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
  • Factors to Consider When Choosing a Notebook
  • Popular Notebook Brands for Journaling
  • Conclusion
  1. The History of Journal Notebooks
  2. What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?

How to Pick a Notebook for Journaling?

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Last updated 10 months ago

Choosing the right notebook for journaling is an essential step to ensure that your journaling practice is enjoyable, effective, and sustainable. The right notebook can make a significant difference in how often you journal and how much you get out of the experience. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when picking a notebook for journaling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Notebook

Size

The size of your notebook is one of the most important considerations. The ideal size for your journal will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use it.

  • Pocket Size (3.5” x 5.5”): Highly portable and convenient for on-the-go journaling. Perfect for brief entries, notes, and sketches.

  • A5 Size (5.8” x 8.3”): A popular choice that balances portability with ample writing space. Suitable for detailed entries and various journaling styles.

  • B5 Size (6.9” x 9.8”): Slightly larger, offering more room for writing and creativity. Ideal for those who like to include sketches or more extensive entries.

  • Letter Size (8.5” x 11”): Provides the most space for writing and is great for detailed journaling, project planning, or art journaling.

Binding

The binding of a notebook affects its durability and how well it stays open while you write.

  • Spiral Bound: Allows the notebook to lie flat and is easy to use. Ideal for those who prefer to tear out pages or need flexibility.

  • Stitched Binding: Offers durability and a classic look. Stitched notebooks often lie flat when opened, making them great for extensive writing.

  • Perfect Bound: Similar to a paperback book, providing a clean, professional look. These notebooks are durable but may not lie completely flat.

  • Hardcover: Offers excellent protection for your pages and durability. Ideal for long-term journaling and archival purposes.

Paper Quality

High-quality paper enhances the writing experience and prevents issues like ink bleed-through and ghosting. Consider the following aspects of paper quality:

  • Weight (GSM): Heavier paper (around 80-120 GSM) is less likely to bleed through and is suitable for a variety of writing instruments, including pens, markers, and pencils.

  • Texture: Smooth paper is ideal for pen users, while a bit of texture (tooth) can be preferable for pencil or charcoal users.

  • Color: Off-white or cream-colored paper is easier on the eyes compared to bright white paper, making long writing sessions more comfortable.

Page Layout

The page layout can significantly impact how you use your journal. Choose a layout that fits your journaling style:

  • Lined Pages: Ideal for structured writing and maintaining neatness.

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

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

  • Blank Pages: Provide the most freedom for creativity, sketching, and free-form writing.

Additional Features

Consider additional features that can enhance your journaling experience:

  • Elastic Closure: Keeps your notebook securely closed when not in use.

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

  • Bookmarks: Help 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.

Popular Notebook Brands for Journaling

While there are many excellent notebook brands, some are particularly renowned for their quality and features:

  • 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, perfect for those who enjoy a minimalist design.

Conclusion

Picking the right notebook for journaling involves considering factors such as size, binding, paper quality, page layout, and additional features. By understanding your personal preferences and how you plan to use your journal, you can select a notebook that enhances your journaling experience and makes the practice enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you prefer a compact notebook for on-the-go writing or a larger one for detailed entries and creativity, the right notebook will help you make the most of your journaling journey.

What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?