Joybuy Insights

Which Notebook Should You Choose? A Guide to Finding the Right One

Whether for jotting down a fleeting idea, organising class notes, sketching a project, or keeping a diary, choosing a notebook is more personal than it might seem. With the vast array of sizes, paper types, and covers, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is here to shed some light and help you find the perfect notebook for your needs.

As the head of product selection at Joybuy, I'll break down the features of each model to give you clear, practical advice. Let's embark on a search for the ideal paper companion for your thoughts, projects, and daily life.

Buyer's Guide: Key Criteria for Making the Right Choice

Before diving into our selection, let's review the essential points that will guide your decision.

1. Size: A Matter of Portability and Space

Your daily use will largely determine the best format to choose.

  • For portability: An A6 pocket notebook (approx. 10.5 x 14.8 cm) slips into any bag or a large pocket. It's perfect for on-the-go note-taking, to-do lists, or as a portable personal journal.
  • For school: The star format for classrooms is the popular large 24x32 cm size. It allows you to paste in A4 sheets without them sticking out, an undeniable practical advantage for pupils and students.
  • For the office and creative work: The A4 notebook size (21 x 29.7 cm) offers ample room for expression, ideal for both meeting minutes and as a sketchbook for detailed artistic projects.

2. Paper Quality: Writing Comfort Above All

The paper weight (in g/m?) is the main indicator of paper quality and thickness.

  • Standard paper (70-80 g/m?): Perfect for taking notes with a ballpoint pen or pencil.
  • Premium paper (90-100 g/m?): Essential if you write with a fountain pen or fine-liners. It ensures a smooth glide and prevents ink from bleeding through the page.
  • Drawing paper (120 g/m? and up): The minimum requirement for a sketchbook. It's thicker and can handle dry media (pencil, charcoal, pastel) and even light wet media (ink, washes) without buckling.

3. Ruling and Cover: Structure and Durability

The ruling organises your notes; the cover protects them.

  • The ruling: Séyès ruling (the classic French grid) is the standard in the French school system. Lined, dotted, or plain (blank) pages offer more freedom, ideal for drawing, bullet journaling, or more creative note-taking.
  • The cover: A hardcover provides maximum protection and allows for comfortable writing, even without a desk. A softcover is lighter and more flexible. Polypropylene models even add splash-proof protection.

Recommended Notebooks for Every Need

We have selected notebooks for very different profiles: the student, the artist, and the ultra-organised professional.

1. Jubiluu A6: The Versatile and Elegant Pocket Notebook

Jubiluu A6 pocket notebook with hardcover

Why we love it: This notebook combines a pocket-friendly size with thoughtful features for daily use. Its rigid PU leatherette cover gives it a professional look and excellent durability, while its 100 g/m? paper ensures a truly comfortable writing experience.

Its strengths:

  • Size:A6 pocket notebook, easy to carry.
  • Paper: 80 high-quality sheets (100 g/m?), lined, ivory-coloured for better reading comfort.
  • Cover:Hardcover in durable and elegant PU leather.
  • The extras: Bookmark ribbon, elastic closure, and a pen loop.

Who is it for? For mobile professionals, journaling enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a smart, compact notebook to capture ideas on the fly.

See details on Joybuy.fr

2. Clairefontaine Koverbook: The All-in-One School Notebook

Clairefontaine Koverbook 24x32 cm notebook

The concept: The Koverbook is Clairefontaine's stroke of genius: a notebook with its own built-in cover. No more chores of buying and fitting a plastic book protector! Its two large flaps serve as both bookmarks and pockets for loose papers.

Its strengths:

  • 2-in-1 concept: A notebook and its cover, all in one.
  • Size:Large 24x32 cm format, suitable for A4 sheets.
  • Ruling: The essential Séyès ruling, required by teachers.
  • Paper: The exceptional Clairefontaine 90 g/m? Velvety Vellum, famous for its whiteness and unparalleled smoothness.
  • Practicality: A strong, waterproof polypropylene cover with two flaps for storing documents.

Who is it for? For middle and high school students looking for a practical, sturdy school notebook that can survive a hectic school year.

See details on Joybuy.fr

3. Sakura Sketch/Notebook A4: The Artist's Studio

Sakura A4 sketchbook

The creative promise: Designed for creatives, this A4 notebook from Sakura is much more than a simple notepad. Its thick 140 g/m? paper makes it a true sketchbook, able to handle ink, pencil, pastel, and charcoal without any bleed-through.

Its strengths:

  • Artist-grade paper: 80 cream-coloured, 140 g/m? acid-free sheets for optimal long-term preservation of your artwork.
  • Size: Large A4 notebook format (21 x 29.7 cm) offering a wide creative surface.
  • Thoughtful design: Illustrated hardcover, pen loop, elastic closure, and an expandable pocket in the back.
  • Versatility: Perfect as a drawing book, project notebook, or for sketchnoting (visual note-taking).

Who is it for? For artists, illustrators, designers, and all creative minds looking for a quality medium for their sketches, finished pieces, or visual projects.

See details on Joybuy.fr

Looking for Something Else?

Our selection highlights some key models, but the world of stationery is endless. If you're specifically looking for a blank sketchbook with a particular paper texture or other options for your creations, explore our full collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the difference between a notebook and an exercise book? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have their nuances. An "exercise book" (cahier) is typically for school or office use: large format (A4, 24x32 cm), softcover, and staple- or spiral-bound. A "notebook" (carnet) is often more compact (A5, A6), with a stitched binding and a more refined cover (hardcover, leatherette), making it suited for more personal or on-the-go use.

2. What paper weight should I choose for a notebook? It all depends on your writing tools! For a simple ballpoint pen, 80 g/m? paper is sufficient. If you're a fan of fountain pens or felt-tip markers, aim for quality paper of 90 g/m? or 100 g/m? to prevent ink from bleeding through. For drawing, a minimum of 120 g/m? is required.

3. How do I keep a personal journal in a notebook? To keep a personal journal, the most important thing is to choose an object you love. Opt for a notebook that is pleasing to the touch and eye, such as a hardcover model in A5 or A6 size. Quality paper (90 g/m? minimum) will turn writing into a real pleasure. The secret is consistency: whether you're putting your thoughts on paper, tracking your goals, or simply recounting your day, the key is to choose a companion that makes you want to write.