If you're new to having a bullet journal, you may be wondering what a bullet journal key is.
One of the first parts of your bullet journal will be the key.
On this page, you'll keep a list of symbols along with what each symbol represents.
Your key will be your quick guide to prioritizing tasks in your bullet journal.
Here's an example of typical symbols used in a bullet journal key:
• Task
o In Progress
X Completed Task
> Reschedule
! Priority
– Notes
Let's Gather Our Supplies
- Mildliner Colored Pens: These are the colored pens I use for my bullet journal. They are the most popular bullet journal pens!
- Washi Tape: Washi tape provides a simple way to personalize your journal.
- Shape Stencils: These stencils include ribbons, banners, and so much more.
- Bullet Journal Printables: If you love printables, you should check out this 61-Page Printable Bullet Journal.
12 Creative Bullet Journal Key Ideas
If you're looking for bullet journal key ideas, I'm sharing 12 creative bullet journal key ideas to inspire you.
Tropical Rainforest
I love this black and white tropical themed key. I think it would be fun to color in the leaves with fun colors like pinks, greens and purples.

Credit: @thehappyevercrafter
Color Coded
Aside from love that this key being simple and neat, I also love how they've decided to color code certain aspects of their bullet journal.

Credit: @saricastudio
Black Background
The black paper really helps this key stand out. This bullet journal key is so unique and stunning. I'm not sure I could pull off the floral drawing. It's so detailed and my drawing skills aren't at that level yet.

Credit: @mel_bulletbooks
Outer Space
Wow, what a stunning bullet journal key. This one features outer space elements such as planets, stars and mountains.

Credit: @blletjournal
Palm Leaves
Here's a simple spread that I could definitely pull off. It includes a simple palm leaf design in the lower right hand corner of the page.

Credit: @pagestoplans
Flowers and Leaves
Here's another beautiful key that includes flowers and other plants. Again, if I did something similar to this, I would have so much fun coloring in the design elements. Also, I really love how they've added a hand-drawn key to the design.

Credit: @emilyrosawrites
Black and White Flowers
In this black and white design, I love how the yellow background really make the other elements pop. You could even change the yellow color to pink, purple, or blue.

Credit: @travelersnotebookaddicts
Simple Floral Design
I love the simplicity of this design. And the cute floral graphics help to give this key a sort of vintage feel.

Credit: @artsybec
Pop-Out Key
This is probably my favorite key on this list because it's so simple and attainable. And on top of that, it still manages to be cute and creative.

Credit: @intheletters
Purple and Yellow Watercolors
This key is unique because it uses purple and yellow watercolors in the design. I love the addition of the key ring connected to the word "key."

Credit: @maris.bujo
Vintage Pinks
I'm not sure if a vintage look was the intent here, but this key gives me vintage vibes. I also love the addition of the washi tape on the key.

Credit: @loosefolia
Simple Black and White
This simple black and white key is right up my alley. It's looks simple enough to recreate or to add your own twist to. For example, you can design your own key design for this page.

Credit: @bullet.jana