Notebooks come in many shapes and sizes making finding the one that is perfect for you just a few google searches away.  One option that’s often overlooked is ruling.  Here’s a brief overview of the most common options.

Ruled

Ruled is simply lines going across the page allowing you to write words without the sloping up or down as you go along the page.  Pretty standard but if all you’re doing is writing it really works best.

Blank

Are you an artist? Do you write with HUGE letters?  Are you a rogue cop who can’t play by the rules?  Blank may be just the thing for you.

Grid

Often called graph as it resembles graphing paper.  This one is useful for drawing diagrams, cartography, or your oyster knife prototype.  That said, I personally like grid as it allows me to turn the notebook sideways and also have a line I can write on without my sentences taking that plunge towards the end of the line.  Also, I’m getting really close to perfecting my oyster knife design.

Dot Grid

This is the polarizing one.  Dot grid is a pattern of dots where the lines of a grid would intersect.  This ruling is kinda like Bob Dylan, either you love it or you hate it.  Very few people are indifferent although many people just ignore the dots.  I thought I would love dot grid but I kinda hate it.  So, I guess the only way to know is to try it.

Those are pretty much it.  That said, the spacing and darkness of rulings can make all the difference.  Try to find one that fits closely to your preferred handwriting size.  Or don’t, I’m not your boss.