This post contains affiliate links which means that if you purchase something through one of my links, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this website.
Bullet journaling has become a popular and creative way to organize one’s life, set goals, and express personal creativity.
At the heart of this organizational system lies the pen or marker, the essential tool that brings ideas to life on the pages of a bullet journal.
The perfect pen or marker can make a significant difference in the overall journaling experience, enhancing both functionality and artistic expression.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of pens and markers specifically designed for bullet journaling (Curious about glass pens? See our ultimate guide here).
We will delve into the qualities that make these writing instruments stand out from the rest and provide you with a curated selection of some of the best options available.
Whether you are a seasoned bullet journal enthusiast or a beginner looking to dive into this creative journey, this article will help you find the perfect tools to transform your bullet journal into a work of art! Let’s get started.
What Is Bullet Journaling?
Before we get into the best pens and markers, let’s first take a quick look at exactly what bullet journaling is.
Bullet journaling is a flexible and customizable organizational system that combines elements of a planner, diary, to-do list, and journal.
It was created by Ryder Carroll as a way to simplify and streamline the process of keeping track of tasks, events, and personal goals.
The main concept behind bullet journaling is to use bullet points and symbols to organize information in a concise and efficient manner.
Bullet journaling offers a versatile and adaptable system for organizing one’s life, combining functionality with personal creativity.
It has gained popularity among individuals seeking a method that goes beyond traditional planners, providing a holistic approach to planning, productivity, and self-discovery.
The Best Pens And Markers For Bullet Journaling
Let’s now get into our list of fifteen particularly noteworthy options for the best pens and markers for bullet journaling.
1. Stabilo Point 88 Fine Liners
These fine-tipped fineliners offer precise and consistent lines, making them suitable for intricate detailing, writing, and drawing necessary for bullet journaling.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bullet journaler, Stabilo Point 88 Fine Liners offer reliable performance and vibrant colors to enhance your journaling experience.
Their fine tip, color variety, and durability make them a popular choice for those seeking precision and versatility in their bullet journaling tools.
Pros
- Precise and consistent lines
- Wide range of colors
- Water-based and smudge-proof ink
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Limited tip size options
- Not ideal for heavy coloring
2. Paper Mate Felt Tip Flair Pens
Paper Mate Flair Pens are highly regarded among bullet journaling enthusiasts for their unique features that make them well-suited for this creative organizational practice.
These pens are a popular choice for bullet journaling due to their smooth writing, vibrant colors, quick-drying ink, durability, and comfortable grip.
They provide an excellent balance of functionality and creativity, helping you bring your bullet journal to life with expressive and colorful elements.
Pros
- Smooth and consistent writing
- Vibrant and bold colors
- Quick during ink
- Long-lasting performance
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Paper Mate Flair Pens typically have a medium tip size (around 0.7mm), which may not be suitable for intricate details or very fine writing. If you prefer finer lines or need to add intricate designs to your bullet journal, you may need to supplement with pens that have smaller tip sizes.
3. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
Sakura Pigma Micron pens are beloved among artists, designers, and bullet journal enthusiasts for their exceptional quality and performance.
These pens are known for their archival ink, fine tips, and versatile applications.
These pens also offer the precision and reliability needed to bring your bullet journal to life with detailed and vibrant elements.
Pros
- Archival quality ink
- Fine and precise tips
- Consistent ink flow
- Versatile applications
- Various colors
Cons
- The fine tips of Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are delicate and can be susceptible to damage if used with excessive pressure or on rough surfaces. It is important to handle them with care to avoid damaging the tips.
4. Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Tombow Dual Brush Pens feature a unique design with dual tips. One end has a flexible brush tip, which allows for smooth, precise strokes and versatile line thickness.
The other end has a fine bullet tip, which is perfect for more detailed work, outlining, and writing.
Tombow Dual Brush Pens offer a wide range of creative possibilities in bullet journaling, including colorful headers, illustrations, hand lettering, and decorative elements.
Their dual-tip design, blendable ink, and extensive color range make them a popular choice among artists and bullet journal enthusiasts seeking vibrant and versatile tools.
Pros
- Dual tip design
- Vibrant and blendable colors
- Smooth and fluid application
- Acid-free and non-toxic
Cons
- High price
- Limited fine-tip precision
5. Sakura Gelly Roll Pens
Sakura gelly roll pens are high-quality gel pens known for their smooth ink flow, vibrant colors, and unique effects.
These pens have gained a strong following among artists, crafters, and bullet journaling enthusiasts.
The Sakura gelly roll pens offer a fun and creative way to enhance your bullet journal spreads and add a touch of personality to your pages.
Pros
- Smooth and consistent ink flow
- Special effects options
- Versatile
- Quick drying
- Fade-resistant
- Acid-free
- Archival quality
- Vibrant color range
Cons
- Limited durability
- Limited tip sizes
6. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens are a popular choice for bullet journaling due to their precise and fine tip, vibrant colors, and ergonomic design.
