Mini Alternatives
Welcome back for part 4 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 that post. You can also review the A5 and Bible and Narrow alternatives.
While, once again, Plotter Mini size paper doesn’t match any international size papers, it’s closest to B7 paper. And, at 12mm narrower than the Mini binder, B7 paper should fit into it without any problems.
Unfortunately, this is where it gets weird again. Don’t search for B7 refill paper, because it’s virtually impossible to find. However, like I found with A6 refills, A7 refill paper is not A7; it’s much closer to B7.
What is the point of having internationally standard sizes if they aren’t actually used? If a company doesn’t want to make paper in a standard size, fine, don’t; but don’t label it as a standard size!!
Across 11 listings for A7 refill paper — I didn’t bother searching as much as with A6 because there was less variation — the average size was 122mm by 82mm. The height varied from 120mm – 123mm; the width varied from 80mm – 84mm.
| Paper | B7 | Mini | A7 Refill | A7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 125mm | 127mm | 122mm | 105m |
| Width | 88mm | 80mm | 82mm | 74mm |
Because most binders and paper in this size range are listed as A7, that’s what I’m looking at — even though it’s really B7. *grumble grumble*
One small plus is that this “A7” size appears to be a favorite for “cash stuffing,” so there are MANY options on Amazon in various styles and price points.
That said, let’s get into the Mini (A7) alternatives.
Recap
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. I don’t know if the measurements are internal diameter or external diameter.
- Sheet Capacity: Where available, 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: This size binder is too small to allow for split rings, even Plotter Mini size has even spacing between all of the rings, so I’m leaving this interest point out of this post.
Mini Plotter Specifications
Price: $102 – $155 USD
Binder Height: 5.5in (140mm)
Binder Width: 3.9in (100mm)
Binder Depth: 0.6in (15mm)
Ring Size: 0.4in (11mm)
Sheet Capacity: 80
Paper Size: 5in × 3.15in (127mm x 80mm)
Compatibility: Standard 6-ring paper
Plotter Mini-compatible paper is available in plain, 2mm grid, 5mm dot grid, 6mm ruled, and to do list memo pads; and monthly and weekly diary layouts.
Plotter Mini-compatible accessories include “project managers“, ruler pad, and lifters with penholder or elastic band options.
Alternatives: ⇣ A Bubble Crush | ⇣ All-Pro Software | ⇣ CAGIE | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
A Bubble Crush Binders
Interests Overview
☒ Leather cover
? Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
A Bubble Crush has several different A7 binders including Neon Zippered, Neon Snap, Glitter, and Black Folder (which is clear, for some reason). Unfortunately, the one place I found them doesn’t provide the ring size or binder depth. They don’t look like they’re particularly slim, but they are pretty.
A Bubble Crush A7 paper aligns perfectly with Plotter Mini paper, so they should be interchangeable.
Brand-name paper is available in basic and decorative plain, basic grid (no ruling height provided), decorative ruled (no ruling height provided), basic and decorative undated monthly layout, decorative weekly layout, “bold line” pack (includes undated monthly and drawing diary layouts), cute decorative packs with a variety of layouts, and checklist varieties.
There do not appear to be any brand-name accessories, but Amazon has quite a few listings for A7 refill items. Compatible hole punches are available.
I only found A Bubble Crush binders on Durunaru.
Specifications
Price: $15.99 – $16.50 USD
Binder Height: 5.78in – 5.9in (147mm – 150mm)
Binder Width: 3.94in – 4.13in (100mm – 105mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: Not Available
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇣ All-Pro Software | ⇣ CAGIE | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
All-Pro Software (?) Mini Binder
Interests Overview
☒ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
This little binder is the epitome of what most of us will likely think of when we hear “binder.” It certainly reminds me of the binders I used in school. The rings are surprisingly small, just 2mm larger than Plotter. While the vinyl may not have the “class” of the Plotter leather, it’s certainly got some durability.
I’m not convinced that All-Pro Software is the actual brand, but it’s the best I’ve got from the Amazon listing.
There isn’t a perfectly top-down image of the paper sold by All-Pro Software, so I had to perspective crop an angled image of the paper in the binder. Based on that, even though the holes are much larger than those in Plotter paper, it looks as though they could be used interchangeably.
