If you've spent any time on BookTok or Bookstagram, you've probably seen them: pages full of colored tabs, underlines, handwritten notes in the margins, and sometimes even small drawings next to a favorite scene. Book annotating is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among readers — a way to add your own notes and thoughts to a book, making reading even more fun and interactive.
But how do you start? What do you write down? And should you really write in your book? This is everything you need to know.
What is book annotating?
Annotating simply means: making notes in or next to your book as you read. This can be done in many ways:
- Underlining or highlighting sentences
- Writing notes in the margin
- Placing colored tabs on certain pages
- Writing down reactions to shocking plot twists
- Circling favorite quotes
- Adding small drawings or symbols
Book annotating dates back to ancient times, when readers made notes in the margins of manuscripts. Today, it has become a more personal and creative activity, where readers record their reactions, ideas, and emotions.
Why should you annotate books?
Many readers hesitate because writing in a book feels unnatural. But the benefits are great:
You remember more. Active reading, where you engage with the text instead of just passively reading the story, helps you remember more details.
You understand the book better. Annotating helps you truly understand characters, underlying layers, and themes instead of just skimming over them.
You can easily flip back. Finding a favorite quote or a plot twist is much easier if you know where you've placed your tab.
It makes reading more fun. Writing comments, including drawings or illustrations, and interacting with the text makes the reading experience much more enjoyable and personal.
It provides great content. Annotated pages are one of the most popular types of Bookstagram content. A photo of a beautifully annotated page always does well.
Don't want to write in your book? This is your alternative
Not everyone wants to fill their books with writing — and that's completely understandable. If you love beautiful books that stay pristine, our Book Review Notepad is your alternative.
For each book, you have space for:
- Star rating
- Favorite quotes
- Tropes and themes
- Spice level
- Character notes
- Personal notes and feelings
This way, you can still annotate everything you want to record, without making a single mark in your book. Available in Fantasy and Café design, printed on sturdy 120 gsm paper.
✍️ Annotate without writing in your book
→ Order the Book Review Notepad
The most popular annotating methods
Method 1: Color-coding with tabs
The most shared method on BookTok. You place colored tabs on pages, and each color has a meaning. A popular system:
- 🟡 Yellow — favorite quote
- 🩷 Pink — romantic or spicy scene
- 🔵 Blue — important plot information
- 🟣 Purple — character development
- 🔴 Red — shock, plot twist, or something that made you angry
- 🟢 Green — funny or lighthearted moments
You don't have to follow this system — create your own color code that suits you.
Method 2: Marginalia
Write comments if you have something to say or if the passage made you feel something. This can be short ("NO!!", "I'm crying", "plot twist!") or more elaborate if you have a theory. Marginalia are also popular when rereading a book — you can find your own previous reactions.
Method 3: Underlining and circling
Simple and effective. Underline sentences that resonate with you. Circle words or names you want to look up or remember later. Optionally add an asterisk (*) next to passages you find extra important.
Method 4: Sticky notes
For those who don't want to write in the book: write your thoughts on small sticky notes and place them on the relevant page. This way, you can remove them later if you want to lend the book.
Method 5: Combined method
Most advanced annotators combine several methods: tabs for quick navigation, short notes in the margin for immediate reactions, and a separate notepad for more extensive thoughts.
What exactly do you annotate?
Don't know what to write down? These are the most commonly annotated things:
- Favorite quotes — sentences that touch you, surprise you, or sound beautiful
- Emotional reactions — what you felt during a certain scene
- Plot twists — your initial reaction to an unexpected turn
- Character observations — behavior or statements that catch your attention
- Foreshadowing — you only truly see this on a reread
- Funny dialogues — moments that made you laugh out loud
- Questions — things you don't understand or want to look up
Save your favorite pages with a bookmark
Annotating and a good bookmark go hand in hand. Use a bookmark to mark the page that touched you the most — that one scene where you had to pause to collect yourself.
Our bookmarks are printed on luxurious 300 gsm linen paper and available in dozens of designs:
- Fantasy bookmarks — for romantasy annotators
- Romance bookmarks — for the slow burn moments
- Spicy bookmarks — for those pages
- Coquette bookmarks — for the aesthetic annotator
- All bookmarks
🔖 Choose your favorite bookmark
→ View all bookmarks
Keep track of all your reading experiences
Annotating multiple books at once and want to stay organized? Our Reading Log Book Tracker helps you keep track of which books you've read, when, and how you rated them. Printed on sturdy 300 gsm paper, available in Summer and Fantasy designs.
📋 Keep track of your reading year
→ Order the Reading Log Book Tracker
Tips for beginners: how to start annotating
1. Start small
You don't have to annotate every page. Start by just underlining your favorite sentences. That's already a form of annotating.
2. Write what you feel
There are no rules. "WHAT" is a perfect note. "I hate him" too. Annotate your reaction, not what you think you should think.
3. Use a pencil if in doubt
With a pencil, you can erase notes later if you regret writing in your book.
4. Make it personal
Your annotations are for you. You don't have to share them. Write what suits you, not what looks good in a photo.
5. Use a separate notepad as an alternative
Our Book Review Notepad is perfect if you want to annotate but keep your book tidy.
The complete annotating setup
📚 Everything for your annotating ritual:
✔ Book Review Notepad — annotate outside your book, a separate page for each book
✔ Reading Log Book Tracker — keep track of the books you've read
✔ Bookmark of your choice — mark your most special pages
✔ Die-cut stickers — decorate your notepad or reading journal
✔ Glass Can — for the drink that goes with every reading session
✔ Blind Date Book — for the next book you want to annotate
Frequently asked questions about annotating books
What does annotating books mean?
Annotating books means making notes in or next to your book while reading: underlining sentences, reacting in the margins, adding colored tabs, or highlighting favorite quotes.
Is it okay to write in a book?
That is entirely your choice. Many readers enjoy writing in second-hand books but not in new copies. Alternatively, you can use a separate Book Review Notebook.
How do you start annotating books?
Start simple: only underline sentences that resonate with you. Then, add a brief reaction in the margin if you feel something during a scene. You don't need to adopt an elaborate color-coding system right away.
What color code do most BookTok annotators use?
There's no official standard, but a popular system uses yellow for quotes, pink for romantic scenes, blue for plot information, red for plot twists, and green for funny moments. Adapt it to your preference.
Is annotating also good for e-readers?
Yes. Most e-readers have a built-in highlight and notes function. You can also use a separate Book Review Notebook alongside your e-reader to keep track of your thoughts.
What accessories do I need for annotating books?
A pencil or pen, colored tabs, and optionally a Book Review Notebook for notes outside the book. You don't need more to get started.
📚 Start your annotation ritual today
Book Review Notebook • Reading Log • Bookmarks • Stickers • Glass Can
Happy reading! 📚✍️