10 Best Pens for Bullet Journals 2024: The Ultimate Guide to BuJo Markers
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Looking for the best pens and markers for bullet journaling?
If you're serious about bullet journaling (AKA bujo), you'll understand that not just any pen will do. The right pens and markers can dramatically enhance your journaling experience.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of what makes a pen perfect for bullet journaling and provide you with a handpicked list of the top 10 pens you should consider for your next journaling adventure.
So, whether you're a bullet journaling veteran or just getting started, read on to discover the ultimate pens and markers that will make your journaling journey smoother and more enjoyable.
At A Glance: The Best Pens and Markers for Bullet Journaling
Short on time? Here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best pens and markets for bujo - keep reading for more suggestions, and a detailed lowdown on each.
BEST Overall: SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens are the go-to choice for precise and smooth finelining, offering archival-quality ink that's perfect for bullet journaling.
Best for Coloring: Paper Mate Felt Tip Pens Flair Marker Pens provide vibrant colors and a smooth application, making them ideal for adding pops of color to your journal.
Best Highlighter: Zebra Pen Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter Set offers dual tips and a range of subtle hues for effective highlighting without overwhelming your page.
Best Gel Pen: Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens feature long-lasting, smooth gel ink, making them a reliable choice for various journaling needs.
Best Rollerball: uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens offer superior ink flow and unbeatable smudge resistance, ideal for those who prefer rollerball pens.
Best Brush Pen: Tombow Dual Brush Pens are versatile with their dual tips, allowing for both fine and brush strokes, perfect for calligraphy and artistic journaling.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Bullet Journal Pens
Before you dive into the deep end of the pen world, it's crucial to equip yourself with the right knowledge. Here's what you should consider:
Ink Type
Water-based ink: Ideal for less absorbent paper, water-based inks don't bleed easily but might take longer to dry.
Oil-based ink: Dries fast and doesn't smudge, but may bleed through thin paper.
Gel ink: Known for smooth, vivid lines. May take a bit longer to dry but offers bright and crisp writing.
Tip Size and Style
Fine tip: Perfect for detailed drawings or small text. Usually less than 0.7mm.
Medium tip: A versatile choice good for both writing and sketching. Sizes generally range between 0.7mm to 1mm.
Broad tip: Ideal for bold lines and filling in large spaces. Over 1mm in size.
Pen Style
Ballpoint: Good for everyday writing but not always the smoothest option.
Rollerball: Offers a smoother writing experience compared to ballpoints.
Fineliner: Excellent for precision but can be poor for general writing due to their fine point.
Brush pen: Best for calligraphy and artistic applications.
Paper Compatibility
While this guide focuses on pens, it's impossible to talk about them without considering the paper you'll be using. Make sure to use pens that are compatible with your bullet journal's paper thickness and texture to avoid bleeding and ghosting issues.
Bleeding: When the ink seeps through to the other side of the paper.
Ghosting: When you can faintly see the writing on the reverse side without it actually seeping through.
Special Features
Erasable: Some pens like Pilot FriXion offer erasable inks.
Waterproof: Good if you're planning to use watercolors in your bullet journal.
Archival Quality: Ink that won't fade over time, useful for journals you want to keep forever.
Aesthetic and Comfort
Last but not least, how the pen feels in your hand and how it looks can make a huge difference in your journaling experience.
Armed with this information, you're now ready to make an informed decision about which pens will elevate your bullet journaling experience.
The Best Bullet Journal Pens: Top 10 Recommendations
Navigating through the vast landscape of pens can be overwhelming. That's why I’ve curated a list of the top 10 pens across different categories to make your bullet journaling experience smooth, vibrant, and expressive. Let's dive in.
Best Fineliners for Bullet Journaling
Sakura Pigma Micron
Sakura Pigma Micron pens are often the go-to choice for those who are serious about their bullet journals. These pens come with a pigment-based ink, which is both fade-resistant and waterproof. Known for their precise line work and durability, they're a favorite for detailed illustrations or meticulous planning layouts.
The Microns offer a range of nib sizes, allowing you to choose just how fine or thick you'd like your lines to be. This feature makes them incredibly versatile, suitable not just for writing but also for doodling and even more intricate forms of artwork.
