The choice between a brush pen and a fineliner depends on how you use your journal. The two types of pen have different strengths and are often used for their own distinct purposes.
Short answer: Fineliners are best for structure, precision and text, while brush pens are best for headings, decoration and creative elements. Most people achieve the best results by combining both types.
In this guide, you get a clear overview so you can easily choose the right pen for your journaling.
What is a fineliner
A fineliner is a pen with a thin felt tip that gives a consistent and controlled line.
Fineliners are especially good for:
- text and notes
- Trackers
- layouts
- minor details
See our selection of Fineliners.
What is a brush pen
A brush pen has a flexible nib that is similar to a paintbrush. It makes it possible to vary the thickness of the lines depending on the pressure.
Brush pens are especially good for:
- Headings
- lettering
- decoration
- creative layouts
See our selection of Brush pens.
If you want to learn more about how they work, you can read our guide to what is a brush pen.
What is the difference between a brush pen and a fineliner
If you want to choose quickly:
- choose a fineliner if you want control, structure and an easy writing experience
- choose a brush pen if you want to work creatively and create visual headings
If you are in doubt, you can think of it like this: fineliners provide control and structure, whilst brush pens provide variation and creative freedom.
Quick comparison
| Property | Fineliner | Brush pen |
|---|---|---|
| Witch | Thin and uniform | Varying thickness |
| Control | Hi | Takes practice |
| Use | Text and structure | Headings and decoration |
| Beginner | Easy to use | A bit harder |
How do they feel to write with
- fineliners provide a smooth and predictable line
- brush pens vary depending on pressure
What are they used for in practice
- fineliners are used for the majority of the content in a journal
- brush pens are used for highlighting and decorating
What is easiest for beginners
- Fineliners are easy to get started with
- brush pens require practice to get neat results
When should you choose a fineliner
Choose a fineliner if you:
- writes a lot of text
- trainers
- want structure and an overview
- want an easy start
When should you choose a brush pen
Choose a brush pen if you:
- want to make great headings
- working creatively in your journal
- would love to experiment with lettering
- want to make your pages more visual
Can you use both a brush pen and a fineliner
Yes, that is actually what most people do.
A typical setup is:
- fineliners for text and structure
- brush pens for headings and decoration
If you experience issues with ink or paper, you can read our guide to why ink bleeds through paper in notebooks.
If you are looking for a notebook that works well with both types, you can view our selection of Notebooks and journals.
You can also read our guide on which notebook you should choose for journaling.
For inspiration on how to use your pens in practice, you can read our article with 50 journal page ideas.
Which pen should you choose for journaling
If you are still in doubt, choose based on your needs:
- choose a fineliner for structure and daily use
- choose a brush pen for creative elements
- use both for the best balance
If you are new to journaling, it is a good idea to start with fineliners and later add brush pens.
You can also read our guide on Which pen is best for journaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are brush pens good for journaling
Yes, but they are mostly used for headings and decoration rather than text.
What is the difference between a brush pen and a fineliner
The difference lies in the tip and the writing experience. Fineliners give a consistent line, whereas brush pens vary depending on pressure.
What is best for beginners
Fineliners are the easiest to start with because they are more controlled.
Can you use a brush pen for writing?
You can do that, but it takes practice and is not very practical for longer text.
Should one choose one type
No, most people get the best result by combining both types.
