Journals vs. Notebooks: What’s the Difference?

When you’re looking for the right promotional products for your business, some questions pop up that you’ve never thought about before, like notebook vs. journal and the difference between the two. Instead of feverishly searching the internet for the answers, we’ve got alllll the answers right here for you. Hold the applause, please.

The big difference between journals and notebooks is how they’re used. Notebooks are for notetaking and journals for journaling. They can be the same size, but journals are typically lined with a strap, whereas notebooks can be spiral-bound – sometimes with tear-out pages.

Journals are typically lined with a strap, whereas notebooks can be spiral-bound.

Let’s dive into journals and notebooks in more detail, as well as JournalBooks™.

Journal vs. Notebook

Up first in the notebook vs. journal debate—what are ? Technically, journals can be anything that you use to jot down thoughts. Typically, though? Journals tend to be around 6”x4”, lined, and include a strap to keep the cover and pages in place.

Journals tend to be around 6”x4”, lined, and include a strap to keep the cover and pages in place.

What really defines a journal is what it’s used for. “Journal” isn’t only a noun, it’s also a verb, “journaling”. When one is journaling, they’re writing out how the day went, their hopes and dreams, plans to take over the world, etc. We like to think that journals are adult diaries without the lock and “KEEP OUT” sign on the front.

Notebook vs. Journal

So now that you know about the journal side, what about notebooks?

Notebooks are typically the same size as journals and come with lined pages. Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, many notebooks are spiral-bound so you can quickly turn from page to page, which makes them great for taking notes.

Many notebooks are spiral-bound so you can quickly turn from page to page, which makes them great for taking notes.

And What Are JournalBooks™?

Now that we’ve settled the journal vs. notebook debate, we’ll answer another hot topic—what are JournalBooks and where can you buy Journalbooks?

The name JournalBook is a literal mashup of the words “journal” and “notebook”. Well, now we’re just complicating matters, aren’t we? JournalBooks are unique because along with lined notebook pages, they come with a handy document pocket on the interior back cover.

Looking where to buy JournalBooks? You’re in luck, you can find options for JournalBooks you can customize – as well as other custom notebooks and journals – at National Pen Company.

Now that you’ve got all the data in your hand about notebooks vs. journals, which one are you going to pick?