The Best Bullet Journal Pens
Looking for the best pens for bullet journals that don’t smudge, ghost, or bleed? You are in the right place! We have a list here with the best bullet journal pens to write in your notebook. Some of the best pens for bullet journaling might come with a price but they are worth it, plus there are many budget options in our list of best bujo pens too!
If you have been into Bujo for a little while then you probably already have quite a collection of bullet journal pens.
Of course, if you are anything like myself and my other stationery fan friends you can never have enough journaling supplies, especially journaling pens!
For those that are new to Bullet Journaling, it can be overwhelming to find the best pens for journaling.
You might have heard of people talking about ghosting and bleeding and have no idea what exactly they are (other than sounding like you just walked into a Horror movie convention), or what they have to do with pens.
I’ve tried to make this guide to suit both the bujo novice and those that are looking to add just one more pen to their extensive collection (well, that’s what I always tell myself anyway).
I hope you find this list of best pens for planners and bullet journals helpful. If you have a favorite that I haven’t included, I would love for you to get in touch and let me know.
I am always on the lookout for the best bullet journal supplies!
Finding the best pen for a bullet journal
Before you get too excited about buying 10 of the best bullet journal markers ever, I just wanted to remind you that Bullet Journaling is more than having the perfect stationery.
Granted, a lush pen does make journaling more fun and enjoyable but it won’t make you stick to a bullet journal system.
The good news about this is that choosing your bullet journal supplies doesn’t have to be stressful.
That amazing washi tape isn’t going to make you a better journaler. Only your mindset and daily practices will do that.
So, with that in mind, have fun picking stationery! It will all be trial and error to find out what you love to use that makes your bujo journey more joyful.
What are Bleeding and Ghosting
One of the most popular questions I get is “what are the best pens for bullet journal that don’t bleed?”
When we talk about pens bleeding, we mean that the ink from a pen soaks into the paper. This often ruins both sides of a page and makes it difficult to read.
It’s hard to say that you can find the best pens that don’t bleed because it is a combination of both paper and pen that causes bleeding.
A pen might cause bleeding on one type of paper and not on another. The difference lies in the paper thickness and the ‘protective layer’ that may exist or not on a paper.
The best way to prevent bleeding is to use good quality paper along with good pens for bullet journaling. One of my favorite journals with amazing paper quality is the Rhodia Bullet Journal Dotted Notebook that you can get here.
For other Journals and notebooks head over to my post on my favorite Bullet Journal Supplies.
Ghosting is less of a problem than bleeding and is where you can faintly see writing or doodles through a page. Again this can be minimized with good quality paper and pens that don’t bleed through paper.
However, avoiding ghosting completely is almost impossible unless you use notebooks with very thick paper and hardly ever play with colored markers, but what is the fun in that?
We are all looking for bullet journal pens that don’t bleed and ghost but we can’t forget about smooth writing either. So read on for our tips on the best pens for your journal or planner.
Best Fineliners for Bullet Journal
The fineliners are one of the most popular pens people use in the bullet journal and the reason is simply that it tends to smudge less than a gel pen on paper.
It dries almost instantly and the top brands of bujo pens feature ink that doesn’t bleed or ghost.
So what is the best black pen for a bullet journal? Read below to find out!
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Sakura Pigma Micron
The Pigma Micron ink pens are one of the best black pens for bullet journal doodling and drawing.
They are filled with archival ink pigment which is waterproof, therefore these pens don’t bleed through the paper or smear when you use highlighter markers.
It is my absolute favorite, I don’t function without these pens!
For the longest time, I only used these pens but I have come across other brands that have just as good pens and I will list them below, however, the truth is you cannot go wrong with the Pigma Microns!
Get your Pigma Micron pen here!
- Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof,...
- Includes 6 black ink Pigma Micron pens in point sizes 005...
- Pigma Micron ink is pH neutral, quick drying, and approved...
- Single pigment ink prevents color variations; pens feature...
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Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Fineliner
Another excellent choice if you are looking for a smooth black pen for your journal that doesn’t bleed.
Faber-Castell produces excellent pens and these come with India ink which is also bright and waterproof.
