Latest news with #noteTaking
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Goodnotes 6 vs Apple Notes: Which Note-Taking App Reigns Supreme in 2025?
What if your note-taking app could do more than just store your ideas? Imagine an app that feels like a blank canvas for creativity, offering endless customization, versus one that integrates so seamlessly into your daily life that it feels invisible. In 2025, the battle between Goodnotes 6 vs Apple Notes has reached new heights, with each app carving out its niche in the digital note-taking world. Goodnotes 6 dazzles with its advanced tools and creative freedom, while Apple Notes remains a steadfast companion for simplicity and collaboration. But which one truly fits your workflow? The answer might surprise you. In this detailed comparison, Paperless X discuss the strengths and limitations of both apps, from Goodnotes 6's feature-rich design to Apple Notes' effortless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Whether you're a student, professional, or creative, this overview will guide you through key aspects like customization, pricing, collaboration tools, and multimedia capabilities. By the end, you'll not only understand how these apps differ but also gain clarity on which one aligns with your priorities. After all, the right note-taking app isn't just about features—it's about how well it supports your unique way of thinking. Goodnotes 6 vs Apple Notes Pricing and Accessibility When considering cost, Apple Notes holds a clear advantage. It is completely free for all Apple device users and includes a web version, allowing cross-platform access. This makes it an appealing choice for individuals already invested in the Apple ecosystem, as it eliminates the need for additional expenses. In contrast, Goodnotes 6 offers a limited free trial, allowing users to create up to three notebooks before requiring a subscription. The pricing structure varies by platform: $10 per year for Android and Windows users or a one-time $30 purchase for Apple devices. While Goodnotes 6 provides a robust set of features, its cost may be a deciding factor for budget-conscious users. If affordability is your primary concern, Apple Notes is the more economical option. User Interface and Customization Apple Notes is designed with simplicity at its core. Its minimalist, single-screen interface ensures quick and distraction-free access to your notes. This straightforward design is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and a clean workspace. On the other hand, Goodnotes 6 offers a more customizable and feature-rich interface. It includes a dedicated homepage and workspace, customizable toolbars, and options to personalize your note-taking environment. These features make it a strong choice for users who value flexibility and a tailored experience. While Apple Notes excels in simplicity, Goodnotes 6 provides greater versatility for those seeking a more personalized approach. 2025 Comparison of Features and Usability : Goodnotes 6 vs Apple Notes Watch this video on YouTube. Unlock more potential in Apple Notes by reading previous articles we have written. Page Templates and Design Goodnotes 6 leads the way in page design and customization. It offers an extensive selection of page templates, customizable notebook covers, and the ability to import or purchase additional designs. These features make it a standout choice for users who want to adapt their notes to specific projects, workflows, or aesthetic preferences. In comparison, Apple Notes offers limited design flexibility. While functional, it lacks robust template options, which may not appeal to users who prioritize visual customization or need specialized layouts for their notes. For those who value creative control over their note-taking environment, Goodnotes 6 is the superior option. Writing and Drawing Tools Both apps provide essential writing and drawing tools, including pens, highlighters, and pencils. However, Goodnotes 6 offers a more advanced toolkit. Features such as pressure sensitivity, adjustable motion smoothness, and dashed or dotted strokes make it particularly useful for detailed note-taking, sketching, or artistic projects. Apple Notes, while simpler, includes unique tools like a crayon and opacity adjustments. These features cater to users seeking a straightforward and user-friendly experience for basic tasks. For advanced writing and drawing capabilities, Goodnotes 6 is the better choice, but Apple Notes remains a reliable option for casual users. Eraser and Zoom Tools Goodnotes 6 provides a sophisticated eraser tool that allows users to auto-select or clear entire pages. Additionally, its zoom tool with auto-advance functionality makes it easier to work on intricate details, enhancing precision for tasks like annotating or drawing. In contrast, Apple Notes offers a more basic eraser and lacks a dedicated zoom tool. While this simplicity may suffice for casual users, it could be limiting for those who require advanced precision in their work. If detailed editing is a priority, Goodnotes 6 offers a more comprehensive solution. Shapes and Text Tools Goodnotes 6 excels in handling shapes and text customization. It supports irregular shapes, border styles, and