How to choose the perfect notebook ruling (and why it matters)

📝 Lined ruling – Your journaling companion

In my experience, lined ruling works best for long-form journaling. The horizontal guides keep my writing neat and consistent. I’ve found it particularly useful for diary entries because of its linear nature – the lines help maintain a natural flow when writing extended thoughts.

⚡ Dotted ruling – Freedom meets structure

I use dotted ruling specifically for bullet journaling. From my practice, the dots provide the perfect balance of guidance while keeping things freeform. The subtle dot pattern lets me create custom layouts without feeling restricted.

Bullet Journal notebook is good. If you don’t want the BuJo branding, you can try the LT1917 or Rhodia Dot Grid.

Read: Must-Have Tools for Bullet Journal Beginners

📊 Grid/graph ruling – The planner’s choice

For my bullet journal and planning needs, grid ruling has proven invaluable. The clear structure lets me:

• Create tables
• Draw charts
• Make calendars
• Design layouts
• Set up habit trackers

I find the vertical and horizontal lines make it much easier to create dividers and maintain clean edges.

Hobonichi notebooks are famously grid-ruled (see on Amazon)

🎨 Plain ruling – Ultimate creative freedom

When I need complete freedom, I choose plain pages for:

• Sketching
• Mind mapping
• Free-form writing
• Mixed media projects

See: Tomoe River blank notebook

💡 Pro tip: The guide sheet hack

Here’s my solution when I can’t decide between rulings: I use a plain notebook with thin paper (like Tomoe River) and place a guide sheet underneath. I’ve found this works perfectly for switching between different ruling styles – but only with very thin paper like Tomoe River.