I have this set that comes with 3 size nibs and a brush pen. The brush pen from this set is better than the brush pen that came with my Pigma Micron set (but the fineliners are just as good).
The price is a little higher than the Sakura pens though, but you will be fine with either of these great brands.
Get your Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens here!
- High-quality pigments of unequalled brilliance
- Light-fast and waterproof
- Brush point provides maximum flexibility
- Reliable and even flow of ink
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Staedtler Pigment Liner
This is another popular German brand with high-quality pens.
The document ink is also waterproof and lightfast which means it is not prone to discolor when exposed to light.
The Staedtler pens come in a better case than the other fineliners, like a way better case! I think it ends up being translated in the price though.
Get your Staedtler Pigment Liner Pens here!
- Fineliner for writing, sketching and drawing
- Long metal tip, ideal for use with rulers and templates
- Pigment ink, indelible, lightfast and waterproof
- Erasable when used on drafting paper, no bleeding when...
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Uni Pin Fine Line
I just recently bought the Uni Pins to test and have been happy so far. I have been a happy Uni-ball customer with the Signo Broad pens for a long time so not sure why I took so long to try the Uni Pin.
The coolest thing about the Uni Pin drawing set is that the pens come in shades other than black! You can get a set with black, dark grey, light grey, and sepia color fineliners.
You can also just get a set with all black pens as well. They all come with a document ink that is both water and fade-proof.
Click here to get your Uni Pin Fine Lines
- 6 black Uni Pin fibre tip pens
- This set of 6 Black Uni Pin Fineliners includes a 0.05mm,...
- Water-resistant, lightfast ink
- Long, metal-clad tip - especially suitable for use with...
Best Colored Pens for Writing in Planners
Finding the best-colored pens for journaling is a personal choice and very dependent on the journal you use and the paper quality of the book.
Below I share some of my favorite colored fine markers that don’t bleed through paper.
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Point 88 Fineliner
These Stabilo 88-point, 30 pack are a popular choice.
It comes with a set of 30 colors which is plenty to create pretty much any bullet journal spread you like!
- COMFORTABLE GRIP - The famous hexagonal body shape of the...
- METAL ENCLOSED TIP - The 0.4mm line width offers you a great...
- PRECISE - For drawing you can create intricate details; for...
- LONG CAP-OFF TIME - Thanks to the long cap-off time you...
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Staedtler Triplus Fineliners
Another option for best colored fineliners are Staedtler Triplus Fineliners as they are colored pens that don’t bleed through paper.
They come in the signature Staedtler pen case which is very practical for keeping your pens together or for on the move.
Get your Staedtler Triplus Fineliners here!
- Assembly Required: No, Ink Color: Assorted, Tip: 0.3mm Fine...
- Features: Acid-free Ink
- Sold as 1 pack
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Papermate Inkjoy
If you need some easy colorful pens for note-taking then try these Papermate Inkjoy. They are super affordable and can be found here.
If you like a good retractable ballpoint pen then this is the brand for you!
Get your Paper Mate Inkjoy here!
- Ultra-smooth ink keeps the fun and ideas flowing
- Reliable and fluid 1.0mm medium tip draw clean lines from...
- Retractable design is ready to write with just a satisfying...
- Colorful ink in 10 bright shades adds fun to every page
Best Fude Pens for Bujo
Fude pens are a type of brush pen used in East Asian calligraphy. They have either real brush tips or a soft felt tip similar to a marker and the nibs are fed by an ink reservoir.
These pens are great for when you need those thicker lush black lines with good ink flow but also precision.
Below are some of the best fudepen that don’t bleed.
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Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
Another great investment for good quality felt tip pens are Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens.
They are beautiful to use for lettering and headers. I also love how they are great art pens that don’t bleed when you use other pens with them like watercolors.
Get the two pen set here!- Contains both the soft and hard tip Fudenosuke Brush Pens
- Features a flexible brush tip for different lettering and...
- Create extra fine, fine or medium strokes by a change in...
- Great for calligraphy and art drawings
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Kuretake Fudegokochi
The Kuretake Fude Brush Pens are great, very easy to use and the hard nip one is excellent to try small letter calligraphy, but also great for drawing!
