Fountain Pen Ink Tracker

Log your ink collection with color swatches, volume levels, shading/sheen/waterproof tags, and pen pairings. Filter, search, and export as a PDF swatch sheet or CSV backup — everything stays in your browser.

Shading Sheen Waterproof Shimmer

How it works

Your entire ink collection lives in your browser — nothing is uploaded anywhere. Use the tracker to build a visual swatch library, track remaining volume, and remember which pens each ink suits.

1. Add an ink Enter ink name, brand, pick a hex color, set the remaining % and optional tags (shading, sheen, waterproof, shimmer).
2. Pair pens Record which fountain pens you use or recommend for each ink. Helps avoid nib-ink compatibility headaches.
3. Browse & filter Search by name or brand, filter by pen pairing, or toggle property tags to find the right ink fast.
4. Export Download a PDF swatch sheet — a printable grid of all your color swatches with ink names and brands — or a CSV backup for spreadsheets.

Data is saved in localStorage in your browser. It persists across visits on the same device and browser. Use CSV export for backup or to move between devices.

Frequently asked questions

Does my ink data ever leave my device?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser using localStorage. No data is sent to any server, no account is needed, and no tracking occurs. The only way data moves off your device is when you explicitly click "Export CSV" or "Export PDF Swatch Sheet" — those generate a file saved locally on your computer.
How do I back up or transfer my collection to another device?
Use the Export CSV button to download a comma-separated file of your entire collection. To restore it, you can re-import each ink by hand, or open the CSV in any spreadsheet app (Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets) and use it as a reference. Automatic cross-device sync is not available since everything stays local — that's by design for privacy.
What do the property tags mean?
Shading — the ink shows light-to-dark variation within a single stroke depending on how much ink is deposited; characteristic of many iron gall and certain dye inks. Sheen — the ink shows a secondary reflective color (often red or gold) at the edges of strokes when the ink pools; typically more visible on quality coated paper. Waterproof (or water-resistant) — the dried ink resists smearing when wet; important for documents or artwork exposed to moisture. Iron gall and pigment inks are commonly waterproof. Shimmer — the ink contains fine metallic or glitter particles that add sparkle; requires regular pen flushing to prevent clogging.
What is the PDF swatch sheet and how do I use it?
The PDF export generates a printable grid showing each ink as a filled color rectangle alongside its name and brand — the same format professional pen shops use on ink sample cards. Print it on quality paper to compare how inks look on real paper rather than a backlit screen. The exported PDF is generated entirely in your browser using pdf-lib and never touches a server.
How should I track remaining ink volume?
Set the percentage (0–100%) to reflect how full the bottle currently is. A new, full bottle is 100%. When you notice the bottle is about half empty, update it to roughly 50%. There's no sensor — it's a manual estimate, but even rough figures help you plan restocking before you run out mid-project. Inks at or below 15% are highlighted in the volume bar so you can spot them at a glance.