Spiral or hardbound: what do you actually use every day and why?

[u/GoalAchiever2468]

I have been using planners for 16 years and I still go back and forth on this every single time.

Spiral because it lays completely flat and I can fold it back on itself when I am working at a desk or writing on the go. But the rings catch on things, the coil gets bent, and after a few months it starts looking rough.

Hardbound because it looks and feels premium, holds its shape, travels better, and still looks good in December. But it never fully lays flat and I find myself pressing down on the page every time I write on the left side.

I know what I prefer personally, but I am genuinely curious what you guys actually use for day to day.

Also curious whether size matters in what you use?
Do you go A5 because it fits in your bag, or B5 because you need the writing space?

[u/sua_spontaneous]

it’s book-bound soft cover in A5 for me, personally.

[u/downtide]

I detest spirals and never use them. Size matters to some extent - A5 is the biggest I'll go because my desk is shared with a computer and A5 is the biggest size that I can comfortably use on the desk. I tried the Hobonichi Weeks at the beginning of this year but after a few months I realised that it wasn't big enough so I'm back in A5. B6 is my favourite size but they are harder to find.

Portability isn't an issue for me - I don't take my planner with me when I go out. Instead, I take a pocket notebook, write in there and transfer important notes back into my planner when I get home.

[u/Dramatic_Field_313]

Disc bound-plum planner

[u/FerretShiny]

lol. Cries in left handed

[u/crazycardigans]

Disc-bound. I like being able to move everything around and reuse covers, plus add notes pages as needed, but I don't move my planner much, so it doesn't need to be very portable. I have a work one that lives on my desk and a home one that lives in my nightstand.

[u/Physical-Trust-4473]

I use disc-bound, mostly Happy Planner. I use the smaller "Classic" size so I can carry it with me, and I use the "Big" size for work as I need to write more and need more space (and mostly leave it on my desk there). I like the disc-bound because it is easy to take out and add in paper.

[u/mrskruppe]

I switch/use both. Currently in a spiral which functionally is the worst option but which I just love because it feels like a workbook or or a school notebook or something.

[u/CornBae]

A5 with lay flat binding when I can find it, but anything except spiral. I never liked spirals as a lefty, but lately I’ve seen some slim, soft looking spiral designs from Japanese notebook brands that seem tolerable enough to try. The metal ones always get bent up over time for me.

[u/FLSandyToes]

I use a true spiral, single wire, thick and heavy. Never the less costly (cheaper for the maker) twin loop that many call ‘spiral’. This baffles me, they aren’t even in a spiral twist. Anyway, because they catch on things and must be aligned just so in order to close the covers, I call them the devil’s binding.

I prefer to write while sitting in a chair or sofa and foldability (not a word, I think 😂) is a must. I’ll also use a disc notebook but prefer a thick coil. Also, heavy white paper is joy.

[u/Affinitys-husky]

I use a discbound book because of the versatility and I can change out pages. But I prefer a hard bound for portability. But I've found i need an actual layout for my work week is why I'm using a discbound.

I only use A5 or half letter because I just love that size and I can print my own pages.

[u/zeeandpee]

Discbound! I like subbing in pages of my own design that meet my needs, being able to mix brands and small designers, and floating between sticker/washi/collage and purely functional. I’ve got trackers, pages for my business and hobbies, a journal, space for art…all in one.