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:
- Paper Quality: We want thick, smooth paper that prevents ink bleed-through, feathering, and excessive show-through on the reverse side. Check out more on paper quality here.
- Durability: A good planner should withstand regular use, whether tossed in a bag or sitting on your desk.
- Overall Feel: The planner should feel good in your hands, inspiring you to pick it up and put pen to paper.
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:
- Size & Portability: Do I want a compact planner I can slip into my bag or a larger, desk-friendly option? Some planners offer different sizes to fit individual needs.
- Durability: My planner goes everywhere with me, so I need it to withstand daily wear and tear. Look for strong bindings, sturdy covers, and materials that can handle being tossed around.
- Cover Material & Design: The cover is the first thing I see, so I like it to reflect my style. From minimalist leather to colorful patterns, there’s a planner design out there for everyone.
- Planning System: This is all about personal preference! Some people love the freedom of blank or dot grid pages, while others prefer structured daily, weekly, or monthly layouts. Consider how you like to plan and choose accordingly.
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.
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:
- Unmatched Paper Quality: Tomoe River paper is the gold standard for fountain pen users. It’s remarkably thin, preventing the planner from becoming bulky, yet it handles most inks beautifully. You can enjoy vibrant colors, crisp lines, and minimal bleed-through or ghosting.
- Unique Design: The Hobonichi Techo has a daily page layout, offering ample space for writing and planning. It also features quirky additions like a daily quote and moon phases, adding a touch of whimsy.
- Superb Craftsmanship: Hobonichi planners are made with meticulous attention to detail. From the stitching to the lay-flat binding, everything exudes quality.
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.
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.
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.
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Get The FREE CheatsheetRunner-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.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Superb Paper: The Midori MD paper is smooth, handles a wide variety of fountain pen inks, and offers minimal ghosting or show-through.
- Customization: With a blank, grid, or lined format, the Midori MD provides a blank canvas for designing a planner system that perfectly matches your needs. You’ll need stamps or stickers for dates and days of the week, but it gives you ultimate freedom.
- Simple Elegance: The Midori MD embodies a clean aesthetic. Its softcover comes in various colors, and it lays flat easily for comfortable writing.
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.
I love Midori paper, they're right up there with Hobonichi for me if you want a slightly more affordable option.
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:
- Fountain Pen Friendly Inserts: Traveler’s Company offers various paper inserts, including those designed with fountain pen users in mind. Their lightweight Tomoe River paper insert is a popular choice, providing excellent ink compatibility.
- Endless Customization: With multiple insert options (monthly, weekly, blank, grid, etc.), you can create a planner system perfectly tailored to your needs. The leather cover comes in various colors and sizes, adding a touch of personal style.
- Built to Last: Traveler’s Company leather covers are known for their durability and develop a beautiful patina over time. The refillable system means you can reuse the cover for years to come.
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.
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:
- Smooth and Ink-Friendly: Quo Vadis uses Clairefontaine paper, renowned for its smoothness and compatibility with a wide range of fountain pen inks. You can expect minimal feathering, bleed-through, and show-through.
- Traditional Designs: Quo Vadis planners often feature classic designs with leather or textured covers. They embody a sophisticated and professional look.
- Functional Layouts: Quo Vadis offers various weekly and daily planning layouts, ensuring you can find an option that suits your organization style.
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.
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:
- Fountain Pen Friendly Paper: The paper in the ProFolio Oasis is surprisingly smooth and handles most fountain pen inks with minimal ghosting or show-through. While it might not be as thick as the paper in some high-end planners, it provides a solid writing experience for the price.
- Practical Design: The ProFolio Oasis features a simple, functional design with a flexible cover. It lays flat easily, making it convenient for writing. Plus, it comes with various organizational features like pockets and a pen loop.
- Value for Money: This planner offers exceptional value, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy writing with your fountain pens in a dedicated planner.
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!
At budget price, you can't beat this deal for a fountain-pen friendly journal that's easy to turn into a planner.
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:
- Leuchtturm1917: These notebooks and planners are widely beloved for their design and color options. However, their paper is notoriously inconsistent, with some batches being surprisingly fountain pen friendly and others causing major bleeding and feathering.
- Moleskine: Another popular brand, but its paper is generally thin and prone to significant show-through, if not outright bleed-through, with most fountain pens.
- Field Notes: Field Notes offer a rugged aesthetic and compact size. Unfortunately, their paper isn’t fountain pen friendly.
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.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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