Lastly, these pens are also highly regarded for their archival quality. This means that your work will stand the test of time, resistant to smudging, fading, and even water damage.
What Customers Say
“These are really great! I use them for bullet journaling and they work perfectly! I traded up to these from Sharpie pens.”
Staedtler Pigment Liner
The Staedtler Pigment Liners are another excellent option for finelining. The first thing to note about these pens is their long-lasting quality. Unlike other pens that might dry out quickly, Staedtlers are known to withstand long periods without caps — a lifesaver for the forgetful journaler.
In terms of ink quality, these pens offer a waterproof and fade-resistant formula, ensuring that your pages stay crisp and clear for years to come. The ink flow is consistent, providing a smooth and enjoyable writing experience from start to finish.
What Customers Say
“If you are a BuJo fanatic or just getting into Bullet Journaling, these are a must have. Great price point, fast delivery, and perfect for planning and decorating your BuJo.”
Best Colored Pens for Writing in Planners
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens are a joy to use for anyone who loves to add a splash of color to their bullet journal. With a wide range of vibrant hues, these pens give you the freedom to color-code, decorate, or doodle to your heart's content.
These pens come with a 0.3mm nib, offering a fine point that's perfect for precise work while still delivering a burst of color. The water-based ink is dry safe, meaning you can leave the cap off for hours without the pen drying out.
What Customers Say
“Love these pens for bullet journaling. They’re super pigmented and haven’t started to run out yet after several months of use. They’re extremely fine tip and they barely show through the pages of my bullet journal.”
Best Felt Tip Pens and Markers for Bullet Journaling
Crayola Supertips
Don't be fooled by their association with childhood and coloring books; Crayola Supertips are a fantastic choice for bullet journaling. These felt tip markers come with a versatile tip that allows you to draw thin and thick lines depending on the angle at which you hold the pen.
The ink is water-based and non-toxic, making it safe for users of all ages. Plus, they don't bleed through most journal papers, ensuring that your layouts and designs stay neat and unblemished.
Another advantage is the variety of colors they offer, from soft pastels to vibrant hues. These pens are not only affordable but also highly efficient for adding pops of color and creativity to your bullet journal.
What Customers Say
“I love these for bullet journaling! Great variety of colors. They are bright and bold and make a statement. 10/10 would recommend and buy again.”
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
When it comes to felt tip pens, Paper Mate Flair offers some of the best in the market. The vibrant ink colors are perfect for adding visual interest and creativity to your bullet journal pages.
The medium point felt tip provides bold yet crisp lines, making it suitable for a range of applications from writing to doodling. The ink is also water-based and quick-drying, minimizing the risk of smudging or bleeding through the paper.
One distinct advantage of these pens is their durability. The tip is designed to maintain its shape over time, ensuring consistent line quality.
What Customers Say
“Great pens for creating designs in a bullet journal. My 13 yr old daughter loves these flair pens/markers. Currently she uses them in her bullet journal but has been using them in her art classes for the past 2 years.”
Best Highlighters for Bullet Journaling
Zebra Mildliners
Zebra Mildliners are often the go-to highlighters for bullet journal enthusiasts. They feature a dual-tip design with a fine and broad end, making them versatile tools for both highlighting and underlining.
What sets them apart is their unique range of soft, mild colors. Unlike traditional fluorescent highlighters, Mildliners offer more muted tones, which many people find more aesthetically pleasing in a journal layout.
The ink is water-based and quick-drying, which minimizes the chances of smudging. Also, they are excellent for layering and don't bleed through most papers, making them ideal for bullet journaling.
What Customers Say
“I love these, I use them for bullet journaling and note taking. They don’t bleed through paper and the colors are beautiful.”
Stabilo BOSS Highlighters
Stabilo BOSS Highlighters are another solid choice, especially for those who prefer the traditional neon highlighter colors. These pens come with a chisel tip that offers two line widths, and the anti-dry-out technology ensures the highlighter can be left uncapped for hours without drying up.
The water-based ink is long-lasting and offers intense color payoff, meaning you won't have to go over lines multiple times. Despite the vibrant colors, the ink doesn't bleed through most journal papers.
