Looking to get your first bullet journal up and running?
One of the first steps is setting up your key! I personally love this part since its relatively simple and gets you one step closer to becoming a bujo pro ?
(just want the examples? go to #3 in the table of contents!)
What Is A Bullet Journal Key?
At the most basic sense, a bullet journal key is a very simple way to keep track of your “icons” or “symbols” used to classify a specific task…
Personally, I keep mine super basic with only a few icons. I find that this way works for best for me so I’m not wasting time with a ton of variations
With that being said, you should always do what is going to benefit you the most! So whether that’s keeping it basic, getting very detailed, or anything in between, you should find what you like the best
Bullet Journal Key Icons
If you want to stick to the book with the official bullet journal guidelines, here are the basic icons:
Task Incomplete ( * ) black dot
Task Complete ( x )
Task Migrated To Collection ( > )
Task Migrated To Future Log ( < )
But as you’ll see below, you can use whichever icons you like and add more indicators…
For example, you can have other indicators like:
Important
Urgent
Deadline
In progress
Appointment
Event
Reminder
Bullet Journal Key Inspiration
Now that you have a basic idea of how to setup your key, it’s time to get some inspiration…
If you’re like me, it’s hard to visualize something cute but once I see something I like, it sparks my creative side! That’s why I love looking at what other people are doing
Here are some adorable bullet journal keys for inspiration:
Photo credit: Wendy Solganik on Instagram
Sometimes you have to kiss a frog to find a prince, right?
This bullet key is inspired by frogs, with a pretty summer green theme. The key is extremely organized, and this artist does an amazing job of only having critical icons that would be realistically used
I love the simple look and how useful it is!
Minimalist Key
Photo credit: Sandra on Instagram
This artist combines her bullet journal key into categories such as money related, nature related, task-related, etc
She also has a couple crossed out that she found she isn’t using, to help her better plan out in the future
This is a simple black theme, with a unique pattern covering the key. I love this!
Golden Key
Photo credit: Rachel Doan | Rachelbujo on Instagram
This gold themed key is absolutely stunning!
It’s so gorgeously designed that it shines, and the artist implements an actual drawing of a key to this too
Gold colors are addicting, and this is so inspirational. I love the little flowers on the bottom too
I think this might be one of my favorites yet, and I will definitely be using it as inspiration for my next key. You’ll want to see this one for sure!
Simple And Quick
Photo credit: ✨notes inspo✨ on Instagram
This bullet journal key is awesome! It’s simple and has a bold black theme and the art that the key inside almost resembles a person’s passport
It’s extremely simple with not a lot to it, but so neat and clean which is how most would want it to be
This is perfect for a minimalist, or for someone who has enough going on in the journal itself and just wants a simple key ?
Key With Illustration
Photo credit: Mia on Instagram
Both the colors and design of this key are absolutely gorgeous
It’s very unique to see watercolor paints being used on the first two pages of a bullet journal, but she does so in such a way that is so elegant and delicate
I love the flowers and the simplicity of the key that comes together and creates such a masterpiece. This is one of my favorites!
Colorful Key
Photo credit: Rachel on Instagram
This bujo key has a sweet and cheery summer vibe to it, and the header is so unique and pretty!
I love how the header is used for the Key which she decorates using a sun and some blue colors on the left side, and the right side of the header is used as the index which she intricately designs using a well-known cherry tree drawing
She also designs her keys with color and not drawings. It would take a bit of memorizing but if you use it enough this would be a gorgeous way to use a key in the journal
I love it!
Floral Key
Photo credit: Flourish Bujo on Instagram
The floral theme on this bullet journal key is simple, yet pretty!
I love the pink flowers and how tall the flower is, covering the page. The key looks easy to utilize, and there aren’t too many events to memorize
I love how her tasks that are “in progress” are only half filled in
If you’re a fan of a floral, spring, or summer theme, or just want something pretty at the beginning of your bullet journal then this is the one for you!
Full Page Bullet Journal Key
Photo credit: Vinitha Mammen on Instagram
Wow! This may be the most intricately designed bullet journal key I’ve seen yet
Drawing this would be so de-stressing and motivating, not to mention how gorgeous it turns out. She has purple and blue tulips connected to vines covering the page, and her handwriting is extravagant.
I love the bold handwriting of the word “Key” in this piece. It’s covered in art but still easy to read and utilize, just like its made for
You’ll love this floral theme!
Simple & Cute
Photo credit: Anne | Bullet journal on Instagram
This key is surrounded by a beautiful wreath, and I am in absolute awe of how neatly she writes!
I love the look of the wreath for keys, and I like how this particular one is not in color because it gives it such a classic and professional look
The words are not in English for the key, but I’d imagine this would be great inspiration for drawing and making your own
I absolutely adore this!
Black & White
Photo credit: Plan With Ady on Instagram
This unique bullet journal key almost has a 3d look to it, and the little stars surrounding the bold “Key” are so cute and delicate!
She uses squares, triangles, and dots to outline her tasks which gives the journal a really cool look to it once you begin writing and using it.
This is a black and white theme, but you could customize it how you want
I think I’d consider coloring the little stars yellow or gold, just to add that extra piece of color. Very classy! ?
Key Icons
Photo credit: Nicole Grace on Instagram
I absolutely love the neat organization of this key!
This is written in large handwriting so she is able to quickly refer, and she uses things like a heart, a money sign, and a star, all symbols easy to remember and recognize
Her handwriting is very unique, the key is simple and easy to utilize, and overall I think this key would be great for anyone, but especially inspiration for a beginner!
Easy Key
Photo credit: Toni on Instagram
My favorite thing about this key is the little botanical doodles on the side of the page!
This is overall so unique and cute ??
It’s a super simple, yet intricate design for a key, and I love the black and white theme for it. She utilizes easy symbols for her journal, and it brings a unique look that I haven’t seen before
This could be your KEY to success this year!
Bujo Key
Photo credit: DIDI™ on Instagram
The art used on this bullet journal key is beyond beautiful!
I absolutely love the cursive handwriting of the key, and it’s such a stunning drawing overall
This is so inspiring!
Old School Key
Photo credit: ?Bullet Journaling? on Instagram
This key has a “dutchess” feel to it, and it’s beautifully drawn
I love how the artist uses a key connected to a chain, and it’s the main piece of the bullet journal key itself
This is a black and white theme, but I could see it being gorgeous with some colors added
I also really like how she only has 10 items on her key, it makes things a lot easier to remember when utilizing it
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