The world of bullet journaling is vast and exciting, but the first hurdle can feel daunting – choosing the right notebook. It sounds so simple, and yet it’s not! Now that I am years into my journaling journey, I know what works best for me, but I remember when I first started. I had no idea what type of notebook to choose and how I would use it, which made it so hard to pick the right format.
I figure that there have to be people out there who are also stuck, so in this blog post, we'll explore the three main types of bullet journals – dot grid, lined, and blank – and help you choose the perfect one for your unique journaling style and needs.
If you want to check out some of my favorite journals and journaling supplies, check out this blog post.
Choosing A Bullet Journal
How do you pick a journal that works best for you? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary of what might work best for you:
Dot Grid: Ideal for most bullet journalists, especially beginners seeking flexibility and guidance. Try this if you want to experiment with layouts and trackers.
Lined: Perfect for those who prefer a clean and organized look, especially those who value neat handwriting and minimalist designs.
Blank: For the artistic souls who crave complete freedom and don't shy away from a challenge. Great for mixed media and intricate layouts.
Want to learn more about the different formats and dig into the pros and cons? Let’s explore those in the next section.
Pros and Cons of Dot Grid, Lined, and Blank Bullet Journals
Dot Grid Journals
Dot grid journals are arguably the most versatile option for bullet journaling for these reasons:
Guidance Without Restriction. Dot grid journals provide subtle guidance for drawing lines, creating charts, and designing layouts, without imposing the rigid structure of lined paper because the dots are faint and very unobtrusive. This balance allows for both organization and creativity, making it suitable for a wide range of journaling styles and needs.
Freedom for Creativity. The dots serve as reference points for creating intricate designs, doodles, or elaborate spreads, while still maintaining a sense of structure.
Customizable Layouts. Dot grid journals allow users to design custom layouts tailored to their specific preferences and goals. Whether you prefer minimalist spreads or intricate designs, dot grid journals provide the flexibility to experiment with different formats, from weekly planners to habit trackers to mood boards.
Neat and Organized. Dot grid journals strike a balance between structure and freedom, helping users maintain neatness and organization in their bullet journal spreads without feeling constrained by pre-existing lines or grids.
Versatility Across Tasks. Dot grid journals are equally suitable for writing, drawing, planning, and tracking various aspects of life. Whether you're jotting down daily to-do lists, brainstorming creative ideas, or designing elaborate spreads, dot grid journals provide a versatile platform to accommodate diverse journaling needs.
Community. Most tutorials and resources online for journaling cater to dot grid journals, making it easy to find inspiration.
Overall, dot grid journals offer the perfect blend of structure and freedom, making them an ideal choice for bullet journaling enthusiasts looking to personalize their journals while staying organized and inspired.
But, while dot grid journals are versatile and widely loved by bullet journaling enthusiasts, there are some drawbacks to consider:
Faintness. Dots might be hard to see for those with visual impairments, making this journal format not ideal at all.
Potential Distraction. Some users find the dots distracting, especially when compared to the clean simplicity of blank journals. While the dots can serve as helpful guides, they may also detract from the overall aesthetic or feel cluttered to some individuals.
Precision and Tools Required for Curves and Straight Lines. Creating straight lines and symmetrical designs requires more precision with dot grid journals and may be challenging for those who prefer a more relaxed or spontaneous approach to journaling. Creating circles or curved shapes also requires purchasing extra tools if someone isn’t great at free-handing these shapes, which isn’t ideal for most people because it’s extra money and extra items to carry around.
Limited Guidance. They provide less guidance than lined or graph paper. For individuals who crave more direction in their journaling layouts or struggle with creating cohesive designs, the dot grid format may not offer enough support.
Not Ideal for Writing. While dot grid journals are great for drawing, designing layouts, and creating visual elements, they may not be the best option for extensive writing or note-taking. The dots may interfere with the readability of written text, especially for individuals with larger handwriting.
Lined Journals
Lined journals are a great option and offer specific advantages:
Structured Writing Space. Lined journals provide a structured writing space, which can be particularly beneficial for those who primarily use their bullet journals for writing, note-taking, or journaling. The lines offer guidance and help maintain neatness and consistency in writing, making it easier to keep track of thoughts, ideas, and tasks.
Familiar Format. For individuals transitioning from traditional notebooks or planners to bullet journaling, lined journals offer a familiar format. This can ease the transition process and make it more comfortable for users to adopt bullet journaling techniques and layouts without feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar structures or grids.
Minimalism. Lined journals are perfect for simple layouts and bullet points.
Ease of Use. Lined journals are straightforward to use, requiring minimal setup or customization. This simplicity can be appealing to individuals who prefer a more streamlined approach to journaling and do not want to spend time designing elaborate spreads or layouts.
Ideal for Writing-focused Tasks. If your bullet journaling primarily revolves around writing tasks, goals, reflections, or daily entries, a lined journal may be the best choice. The lines provide a clear framework for organizing thoughts and ideas, making it easier to maintain coherence and readability in your journal entries.