What makes Stabilo BOSS stand out is their ergonomic shape, making them comfortable to hold for extended periods. Their durability and long-lasting ink supply make them a cost-effective choice for frequent journalers.
What Customers Say
“Perfect for bullet journaling. Love the colors, love the way they fit in your hand. Narrow or wide lines. Just perfect.”
Best Multipurpose Pens for Bullet Journals
Pilot G2 Pens
Pilot G2 pens are a staple in many offices and households for a reason. The gel ink formula provides a smooth, consistent writing experience, and the ink is resistant to smudging and bleeding. These qualities make it a versatile choice for bullet journaling.
The pen features a contoured rubber grip, ensuring you can write comfortably for extended periods. And the retractable tip makes it convenient for on-the-go journaling without worrying about losing a cap.
One more benefit of Pilot G2 pens is their refillable nature. The pen's long-lasting ink cartridges are easily replaceable, making it an eco-friendly option. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and tip sizes, giving you more options to personalize your bullet journal.
What Customers Say
“My favorite brand of pens! I bullet journal and even have multiple journals, these are by far my favorite to use!”
Uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens
If you're in search of a pen that combines the fluidity of fountain pens with the convenience of a ballpoint, the Uniball Vision Elite is your best bet. It employs a unique ink system that ensures consistent flow and intense color.
These pens come with a stylish and durable design, featuring a clip-cap that securely fastens to notebooks and pockets. The pen's stainless steel tip with tungsten carbide ball offers a dependable and smooth writing experience.
What sets this pen apart is its resistance to changes in pressure, temperature, and altitude, thanks to its 'Airplane Safe' technology. It's an ideal companion for frequent travelers who don't want to compromise on their journaling habits.
What Customers Say
“I love these pens, I use them for journaling and my agenda. They don't soak through the pages either, which I love.”
Best Fude Pens for Bujo
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens are a popular choice among bullet journal enthusiasts who love to include calligraphy or brush lettering in their layouts. The pen features a flexible brush tip that allows you to create both fine lines and bold strokes, making it versatile for various lettering and drawing styles.
The ink is both water-based and quick-drying, reducing the chances of smudging. This makes it ideal for double-page spreads where you don't want ink transferring from one page to another. The ink is also highly pigmented, offering vibrant colors that stand out on the page.
Best Brush Pens for Bullet Journaling
Tombow Dual Brush Pen
Tombow Dual Brush Pens are a staple in the bullet journaling community, mainly due to their dual-tip design. One end features a fine tip for detailed work, and the other end has a flexible brush tip for broader strokes, providing you with two pens in one.
The water-based ink is blendable, allowing you to create beautiful watercolor-like effects right in your journal. The ink is also acid-free, making it safe for archival-quality projects.
The range of colors available is another strong point. Whether you need pastels, primaries, or shades in between, there's likely a Tombow Dual Brush Pen that fits your needs. Their versatility and quality make them a favorite among bullet journalers of all skill levels.
Bonus: Watercolor-Compatible Pens for Creative Journaling
Pentel Aquash Water Brush Pens
Pentel Aquash Water Brush Pens are a game-changer for those who like to incorporate watercolor techniques into their bullet journaling. These pens have a brush tip that you can fill with water, allowing you to blend watercolor pencils or paints effortlessly.
The brush tip is flexible yet durable, providing fine control for both broad strokes and fine lines. They are also portable and leak-proof, perfect for journaling on the go.
The ability to control the water flow via a squeeze barrel gives you complete control over your watercoloring, enabling you to create beautiful, intricate layouts in your bullet journal.
What Customers Say
“I am absolutely loving these, perfect for bullet journaling!”