extensive text box adjustments, including font selection, padding, and line spacing. These features make it an excellent choice for users who frequently incorporate diagrams, charts, or other structured elements into their notes. Apple Notes, on the other hand, shines in managing body text. Features like collapsible sections, interactive lists, and handwriting integration enhance its usability for text-heavy workflows. Depending on whether you prioritize shape flexibility or text management, either app could meet your needs. Image and Media Handling Goodnotes 6 offers superior image handling capabilities, allowing users to resize, crop, and enhance notes with stickers. It also supports timestamped audio links and editable transcriptions, making it a versatile tool for multimedia projects. Apple Notes, while simpler in its image handling, provides real-time audio transcription. This feature is particularly valuable for users who rely on voice recordings for their notes. Depending on your media requirements, either app could be a strong contender, with Goodnotes 6 excelling in multimedia versatility and Apple Notes offering practical audio tools. Collaboration and Organization For collaboration, Apple Notes takes the lead. It offers detailed permissions, centralized control over shared notes, and organizational tools such as tags, smart folders, and selective folder locking. These features make it a robust option for teamwork and group projects. While Goodnotes 6 supports collaboration, it lacks the granular permissions found in Apple Notes. However, it compensates with features like comments and cloud backup options, including WebDAV support. If collaboration and organization are key priorities, Apple Notes is the stronger choice. Search and AI Tools Both apps include handwriting search and live text input, but Goodnotes 6 incorporates advanced AI tools for tasks like summarization and organization. These features enhance its functionality for users who need intelligent assistance in managing their notes. Apple Notes offers refined search options, such as case matching and attachment filtering, which improve its usability for locating specific content. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize AI-driven features or advanced search capabilities. Export and Integration Goodnotes 6 excels in exporting handwritten notes, offering tools like tape, stickers, and page editing for polished outputs. These features make it a strong choice for users who frequently share or present their notes. Apple Notes, while less robust in export options, integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. This integration allows for effortless sharing across devices and apps, making it a convenient option for users deeply embedded in the Apple environment. Depending on your workflow, either app could meet your integration and export needs. Final Thoughts Goodnotes 6 is an excellent choice for users who value advanced features, customization, and cross-platform support. Its robust tools make it particularly appealing for creative and professional workflows. Apple Notes, on the other hand, offers a simpler, free alternative that excels in collaboration and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Your decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and the features you prioritize in a note-taking app. I hope this Goodnotes 6 vs Apple Notes comparison helps you decide which app is best for your workflow and productivity. Media Credit: Paperless X Filed Under: Apple, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
20-05-2025
- Android Authority
Samsung Notes finally lets you use the app on any Windows device
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority TL;DR The Samsung Notes app has received an update. The update allows the app to run on any Windows device. Previously, the app could only be synced on a PC if you had a Galaxy Book or used a workaround. There is no shortage of great note-taking apps on Android. But if you own a Galaxy phone, you may default to Samsung's app. That's not to take away from Samsung Notes, as it's one of the better options available. You can even sync it up to your computer. The only drawback is that you'll need a Galaxy Book to take advantage of this feature. However, a new update has now removed this limitation. A number of Samsung Notes users are reporting that the app has received an update that allows it to run on any Windows device. Previously, Samsung didn't support the app natively outside of the Galaxy ecosystem, so you would need a Galaxy Book to sync it up. That's not to say you couldn't get it to work on other platforms, but you would have had to find a workaround, like spoofing your device model. One Reddit user has shared a video showing Samsung Notes running on their non-Galaxy Book after recently being updated. Another user says they got the app to work on their ASUS ROG Strix G15 laptop. Meanwhile, a different commenter claims this update is a 'game changer' and they 'will use Samsung Notes again.' With this update, you can finally keep all of your notes in one place across devices. It's just a shame this functionality took so long to arrive. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Geeky Gadgets
