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Highlighters and multicoloured pens: how to choose the right set for your needs

Between lessons, meetings, bullet journalling and creative activities, highlighters and multicoloured pens make information easier to read and notebooks more personal. But a highly colourful set is not necessarily pleasant to use every day. A nib that catches, ink that bleeds through the paper or a fragile mechanism can quickly turn an appealing purchase into an impractical stationery item.

Here are the criteria to consider before choosing your next office or school stationery supplies.

Common pitfalls to avoid before buying

1. Confusing bright colours with readability

Fluorescent highlighters immediately catch the eye, but some very intense shades can obscure text on thin paper. By contrast, pastel highlighters offer a subtler finish, often better suited to planners, lessons and journalling. It all depends on how you plan to use them: quickly spotting information or annotating documents more subtly.

2. Relying blindly on the ‘no smudge’ claim

Ink described as smudge-free or ‘bleed-resistant’ may behave differently depending on the paper. Notebook sheets, textbook pages, recycled paper and heavier-weight notebooks do not absorb ink in the same way. It is best to test the pen on a less visible page, particularly with gel pens and highly pigmented felt-tip pens.

3. Overlooking ergonomics and storage

A misplaced cap, a pen that rolls across your desk or a nib that dries out after being left uncapped can quickly affect ease of use. Retractable pens eliminate the risk of losing caps, while upright storage or a compartmentalised pencil case makes it easier to find each colour. For children, also check the warnings about small parts and the recommended age.

Criteria to check before choosing

Nib type and line width

The chisel tip is particularly versatile for highlighters: its narrow edge can be used for underlining, while its broad side covers more text. Depending on how the marker is held, common line widths generally range from 1 to 5 mm.

For detail work, assorted fineliners in 0.3 or 0.4 mm are suitable for outlines, diagrams and bullet journalling. A 0.5 or 0.7 mm nib is better suited to everyday writing, headings and note-taking.

Ink type and performance on paper

Markers and colouring pens often use water-based ink. This can produce bold or transparent colours, but the finish varies depending on the surface. To minimise smudging, look for precise information about drying time, smudge resistance and compatibility with different types of paper.

Multicoloured gel pens generally provide a smooth, richly coloured line. However, their ink may take longer to dry than ballpoint ink, especially on smooth paper notebooks. Left-handed users should consider choosing ink described as quick-drying, while also checking the result on the paper they normally use.

Mechanism, grip and storage

A push-button mechanism allows you to select a colour quickly in a 4-colour ballpoint pen. A non-slip grip can also make long note-taking sessions more comfortable. For markers, a ventilated cap and secure closure help keep them in better condition.

Also remember to check:

  • the number of colours actually included in the set;
  • the stated line width;
  • whether a case, display stand or storage system is included;
  • age and safety instructions;
  • the identity of the manufacturer and, where necessary, the responsible person in the European Union.

Our selection for different users

Recommended for: beginners on a budget
Deli Highlighter Pens, Office School Supplies, 4-Colour Set, Assorted Colours

Deli Highlighter Pens, office and school supplies, set of 4 assorted colours

Why this choice suits this user: A set of four colours is enough to start organising lessons, documents and lists visually, without buying multiple products.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated 1 to 5 mm chisel tip offers two uses in one product, rather than requiring you to buy several widths.

Main benefit and key features

A set of 4 colours, water-based ink and a nib designed for both highlighting and underlining.

Recommended for: premium stationery enthusiasts
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighter Deskset of 24

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighter Deskset of 24

Why this choice suits this user: The variety of shades is ideal for switching between professional annotations, planner organisation and journalling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The display stand keeps the pens tidy and lets you check the available colours at a glance.

Main benefit and key features

24 markers in fluorescent, pastel and natural shades, with a 2 to 5 mm chisel tip and technology designed to prevent drying for up to 4 hours without the cap.

Recommended for: specific uses and intensive users
WRITECH Retractable Highlighters Assorted Colours

WRITECH Retractable Highlighters Assorted Colours, 6-piece set

Why this choice suits this user: The click mechanism is ideal for students, teachers and professionals who often highlight with one hand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nib retracts at the press of a button, while the product is designed to help prevent drying and accidental transfer.

Main benefit and key features

6 fluorescent colours, a chisel tip and a stated width of 1 to 4 mm, with no cap to lose.

Recommended for: creatives, pupils and bullet journal enthusiasts
STAEDTLER Triplus Fibre Tip Colouring Markers, 40 colours

STAEDTLER Triplus Fibre Tip Colouring Markers, set of 40

Why this choice suits this user: Its extensive colour palette is ideal for colouring, creative drawing, school projects and detailed journalling pages.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pressure-resistant tips and washable ink are suitable for regular creative activities, while the display stand makes storage easier.

Main benefit and key features

40 shades, a 1 mm fibre tip, a triangular barrel and water-based ink described as washable.

Looking for more options?

We have brought together a complete, real-time selection of products that meet these demanding criteria, as well as European safety regulations.

Which combination is best for each use?

  • Note-taking and lessons: a 4-colour ballpoint pen to distinguish definitions, examples and points to review.
  • Meetings and office supplies: retractable pens, which are practical when writing quickly or switching between shades.
  • Bullet journalling and journalling: pastel highlighters, multicoloured gel pens and assorted fineliners.
  • Creative drawing and colouring: a set of colouring pens offering an extensive palette and tips suited to detailed work.
  • Use by children: check the recommended age, whether any small parts are present and the supervision instructions.

FAQ about highlighters and multicoloured pens

How can you prevent ink from bleeding through the pages?

Choose thicker paper where possible and always test the colour on a comparable page. Use the highlighter without pressing too hard, then allow the ink to dry before closing the notebook. Formulas described as limiting transfer do not eliminate differences in how different papers absorb ink.

How long can a set be stored?

Its lifespan depends on how often it is used, storage conditions and whether it is closed after each use. Replace caps carefully, retract the tips whenever the mechanism allows it, and keep the pens away from heat and sunlight. Well-organised storage also makes it easier to spot a dry nib or an exhausted colour quickly.

Do multicoloured gel pens cost more to use?

It depends on how many colours you use and whether you replace refills or pens. A model that combines several inks in one barrel can reduce clutter and avoid the need to buy several separate pens. To compare offers, check the number of pieces, the nib width and the availability of compatible refills.