeding through to the other side.

  • Has a Smooth Texture: Smooth paper is ideal for pen users, while a slightly textured (tooth) paper can be better for pencils or charcoal.

  • Is Acid-Free: Acid-free paper prevents yellowing and deterioration over time, preserving your entries for years to come.

  • Has a Comfortable Color: Off-white or cream-colored paper is easier on the eyes compared to bright white paper.

Durable Binding

The binding of a journal affects its durability and usability. Look for journals with:

  • Stitched or Sewn Binding: These types of bindings are durable and allow the journal to lie flat, making it easier to write on both sides of the page.

  • Spiral Binding: Spiral-bound journals lie flat and are easy to flip through. They are suitable for those who want flexibility and might tear out pages.

  • Hardcover: A hardcover journal offers excellent protection for the pages and is durable for long-term use.

  • Perfect Binding: This binding gives a clean, professional look but may not lie completely flat. Suitable for more formal or archival purposes.

Appropriate Page Layout

The page layout should suit your journaling style. Consider journals with:

  • Lined Pages: Ideal for structured writing, note-taking, and daily reflections.

  • Dotted Pages: Offers flexibility for both writing and drawing, perfect for bullet journaling.

  • Grid Pages: Great for those who prefer structure, useful for designing layouts or sketches.

  • Blank Pages: Provides complete freedom for creativity, sketching, and free-form writing.

Suitable Size

The size of the journal should match your lifestyle and how you plan to use it. Common sizes include:

  • Pocket Size (3.5” x 5.5”): Highly portable and convenient for on-the-go journaling.

  • A5 Size (5.8” x 8.3”): A versatile choice that balances portability with ample writing space.

  • B5 Size (6.9” x 9.8”): Offers more room for writing and creativity.

  • Letter Size (8.5” x 11”): Provides the most space for detailed entries and project planning.

Additional Features

Extra features can enhance the usability and functionality of a journal. Look for journals with:

  • Elastic Closure: Keeps the journal securely closed when not in use.

  • Pen Loop: Ensures you always have a pen handy.

  • Bookmarks: Helps you quickly find your place.

  • Pockets: Useful for storing notes, receipts, or other small items.

  • Numbered Pages and Index: Beneficial for bullet journaling and organization.

Evaluating a Journal

Assess the Cover and Binding

Examine the cover material and binding of the journal. A durable cover, whether it’s hardcover or softcover, should feel sturdy and well-made. Check the binding to ensure it allows the journal to lie flat and that the pages are securely attached.

Feel the Paper Quality

Run your fingers over the paper to feel its texture. Test the paper with your preferred writing instrument to see how it handles ink, pencil, or other media. Check for bleed-through by writing on one side and seeing if it affects the other side.

Check the Page Layout

Flip through the pages to see if the layout matches your preferences. Ensure that the lines, dots, or grids are clearly printed and that the pages are evenly spaced.

Evaluate the Size and Portability

Consider how you plan to use the journal and whether its size fits your needs. Hold the journal in your hand or carry it around to see if it’s comfortable and portable.

Look for Extra Features

Inspect the journal for any additional features that may enhance your journaling experience. Ensure that the elastic closure, pen loop, bookmarks, and pockets are well-designed and functional.

Popular Journal Brands Known for Quality

Here are some reputable brands known for producing high-quality journals:

  • Moleskine: Known for their classic design, high-quality paper, and durable covers. Available in various sizes and layouts.

  • Leuchtturm1917: Famous for their dotted notebooks, which are perfect for bullet journaling. They offer features like numbered pages, an index, and high-quality paper.

  • Rhodia: Praised for their smooth, high-quality paper that is perfect for fountain pen users. Available in various sizes and binding options.

  • Midori: Offers beautiful, customizable notebooks with excellent paper quality. Ideal for minimalist design lovers.

Conclusion

Determining if a journal is a good journal involves evaluating several key characteristics, including paper quality, binding, page layout, size, and additional features. A good journal should enhance your writing experience, motivate you to write regularly, and support the specific type of journaling you wish to pursue. By carefully assessing these factors, you can choose a journal that meets your needs and preferences, making your journaling practice enjoyable and sustainable.

What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?