They offer a reliable and enjoyable writing and drawing experience, making them a popular choice among bullet journal enthusiasts seeking fine-tipped pens.
Pros
- Fine and precise lines
- Vibrant colors
- Ergonomic design
- Fade-resistant ink
- Quick drying
- Smudge-proof
- Compatibility with different papers
Cons
- Potential tip fraying
7. Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens
These next pens are an affordable and convenient option for fountain pen enthusiasts, including those interested in using them for bullet journaling.
These pens offer the smooth and elegant writing experience associated with fountain pens.
They provide a consistent ink flow and a pleasant gliding sensation on the paper, allowing for a comfortable writing experience.
Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pens offer an affordable and accessible option for those interested in experiencing the smooth writing of a fountain pen.
They provide a convenient and user-friendly solution for bullet journaling, allowing you to add a touch of elegance and style to your journal without the need for maintenance or high costs.
Pros
- The perfect fountain pen experience
- Convenient and easy to use
- Affordable
- Smooth writing performance
Cons
- Limited ink capacity
- Not suitable for all paper types
8. Zebra Mildliner Highlighters
Zebra Mildliner Highlighters have gained popularity among bullet journaling enthusiasts for their unique features and versatile application.
These pens combine highlighting and writing functionalities whilst also offering soft colors, dual tip design, and gentle ink, making them a favorite among those seeking a more aesthetic and creative approach to highlighting and color-coding in their bullet journals.
Pros
- Soft and subtle colors
- Dual tip design
- Double-sided colors
- Water-based ink
- Minimal bleed through
- Quick drying
- Smudge resistant
Cons
- The soft and subtle colors of Zebra Mildliner Highlighters may not be as vibrant or attention-grabbing as traditional neon highlighters. If you prefer more intense color saturation, these highlighters may not meet your preferences.
- Not ideal for dark paper
- An expensive choice (Is it worth it to spend more and splurge on a planner? Find out here)
9. Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pens
Another popular choice of pens for bullet journaling, the Uni-Ball Signo gel pens offer a smooth writing experience and vibrant ink colors.
These pens allow you to add color, creativity, and precision to your journal entries, enhancing the overall aesthetic and organization of your bullet journal.
Pros
- Smooth writing
- Quick drying
- Vibrant and eye-catching colors
- Archival quality Ink
- Pigment based ink
- Versatile tip sizes
Cons
- Potential bleeding on certain papers
- Expensive
10. Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
These next pens are widely recognized for their high-quality ink and versatile application in various artistic endeavors, including bullet journaling.
With their blendability, waterproof nature, and smudge-proof qualities, they provide a reliable and versatile toolset for creative expression in your bullet journal.
Pros
- Archival quality
- Pigment-based Ink
- Range of tip sizes
- Smudge-proof
- Quick drying
- Consistent Ink Flow
- Wide color selection
- Blendable and layerable
Cons
- Potential bleeding and feathering
- Expensive
11. Crayola Super Tips Markers
Crayola Super Tips Markers are versatile tools that can be a great addition to your bullet journaling toolkit.
As well as being cost-effective, they also offer options for adding color, creativity, and visual interest to your bullet journal.
These pens are beginner-friendly, accessible to users of all ages, and provide a range of colors and line widths to suit your bullet journaling needs.
Pros
- Vibrant and diverse color range
- Dual tip design
- Blendability
- Suitable for different paper types
- Easy to use and control
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited precision
- Potential bleeding and ghosting
12. Paper Mate Gel Pens
Paper Mate gel pens are a popular choice for bullet journaling due to their smooth ink flow, vibrant colors, and comfortable writing experience.
They can be a reliable tool for adding creativity and visual appeal to your bullet journal entries.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile
- Acid-free ink
- Variety of tip sizes
- Bold colors
- Quick drying ink
Cons
- Potential ink smearing on certain papers
13. Pentel Fude Brush Pen
The Pentel Fude Brush Pen is a popular tool for bullet journaling, especially for those who enjoy creating brush lettering or adding artistic elements to their journal.
Whether you’re creating beautiful brush lettering or adding artistic touches to your pages, this brush pen can enhance the visual appeal of your bullet journal entries.
Pros
- Brush like strokes
- Artistic choice
- Water-based ink
- Pigment-based ink option
- Easy to use
- Blendability
Cons
- Using a brush pen like the Pentel Fude Brush Pen requires some practice and control to achieve desired results, especially if you’re new to brush lettering or using brush pens. It may take time to get accustomed to applying the right amount of pressure and mastering brush techniques.
14. Sharpie Fine Marker Pens
Sharpie Fine Marker Pens are a commonly used tool for bullet journaling due to their versatility, vibrant colors, and long-lasting ink.
They can be a reliable option when it comes to adding color, organization, and creativity to your bullet journal entries.
