When it comes to planning, the pen you choose is just as important as the planner itself, am I right?
Some pens smudge, bleed through pages, the ink starts and stops when writing, and some just provide a down-right horrible writing experience.
I get so frustrated when a pen interrupts my flow with ink blobs or ruins my schedule! So, I totally get how hard it can be to find the best pens for planners.
That’s why I’ve gathered my favorite planner pens for smooth, reliable writing without bleed-through.
Whether you’re a serious bullet journaling aficionado or a time-management guru, these pens are your ultimate writing companions, offering clarity, style, and top-notch performance.
Key Takeaways
I know every moment of your day is packed with tasks that never seem to end, and moms need the best planners and supplies!
That’s why I’ve got a helpful, quick guide to finding the perfect pen that keeps up with your dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle.
Together, let’s choose the planner pen that feels like it was made just for you, ensuring that your planning is as pleasurable as it is productive.
- Find Your Perfect Match: Not all pens are created equal, so it’s essential to find one that suits your unique planning style and doesn’t leave you frustrated with smudges or bleed-through.
- Smooth Writing: A good pen should glide across your page, writing as effortlessly a pencil.
- Consistency is Key: Reliable pens that don’t skip or clot ensure that your schedule remains neat and legible.
- Beautify Your Bullet Journal: The right planner pens can transform your bullet journal, adding a touch of elegance and fun to your day-to-day organization.
- Personal Preference: Whether you opt for gel, ballpoint, felt tip, or fountain pens, the final choice should resonate with your personal writing comfort and the kind of planner paper you use.
- No Pressure Planning: The best pens should require no pressure to write, keeping your planner pristine- and preventing hand fatigue during those long planning sessions!
Best Pens For Planners
Alright, Mama, it’s time to dive into my absolute favorite pens that have been true lifesavers.
These are my favorite planner pens that I always come back to, the ones that make me feel like the queen of organization amidst our beautiful, joyous chaos.
Imagine a pen that gets you, moves as fast as you do, and never lets you down when you’re scribbling down that last-minute grocery list or that super-important pediatrician appointment!
They’re the unsung heroes of our daily triumphs in planning, and I just can’t wait to share them with you!
1. Pilot G2
A lot of gel pen enthusiasts absolutely love the Pilot G2, me included! It’s super easy to write with, has a smooth gel ink flow, and a retractable design.
Plus, it has a wide range of tip sizes, from the very fine 0.38mm tip to the 0.7mm thick tip, and even an option for a thicker tip. I like the 0.7mm.
The Pilot G2 ensures precision and control in your note-taking. I use it in my Happy Planner, and it doesn’t bleed through the page at all.
But it does smudge a bit if you don’t let it dry before brushing something across it, but I honestly just blow a little as I go with most gel pens.
Still, with many colors to choose from, the Pilot G2 is great for color-coding your planner.
If you love planners, this pen lets you personalize your planner beautifully, creating a visually appealing and organized setup!
Whether you’re a fan of the classic black ink or prefer a splash of color, this pen has got you covered. It’s all about making your writing experience as enjoyable and personalized as possible, Mama.
2. Paper Mate Flair
Calling all felt tip pen enthusiasts! The Paper Mate Flair is an absolute must-have.
This pen writes like a dream, providing an incredibly smooth and consistent writing experience – as long as you aren’t in a hurry, LOL.
With a wide range of colors, these vibrant felt tip pens can transform your planner into a stunning work of art! Or, simply use them for color-coding your to-do list.
Its remarkable features include:
- Water-based ink that resists smudging and smearing
- Minimal bleed-through on paper
- Write freely on pages without worrying about messy smudges or illegible entries.
When I want my pages to look gorgeous, I use the Flair.
It doesn’t glide across the paper as nicely as the Pilot G2, but my writing looks gorgeous when I use it, even if I do have to slow down a bit!
3. Pilot Frixion Erasable Colorsticks
If you love the Frixion, you’ll love The Pilot Frixion Erasable Colorsticks!
These are not just your average Frixion pens – they’ve become a huge hit in the planner community! And they are quickly becoming one of my favorite pens.
