What If I Told You the Best Notes Application Is Free and Already on Your Device?
Make the most out of your note-taking experience.
I am not going to leave you until the end of the article. The best note-taking application is Apple Notes. Yes, I also have a love affair with Obsidian, but for taking quick notes, there is nothing better than Apple Notes.
Here is how you can use Apple Notes to the peak of its performance, and you might be surprised at some of the features it contains.
Handwritten or Typed
The first feature of Apple Notes which is impressive is the range of ways you can create them. Of course, there is the standard typed version, but also excellent compatibility with the Apple Pencil for handwritten notes. There is even an option to change handwritten to typed.
1. To copy text to type
2. Select the text
3. Copy as text
4. Paste into the document
Document Scanning
Apple Notes also has a large variety of media you can upload. For example, you can save images and PDF documents. You can also scan in documents if you want the text.
This range of media types means you can save almost anything to your notes with one click. Although it is not impossible to attach PDF documents and images to Obsidian, it takes longer. Which is why I use Apple Notes as my quick capture place.
1. Click on the camera at the top of the note
2. Select the file you want to import
You can also import using the share button in most applications
Smart Folders
Smart folders are a relatively new feature that has accelerated the application to its new level. Smart folders allow you to filter your notes in several ways, including using tags.
Using these, you can enhance the application's ability to be a resource for all writing. It can also help you gain structure to your notes, something that is essential for me.
1. Select the add folder option at the bottom
2. Click the options to make the folder smart
3. Filter by a range of options, for example, tags
4. All your notes with that tag will be sorted into your Smart Folder
Linking Your Thinking
One of the major positives of other note-taking applications, such as Obsidian and Roam, is the ability to link ideas together through backlinking. In Obsidian, this is easy; you type the name of the connected note, and the program links the two.
It is one of the drawbacks that people state of Apple Notes. However, there is a way to link your notes. Although not as quick and smooth as other applications, it is possible.
1. Click on the share button
2. Scroll along to find the invite by link
3. Wait for it to populate
4. Go into your other note and paste the link in
Is Apple Notes for you?
The first factor that puts most people off Apple Notes is that it is only in the Apple ecosystem. Although you can access notes through the web, the beauty comes from the seamless syncing between Apple products.
Syncing your notes between multiple devices takes little to no work; if you have all the machines logged into the same Apple ID, Apple does the rest. The syncing is also super fast and effective.
One of the best ways of looking for notes, even better than using tags and folders, is the native search function. Apple does not let the user down in this area either, as the search will scan typed and handwritten notes. It is fast and brings up good results.
The factor, though, for me that makes Apple Notes my capture application is the quick note function, especially on the iPad. You can access it through keyboard shortcuts or by pulling it up from the bottom left corner.
You can also access it through a range of share options or if you have an Apple pencil by touching the screen when the iPad screen has shut down. It is this one feature that is the reason I claim that the best note application is free and is Apple.