Best Pens for Bullet Journalling: A Comparison Chart
Let’s compare all the pens we have looked at in a handy table:
| Pen | Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOP PICK: SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens | Fineliner | Archival-quality ink, precise lines | All-around bullet journaling |
| STAEDTLER Pigment Liner Sketch Set of 6 Liners | Fineliner | Set of 6, lightfast and waterproof ink | Sketching & Outlining |
| Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens | Fineliner | Ergonomic design, wide color range | Coloring and Planning |
| Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers | Marker | Washable, versatile tip for thick and thin lines | Coloring & Kids |
| Paper Mate Felt Tip Pens Flair Marker Pens | Felt Tip Marker | Vibrant colors, fast-drying | Coloring & Detailing |
| Zebra Pen Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter Set | Highlighter | Double-ended, mild colors | Highlighting & Note-taking |
| STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel Highlighters | Highlighter | Pastel colors, chisel tip | Highlighting & Visual Planning |
| Pilot G2 Premium Gel Roller Pens | Gel Pen | Smooth ink flow, refillable | Writing & Note-taking |
| uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens | Rollerball | Waterproof, quick-drying | Writing & Business |
| Tombow Dual Brush Pens | Brush Pen | Dual-tip, blendable | Brush Lettering & Art |
| Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush | Water Brush | Refillable, versatile brush tip | Watercolor & Mixed Media |
Bullet Journaling: Additional Tips and Tricks
How to Test Pens for Smudging and Bleeding
When it comes to bullet journaling, choosing a pen that won't smudge or bleed through the paper is crucial. You can have the most artistic layouts and perfect handwriting, but smudging and bleeding can instantly ruin your hard work. So how do you test pens for these issues before committing to them?
Firstly, smudging is an issue that generally occurs when ink does not dry quickly enough, leading to unsightly marks if you accidentally touch or rub the writing.
To test for smudging, simply draw a line or write a word on the type of paper you'll be using for your bullet journal. Wait a couple of seconds and then lightly run your finger over it. If it smears, you know you have a pen prone to smudging.
Bleeding, on the other hand, happens when the ink seeps through the paper, making it visible on the other side. This is particularly problematic if you plan to write on both sides of the paper.
To test for bleeding, write a few words on a sheet from your journal and check the reverse side. If you can see the ink clearly, that pen is not suitable for your journal.
Lastly, bear in mind that smudging and bleeding can also be affected by the type of paper you're using. Some bullet journal aficionados prefer heavier paper stock precisely because it minimizes these issues. So when you're testing pens, make sure to use the same type of paper as in your bullet journal for the most accurate results.
Bullet journaling is not just a method of keeping your tasks, events, and notes organized; it's a way of life for many. The tools you use, particularly your pens, play a crucial role in your bullet journaling experience.
In this guide, I've provided a comprehensive list of the top 10 pens for different bullet journaling needs—be it fineliners, colored pens, fude pens, brush pens, felt tip pens, or highlighters. Each type of pen has its own unique characteristics, and what may work for one person may not be suitable for another.
My final recommendation is to consider your specific needs when choosing a pen. If you're someone who enjoys intricate doodles and precise lines, fineliners like the Sakura Pigma Micron or Staedtler Pigment Liner could be ideal for you. If vibrant colors or brush effects are more your style, options like the Tombow Dual Brush Pen or Zebra Mildliners might be better suited for your journaling needs. Always remember to test your chosen pens for smudging and bleeding to ensure they're compatible with your journal's paper.
Ultimately, the right pen can elevate your bullet journal from a mere collection of pages to a work of art that not only organizes your life but also serves as a creative outlet. Take the time to choose wisely, and you'll have a more fulfilling and seamless bullet journaling experience.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Got more questions about choosing the perfect pens for your bullet journal? We've got answers.
What are the best bullet journal pens?
The best bullet journal pens vary based on your needs, but popular options include Sakura Pigma Micron for finelining, Tombow Dual Brush Pen for brush lettering, and Zebra Mildliners for highlighting.
How do I choose the right pens for bullet journaling?
To choose the right pens, consider factors like the type of paper you're using, whether you need waterproof ink, and what styles of writing or drawing you'll be doing. Testing for smudging and bleeding can also help.
Are there pens suitable for various spreads in a bullet journal?
Yes, multipurpose pens like the Pilot G2 or Uniball Vision Elite are great for various spreads due to their high-quality ink and versatility.
What are some versatile pens for bullet journaling?
Pilot G2 Pens and Uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens are versatile options that offer smooth writing, quick-drying ink, and are suitable for various styles and paper types.
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About the Author
Andrew Macarthy has worked from home for over a decade. He is a social media consultant and the author of the #1 Amazon Web Marketing Bestseller, 500 Social Media Marketing Tips - with over 150,000 copies sold to date.