Neat and Consistent Layouts. Lined journals help ensure that your bullet journal spreads maintain a neat and consistent layout, as the lines serve as a guide for structuring text and visuals. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who prefer clean and organized journaling styles or struggle with creating cohesive designs on blank or dot grid pages.
Just like dot grid journals, lined journals also come with some drawbacks, including:
Limited Creativity. Lined journals may feel restrictive for individuals who enjoy incorporating visual elements, doodles, or artistic designs into their bullet journal spreads. The structured layout provided by the lines can inhibit creative expression and may not accommodate diverse journaling styles.
Less Versatility. Compared to dot grid or blank journals, lined journals offer less versatility in terms of layout customization. The predefined lines may limit the types of spreads and trackers you can create, making it challenging to experiment with different formats or adapt your journal to changing needs.
Difficulty with Visual Organization. While lines help organize written text, they may not be as effective for visually organizing information or creating structured layouts. This can be problematic for tasks such as designing calendars, habit trackers, or mood boards, where visual clarity and organization are essential.
Incompatibility with Certain Tasks. Lined journals may not be well-suited for tasks that require precise measurements or grid-based layouts, such as drawing graphs, charts, or intricate designs. The lines may interfere with the accuracy of these elements and make it challenging to achieve the desired level of detail.
Potential Clutter. In some cases, the lines in a lined journal can contribute to a cluttered appearance, especially when combined with additional elements such as checkboxes, bullet points, or annotations. This clutter may detract from the overall aesthetic of your bullet journal spreads and make them less visually appealing.
Blank Journals
Blank journals are often regarded as the best option for bullet journaling due to several key advantages:
Unlimited Creative Freedom. Blank journals provide the ultimate canvas for creative expression, allowing you to design layouts, spreads, and trackers without any predefined lines or grids. Every aspect of your bullet journal can be personalized according to your unique style and preferences.
Versatility in Design. You can experiment with a wide range of layouts, from minimalist designs to elaborate spreads and tailor each spread to suit the specific content, tasks, and goals you want to include in your bullet journal.
Customized Organization. Blank journals enable you to create a customized organizational system that aligns perfectly with your needs and workflow. Whether you prefer simple lists, intricate diagrams, or a combination of both, you have the flexibility to design layouts that optimize functionality and streamline your journaling process.
Adaptable. You can easily modify or redesign your bullet journal spreads as your priorities evolve, ensuring that your journal remains relevant and effective in helping you achieve your goals.
Overall, blank journals are the best choice for bullet journaling for those who value creative freedom, versatility, and personalized organization. With a blank journal as your canvas, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a journaling experience that is truly your own.
And just like all of the other formats, they also come with drawbacks:
Lack of Structure. Without lines or grids to guide your layouts, it can be challenging to maintain consistency and organization throughout your bullet journal spreads, which can lead to uneven layouts and difficulty in organizing content effectively.
Difficulty with Layout Design. Designing layouts in a blank journal requires planning and precision, as there are no guidelines to assist with spacing, alignment, or symmetry. Achieving visually appealing and functional layouts can be more challenging compared to using lined or grid journals, particularly for those who are new to bullet journaling or prefer a more structured approach.
Risk of Uneven Spacing. Without predefined lines or grids, it’s easy to accidentally create cluttered or disjointed layouts, detracting from the overall aesthetics and readability of your journal.
Less Guidance for Beginners. Blank journals may not provide enough guidance or inspiration for beginners who are new to bullet journaling. It can be overwhelming to start journaling from scratch and many beginners find it beneficial to start with a journal that offers more structure and guidance before transitioning to a blank journal.
Inconsistency. Maintaining a consistent style and aesthetic can be more challenging when working in a blank journal, requiring careful attention to design choices and overall composition.
Bonus Tips for Choosing a Bullet Journal
Remember, the perfect bullet journal for you is one that makes you want to create and inspires you, so if you can’t choose a format, maybe choose based on one of these:
Paper quality. Opt for thicker paper to avoid bleeding and ghosting.
Size and portability. Do you need a pocket-sized journal or a larger canvas for creativity?
Pick the prettiest journal. It's your journal, after all!
Don't be afraid to experiment! Try different types to see what feels best.
Fun Journaling Ideas
Try one of these fun spreads for your bullet journal:
Dot Grid
Create a geometric weekly spread with color-coded tasks and events.
Design a mood tracker using different dot densities for varying emotions.
Try hand-lettering quotes and affirmations with subtle dot-guided lines.
Lined
Make a minimalist habit tracker with clean lines and checkboxes.
Design a budget tracker with neat columns for income and expenses.
Practice your calligraphy skills with elegant quotes and titles.
Blank
Create a mixed-media travel journal with sketches, photos, and ticket stubs.
Design a dream board with magazine cutouts and inspiring visuals.
Experiment with watercolors and different artistic techniques for mood spreads.
Comments