Now that we have shown you the basics of Bullet Journaling, let’s talk about Bullet Journal Templates. There is no right or wrong way to set up your bullet journal, but there are many things you can do to make your bullet journal your own. Creating or using manufactured templates ( also known as “layouts”), can really get you in the mood for planning, writing and getting creative!

First, it’s ok to be different and original. One day you might feel like drawing out your template and a day later you might decide to use a “ready- for-you-to-use” template. The point is, since bullet journaling is so flexible you have the ability to change it up. You don’t have to have the same template throughout your planner but I do recommend that you have one. Templates keep your bullet journal clean and in order (whatever that looks like for you) and will keep you from looking at your planner and feel like you are staring at hieroglyphics!

Here are a few Ideas to get you going if you want to free form. If you don’t, that’s ok too. We have a few things that will help complete your BUJO planner in our shop. 

Your Key

Since your key is a core element of your bullet journal, making this page awesome and functional will not only help you to do quick glances at your planner, it will actually make you want to use it. Creating (or using) the right combination of symbols and colors will always get the productive juices following. You can do something simple like just tilting your page and writing down what each symbol means in a “clean” font or you can go all out and start bringing in stencils to add design. Here’s how the I Heart Planners team created our key: 

And here are a few examples from other Bullet Journalers: 

@toningwithtwins

@loashleydoodles

Index

Your Index is another top page that deserves a template. You are always going to refer back to it, so the least you can do is make it look great, right? You can do a 2-column template where everything is big and bold, you can do a 4 column template where you can fit everything that you need on one page or you can free form. Look at these examples for inspiration.

@theorganizedbrain

Future Log Templates

There are multiple ways you can set up your Future Log Template. If you only like to write out big events to remember you can do something like this:

If you would like to have a monthly calendar for reference you can do something like this…

Or you can create a Calendex …

@showmeyourplanner

The calendex is my favorite template because it’s an adorable yet functional way to see my future plans at a glance.

Daily Templates and Weekly Templates

This is where you can change your mind at any time. One day (or week) you might feel like a butterfly theme is what you need, the next you might feel like staying informed on what the weather will be like for the week so that you know what to wear while hanging out with friends.

@christina77star

@boho.berry

Monthly Templates

Using an awesome template for your monthly view is ideal as well. You can create a monthly template that resembles the calendex mentioned above or you can create a “List-Style” template like this one…

Or a two page spread like these epic Bullet Journalers!

@iatetoomuchsigmapi

@plantosucceed

Now for the extras!

Everyone’s bullet journal is different. We all have different lifestyles and things that we want to stay on top of.

Habit and Goal Trackers

No matter where you are in life, everyone has a goal in mind and good habits that they are trying to stick with. Creating or using a standardized template for either of these will help to keep consistent.

@my_blue_sky_design

Mood Mandalas

Want to reflect back or release some energy? Create a mood mandala! You use a standard circle template, flowing patterns or a combination of the two. If you are not an artist, that’s ok. You may just have to use stencils to get the mood mandala you are looking for.

@sheenaofthejournal

@creativebyolivejuice

Scripture Writing and Books to Read

If you love to memorize scripture and or read in your spare time, these two pages are a must! Creating a template for both can be simple and it will be worth it when you have a visual at the end of a Bible study or are excited to show off your list at the next book club meeting.

@librariana

@michaela.liebel.bulletjournal

I hope you can now understand why bullet journaling is so awesome and how bullet journal templates can really add flare to your planner. I can’t wait to see yours!