The Best Planners for Fountain Pen Users

By Liz •  Updated: 03/01/24 •  10 min read

Fountain pens offer a unique and satisfying writing experience. The smooth glide of the nib, the beautiful colors, and the touch of personality they add to your journaling and planning – it’s something special. But as someone getting into fountain pens (or even if you’re a longtime user), you might be worried about finding the right planner. Too many options have paper that makes our inks bleed, feather, or smudge into an unrecognizable mess.

The good news is there are amazing planners out there designed with fountain pen users in mind. I’ve searched for the best planners for fountain pens so you can focus on the joy of writing without worrying about ruining pages. Whether you’re a fountain pen newbie or have been using them for years, you’ll find a planner that suits your style in this guide.

When looking for a fountain pen-friendly planner, here’s what matters most:

Let’s discover some fantastic planners that will complement your favorite fountain pens!

Factors Beyond Fountain Pen Friendliness

While finding a planner that works well with my fountain pens and is ink friendly is a priority, there are other things I consider when choosing the perfect planner. Here are some important factors you might want to think about as well:

Remember: Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of planners is that there’s something for everyone. It might take some trial and error to find that perfect fit, but that’s part of the fun!

Best Overall: Hobonichi Techo Planner Book

The Hobonichi Techo is a legend in the planner world, and for good reason. It’s renowned for its incredibly thin, yet exceptionally fountain-pen-friendly Tomoe River paper. When I first saw how thin the pages are (think Bible), I couldn’t believe they’d work with fountain pens.

Hobonichi Techo Notebook Planner

I was wrong!

There are quite a few Hobonichi’s to choose from depending on your style, size preference, language needs, and budget. I wanted an English planner, and a smaller size, so I went with the Techo which is A5 sized. And I loved the little seahorse hardcover, so I couldn’t resist.

If you want a bigger version, check out the Hobonichi Cousin, which is an A6. There’s also the Hobonichi Weeks, which is a slim-width size.

And if you missed the start of the new year, Hobonichi has you covered, with fountain pen friendly planner offerings starting in April of every year.

Here’s why it takes my top spot:

Who it’s best for: The Hobonichi Techo is an investment piece perfect for fountain pen users who want the absolute best paper and appreciate a thoughtful design. It suits those who enjoy daily journaling, detailed planning, or who simply want a touch of luxury in their stationery. And as an added bonus, they have tons of really fun accessories.

Hobonichi Techo Planner A6 HON
$53.00

If you love writing with fountain pens, you really can't beat Hobonichi planners. The Techo is my daily planner. And don't worry they work great with other pens too.

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12/13/2024 02:57 am GMT

Note: The higher price point might be a consideration for some. However, the exceptional paper quality and design make it a worthwhile investment for many fountain pen users.

Runner-Up Pick: Midori MD Notebook

Midori MD notebooks are beloved for their minimalist design and fantastic paper quality. While technically a notebook, it’s a popular choice amongst fountain pen users who design their own planner layouts. Plus Midori is the owner of Traveler’s brand, so you know they make great fountain pen friendly notebooks.

I have a Midori MD I use as a journal, the 365 day Codex, and love it. It’s super high quality and really good with fountain pens. I got the bigger A6 size to test it out.

Midori MD notebook

Here’s why it stands out:

Who it’s best for: The Midori MD is a great choice for fountain pen users who enjoy a minimalist aesthetic and want the flexibility to create their ideal planner layout. It’s also fantastic for those who like the idea of a refillable system where you only need to purchase new inserts each year.

Midori Pocket Diary Weekly Planner A6
$10.00

I love Midori paper, they're right up there with Hobonichi for me if you want a slightly more affordable option.

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12/13/2024 04:15 am GMT

Mid-Range Pick: Traveler’s Company

The Traveler’s Company system offers a unique and personalized approach to planning. It’s renowned for its customizable inserts and beautiful leather covers.

If you’re already into the Traveler’s system, then you can slide a new planner refill in each year. So that makes it a little bit more affordable compared to buying something brand new every year.

Here’s what makes it a favorite among fountain pen users:

Who it’s best for: The Traveler’s Company planner is ideal for fountain pen users who enjoy a customizable planner system and appreciate the charm of a well-crafted leather cover. It’s also a good choice for those who travel frequently, as the compact size and refillable nature are convenient.

Traveler's Notebook A5 Slim Vertical Refill
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Mid-Range Pick: Quo Vadis

Quo Vadis planners epitomize timeless elegance and offer a reliable writing experience for fountain pen enthusiasts.

Here’s what they have to offer:

Who it’s best for: Quo Vadis is ideal for fountain pen users who prioritize a smooth writing experience and appreciate a classic, no-nonsense design aesthetic. They’re perfect for professionals or those who want a planner that exudes timeless elegance.

Quo Vadis Trinote Weekly/Monthly Planner
$32.00
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12/13/2024 05:12 am GMT

Best Budget Pick: Itoya ProFolio Oasis

If you’re looking for a fantastic planner without breaking the bank, the Itoya ProFolio Oasis is a brilliant choice. This planner offers impressive fountain pen compatibility at a very affordable price. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Who it’s best for: The Itoya ProFolio Oasis is an excellent choice for budget-conscious fountain pen users or those who want a no-frills planner with reliable paper. If you prioritize practicality and affordability, this could be the perfect planner for you!

Itoya ProFolio Oasis Notebook Journal
$15.97 ($15.97 / Count)

At budget price, you can't beat this deal for a fountain-pen friendly journal that's easy to turn into a planner.

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12/13/2024 03:47 am GMT

Notebooks/Planners to Avoid

While there are many fantastic planners out there, some popular brands don’t always cater well to fountain pen users.

Here’s a quick mention of some common culprits and why they might not be the best fit:

Important Note: This doesn’t mean these brands offer bad products. They’re extremely popular for a reason! And I personally own Field Notes and Leuchtturm1917 notebooks — I just don’t write on them with my fountain pens.

However, if you’re primarily using fountain pens, it’s best to consider them for writing with other pens, or choose one of the more fountain pen friendly options we discussed.

Finding Your Perfect Fountain Pen Planner

The search for the perfect planner is an individual journey. The best planner for you is the one that makes you want to pick it up and write! While the planners I’ve highlighted today are all fantastic choices for fountain pen users, don’t be afraid to explore other options too. Consider the factors we discussed, like size, layout, and design, to find what truly resonates with you.

Remember, a planner is more than just paper – it’s a tool for creativity, organization, and self-expression. So, go forth, experiment, and find the planner that makes your fountain pen (and you!) sing.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission — don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. This doesn’t affect my opinions or our reviews; they’re all as honest and unbiased as possible.

Liz

Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.