20-05-2025
- Health
- Geeky Gadgets
Stop Taking Notes : Smarter Learning Strategies Revealed for 2025
Have you ever left a lecture or finished reading a chapter with pages of neatly written notes, only to realize later that you barely remember the material? For decades, note-taking has been hailed as the ultimate tool for learning—an essential ritual for students and professionals alike. But what if this trusted habit is actually working against you? Emerging research suggests that traditional note-taking may be less effective than we think, often creating a false sense of productivity while leaving gaps in understanding. What if the very act of writing everything down is holding you back from truly mastering the material? Tom Watchman explains why note-taking might not be the learning superpower it's made out to be and introduce you to smarter, more impactful strategies. You'll discover how to replace passive transcription with active learning techniques that engage your brain on a deeper level, helping you retain information longer and think more critically. Whether it's building an internal 'mental database' or using external resources more effectively, these methods are designed to transform how you approach learning. The question isn't whether you should stop taking notes—it's how much more you could achieve by doing things differently. Rethinking Note-Taking Why Do You Take Notes? If you're like most people, you likely take notes for several reasons: Organization: Notes provide a structured way to collect and arrange information, offering a sense of control over your study material. Notes provide a structured way to collect and arrange information, offering a sense of control over your study material. Engagement: Writing things down feels like an active way to interact with content, which many believe helps with memory retention. Writing things down feels like an active way to interact with content, which many believe helps with memory retention. Reference: Notes serve as a personalized resource that you can revisit to review key points or refresh your understanding. While these reasons seem logical, they often mask deeper inefficiencies. The act of taking notes can sometimes create a false sense of productivity, leading you to overlook more effective ways to engage with the material. The Hidden Drawbacks of Note-Taking Despite its widespread use, note-taking has several limitations that may undermine your learning efforts: Default Habit: Many people take notes simply because it's a conventional practice, not because it's the most effective way to learn. Many people take notes simply because it's a conventional practice, not because it's the most effective way to learn. Time-Intensive: Writing detailed notes can consume significant time, leaving less room for active review or deeper engagement with the material. Writing detailed notes can consume significant time, leaving less room for active review or deeper engagement with the material. Superficial Engagement: Copying information often feels productive but doesn't require the critical thinking needed for true understanding. Copying information often feels productive but doesn't require the critical thinking needed for true understanding. Dependency: Relying heavily on notes can weaken your ability to internalize information, making you dependent on external references during exams or discussions. Relying heavily on notes can weaken your ability to internalize information, making you dependent on external references during exams or discussions. Incomplete Understanding: Notes taken during an initial exposure to material often reflect a shallow grasp of the subject, leading to gaps in comprehension that may go unnoticed. These drawbacks highlight the need for a shift in focus—from passively recording information to actively engaging with it. By doing so, you can achieve a deeper understanding and longer-lasting retention. Why Traditional Note-Taking May Be Hurting Your Learning Potential Watch this video on YouTube. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on Memory retention. A Smarter Alternative: External and Internal Databases Rather than spending hours crafting notes, consider adopting a dual-database strategy that combines external resources with active memory-building techniques. This approach allows you to focus on understanding and retention rather than transcription. External Database: Use existing resources such as textbooks, study guides, or online materials as your primary reference. Instead of rewriting content, annotate or highlight key points directly in these materials. This saves time and ensures you're working with accurate, well-organized information. Use existing resources such as textbooks, study guides, or online materials as your primary reference. Instead of rewriting content, annotate or highlight key points directly in these materials. This saves time and ensures you're working with accurate, well-organized information. Internal Database: Build your mental 'database' by transferring knowledge to your memory through active learning techniques. Strategies like spaced repetition and recall exercises help you internalize information more effectively than traditional note-taking. This