All-Pro Software also has a listing for ruled paper (ruling height not listed) and a listing for A-Z dividers. Compatible hole punches are available.
I only found this binder on Amazon.
Specifications
Price: $9.95 USD
Binder Height: 5.63in (143mm)
Binder Width: 4.13in (105mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.5in (13mm)
Sheet Capacity: 100
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇣ CAGIE | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
CAGIE A7 Small Binder
Interests Overview
☒ Leather cover
? Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
The CAGIE binder is interesting, with built-in front and back pockets and a notch for a pen. It also includes 4 dividers. It’s slimish, but not as slim as the Plotter.
Standard “A7” refill paper aligns perfectly with Plotter Mini paper, so you should be able to use Plotter paper in the CAGIE A7 binder.
While the binder comes with paper, that paper doesn’t appear to be sold separately, nor does the Amazon CAGIE store offer A7 paper.
I also didn’t find any accessories in the Amazon CAGIE store, and a Google search showed CAGIE primarily available at Amazon. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found this binder on Amazon, Ali Express, Temu, and JournalSay.
Specifications
Price: $7.96 – $12.99 USD
Binder Height: 5.7in (145mm)
Binder Width: 4in (107mm)
Binder Depth: 0.83in (21mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
Sheet Capacity: 80-100
Compatibility: Accepts any standard 6-ring A7 refill paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
Filofax Pocket Organizer Series
Interests Overview
☑☒ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
The Filofax Pocket Organizer series doesn’t have a slim profile either, but it does come in both genuine and faux leather covers — although, some of the Pocket binders are even more expensive than Plotter. They do, however, have a wide variety of colors and styles.
Some Filofax Pocket paper aligns perfectly with Plotter Mini paper, so they should be able to be used interchangeably. However, other paper, does not line up, which I can’t account for.
Brand-name paper options are so numerous, I can’t list them all individually. There are the ruling basics, including plain, grid, dot grid , and lined (ruling heights not specified) in a variety of colors. Layouts include daily, two-day, weekly, monthly, and yearly diary layouts; expenses; finances; to-do lists; password keeper and contacts.
Brand-name accessories include dividers, A-Z dividers, portable hole punches, credit card sleeve sheets, zipper pouches, and top-loading pouches (basically sheet protectors).
I found the Filofax Pocket Organizers at the Filofax website, of course, but a quick Google search revealed so many purchase locations — including some fountain pen stores — that I suggest running a search yourself to see if your favorite online shopping location has it.
Specifications
Price: $24.63 – $219 USD
Binder Height: 7.7in – 5.83in (145mm – 148mm)
Binder Width: 4.52in – 5.12in (115mm – 130mm)
Binder Depth: 1.18in – 1.61in (30mm – 41mm)
Ring Size: 0.74in (19mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Accepts standard 6-hole A7 paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇡ Filofax | ⇣ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
Mogoostry A7 Binders
Interests Overview
☑☒ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
Mogoostry has several additional A7 binders beyond the smaller version of the one discussed in the last post. These include glitter PVC, clear with colored rings, semi-transparent PVC, PVC with stars, and Retro PU Leather, all available in various colors.
Mogoostry binders are compatible with standard 6-ring A7 refill paper, so they should be compatible with Plotter Mini paper.
As with the A6 size, I don’t know if Mogoostry is actually the brand that manufactures this binder, but some A7 paper is available through their Amazon store. The paper is available in plain, grid and dot grid (ruling height not available), and budget planner.
Accessories available on their Amazon store include dividers, zipper pouches, sheet protectors, dividers with pockets, and rulers. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found Mogoostry on Amazon.
Specifications
Price: $4.99 – $14.99 USD
Binder Height: 5.43in – 5.71in (138mm – 145mm)
Binder Width: 3.94in – 4.13in (100mm – 105mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.59in – 0.79in (15mm – 20mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Accepts any standard 6-ring A7 refill paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Mogoostry | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
Raymay Fujii Pocket Binders
Interests Overview
☑ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
I found four different binders that are part of the Fujii series in pocket size: Standard DaVinci, Standard Davinci with a strap, and Davinci Roroma Classic.
