Creating a bullet journal key page and choosing bullet journaling symbols is one of the first steps when setting up a new bujo notebook. But, it can be hard to know what you need if you’ve never tried it before.
Luckily, I’ve got lots of bujo key ideas and loads of inspiration for bullet journaling symbols you can use to get started.
New to Bullet Journaling? This article is part of a series on how to start a bullet journal.
What Is A Bullet Journal Key?
Basically, the bullet journal key is a little legend that explains what all your rapid logging bullet symbols stand for.
A bullet journal key is used as a reference to remind you what the different symbols, colors, or letters signify when used in your note-taking.
These symbols are where the “bullet” in the word bullet journal comes from. Think, bullet points.
Bullet Journal Symbols & Rapid Logging
You use the bullet journal key symbols of your choice for what’s called rapid logging.
According to the bullet journal method, Rapid Logging is a term used to describe quick note-taking. It uses different bullet points to make a list of random things more organized. Also, it helps you get “things to remember” out of your head, making it easier to focus and think.
Because each bullet symbol stands for a different category (for example tasks, events, notes, reminders, and ideas) it makes it easy to locate things in your notes later on. Basically, it helps make your notes a lot more useful.
Do You Need A Bullet Journal Key?
A lot of people wonder if they really need to make a key in their bullet journal. I would say that if you’re gonna be using any symbols, it’s a good idea to make one (even if you think you don’t need it.
Honestly, I never used a key in my practice bullet journal until I was well over a month into using it.
I’m not particularly good at adapting to new “systems”, but once I got into the habit of using bullet symbols, it definitely improved my notes.
As a result, I feel a lot more organized using key symbols in my bullet journal.
Remember, the key for bullet journal success (hehe) is to try out different ideas so that you can see what works or doesn’t work for you.
The Bullet Journal Key (Original)
The special-edition Leuchtturm1917 notebooks come printed with a bullet journal key Ryder Carroll (the creator of the Bullet Journal method) created in them. This is a good starting point for anyone starting a new bullet journal.
Here is what the original key page for bullet journal looks like:
A Free Bujo Key PDF Printable
I made a bullet journal key pdf you can download for free. Use this bullet journal symbols printable as a reference or simply cut and paste the key of your choice into your bujo.
DOWNLOAD – BULLET JOURNAL KEY PDF
If you want to use this key in your own notebook, just click the link above or click the image below to go to the download page for the bujo key PDF.
Easy Bullet Journal Key Ideas
Here’s a hand-drawn bullet journal key example I did, that shows some more key symbols:
A simple Bullet Journal Key
Bullet Journal Key Page Ideas
Let’s look at some great bullet journal key examples!
via SOURCE
To Do List Symbols
Simple Bullet Journal Tracking Symbols
You can create some tracker symbols in your bullet journal key as well. It looks like that was the intention in this bujo key page example:
via SOURCE
image via SOURCE
Bullet Planner Key
image via pages2plans
via pages2plans
Bullet Journal Fold Out Key
I love the way this bullet journal key example folds out, so you can see it from any page you’re on in the notebook.
from elzdoodles
via nitly.sketching
via @thestudiesphase (no longer available)
image via _c.ti_
via cissmophy
image from aox.bujo
via greyzonepages
Use Bullet Journal Color Coding
This fold out key features a bullet journal color code or color key.
via greenishplanning
Bullet Journal Key Categories
If you have a lot of key symbols, you can organize them into categories. This is a great example of how to categorize your different symbols into sections such as daily, monthly, weekly, and color code.
from b.izzi
Try making the symbols in your bullet planner key any shape or color that you know will be easy for you to use regularly. That way, you’ll build the habit of using your key all the time when you rapid log.YOU MAY ALSO LIKEBullet Journal Spring Theme Ideas
image via bujogem
An Easy Bullet Journal Symbols Key
You don’t need to have a ton of symbols in your key to make it work. Just use the symbols you know you’ll need. In other words, less is more.
Bullet Journaling Symbols – Final Thoughts
It can be tricky to decide which bullet journal symbols will work for you. My advice is to just pick one of the key ideas shown on this page and try it for a week to see if you like it.
As you go, you’ll probably start to realize which symbols you actually use and which ones you don’t need. You can adjust and modify your key to suit your own personal needs as you go.
To summarize, the best way to do your bullet journal key is to start with basic symbols. As you use them in your rapid-logging, adjust your symbols as needed until you have the perfect bullet journal key.
Find more bullet journal page ideas or learn more on how to bullet journal.