If you appreciate the ability to correct errors (after all, nobody’s perfect!), the Pilot Frixionwill revolutionize your planning.
With the Pilot Frixion erasable pens, you can erase and rewrite until your planner looks exactly the way you want it using gel pens!
These erasable pens come in tons of bold colors and different tip sizes, adding a fun twist to your planning routine.
These pens offer smooth writing, a stunning array of colors, and incredible erasability, making them the top choice for planner enthusiasts.
Whether you’re sketching ideas or jotting down your to-do list, these beloved pens guarantee pristine and vibrant pages every time.
4. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner
If precision planning with a fine tip is your preference, the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens might just be the perfect fit for you!
These pens are well-known for their precision, making it effortless to write in small spaces or jot down intricate details.
Each pen is engineered with a durable metal tip that can withstand the daily dance of life as you compose your to-dos and dreams.
These pens use water-based ink, and they have a triangular-shaped barrel that feels just right in my hands.
Whether you’re doodling or color-coding, the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens will bring joy to every planner entry.
With a wide range of 48 colors, these great pens offer endless possibilities to personalize and beautify your planner!
5. BIC Round Stic
For your day-to-day planning needs, you absolutely need a reliable and functional pen. That’s where BIC Round Stic comes in.
These are some of my favorite pens for note-taking or brainstorming. They’ll keep up with all of your thoughts, no matter how fast you write, Mama!
No smudges, no streaking, and no cut-off writing- just smooth sailing across the page.
Whether you’re jotting down a quick to-do list or sketching out detailed plans, these ballpoint pens are up for the task.
Not only are these pens budget-friendly, but they also come in a range of vibrant colors and they’re available at most stores in-person.
6. Uni-Ball Signo 207
The Uni-Ball Signo 207, one of the well-known ball point pens, is very popular among planner users, myself included!
These pens offer a comfortable grip and thick ink in a variety of bright, vivid, rich colors throughout.
If fine-tip pens tend to make your handwriting look more like chicken scratch, you’ll appreciate these planner pens!
The high-quality roller ball keeps the pen rolling smoothly so that your writing doesn’t skip a beat!
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned planner, the Uni-Ball Signo 207 pen can make your planning process more enjoyable and efficient.
7. BIC Gel-Ocity
Gel pen enthusiasts might find a new favorite in the BIC Gel-Ocity. These pens provide quick-drying ink and a variety of bright, fun colors!
They write super smooth, so you can scribble down notes quickly if need be, but you can also slow down and write neatly. You can feel fancy and productive all at the same time!
And with the BIC Gel-Ocity, you can enjoy the best of both worlds- vibrant gel ink and fast-drying performance.
8. Paper Mate InkJoy
As their name suggests, the InkJoy pens add a touch of joy to your planning.
Known for their smooth writing, vibrant colors, and comfortable grip, these pens turn every planner entry into a fun experience.
I should know – I’m fresh out and need a restock on some colors! I used them in my last Happy Planner, and I’m so in love with the color and writing quality.
With a range of colors, including glitter gel, the InkJoy pens are perfect for color-coding, doodling, or simply making your planner look pretty.
Get ready to add some joy to your planning routine with these delightful pens. And trust me, once you start using them, you won’t want to go back!
9. Poppin Ballpoint Pens
Whoever claimed that planning isn’t stylish has yet to meet the Poppin Ballpoint Pens!
These planner pens are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer a medium-tip ballpoint for smooth writing.
Plus, they don’t smear, ensuring that your planner stays neat and readable.
With a sleek design and a range of fun colors, the Poppin Ballpoint Pens are perfect for adding personality to your planner while keeping it functional.
10. Paper Mate Profile
I like the Paper Mate Profile pens almost as much as I like Gelocity. These pens offer bolder lines, a huge variety of colors, and a comfortable grip.
Whether you’re writing, doodling, or color-coding, the Profile pens make it easy and enjoyable, making them one of the absolute best pens available.
You can ditch your marker pens and use these gel ink pens instead for many art projects!
My only complaint is that they do occasionally blot ink. But I happen to like that look because it makes my chicken scratch look a little fuller.