The last is listed as a “Refill File” and does not have a slim profile. If you’re looking for a wider binder, it may be a good choice for you. However, because it’s not an official “binder” in the series, I’m not counting its measurements in the specifications below. The other
Raymay Pocket paper aligns perfectly with Plotter Mini paper, so they should be able to be used interchangeably.
Brand-name paper is available in plain, 5mm and 6.5mm ruled, checklist, address, and monthly and weekly layouts.
I couldn’t find any brand-name accessories for the pocket size binders. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found the Raymay Fuji series on Amazon, though sold through Japanese sellers. JetPens has some paper refills.
Specifications
Price: $4.99 – $14.99 USD
Binder Height: 5.43in – 5.71in (138mm – 145mm)
Binder Width: 3.94in – 4.13in (100mm – 105mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.59in – 0.79in (15mm – 20mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Accepts any standard 6-ring A7 refill paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Mogoostry | ⇡ Raymay | ⇣ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
XIGUI Leather A7 Binder
Interests Overview
☑ Leather cover
? Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
While I’m fairly certain that this “leather” binder is faux leather, you do get the leather look that so many like about the Plotter binders. It doesn’t look like it’s particularly slim.
While the binder comes with paper, that paper doesn’t appear to be sold separately. One of the reviews mentioned that they used a Filofax Pocket refill (specifically the weekly layout) in this binder, so that’s what I’ve used to compare to Plotter paper.
I looked through the XIGUI Amazon store, and there aren’t any accessories for the binder. However, when I look up XIGUI on Google, there aren’t many results, so it’s highly probably that XIGUI isn’t the actual brand. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found this binder on Amazon.
Specifications
Price: $13.98 USD
Binder Height: 6in (152.4mm)
Binder Width: 4.5in (114.3mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: Not Available
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Accepts standard 6-hole A7 paper
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Mogoostry | ⇡ Raymay | ⇡ XIGUI | ⇣ Maruman
BONUS: Maruman Mini Binders
Interests Overview
☒ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility — requires hole punching
Binder Details
I’m counting the Maruman mini binders as a bonus because of the big difference between them and the Plotter Mini binder: they’re horizontal. I’m sure you could use them as vertical binders with top binding if you wanted to, but that isn’t how they’re meant to be used.
I found several Maruman mini binders: Make One’s Day, Septcouleur, Session, Into-One, Giuris, Croquis, and Sketch Mini Binder.
Given that the Maruman mini binder rings are on the short edge of the paper, you can hole punch that side to use Plotter paper in them. The Maruman paper is hole-punched such that it will fit in any standard Japanese binder system (20/26 rings).
Brand-name paper is available in white and colored plain, 5mm grid, and 6mm ruled; 15mm dot grid, brown bamboo paper; white 10mm ruled; 6mm ruled “summary;” woven cotton, ivory drawing paper (AKA Croquis); to do list; vocabulary list; time planning; smart review check sheet; smart review vocabulary list; smart review main point; and undated monthly calendar.
Brand-name accessories include sheet protectors, zip pouches, card pockets, and dividers. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found Maruman’s various binders at JetPens, Amazon, Vanness Pens, Enigma Stationery, IRO, Tokyo Pen Shop, and Kawaii Pen Shop.
Specifications
Price: $7.00 – $48.15 USD
Binder Height: 3.81in – 4.84in (97mm – 123mm)
Binder Width: 5.87in – 6.3in (149mm – 160mm)
Binder Depth: 0.59in – 10.2in (15mm – 26mm)
Ring Size: 0.39in – 0.59in (10mm – 15mm)
Sheet Capacity: 40 – 100
Compatibility: Appropriately sized paper, will need to hole punch
Alternatives: ⇡ A Bubble Crush | ⇡ All-Pro Software | ⇡ CAGIE | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Mogoostry | ⇡ Raymay | ⇡ XIGUI | ⇡ Maruman
Four down, two to go. Come back tomorrow for part 5 on the mini 5 binder.
What do you think of the Mini alternatives? Do you think you might get any of these? Which of the sizes I’ve covered so far is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed my post. Make sure to subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss any posts. I generally post at least once a week.