Pros
- Precise, fine tips
- Vibrant colors
- Quick drying ink
- Versatile
- Permanent ink that adheres well to different types of paper
Cons
- The ink of Sharpie Fine Marker Pens is highly pigmented, which can sometimes lead to bleed-through on thinner or more porous paper.
15. Kelly Creates Metallic Brush Pens
Kelly Creates Metallic Brush Pens are a popular choice for bullet journaling, especially for those who want to add a touch of shimmer and metallic flair to their journal pages.
Whether you’re creating elegant headers, embellishing illustrations, or adding decorative elements, these pens can elevate the visual appeal of your journal pages and bring a touch of metallic magic to your bullet journaling experience.
Pros
- Metallic finish
- Brush tip
- Smooth application
- Blendability
- Acid-free ink
Cons
- Metallic inks can sometimes behave differently on different types of paper. Some papers may not handle the metallic ink as well, resulting in potential smearing, slower drying times, or bleed-through.
16. Dingbats Atopen Twin Tip Brush Pens
Dingbats Atopen Twin Tip Brush Pens are a popular choice among bullet journal enthusiasts for their versatility and vibrant colors.
They are especially well suited for those who enjoy brush lettering and adding expressive elements with bright colors to their bullet journaling.
Pros
- Twin tips
- Vibrant colors
- Good color coverage
- Water-based ink
- Quick drying ink
- Acid-free and non-toxic
- Often comes with a storage case or pouch
Cons
- Some users have reported that the brush tips of Dingbats Atopen Twin Tip Brush Pens can be a bit stiff compared to other brush pens, which may affect the flexibility and responsiveness of the brush strokes.
Buyers Guide
When it comes to selecting pens and markers for bullet journaling, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right tools for your needs.
With this in mind, we have put together a handy buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get into it.
Tip Type
Consider the type of tip you prefer for your bullet journaling. Some popular options include fine liners, brush pens, gel pens, and markers.
Each tip type offers different characteristics and effects, so choose based on your personal preference and the style of your bullet journal.
Ink Quality
Look for pens and markers with high-quality ink that is vibrant, long-lasting, and quick-drying.
Avoid pens that smudge easily or have inconsistent ink flow, as these can affect the overall appearance of your journal.
Line Width Options
If you prefer varied line widths in your bullet journaling, consider pens and markers that offer different tip sizes or brush pens with flexible tips for creating thick and thin strokes.
Having options allows you to create depth and variation in your designs.
Color Selection
Determine the color palette that suits your bullet journaling style. Some pens and markers come in a wide range of colors, while others have more limited options.
Consider whether you prefer a specific color range, such as pastels, metallics, or vibrant hues, and choose accordingly.
Paper Compatibility
Pay attention to how the pens and markers perform on different types of paper. Some may bleed through or feather on thinner paper, while others work well on a variety of surfaces.
Opt for pens and markers that are compatible with your chosen journal paper to prevent smudging and ensure clean lines.
Durability
Consider the durability and longevity of the pens and markers. Look for pens with a good ink supply or markers that are refillable to minimize the need for frequent replacements.
Ergonomics
Choose pens and markers that feel comfortable in your hand, especially if you plan on using them for extended periods.
Ergonomic grips and balanced designs can reduce hand fatigue and enhance your overall journaling experience.
Price
Set a budget for your pen and marker purchases. Consider the quality, versatility, and lifespan of the tools when comparing prices.
Remember that investing in high-quality pens and markers can lead to better results and a more enjoyable journaling experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pens and markers for bullet journaling is essential for creating beautiful, organized, and personalized journal entries.
While personal preferences may vary, the pens and markers we have discussed are standout options that consistently receive positive reviews from bullet journal enthusiasts.
When choosing pens and markers for bullet journaling, consider factors such as tip type, ink quality, color selection, paper compatibility, durability, and ergonomics.
Reading reviews and recommendations from other bullet journal enthusiasts can also provide valuable insights.
Remember, finding the best pens and markers for your bullet journaling journey is a personal process.
Experimenting with different brands and styles will help you discover the tools that align with your preferences and enhance your creativity.
Ultimately, the best pens and markers for bullet journaling are the ones that inspire you to create and enjoy the process of journaling.
We hope that we have helped you on your way to choosing the best pen or marker for your bullet journal experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, some pens and markers, like Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Kelly Creates Metallic Brush Pens, have blendable inks that allow you to create gradients and blend different colors together.
Pens and markers with fine tips or brush tips, such as Sakura Pigma Micron Pens, Tombow Dual Brush Pens, Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, and Pentel Fude Brush Pens, are well-suited for intricate designs and lettering.
Some pens and markers, like Stabilo Point 88 Fine Liners, Paper Mate Flair Pens, and Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pens, work well on various types of paper.
However, it’s important to test the pens on your specific journal paper to ensure compatibility