My simple Annotation System : How I Annotate Books

Hello readers! I’ve developed a super simple, no-fuss Annotation System that works like a charm for both physical and digital books—and today, I’m finally sharing it with you in this How I Annotate Books post.

Whether you’re brand new to annotating or just tired of complicated methods that look more like art projects than reading tools, this post is for you. This is my Annotation System, and it’s all about making annotations easy, functional, and actually fun.

Why I Annotate?

Let’s be real—annotation can sound intimidating. Highlighters, tabs, notes in the margins… and for those who treat their books like sacred untouched relics, even the idea of writing in them can be a bit horrifying.

But here’s the thing: I love annotating.

It helps me connect more deeply with the story, remember characters and quotes I adore, and makes writing reviews (or emotionally charged rants) so much easier. Most importantly—it makes the book mine. I leave pieces of myself behind in the form of notes, reactions, doodles, and emotions scribbled in the margins. It’s my way of having a quiet conversation with the story. It’s low-key therapy.

It’s not about making the book look pretty (though it sometimes does). It’s about capturing the experience of reading in the most personal way.

My Physical Book Annotation Setup

I use a simple tab and scribble method that doesn’t interrupt my reading flow.

Colours of the tabs changes depending on the book. I’m not that stringent about matching the tab with the book covers (though, yes, that does look great on Pinterest), I just choose whichever is there on the current tab sheet but this is how I used them-

Tab Color 1 – Plot
Tab Color 2 – Characters
Tab Color 3 – Quotes/ Important scenes

For fantasy or more layered reads, I sometimes add an extra tab color. I’ll switch up tab choices depending on genre or mood, like I’ve done in some of the photos I’ve shared.

My Scribble System

I’m a margin-scribbler. If a character makes me roll my eyes, if a scene makes me feel something deeply, if I spot foreshadowing—I scribble it down. Nothing fancy, just raw thoughts.

Quick thoughts go in the margins.

Longer reflections go on sticky notes or at the end/beginning of chapters

As for quotes—I always underline them while reading, then go back later to highlight them. (Because I never have my highlighter nearby and I’m honestly too lazy to get up.)

Symbol Key

◯ Oval = New character introduced

⬛ Square = New or unfamiliar word

~~~ Squiggly line = Romantic gesture or heartwarming moment (because swoons deserve flair)

That’s it. No rainbow chaos. Just a system that works. (If I could draw, maybe I’d add some cute icons—but let’s be honest, my doodles look like my 7-year-old did them, and she’s better at it.)

My Digital Annotation System

When I’m reading on Kindle or any digital platform, annotation becomes a tap-and-highlight process. And yes, I have a color code for that too:

🟡 Yellow – Plot

🔵 Blue – Characters

🟠 Orange – Important, Romantic, or Fantasy World Scenes

💗 Pink – Quotes

I don’t write notes on every highlight, but when a scene hits hard or a quote sparks a thought, I’ll either type a short note or highlight the whole section for future reference.

So this is it! I find this system easy to remember, low effort, and helps me write better reviews.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t have to be pretty, aesthetic, Instagram-worthy, or even consistent. It just has to make sense to you.

My system is part memory keeper, part emotional vent, and part chaotic post-it art project. And I love it for that.

Some of the posts on Annotation I enjoyed for your reference-

How to Annotate Books When You’re Reading For Fun

Annotating My Books: Why and How I Take Notes While Reading

So tell me—do you annotate your books?
Are you a margin-scribbler, a sticky note queen, a color-coded digital highlighter fiend? Or do you still gasp at the thought of writing in your books?

Let’s chat in the comments! I’m always up for nerding out over annotation styles.

Just in case you missed,,,

• My simple Annotation System : How I Annotate Books
• Book Lovers by Emily Henry – heartfelt and whip smart romance
• Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5) by Carissa Broadbent – A slow burn gothic romantasy

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