Best Notebooks for Bullet Journaling

This guide to the best notebooks for bullet journaling is really about features. You can use almost any notebook for the Bullet Journal method, but some notebooks make the system easier because they include page numbers, an index, bookmarks, good paper, and layouts that support future logs and collections.

The video compares several options, with the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal and Dingbats standing out as the two strongest recommendations. It also covers alternatives such as GLP Creations, especially for people who care about fountain pen paper.

Quick verdict

The best all-around bullet journal notebook is still the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal if you are new to the system. It includes guidance, an index, future log pages, page numbers, stickers, and three bookmarks. Dingbats is the stronger paper-quality pick, especially if you want thicker paper and very low bleed-through. GLP Creations is the Tomoe River choice for fountain pen fans who like thin paper.

What makes a notebook good for bullet journaling?

Bullet journaling is a list management system: tasks, events, appointments, notes, and collections all live in one notebook. That means the notebook does not need to be fancy, but it does need to support navigation. Page numbers and an index are more useful than decorative extras.

Bookmarks also help more than people expect. One bookmark can stay on your current daily log, another can mark a monthly or future log, and a third can point to an active collection. Good paper matters too, because bullet journals often get used with lots of pens, highlighters, and repeated page flipping.

Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal

The official Bullet Journal notebook is designed with Ryder Carroll and Leuchtturm1917, so it includes the most beginner-friendly setup. You get the key guide, instructions, index pages, future log pages, numbered dot-grid pages, three bookmarks, and archive stickers for when the notebook is complete.

It has 249 pages and 80 gsm paper. The paper is not the thickest option, but it is practical and widely liked. If you are just starting and want the least confusing path into bullet journaling, this is the safest choice.

Dingbats notebook

Dingbats is the other standout. It has a dot-grid layout, numbered pages, an index, bookmarks, and a pocket in the back, but the paper is the big selling point. The video highlights Dingbats as having some of the best paper in the comparison, with very little ghosting and no obvious bleed-through in the writing sample.

The notebook has around 185 pages and 100 gsm paper, so it has fewer pages than the Leuchtturm but a sturdier writing feel. It also has page markers that can be used with color coding, which is a nice feature for collections or category tracking.

GLP Creations Author notebook

The GLP Creations Author notebook is different because it uses Tomoe River paper. That makes it attractive for fountain pen users who want ink-friendly paper and do not mind very thin pages. Tomoe River paper usually means more ghosting, but very good fountain pen behavior.

This is probably not the first notebook I would recommend to a total beginner, but it is a strong option for people who know they love Tomoe River paper and want a bullet-journal-style notebook with numbered pages.

Best use cases

The official Bullet Journal notebook is best if you want the system explained inside the notebook itself. That makes it especially useful for first-time users, students, or anyone who wants a clean setup without building every page from scratch.

Dingbats is better if you already understand the method and care more about writing feel. The thicker paper makes it more comfortable for people who use heavier pens, markers, or fountain pens, while the page numbers and index still keep it practical for collections and long-term tracking.

GLP Creations is more niche, but it makes sense for writers and fountain pen users who love Tomoe River paper. It is not as beginner-focused, but it can be a beautiful everyday notebook if you like thin paper and do not mind ghosting.

Pros and cons

How to choose

If you are brand new, choose the official Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal because it removes the most guesswork. If paper quality is your top priority, choose Dingbats. If fountain pen ink behavior matters more than opacity, look at GLP Creations or another Tomoe River notebook.

If you do not like dot grid, do not force it. The Bullet Journal method is flexible enough to work in lined notebooks too. The key is finding a notebook you will actually use every day.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

The best bullet journal notebook depends on how you use the system. If you want guidance and structure, the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal is still the easiest pick. If you care more about paper, Dingbats may be more satisfying. If you love fountain pens, Tomoe River options like GLP Creations are worth considering.

Ultimately, the notebook should support the habit, not complicate it. Page numbers, an index, and paper you enjoy using will matter more than chasing the perfect setup.