Fineliners for study and planners: sizes and sets compared

Fineliners have become one of the most popular pen types among students, planner users and bullet journal enthusiasts. Here is what to look for and which sizes and sets make sense for different uses.

What is a fineliner?

A fineliner is a pen with a rigid, plastic-coated fibre nib rather than a metal ball or rolling tip. The nib is slim and precise, typically between 0.3mm and 0.8mm wide. Unlike a ballpoint or gel pen, the nib gives a consistent line width regardless of the angle or pressure you apply, which makes fineliners popular for neat handwriting, note annotation, technical sketching and planner layouts.

The ink in most fineliners is water-based and dries quickly on paper. It is generally not waterproof unless the brand specifies it, so fineliners are not the best choice for outdoor use or surfaces that might get wet. For standard notebooks, planners and paper-based use, they perform reliably.

Which nib size should you choose?

The most common fineliner sizes are 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm. A 0.3mm fineliner gives the finest, most precise line and is popular for dense notes, technical drawing and small writing in compact planners. A 0.4mm is a good middle ground that suits most general note-taking and planner writing without feeling overly fine or scratchy. A 0.5mm is slightly bolder and easier to read at a glance, which suits students who review their notes quickly.

For bullet journalling and planner layouts, many people use a 0.3mm or 0.4mm for body text and a 0.5mm or 0.8mm for headings and borders, mixing sizes within the same spread for visual hierarchy.

Popular sets worth buying

The Staedtler Triplus Fineliner is one of the most popular fineliner sets in Australia. The triangular barrel is comfortable to hold for long periods, the 0.3mm nib is consistent, and the ink colours are vivid and well-differentiated. Sets of 10, 20 and 36 colours are available. The pen also has a safety cap that allows it to be left uncapped for an extended period without drying out.

The Artline 200 is a more affordable alternative and a long-standing classroom staple. The nib is 0.4mm and slightly firmer than the Triplus. Colour sets of 10 and 20 are commonly available. For students who want a reliable, budget-friendly option for colour-coding notes, the Artline 200 set is a sensible choice.