This set comes with three different nibs, hard and soft. The Kuretake doesn’t bleed through my journal but if I am drawing and end up saturating the color too much (going over the line again a few times with the brush) it might ghost.
Get your Kuretake Fude Brush Pen set here!
- [TIP] The hard, felt brush tip allows for variations in line...
- [VERSATILE] Perfect for hand lettering, brush calligraphy,...
- [EASY TO USE] Easy to handle and can be used like a regular...
- [INK] Rich, black, water-based pigment ink is...
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Pentel Fude Touch Sign
This set from Pentel comes with 3 different-sized nib pens. Perfect for anyone wanting to test what fude pen size they prefer to use.
Get your Pentel Fude Touch Sign set here!
- SESP15MA(Medium)
- SESP15FA(Fine)
- SESP15EFA(Extra Fine)
- 5 Colors Sticky Notes
Best Brush Pens for Bullet Journal
Now let’s talk about the non-bleeding brush pens that are perfect to color your bullet journal pages!
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Tombow Dual Brush Pen
If you are looking for acid-free pens in your search for bullet journal pens that don’t bleed, then a great option for art journaling pens is the Tombow dual brush pens.
You will find a set of these pens in nearly every Bullet Journal fans collection.
- Water-based pens ideal for coloring, fine art,...
- Set of 10 Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Flexible brush tip and fine tip in one marker.
- Brush tip works like a paintbrush to create fine, medium or...
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Faber Castell Pitt Brush Pens
Looking for something extra special for your art bullet journal? Then the Faber Castell Pitt Brush Pens are amazing!
These are more expensive than most other pens on this list but are worth every penny. Find out about them here
Get your Faber castell Pitt Brush pens here!
- WHAT IS IT: Faber Castell 167147 India ink PITT artist pen B...
- WHY USE IT: nk drawings have a very long artistic tradition....
- SPECIAL FEATURES:Pigmented drawing ink High light...
- COLOURS: Ivory (103), light yellow glaze (104), cadmium...
Best Felt Tip Pens and Markers for Bullet Journal
Apart from the brush pens, we can also color the bullet journal pages with normal felt tip pens and markers.
Here is my list of best markers for bullet journaling.
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Crayola pens
The good news when you are looking for markers that don’t bleed is that they don’t have to be expensive.
These Crayola pens are perfect for adding color to your journal and are fun for Bullet Journal fonts.
Click to find a great price on Crayloa pens here!
- CRAYOLA BROAD LINE MARKERS: Features 40 Crayola Ultra Clean...
- WASHABLE MARKERS: Each less-mess colored marker washes...
- COLORING MARKERS FOR KIDS: Choose from 40 unique colors to...
- ART MARKERS: Essential for any child’s artistic endeavors,...
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Crayola Supertips
Another great option is Crayola Supertips for bullet journals. They are finer than traditional markers and can also be used to do brush lettering.
See all the great colors you can choose from here!
- 100 CRAYOLA MARKERS: One 100ct pack of Crayola Super Tips...
- THICK & THIN LINES: Supertips Markers can make thick or thin...
- CRAYOLA COLORS: This bulk marker set features 100 different...
- WASHABLE MARKERS: Crayola Washable Markers are specially...
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Paper Mate Flair
Another popular felt tip pen set is the one from Papermate.
It has a rather fine felt tip point (0.7 millimeters) but will produce lines that are bright, bold, smudge-resistant!
It is a water based pen that won’t bleed through paper.
Get your Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens here!
- Add a blast of fun to all your writing with bright colors
- Medium Point felt tip (0.7mm) produces clear, expressive...
- Smear- and fade-resistant, so smudges are officially history
- Water-based ink won’t bleed through paper so your writing...
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Pilot FriXion pens
We all make mistakes. Don’t let it ruin your day or spread. Try these Pilot FriXion pens that are erasable!
Find out more here.
Attention though; because they are erasable they will fade if exposed to heat. So if your journal stays in the sun or inside a hot car you will lose your scribbles.
