When it comes to your bullet journal, having the best pens is one of the most important things you can have.
There’s a couple of types of pens you really do need. Black pens are great for outlining designs, drawing grids and layouts, and just plain adding content to your bullet journal.
Finding the perfect black pen is no easy feat though, which is why we have this detailed guide and what to think about when choosing a black pen for your journal.
The next is color. Color is equally important (and some say more fun) than black pens, but there are also many considerations to think about.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes a good pen for a pullet journal, and how to pick the best ones for your needs.
In This Guide
Picking the Best Pens for Bullet Journal
There’s a couple of things to think about to pick the best pens for a bullet journal.
- Color. Are you looking for some black pens or colored pens?
- Price. I like to have many pens, so sometimes I look for more economical options.
- Line width and thickness. How thick or thin do you want the lines when you write in your bullet journal.
- Bleeding. Of course, we don’t want to have our pens bleed through the pages of our bullet journal…don’t worry, none of the pens we talk about in this guide will bleed.
Now let’s take a closer lookout some pens.
Finding the Best Black Pens for Your Bullet Journal
When it comes to finding a pen for your bullet journal there are a couple of things you should really think bout.
First and foremost, is your bullet journal itself and what kind of paper it has. If you are still trying to pick the perfect journal, don’t miss our guide!
Some journals have thin paper, and some have thicker paper. Whatever the case these black pens will meet your needs for sure.
Next is the type of pen you want to use. There are so many different types! Rollerball and ballpoint pens, marker pens, water based pens, and fountain pens. We’re going to show you the best of each category no matter what type of pen you want to use.
Another think to think about is how many black pens you really need. The best black pen is really useful for more than just bullet journaling! Many of these pens come in large packs so you can always find one when you use it.
Some of the more specialized pens come in smaller packs. These are just things to think about to make sure you have enough black pens!
Finally is the tip or point of the pen. You may want thicker lines or thinner lines based on what you are doing in your bullet journal. This list has a little bit of everything!
Now, let’s take a look at these great bullet journal pens!
Best Black Pen for Bullet Journal
When it comes to creating new layouts, designs, or just recording information in your bullet journal, a black pen is essential.
There are many things to consider when picking the best black pen for your bullet journal, and this guide has a pen (or a whole pack of pens) that will help you meet your bullet journaling needs!
Sakura Pigma Pen Set, Black, Assorted Sizes
Sakura Pigma pens are a bullet journal go to. Their ink doesn't smear at all, and dries instantly.
This black set comes in a number of differnet tip sizes from smaller to larger, making them an ideal set for creating layouts, doodling, and adding detail.
If you buy just one black pen set for your bullet jourrnal, these are the ones to get!
Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen, Fine Line, Black Ink
This is one of the best black ballpoing pens around, making it a great choice for drawing grid lines or writing things down in your bullet joural.
It is a total workhorse, and lasts for quite a long time. You will love this pen so much it may become your favorite everyday pen!
Zebra F-301 Ballpoint Stainless Steel Retractable Pen, Fine Point, 0.7mm
If you are looking for a nice looking black pen, this one is not to be missed.
These Zebra pens have a nice stainless steel casing with a black grip. They are retractible, so there aren't any pen caps to lose.
They write nice and smooth, and are ideal for just about anything.
Platinum Fountain Pen, Preppy, Fine Nib, Black
If you are looking to get started with fountain pens The Platinum Preppy fountain pen is a great choice for getting started with your bullet journal.
It writes super smoothly, and has a nice thick black consistent line. Best of all it is an economical choice to start with, and is also refillable!
Pentel EnerGel Deluxe RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, 0.5mm
If you like gel pens, this black gel pen with a needle point tip is an excellent choice for your journal.
It writes nice and smoothe, and won't bleed through pages or smear. The very fine lines are great when it comes to recording things and creating layouts.
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Medium Point, Black, 10 Count - 1951640
Paper Mate InkjJoy pens are another go to pen when it comes to bullet journaling.
They dry super fast, which is of course one of the most important things.
The barrell of this pen is also slightly larger than many pens, making it more comfortable than the norm.
This is important when you are sitting down to doing a massive layout!
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
These black brush pens are essential for your lettering needs when it comes to your bullet journals.
These lettering pens feature a smaller tip than traditioanl brush pense. They are easy to write with, especially when it comes to writing in small areas, but making things pretty!
Bullet Journal Pens in Color
Now let’s switch gears and talk about bullet journal pens in color.
They are an important accessory, and really liven things up.
They come in many different shapes and forms such as:
- Markers for bullet journals
- Gel pens for bullet journals
- Brush pens for bullet journals
- Ballpoint pens for bullet journals
The list goes on and on. The good news is this list of colored bullet journal pens has a little bit of everything on it to help you find the most perfect one.
Best Bullet Journal Pens in Color
When it comes to the best pens for bullet journals, we all know we need a little color! Whether it be for a heading, a grid, a deisgn, filling in grids...whatever, a little bit of color goes a long way.
Let's take a look at the best bullet journal pens in various colors.
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
These Tombow Dual Brush Pens are the gold standard when it comes to bullet journaling. One end is a brush pen perfect for lettering, and the other end has a fine point.
If you're using a smaller bullet journal, the brush may be a bit thicks, so read on for some more suggestions.
The best part of these brush pens for bullet journals is they come in so many variety of colors you are bound to find the colors that suit your mood perfectly. They really are the best bullet journal markers!
Tombow Fudenosuke Colors Set
If you have a smaller form factor bullet journal (I'm looking at you Hobonichi fans), these Tombow Fudenosuke brush colored pens are a must have.
The have a finer, harder brush tip which makes them great to use for lettering, or just writing out headings, even for smaller areas.
These are hands down the best brush pens for a bullet journal.
Sakura Pigma Micron pens 05 line Drawing 8 Color Set
If you are looking for anohter fine tip option that won't smudge, these Sakura Pigma Micron pens are a great option.
In fact, they are some of the gold standards when it comes to bullet journaling with their archival quality ink since they are smudge proof and fade proof.
This is a great getting started pack, and they are also available in many diffferent line thicknesses.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens, .3mm
I stumbled across these Staedtler pens by accident, and it was a very happy accident!
These ultra find .3mm pens are fantastic for simply writing, or drawing out grids and other layouts in your bullet journal.
They also do not smudge or smear.
They are however triangular in shape, which some people may not like.
BIC Cristal Xtra Bold Fashion Ballpoint Pen
If you are a fan of ball point pens, this is the option for you! Nothing can beat a classic ball point Bic pen, and this pack is full of vibrant color to help you with your bullet journaling. They are also very economical.
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, Fine Point
If you are fan of gel pens, then these colored pens are for you and your bullet journal.
These a fantastic all around gel pens that comes in a multitude of colors.
They also do not smudge or smear, which every gel pen lover knows is very importaint!
Journal Planner Pens Colored Pens
This is an economical option if you are looking for lots of color with a small price tag.
They write great, and are a fantastic set, and come with a huge variety of colors for your bullet journal.