Buying Guide for the Best Markers For Bullet Journal
Choosing the right markers for your bullet journal is about finding tools that match your creative needs, writing style, and the kind of layouts you want to create. With so many marker types available, it’s important to pay attention to a few key features to ensure that you both enjoy using your markers and get results that look great on paper. Getting familiar with these specs helps you make an informed choice based on your journaling goals, whether you’re aiming for colorful artwork, neat organizing, or just easy note-taking.Tip TypeThe tip type refers to the shape and hardness of the marker’s writing tip, such as fine, bullet, brush, or chisel. This spec matters because it determines the kind of lines you can draw—fine tips are great for detailed writing and tiny notes, while brush tips allow for creative calligraphy and varied line thicknesses. Think about whether you generally write, doodle, or decorate more—if you mainly want to keep everything neat, go for fine or bullet tips. If you love hand lettering or drawing, brush tips add versatility.
Ink TypeInk type tells you whether the marker uses water-based, alcohol-based, or oil-based ink, each affecting how the ink behaves on paper. Water-based inks are less likely to bleed through pages and are good for layering colors, whereas alcohol-based inks are more vivid but can bleed through thinner paper. Oil-based markers are rare but more permanent. Bullet journal paper is often thin, so if you want minimal bleed-through or ghosting, water-based markers are safest, while coloring enthusiasts may prefer alcohol-based ones if the paper is thick enough.
Color RangeColor range is the number of colors available in a marker set. A larger range offers more options for creativity, but might be overwhelming if you only need a few basic shades. If your journal is simple and focused on organizing, a small set with black and few colors for highlighting might be enough. However, if you enjoy artful spreads, illustrations, or shading, a broader palette lets you create diverse and vibrant layouts.
Dry TimeDry time describes how quickly the marker ink dries on the page. Fast-drying markers reduce the risk of smudging, which is crucial if you’re left-handed or tend to work quickly. Markers with slower dry times are easier to blend but require more patience. If you prioritize clean pages and little waiting time, aim for quick-dry markers—if your style includes blending colors or effects, a slower dry time might actually be beneficial.
Bleed-Through and GhostingBleed-through is when marker ink soaks completely through the paper, while ghosting is when you can faintly see the writing on the other side. These issues depend on both the marker and the paper, but are important for those who use both sides of a page. Seek out markers marketed as low-bleed or check reviews if you want to be sure your journal stays neat—especially if your journal uses thinner paper.
Refillable or DisposableThis tells you whether you can refill the marker with more ink or need to purchase new ones when they run out. Refillable markers are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time, while disposable ones are simple and require no extra maintenance. If you’re committed to sustainability or expect to use your markers heavily, refills could be a helpful feature, but for occasional, low-maintenance use, disposables may be more convenient.