I only advise using them for things that you won’t mind eventually losing, such as page decoration.
Get your Pilot Frixion pens here!
Best Highlighters for Bullet Journal
Bullet journal highlighters are essential for easy organization… plus it is pretty satisfying getting to mark off those to-do lists with beautiful colored highlighters.
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Zebra mildliners
These Zebra mildliners are dual-tipped. Making them really versatile for your spreads. Check out my mildliners review here!
Check out the beautiful pastel colour range here.
- Versatile creative tool! With a broad chisel tip at one end...
- Bring your bullet journal or Bible study to life! Zebra Pen...
- Layer ink for extra creativity! Translucent, water-resistant...
- Cue the hues with assorted colors! With a color-coded clip...
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Stabilo BOSS highlighters
One of the best pastel pens is these Stabilo BOSS highlighters in gorgeous pastel hues. The good news is that they aren’t expensive! Find prices here.
Get your Stabilo Boss highlighter here!
- Full Range set of 6 Stabilo Boss Original Pastel...
- Ultra Soft Chisel Tip 2-5mm
- Large Ink Reservoir for Extra-Long Highlighting Performance
- 4 Hour Anti-Dry-Out Technology
Best Pens for Art Journaling
If you like to be a little artistic and play around with colors and medium, you will want to check out some of the pens below!
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Sakura Gelly Roll
The Sakura Gelly Roll is one of the best white pen for art journaling. It’s easy to create some fun and different looks with these pens.
Add them to your collection here.
- 0.8mm Point Size for Medium Writing
- Bright, White opaque ink
- ideal for dark or colored paper
- Pack contains 3 Each Gelly Roll White 08 (Medium)
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Uni-Ball Signo Broad
Another great set of pens that I like, which also includes a white gel pen, is the Uni-ball broad get pens set here!
The Signo Broad pens are PERFECT for the oh-so-popular Blackout journal. All three white, silver, and gold color will be super bright on the black pages! I love them!
Get your Uni-Ball Signo Broad Point Gel Impact Pen set here!
- Uni-Ball Signo UM-153 Broad Point Gel Impact Pen, 1.0mm.
- Color : White, Gold, Silver. 3 pens each / Total 9 pens.
- It is a marker to color vividly as poster color. You can...
- Made in Japan.
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Metallic Brush Pen
I can’t deny that I love a little bit of color. These brush pens are super bright and I love the shimmery effect plus they do not bleed or ghost your pages!
I normally use them to correct mistakes in my journal too because they cover everything!!!
Get your Metallic Calligraphy Brush Marker Pens here!
These are very good pens for details and highlighting. The flow of ink is very bright and generous so the whiter is not transparent at all. However, they don’t dry straight away!
Give at least a few seconds for the ink to dry otherwise it will smudge your page.
Did I miss any of your favorite bullet journal markers that don’t bleed? I am always looking for more amazing best pens to bullet journal so please let me know in the comments below.
More bullet journal supplies:
PIN FOR LATER!
Carrie Doty
Wednesday 1st of January 2020
I have skimmed over Ryder Carroll’s wonderful book “The Bullet Journal Method” for the last 6 months or so. I have visited your wonderful Website along with a few others several times now. I think I am ready to do this!
I have barely started my first BUJO & I already have many of the supplies you mention and I really am loving them so far! To be fair I have been doing Paper crafting for a few years.
I will have to try a Rhoda journal for my next book. I am trying a Leuchtturm 1917. The GSM is too light weight for me.
I love 💕 what both of you do to promote BUJO. My psychologist suggested it to help me manage my ADHD better. That it would help me stay focused, keep me organized, manage my time better & keep track of my moods etc.,
Diary of a Journal Planner
Saturday 11th of January 2020
We love hearing this Carrie! We both hope that you are having fun on your journal journey and are always here if you need any help! Happy journaling x
Lynne
Monday 3rd of December 2018
Hi It worries me a little that I’ve only been bujo addict for less than six months and I already have at least eight of the above pens, all of which I love!
Diary of a Journal Planner
Friday 7th of December 2018
Haha, love it! It's amazing how many pens we absolutely NEED in our lives ;)