Confession. I have a stationery obsession! I love good pens, a super sharp mechanical pencil, and my favorite – a brand new, empty notebook. I’ve got a growing collection on my bookshelf, ready to capture that next spark, idea, or project.
Oh the possibilities!
But I’m very particular (as I’m sure you are too.) My notebooks have to be filled with quality paper and the layout of the page is important too. I used to prefer plain notebooks, but now it’s dot-grid all the way.
Here’s why…
What is dot grid paper?
Dot grid is the paper chameleon. Creating a halfway house between lines, plain, and grid, those subtle dots provide structure when you need it and freedom when you don’t.
In terms of what’s actually on the page, dots are typically spaced at 0.5cm intervals to create a handy grid structure. It’s a structure that’s more subtle than a grid, more flexible than lines, and gives more guidance than plain.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to create a variety of notes that show up in different formats.
Because that’s the thing with your ideas…
Freedom within structure
Ever noticed how your ideas flow out in a myriad of ways?
Sometimes it’s a list of bullets, other times it’s a mind map, there are even occasions when you feel the urge to sketch out a diagram or a draw an image.
Dot grid has the capacity to capture all of these formats – without the need to compromise:
- Like a grid, dots provide horizontal and vertical structure without being overpowering or intrusive. Lines are easy to draw and structures are easy to create, but somehow the dots blend into the background so the page feels less harsh.
- In a similar way, dots provide guidance for handwriting to help your page stay neat and tidy. But unlike lines, you can write horizontally and vertically so there’s capacity for much more freedom of expression.
- And because the dots blend into the background when you want to go freehand, your creativity can go wild in the same way it does on plain paper.
Use dot grid notebooks and you only need to have one going at a time. You won’t need to keep a plain notepad for sketching and a lined notebook for notes; those versatile dots can handle it all. It’s a simple way to streamline your life and boost productivity because you won’t waste time switching notebooks.
What to put on a dot grid page
Thanks to its flexible structure, a dot grid page can transform into any number of different formats: You can:
- Sketch out a monthly overview
- Mark out your own daily planning pages
- Create a to-do list (complete with check boxes)
- Craft an index
- Create charts to track habits and finances etc.
- Practice your lettering and calligraphy
- Write lists
- Capture bullet points
- Make notes
- Plan your next trip
- Work through your goals
- Draw technical sketches
- Write code, calculations, or numerical sequences
- Journal and diarize your thoughts and ideas
- Doodle, sketch, and scribble
- Brainstorm, brain dump, and mind map
- Draw designs, schematics, and diagrams
Anything goes…
It’s why dot grid is perfect for:
- Busy people who want to get organized with bullet journaling
- Overactive thinkers who want an outlet for their ideas
- Creatives who want to sketch and draw
- Logical thinkers who want to structure their thoughts
- Entrepreneurs who need an external brain to keep pace with their head
- Writers and poets who want to a place to play
- Nomads who want to capture their travels
- Listers who don’t want to forget a thing
Check out our favorite dot grid notebooks
The notebook for big thinkers, high-achievers, and goal getters. The paper in this notebook is beautiful. It’s super thick and fountain pen friendly which means less ghosting and ink bleed. It’s also designed to lay flat so you don’t have to hold the book open to write.
There are also a host of organizational and productivity features. We love the oversized back pocket and the non-fray ribbon marker. The perforated corners are a nice touch too because they help you keep tabs on where you are. There are also 8 detachable pages – perfecting for removing notes without ruining your notebook.
And perfectly sized for everyday carry, this notebook is ready to follow you anywhere.
You can always rely on Moleskine to create functional and beautiful notebooks. This extra large notebook opens flat and at 7.5” x 9.8” making it a perfect companion for your desk.
Lay flat technology makes it easy to write on every page and the rounded corners create a beautiful smoothness. The elastic strap keeps your notes safe and the cardboard cover provides extra durability.
We love this vibrant notebook with its hard lime green cover. Perfect for everyday carry, your ideas are safe and sound inside this notebook. Inside you’ll find 249 numbered pages – perfect for indexing and finding notes quickly. 8 pages are perforated – perfecting for detaching notes without spoiling your notebook. There’s a handy expandable pocket at the back giving you extra capacity to store loose sheets and mementoes.
If you prefer white paper, then this Rhodia pad is for you.
Crammed with 80 sheets of dot grid paper, this stylish notepad is top bound with reinforced staples.
The cardboard back cover is nice and stiff so you can sketch, draw, and journal when you’re out and about. The top bound front cover is scored so you can neatly fold pages over once they’re full.
Measuring 8.25” x 11.75”, this versatile notepad will look stylish on your desk as well as in your bag.
Looking for a pocket-sized notebook? We love these memo pads from Field Notes. Measuring 3.5” x 5.5”, these handy books are perfect for note-taking on the go.
Packed with 48 pages of dot grid paper, pop in your back pocket so you’re ready to take notes 24/7.
Missed out your favorite dot grid notebook? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
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