Plotter Alternatives, Part 2

A5 Alternatives

Welcome back for part 2 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read the previous post.

Unlike what I’ve found with other Japanese binder systems, Plotter only goes up to A5 size, rather than B5 or A4. Perhaps because it’s the largest size, the A5 binder size has the most accessories and refills.

There are, of course, MANY A5 binders available — including some well-known brands like Levenger Circa (OK, maybe not quite a binder) and Filofax — so I chose some top picks based on binder depth and compatibility with Plotter paper. That said, let’s get into the A5 alternatives.

Depending on what, specifically, interests you about the Plotter system, some of the options listed below may be of more interest to you than others. To help you figure out which, if any, to look into, I’ve included some specific information:

• Ring Size: Where available, I’ve included the ring size. The measurements may be internal diameter or external diameter.
• Sheet Capacity: I’ve included the sheet capacity so you can get an idea of ring size if that measurement isn’t available. For reference, the Plotter binders have 0.4in/10mm rings and hold ~ 80 sheets of paper.
• Compatibility: I’ve included what paper each alternative is compatible with — Plotter/standard 6-ring paper, standard 20-ring paper, etc. To determine likely compatibility with Plotter paper, I overlaid Plotter paper on the base paper in Photoshop. Both images are at their full millimeter footprint, so I can see if the holes line up. This isn’t a 100% guaranteed method, especially as I couldn’t find a perfect “top-down” view of every type of paper. However, it should be close enough to suit our purposes.
• Split Rings: I’m also including whether a binder has split rings in the “interests overview” section for each binder.

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A5 Plotter Specifications

Price: $162 – $245 USD
Binder Length: 8.7in (220mm)
Binder Width: 6.7in (170mm)
Binder Depth: 0.6in (15mm)
Ring Size: 0.4in (11mm)
Sheet Capacity: 80
Paper size: 8.3in × 5.8in (210mm x 147mm)
Compatibility: Standard 6-ring paper

Plotter A5-compatible paper is available in plain, 2mm grid, 5mm dot grid, 6mm lined, to do list, and drawing paper memo pads; plain, 2mm grid, 4mm dot gird, and isometric grid A4 memo pads; 2mm grid, 4mm dot grid, and 6mm lined notepads; and monthly and weekly diary layouts.

Plotter A5-compatible accessories include “project managers“, ruler pad, and lifters with penholder or elastic band options.

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Alternatives: ⇣ Cocoa Paper | ⇣ Kleid | ⇣ Kokuyo | ⇣ Lihit Lab | ⇣ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Cocoa Paper A5 Planner

Interests Overview

☑ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
☑ Split rings

Binder Details

The Cocoa Paper binders aren’t slim, they have 1in (25mm) rings. But, they do have the separated rings and are available in “croc” texture or untextured leather and faux leather in a myriad of colors. Best of all, you can customize your binder with one of several add-ons ranging from $1.99 to $12.95:

• Personalization with a monogram or logo
• Closure type change
• Additional pockets
• Hardware color change
• Elastic pen loop
• Contrast stitching
• Scallop edge spine detailing
• Accent color
• Spine widening up to 3in (760mm)
• Carry handles
• Wrist strap
• Fabric lining
• Elastic closure

It’s also worth mentioning that you can contact Cocoa Paper through Etsy to request a custom order.

The Cocoa Paper A5 Planner seems like it would be compatible with Plotter A5 paper. The Plotter paper holes line up perfectly with standard A5 6-ring paper.

Cocoa Paper does not currently sell any loose-leaf paper, but they do have A5 jotter pads with their proprietary paper made from ~70% cocoa bark fiber blended with ~30% recycled white office paper.

Cocoa Paper also does not have any proprietary accessories meant for use with their binders.

I only found Cocoa Paper binders on their website and Etsy shop.

Specifications

Price: $49.95 – $72.95 USD
Binder Height: 9.5in (242mm)
Binder Width: 7.9in (200mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 1in (25mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Accepts any standard A5 6-ring paper, including Plotter paper

As a side note, I own a Cocoa Paper notebook cover, and it still looks almost new after two years of daily use.

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇣ Kleid | ⇣ Kokuyo | ⇣ Lihit Lab | ⇣ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Kleid Fleek Binder

Interests Overview

☑ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☒ Plotter paper compatibility
☑ Split rings

Binder Details

If you like the Plotter leather cover, the Kleid Fleek binder may be to your taste. It comes in several colors of faux leather. The rings are smallish, and the binder has a 0.9in depth, only 0.3in more than the Plotter. It also has the separated rings.

The Kleid Fleek Binder is not compatible with Plotter paper, but it is compatible with standard 20-hole A5 paper.

Brand-name paper seems to be limited to 2mm graph in white and cream. Even their website doesn’t have much in the way of paper options.  

Brand-name accessories are nonexistent, but compatible hole punches are available.

I’ve found Kleid Fleek Binders on JetPens and Vanness Pens.

Specifications

Price: $29.00  – $31.00 USD
Binder Length: 8.5in (217mm)
Binder Width: 6.6in (168mm)
Binder Depth: 0.9in (24mm)
Ring Size: 0.7in (17mm)
Sheet Capacity: 70
Compatibility: Accepts any standard 20-hole A5 paper

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇡ Kleid | ⇣ Kokuyo | ⇣ Lihit Lab | ⇣ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Kokuyo Smart Ring Series

Interests Overview

☒ Leather cover
☑☒ Small ring size
☒ Plotter paper compatibility
☑☒ Split rings

Binder Details

The Kokuyo Smart Ring series answers the slim profile ask. There are binders with a capacity of just 25 pages, up to a whopping 100 pages. Some of the binders have separated rings, while others have all 20 rings. Depending on which binder you buy from the series, they have some unique opening mechanisms which are much nicer than the typical three-ring, tab-opened binders I grew up with.

