If you're using a refillable leather journal cover, one of the biggest decisions is how many inserts to carry.
Some people prefer a single insert for simplicity, while others use multiple inserts to organise different parts of their life. The right setup depends on how you write, what you carry, and how you want your journal to function day to day.
What Does a Single Insert Setup Look Like?
A single insert setup keeps everything in one notebook. All your notes, ideas, and entries live in the same place, creating a linear and uninterrupted flow.
This approach is simple, lightweight, and easy to maintain. You don’t need to think about organisation systems or switching between sections.
What About Multiple Inserts?
A multiple insert setup divides your journal into separate notebooks. Each insert can serve a different purpose, such as work notes, personal journaling, travel logs, or planning.
This creates a modular system where you can organise your thoughts more intentionally and replace specific inserts as needed.
Key Differences: One Insert vs Multiple Inserts
1. Simplicity vs Organisation
A single insert keeps things straightforward. You write in one place without needing to manage different sections.
Multiple inserts allow you to separate different areas of your life, making it easier to stay organised over time.
2. Thickness and Carry
Using one insert keeps your leather journal cover slim and easy to carry, especially for everyday use or travel.
Multiple inserts add thickness, which can make the journal bulkier depending on how many you carry.
3. Writing Flow
With a single insert, your writing flows continuously without interruption. This works well for daily journaling and long-form writing.
Multiple inserts can break up that flow, but they provide structure by keeping different types of writing separate.
4. Flexibility Over Time
A single insert is replaced entirely once it’s full.
With multiple inserts, you can replace individual notebooks as needed without affecting the rest of your setup. This makes the system more adaptable over time.
5. Use Cases and Practicality
A single insert is ideal for minimalists, travellers, or anyone who prefers a clean, lightweight setup.
Multiple inserts work better for people who use their journal for different purposes and want everything organised in one place.
Which Setup Should You Choose?
Choose a single insert if you want simplicity, portability, and a consistent writing experience without extra complexity.
Choose multiple inserts if you want a more structured system that separates work, personal writing, and planning into distinct sections.
Final Thoughts
Both setups are effective, but they serve different styles of journaling. A single insert keeps things simple and focused, while multiple inserts turn your leather journal cover into a flexible system that adapts to different needs.
The best choice comes down to whether you value simplicity or organisation in how you write and carry your journal.
If you’re building a system around interchangeable inserts and long-term usability, read our guide to refillable leather journals.