Paper style / ruling often determines its function. Most notebooks contain either blank, lined, lined with margins, graphing, or dot grid paper. Lined paper is usually for writing, whereas blank paper is commonly used for sketching or visual writing. Dot grid paper can be used for writing, sketching, drawing or anything you might find easier with a grid. Graphing paper is most often used in engineering, designing or scientific fields where you need to record diagrams and measurements.