dual-database method shifts your focus from passively recording information to actively processing and retaining it. By using both external and internal resources, you can streamline your study process and achieve better results. Active Learning Techniques to Replace Note-Taking To maximize your learning potential, replace traditional note-taking with active learning strategies that engage your brain more effectively: Rephrase and Summarize: Instead of copying text verbatim, rephrase or summarize the material in your own words. This forces you to process the information and make it your own. Instead of copying text verbatim, rephrase or summarize the material in your own words. This forces you to process the information and make it your own. Read and Recall: After reading a section, close the book and try to recall the main points. This technique strengthens your memory and helps you identify areas that need further review. After reading a section, close the book and try to recall the main points. This technique strengthens your memory and helps you identify areas that need further review. Teach the Material: Explain what you've learned to someone else—or even to yourself. Teaching is one of the most effective ways to solidify understanding and uncover gaps in your knowledge. Explain what you've learned to someone else—or even to yourself. Teaching is one of the most effective ways to solidify understanding and uncover gaps in your knowledge. Spaced Repetition: Revisit material at increasing intervals to reinforce your memory over time. This proven method enhances long-term retention and reduces the need for repetitive review. These techniques encourage active engagement with the material, making your study sessions more efficient and impactful. Why Active Learning Works Active learning techniques are effective because they require your brain to engage with the material on a deeper level. Unlike passive note-taking, which often leads to surface-level understanding, active learning emphasizes comprehension and retention. By using reliable external resources and building your internal database, you can reduce the time spent duplicating information and focus on mastering it instead. This approach not only enhances your ability to retain knowledge but also improves your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Active learning transforms your study sessions into opportunities for meaningful engagement, helping you achieve better results in less time. The Path to More Effective Learning While note-taking has long been considered a cornerstone of effective learning, it often falls short when it comes to fostering true understanding and retention. By shifting your focus to active learning techniques such as rephrasing, recalling, and teaching, you can make your study sessions more productive and rewarding. Use external resources as reliable reference points and prioritize building your internal database through methods like spaced repetition. This balanced approach not only saves time but also equips you with the tools to master complex material and retain it for the long term. Media Credit: Tom Watchman Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
16-05-2025
- Android Authority
I swapped paper notes for a Kindle Scribe (2024) and it finally solved my notebook anxiety
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) The 2024 Kindle Scribe offers plenty of refinement for avid note-takers looking for a paper-like experience. The large display, excellent lighting, and improved stylus all make the device a powerful companion for readers. While it misses a few premium features like color and waterproofing, it delivers in usability and build. My nightstand is stacked with abandoned notebooks. Most haven't seen a single pen mark because I'm always paralyzed by the need to find the perfect use for its pages. With updated features, useful AI tools, and a paper-like writing experience, the Kindle Scribe 2 — officially known as the Kindle Scribe (2024) — finally outsmarted my deeply unserious perfectionism. In fact, it quickly replaced both my excessive journal supply and my bookshelf. An e-reader to start Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I'm all about squeezing my entire summer reading list into a single, pocket-sized device. Amazon's Kindles are some of the most popular e-readers around, and prioritizing portability, I've always gone for the most compact model. The 2024 Kindle Scribe, however, is a much larger option that blends robust note-taking tools with a premium reading experience. Of course, it's not the first Kindle to do so. The device largely follows the formula of the original 2022 Scribe. On the hardware front, it keeps the same 10.2-inch, 300 ppi E Ink screen, though now with new white borders more reminiscent of an actual notebook. Extra width of bezel on one side lets me hold the reader without inadvertently turning pages, and the device orients itself whichever way I flip it. Compared to the original Scribe, overall size and weight are unchanged (so my old accessories still work). It's a whale of a tablet if you're coming from the 6.2-inch base Kindle, but for note-taking, its size is perfect. The Kindle Scribe (2024) is still quite large, mirroring