The best pens for note taking (and why)

The best pen for note taking is one you barely notice while using it. It should flow smoothly, not bleed through the page, and leave a line that is easy to read back later. Here is what to look for and which types work best.

Why gel pens and fineliners are the popular choices

Gel pens are the most commonly used pen for note taking in Australia. They require less pressure than a ballpoint, which reduces hand fatigue during long lectures or study sessions. The ink is usually vivid, which makes notes easier to read, and most gel pens in the 0.5mm to 0.7mm range write cleanly without bleeding through standard notebook paper.

Fineliners are a close second, particularly among students who want very neat, precise handwriting. The nib is firmer than a gel pen tip, which gives you more control over line width and consistency. The Staedtler Triplus and Artline 200 are common choices. Fineliners are also very popular for planners and bullet journals because you can switch between colours without the ink change affecting the weight of the line.

Tip size matters more than you might think

For most people taking notes, a 0.5mm or 0.7mm tip is the most practical size. A 0.5mm tip gives a fine, neat line that works well in small notebooks or when you are writing in compact spaces. A 0.7mm tip is slightly bolder and easier to read at a glance, which suits people who tend to review their notes quickly rather than reading them in detail.

Anything wider than 0.7mm can start to look heavy on the page and may bleed into the lines above or below on thin paper. Fineliners in the 0.3mm to 0.4mm range are popular for their precision, but they can slow down writing speed slightly, which is worth considering if you are trying to keep up with a fast lecture or presentation.

Smudge-free options for left-handers

Left-handed note takers push the pen across the page rather than pulling it, which means the side of the hand often drags across freshly written ink before it has dried. Ballpoint pens are the safest choice for left-handers because the oil-based ink dries on contact. Among gel pens, the Uni-Ball Signo and Pilot G2 dry faster than many other gel inks and are generally considered left-hander-friendly. Avoid heavy rollerball inks and anything marked as "smooth flow" without checking the dry time first.