Why dots instead of lines
Lines tell you where to write but get in the way when you draw. Dots mark the grid intersections and disappear when you do not need them, so the same page works for a to-do list, a calendar, a sketch or a diagram.
Choosing a spacing
| Spacing | Best for |
|---|---|
| 4 mm | Small handwriting, dense notes |
| 5 mm | Bullet journal standard, everyday planning |
| 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) | Larger handwriting, beginners |
Setting up a page
Use the dots to divide the page into thirds or quarters, or to keep a 5 mm margin. A light gray dot is easier to ignore under writing; a darker dot helps with geometric layouts. The dot grid paper generator lets you set spacing, dot size and colour, and prints Letter or A4.
Paper and pens
For fountain pens and brush markers, print on 90 g/m² or heavier paper. For pencil and ballpoint, ordinary 80 g/m² paper is fine. If you want a heavier guide for drawing, use graph paper; for a completely blank page, use a blank PDF.
In practice
A bullet-journal user wants one page for a weekly log and a sketch. Dots give enough alignment for the log without cutting through the drawing. A 5 mm grid is the usual compromise between writing size and drawing space.
Common mistakes
| Problem | Usually because | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dots show through writing | They are too dark | Use light gray dots |
| Pens bleed through | Paper is too thin | Print on 90 g/m² or heavier |
| The layout feels cramped | 4 mm spacing with large handwriting | Move to 5 mm or 1/4 inch |
Dot grid paper 
Graph paper 
Blank PDF