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How to Choose the Right Size for Custom Printed Diaries
Last Updated: June 9, 2025
Custom printed diaries are more than just stationery—they’re everyday branding tools that sit on desks, travel in bags, and help professionals stay organised. Whether gifting them to clients, equipping your internal teams, or planning a seasonal brand rollout, selecting the right diary size impacts how your brand is experienced day after day.
Here’s how to choose the format that aligns with your audience and objectives.
Understand How Custom Printed Diaries Will Be Used
Start with purpose. Will these diaries be used for light note-taking during meetings, detailed planning across weeks and months, or quick, on-the-go reminders?
- Smaller sizes like A7 and A6 are ideal for mobility and brief notes.
- Larger options such as A5 and A4 offer structure and space and are suited to users who plan extensively or prefer a more visible workspace.
Ultimately, format you choose should fit the way your recipients work. A diary that integrates seamlessly into their routine will become something they carry—and, by extension, a platform that consistently displays your brand.
Portability: Choose a Diary That Fits Their Routine
A diary’s value lies in how easily it fits into your recipient’s daily routine. For professionals on the move—like sales teams or consultants—compact formats such as A7 or A6 are ideal for portability. Meanwhile, office-based staff or executives may prefer printed desk planners that offer more writing space and structure.
Writing Habits: Match the Diary Size to Daily Needs
Everyone writes differently. Some professionals prefer short, bulleted notes, while others map out their entire day in time blocks or paragraphs. Therefore, the diary’s size needs to accommodate those habits.
- Custom pocket notebooks suit quick lists or small handwriting.
- Larger diaries support more detailed entries, planning tools, and multi-project tracking.
In other words, the closer the format fits their natural habits, the more often the diary will be used and the more visibility your custom branding will receive.
Bigger Diaries, Bigger Branding Impact
Custom-printed diaries offer valuable branding space, and size plays a big part. Larger formats like branded rocketbook notebooks you more room to include logos, colours, and personalised touches that elevate your brand. However, smaller diaries still work well with subtle features like foil stamping or debossing, but they call for a cleaner, more focused design approach.
Budgeting for Value: Choose the Right Size at the Right Price
From a cost standpoint, smaller diaries are typically more cost-effective and ideal for bulk campaigns, events, or onboarding packs. In contrast, larger diaries carry a higher price but offer greater long-term value—mainly when used by executives or key clients—thanks to consistent use and extended brand exposure. As always, the right choice should balance the budget with purpose, not just cost.
Which Diary Size is Best? A Practical Comparison
A7 – Compact and Easy to Carry
Great for slipping into a pocket or small bag, A7 diaries are perfect for quick notes or reminders on the go.
Keep in mind that there is not much space to write, so they’re not ideal for detailed planning.
A6 – Small Yet Practical
It is a handy size that balances portability with just enough room for everyday notes. It works well for light use throughout the day.
Just note: It might feel cramped for those with larger handwriting or more to jot down.
A5 – Reliable and Versatile
Spacious enough for meetings, task lists, and daily schedules, but still easy to carry. A5 diaries are the go-to choice for all-round usability.
Something to consider: They’re slightly bulkier but still fit comfortably in most bags.
Common Questions About Custom Printed Diaries
Can I fully customise the design and layout?
Yes. Every part can be branded to reflect your company’s identity, from logo placement and colour themes to internal pages and cover finishes.
Can I order multiple diary sizes in one batch?
Absolutely. Many companies mix smaller diaries for staff with larger ones for managers or VIP clients.
What materials are available for covers?
Options include PU leather, fabric, cork, and recycled materials, offering different tactile and visual branding effects.
Can I request a sample before confirming the order?
Yes. Samples are available to ensure you’re happy with the size, feel, and design before full production.
Order Custom Printed Diaries That Make a Lasting Impression
Choosing the right size for your custom-printed diaries is more than a logistical choice—it’s a branding strategy. After all, the correct format shapes how often the diary is used and how your brand is seen. At Cubic Promote, we create practical diaries that are professionally designed and tailored to real business needs. Whether it’s for corporate events to internal gifting, we help you make a lasting impression with every page.