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The Daily Insight

Why do journals have dotted pages?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on March 16, 2026

With a dotted page, you have the added benefit of being able to break out of lined text into doodles or sketches when the mood takes you. Or you can box off different parts of the page so you can capture ideas in a non-linear way.

Accordingly, why are bullet journals dotted?

A dotted notebook is a great way to keep track of plans by drawing calendars that work for you. Whether that's daily, weekly, monthly, or all three, it's up to you. Thanks to the dots, it's easy to draw neat lines and separate the page where you want, so you can create the size and format of planner you need.

Similarly, how do you make a dotted Journal? If you take a look at the dot grid, you'll notice the dots are lined up both vertically and horizontally. To write in a dot grid journal, pretend the dots are lines and use a row of dots as a horizontal line. After you've finished writing on a dot-row, you can go to the next row or skip a row if you like.

Also to know, do bullet journals have to be dotted?

Bullet journaling can be done in any notebook, including lined journals (which you probably have laying around anyway) and blank journals. The origination of the bullet journal actually has nothing to do with the dots on the page.

Is Dot journaling the same as bullet journaling?

If you don't know what that is, dot journaling is, simply put, making a lot of bullet point lists. A bullet journal is broken down into modules. You start with your 'future' module, which is an overlook at the year ahead. Then you have any ongoing tasks you'd like to track like a reading list or a budget plan.

Related Question Answers

Can a bullet Journal be a diary?

Yes, you can use your bullet journal as a diary! That's the beauty of a bujo, it allows you to write anything you want whenever you want. Bullet journals are a method of logging all of your information in one place while using the index pages to keep it all organized.

Which is better Moleskine or Leuchtturm?

Moleskines have more signatures – more groups of pages, each with fewer leaves – which should mean they open flatter and stay 'tight' longer. Leuchtturm paper is thicker and better quality, but the paper finish is very similar to Moleskine.

How long does a bullet Journal last?

6 -12 months

What size journal is best?

1. Size of Journal
  • Micro: 70 x 90 mm | 2.75″ x 3.625″
  • Mini: 95 x 140 mm | 4″ x 5.5″
  • Midi: 120 x 170 mm | 5″ x 7″
  • Slim: 90 x 180 mm | 3.75″ x 7″
  • Ultra: 180 x 230 mm | 7″ x 9″
  • Grande: 210 x 300 mm | 8.25″ x 11.75″

What is the best bullet Journal for beginners?

Read on to find the best bullet journals to buy today.
  • Best Overall: Lemome Eco-Friendly Cork Hardcover Notebook.
  • Best for Beginners: Poluma Dotted Grid Notebook.
  • Runner-Up, Best Overall: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook.
  • Best Cult Favorite: Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Notebook.
  • Best Spiral Bound: BookFactory Ghost Grid Dot Journal.

How much is a bullet Journal?

Here are the best bullet journals you can buy:
Brand Price
Pagerage $7
Dotted Grid Journal $8
iBayam $9
Moleskine $16

What size is a bullet Journal?

What size bullet journal should I get? Bullet journals range in a wide variety of sizes from mini approximately 3 x 4” to large 8 x 10” (nearly the size of a sheet of paper). However, when choosing the right size for you, it's important to consider your lifestyle.

What can I use for a bullet Journal?

Want more information?
  • Leuchtturm 1917 A5 Dot-grid Notebook. These are the most popular notebooks in the Bullet Journal Community, and for good reason.
  • Sharpie Fine Point Pens. This is the basic black pen I use for most of my writing in my journal.
  • Tombow Dual Brush Markers.
  • Staedtler Fineliners.
  • Papermate Flair Markers.

What is the use of dotted notebook?

A dotted notebook is the right choice for keeping your handwriting neat or creating a customised planner – as it's easier to draw straight lines and create separations in the pages as you please. And it gives you more freedom than a lined notebook because the dots are not as obtrusive, so you can be more creative.

What is dot grid paper?

When comes to bullet journal paper, there is no better choice than the dot grid pages. The dotted grid pattern features dots that provide guidance which ruled & blank pages couldn't, and are not in the way as to be distracting as the solid grid pages do.

What's the best journaling app?

Arguably the most comprehensive journal app available, Day One Journal lets you create entries with words and photos, then easily look back at tagged posts, favorited posts, or posts from one year ago.

How do you make a dot grid on Microsoft Word?

Click Design > Page Color in the ribbon, and then select “Fill Effects” in the drop-down menu. Click “Pattern” to see the various patterns you can apply as a background for your document. To create the dot grid effect, select either “Dotted Grid” or “Large Grid” in the second row.

What goes on the first page of a bullet Journal?

Write Current Year

If you plan to start it in the middle of the year, you can always write two years. If it's your second notebook this year – just add part two. I find that this is the most useful front page for Bullet Journal and in the future, it'll be pretty helpful to sort out my journals.

Where can I buy a bullet Journal?

9 Best Bullet Journals to Buy for Your Most Productive Year Ever
  • Best Overall Bullet Journal. 1917 Dotted Notebook.
  • BEST VALUE BULLET JOURNAL. Dotted Grid Notebook.
  • 3 The Set. Dot Journaling amazon.com.
  • 4 Dot Grid Notebook. A5 amazon.com.
  • 5 Classic Dotted Notebook.
  • 6 Dotted Travel Journal.
  • 7 Dotted Notebook.
  • 8 Polka Dot Journal.

Who invented bullet journaling?

Ryder Carroll

What are dot journals?

As a daily journal

Just use the horizontal dots the way you'd use lines in a ruled notebook. It may take a little practice, but you'll be into the swing of it after a line or two. With a dotted page, you have the added benefit of being able to break out of lined text into doodles or sketches when the mood takes you.

How do I create a 2020 bullet Journal?

Step by Step to start your Bullet Journal
  1. Step 1: Get The Necessary Supplies. To its core functionality, you can start a bullet journal with 2 things: a notebook and a pen.
  2. Step 2: Choose your Collections.
  3. Step 3: Start Your Index Page.
  4. Step 4: Start Your Logging.
  5. Step 5: Adjust and Maintain.

Can you start a bullet Journal in the middle of the year?

When it comes to bullet journaling, there is no specific time or date to start! You can start a bullet journal in the middle of the year, middle of the month, or even middle of the week. Since you are starting with a blank notebook, it doesn't matter when you start a bullet journal.

How do you start a beginner Journal?

What to write in a journal
  1. Write about what you did for the day.
  2. Write about what scares you.
  3. Journal about your goals for the next five years.
  4. Jot down your ultimate dreams.
  5. Write about decisions you need to make.
  6. Write about what you will do for the day ahead.