Start your bullet journaling journey - beginner supplies

Start Here: Your Bullet Journaling Journey Begins

Welcome to Your Bullet Journaling Journey

Whether you are looking for better organization, creative expression, or mindful productivity, you have come to the right place. Let us get you started.

What is Bullet Journaling?

A bullet journal (or BuJo) is a customizable organization system that combines a planner, diary, to-do list, and notebook into one. Created by Ryder Carroll, it uses rapid logging with bullets, symbols, and collections to help you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future.

The beauty of bullet journaling? There is no wrong way to do it. Whether you prefer minimalist spreads or artistic pages, the system adapts to YOUR needs.

Choose Your Path

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Complete Beginner

Never bullet journaled before? Start with the fundamentals.

Take the Free Course

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Ready to Create

Know the basics? Explore layouts and spread ideas.

Browse Spread Ideas

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Build Better Habits

Use trackers to build habits and monitor progress.

Explore Trackers

Free Printable Templates

Download ready-to-use templates and start journaling today. No design skills needed.

Habit trackers, weekly spreads, monthly layouts, and more!

Essential Guides for Getting Started

These comprehensive guides will teach you everything you need to create your perfect bullet journal:

What You Will Need to Start

Good news: you do not need much! Here are the basics:

The Essentials (Start Here)

  • A dotted notebook – Dots provide structure without being restrictive. A5 size is most popular.
  • A black pen – Any pen you enjoy writing with works. Fine tip (0.38mm-0.5mm) is ideal.
  • 15 minutes – That is all you need to set up your first spread!

Optional Add-Ons (When You Are Ready)

  • Colored pens or markers for headers and decorating
  • Highlighters for color-coding
  • Ruler or stencils for clean lines
  • Washi tape and stickers for decoration

Our Top Recommended Supplies

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See our complete supplies guide

Your First Week: A Simple Plan

Do not overwhelm yourself. Here is a gentle approach to your first week:

1
Day 1: Set up your Index and Key
Reserve the first few pages for your index (table of contents) and create a simple key for your symbols.
2
Day 2: Create a Future Log
Map out the next 6 months for important dates and events.
3
Day 3: Set up your Monthly Spread
Create a calendar view and monthly task list for the current month.
4
Days 4-7: Daily Logging
Start each day with a simple daily log. Write tasks, events, and notes as they come.

Common Questions from Beginners

Do I need to be artistic?

Absolutely not! Many successful bullet journalers use minimalist, text-only spreads. Functionality comes first – decoration is optional.

What if I make a mistake?

Embrace imperfection! Mistakes are part of the journey. Use white-out, cover with washi tape, or simply move on. Your journal does not need to be perfect.

How much time does it take daily?

As little as 5-10 minutes! Simple daily logging is quick. Elaborate spreads take more time, but they are optional.

Can I use a regular notebook?

Yes! Any notebook works to start. Dotted notebooks are popular because dots help with alignment without being as restrictive as lines or grids.

Ready to Begin?

Take our free Bullet Journal 101 course and learn the complete system step-by-step.

Start the Free Course

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