In comparison to all the other pens, they truly stand out. So, say goodbye to dull planner pages and hello to a vibrant planning experience!
11. Sharpie S-Gel
For a sleek and professional look, the Sharpie S-Gel pens are the perfect choice. And yes, Sharpie has more than just permanent markets now!
These retractable gel pens offer a smooth writing experience with bold, vibrant ink that dries quickly to avoid smearing.
Plus, they come in different point sizes, allowing you to customize your writing style according to your planner’s needs.
I have the 0.7 fine tip, and I think I’ll try a fatter tip next time because I feel like I have to slow way down when I write with it.
My handwriting just looks like chicken scratch otherwise!
12. Zebra Sarasa Fine Liner Pens
Last but definitely not least, the Zebra Sarasa Fine Liner Pens offer a unique writing experience that planner enthusiasts can’t get enough of.
These pens have a fine tip for precision planning and filling in tiny spaces.
They come in a variety of fun colors – which, apparently, I use a lot of because I only have green and blue left!
What really sets them apart is their water-resistant ink that won’t bleed through your pages.
So go ahead and use these fine-tip pens to your heart’s content without worrying about any smudges or stains!
Side note: I also really like the Zebra Mildliner Creative Marker. I use them as highlighters and for a pop of color. They have a dual tip for both writing and highlighting.
FAQs
Does it matter what pen I use in my planner?
To some people, picking the right pen is important to make their writing look the way they want and to have a reliable pen on hand for whatever project they have.
The pen you choose to use in your planner can significantly affect the enjoyment and effectiveness of your planning process.
Different pens offer various writing experiences and ink qualities, which can greatly impact your planner use.
A suitable pen can help with organization by providing cleaner, more consistent writing, which is easier to read and reference.
What qualities should I look for in pens?
When looking for the best planner pens, factors such as ink flow, comfort, drying time, and the tip’s durability should be considered for a seamless writing experience.
It’s also important to look for pens that don’t smudge or bleed through your planner paper, especially for those who use their planners intensively.
What are the best pens for planners?
The ‘best’ pens for planners are different for everybody. After countless to-dos and memories penned down, I’ve found the best planner pens to be:
- the Bic Gel-Ocity for those times when vibrant colors bring joy to my hectic day
- the Pilot Frixon for its magical disappearing act when plans change (because, let’s face it, with kids, they always do!)
- and the Paper Mate Flair for its flair for making even a grocery list look fancy!
But feel free to try out different colors and styles of pens to see which ones work best for you.
Should I use gel pens in planners?
That’s totally up to you! I like to use gel pens in my planner.
While gel pens are suitable for use in planners, it’s best to opt for ones with fast-drying ink to prevent smudging and to keep your planner entries tidy and readable.
Some prefer gel pens for their vibrant color selection and smooth writing experience, but caution should be exercised to avoid bleed-through on thinner planner pages.
What’s the best planner size to use for my every day planner?
Now that I’ve gone over my favorite pens, let me tell you about planner sizes and which one is my favorite.
A5 is my favorite planner size, without a doubt. It’s the perfect balance between portability and writing space.
An A5 planner is large enough to capture all the details of my daily tasks without feeling cramped but small enough that it can be tossed into my bag on the go.
Whenever I’m in a coffee shop or waiting for my kids to finish their soccer practice, I can whip out my A5 planner and make the most of that time.
The dimensions of A5 paper are 148 x 210 mm, which is just the right size for my handwriting and for all the colorful pens I love to use.
It’s also a common size, so finding cute accessories and refills is a breeze.
My Thoughts
Wrapping up, the secret sauce to mastering your planner lies in finding that perfect pen– the one that feels like an extension of your hand and understands your life’s ebb and flow.
Because in this whirlwind of motherhood, the little things– like a great pen– make all the difference.
It’s the silent cheerleader by your side, ready to jot down the next playdate or grocery item, turning the mundane into a stroke of genius.
So here’s to finding that trusty pen that doesn’t just write but rather dances across the pages of your life, making each word, each list, each day, just a little bit brighter.
May they bring as much joy and color to your life as they’ve brought to mine.
Stay fabulous and organized, you amazing planning, Mama!