The Smart Ring series is not compatible with Plotter paper. They are, of course, compatible with Kokuyo 20-hole paper, and also with any standard 20-hole punched A5 paper.

Brand-name paper is available in plain, 5mm grid, 5mm dot grid, 6mm lined, dotted 6mm lined, 7mm lined, and dotted 7mm lined variations.

Available brand-name accessories include dividers, zipper pouches, and page protectors. Compatible hole punches are available.

I’ve found the Smart Ring series on JetPens, Kawaii Pen Shop, Paper Moon Island, Stationery Pal, and even Amazon.

Specifications

Price: $8.50 – $15.99 USD
Binder Length: 8.7in – 8.8in (221mm – 225mm)
Binder Width: 6.2in – 7.17in (158mm – 182mm)
Binder Depth: 0.5in – 0.95in (13mm – 24mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
Sheet Capacity: 25 – 100
Compatibility: Accepts any standard 20-hole A5 paper

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇡ Kleid | ⇡ Kokuyo | ⇣ Lihit Lab | ⇣ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Lihit Lab Twist Ring Series

Interests Overview

☒ Leather cover
☑☒ Small ring size
☒ Plotter paper compatibility
☒ Split rings

Binder Details

You can get the Twist Ring binders in two versions: binder alone or binder with a fabric cover. If a slim profile isn’t a high priority for you, the cover is nice, with multiple pockets and even a velcro pouch. However, it increases the depth by 0.8in. The binder that comes with the cover has a capacity of 120 sheets, while the solo binders have a capacity of 60 sheets.

The Twist Ring binders are not compatible with pre-punched paper from any other brand.

Brand-name paper is available in plain, 5mm grid, 5mm light blue grid, and 6mm lined variations.

Brand-name accessories seem to be limited to the binder cover and hole punch.

I’ve found the Lihit Labs binders on JetPens and Amazon.

Specifications

Price: $6.75 – $29.00 USD
Binder Length: 8.3in – 8.9in (210mm – 227mm)
Binder Width: 6.1in – 6.7in (155mm – 170mm)
Binder Depth: 0.47in – 1.2in (12mm – 30mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
Sheet Capacity: 60 – 120
Compatibility: None

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇡ Kleid | ⇡ Kokuyo | ⇡ Lihit Lab | ⇣ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Mark’s System Planner Binder

Interests Overview

☒ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
☑ Split rings

Binder Details

The Mark’s System Planner Binder has slimmer rings than many standard binders, but is almost double the width of a Plotter binder, with a capacity of 135 pages. The binder does, however, come in many different colors and has separated rings.

It looks like the Marks System Planner Binder would be compatible with Plotter paper, as the holes line up perfectly.

Brand-name refills include plain pink; plain framed in pink and brown; 5mm dot grid in pink and brown; 7mm lined in mint, pink, and brown; undated monthly, vertical weekly, horizontal weekly, and one page per day diary layouts in pink and brown; and “content” layouts for studying, housework and management, budget, and habit tracking in pink.

Brand-name accessories include dividers and card sleeves. Compatible hole punches are available.

I’ve found a limited Mark’s System Planner Binder selection on JetPens, but the majority of products seem to only be available on the Online Mark’s website.

Specifications

Price: $29.00 – $41.00 USD
Binder Length: 9.33in (237mm)
Binder Width: 7.28in (185mm)
Binder Depth: 1.5in (38mm)
Ring Size: 0.75in (19mm) per Online Mark’s Website, 0.95in (24mm) per JetPens
Sheet Capacity: 135
Compatibility: Accepts any standard A5 6-ring paper, including Plotter paper

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇡ Kleid | ⇡ Kokuyo | ⇡ Lihit Lab | ⇡ Mark’s | ⇣ Raymay

Raymay Decona System Binder

Interests Overview

☒ Leather cover
☑☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
☑ Split rings

Binder Details

The Raymay Decona comes in several different colors. The rings are smallish, although the binder has a depth of 1.4in, and separated. The Raymay website has several other versions of the Decona binder — including one with 15mm rings — but they are only available in Japan, unless you use a proxy service.

It looks like the Raymay Decona System Binder is compatible with Plotter paper, as the holes line up almost exactly.

Brand-name paper is available in 6.5mm lined and 4mm dot grid in ivory Tomoe River and pink tanto paper and a free monthly schedule and free weekly schedule in pink tanto paper. Raymay’s tanto paper “features a gentle, crepe-like texture, and it is made from a sturdy blend of fibers including cotton and flax.“

Brand-name accessories include index tabs, stationery pouches, clear sheet protectors, clear zipper pockets, clear card pockets, and hole protector tape. Compatible hole punches are available.

I’ve found the Raymay Decona System Binder on JetPens and Amazon.

Specifications

Price: $29.00  – $31.00 USD
Binder Length: 9.4in (240mm)
Binder Width: 6.9in (175mm)
Binder Depth: 1.4in (35mm)
Ring Size: 0.8in (20mm)
Sheet Capacity: 120
Compatibility: Accepts any standard A5 6-ring paper, including Plotter paper

Alternatives: ⇡ Cocoa Paper | ⇡ Kleid | ⇡ Kokuyo | ⇡ Lihit Lab | ⇡ Mark’s | ⇡ Raymay

That’s it for part 2. Come back tomorrow for part 3 on the Bible and Narrow size binders.

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What do you think of the A5 alternatives? Do you think you might get any of these? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

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