the size and weight of the previous generation. Under the hood, the tablet runs on the same old 1GHz MediaTek processor and 1GB of RAM. The lighting system remains excellent with 25 LEDs offering adjustable brightness and color temperature, plus an auto-brightness option. You can also schedule warm lighting if, like me, your reading hours stretch into the night. If, like Batman, you only read in black, dark mode is also still an option. The glare-free display is still grayscale only, so it's not ideal for graphic novels (or Batman comics, for that matter). For this model, though, the Scribe adds an updated coating designed to make the display feel more like real paper. The result is a writing experience I'm genuinely obsessed with, but more on that below. If you haven't used a style in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised. With adjustable brightness and warmth, the Kindle Scribe (2024) offers a pleasant, customizable reading experience. Unfortunately, like your favorite marble notebook, it's still not waterproof. If your tumbler of ice water tips over, squeaking loudly as you scramble for paper towels is not an unreasonable reaction (even if your partner judges you for it). At this price, I would have liked to see waterproofing, but for now, reading on an inner tube remains off the table. The 2024 Scribe comes in classic tungsten or a new Jade Metallic and, unfailingly biased toward anything green, I naturally find the Jade Metallic highly attractive. A notebook at heart Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Yet the tablet would just be an oversized e-reader without its writing functionality. Luckily, it pairs a fantastic stylus with a diverse offering of digital notebooks. As a serial list-maker and compulsive doodler, I constantly purchase notebooks and fancy pens (I'm a sucker for anything in unusual colors). These electronic alternatives are the answer to the hoarder's prayer I didn't know I was making. The Kindle Scribe (2024) supports eighteen templates, from blank and ruled pages to planners and habit trackers. There's even blank sheet music for aspiring composers and dotted pages for playing that box game you learned as a kid while waiting for your grilled cheese at the diner. I gravitate toward the lined templates for neatness but love the blank ones for complete freedom. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority While testing it for the past few weeks, I've used the Scribe for everything from storyboarding a photo shoot to jotting down packing lists. I've doodled in it at the dentist's office and used it to map out a loose itinerary for visiting friends. Raised in a house with six snooping siblings, I'd never risk keeping a juicy diary, but I've turned the Scribe into a journal of sorts for my six-month-old, jotting down milestones and funny parenting moments. I even (tried to) trace her impossibly small hands for the world's simplest, mess-free Mother's Day craft. Taking (and storing) notes on Amazon's flagship e-reader is a game changer. Unlike with physical notebooks, I can go completely over the top, giving any topic its own notebook without hesitation. I don't have to regret how I used a page or worry about neatly tearing one out. I also love the ability to organize notebooks into folders. Best of all, they all live in one slim device I can toss into a bag or tuck into a drawer. The updated premium stylus (bundled with the tablet and styled in that same gorgeous green) features an improved tip and a soft, rubberized eraser. It's lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the better weight distribution makes writing feel more natural than ever. The eraser even mimics the feel of a real one and works surprisingly well onscreen. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority There's a brief moment of ghosting when you backtrack, but it vanishes with a quick screen refresh. (Eight-year-old me wishes it were shaped like a pizza or a panda, but I accept the professional gumdrop design.) With its updated display and stylus, the 2nd gen Kindle Scribe offers a pen and paper like experience. Overall, the writing experience is addictively good. The stylus is highly responsive and genuinely feels like writing with good old-fashioned pen and paper. It still includes a customizable shortcut button, which is incredibly handy for switching between pen types or tools like sticky notes or canvas. It attaches magnetically to the side of the Kindle and the connection is strong enough, but not foolproof. I ended up getting a case with a pen slot so I don't have to regularly go digging through the bottom of my bag or the folds of my comforter to find it. Where book meets pen Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Of course, the Scribe isn't just an accordion of notebooks, it's also a Kindle, and for many users, the ability to scribble in actual books is its biggest draw (no pun intended). With the 2024 model, you can still underline and highlight your favorite text, but now you can also start writing anywhere on the page. My childhood librarian spurred an unrootable fear of writing in books, even ones I own. On the Scribe, I can write directly on the page of any PDF or Amazon-purchased book, and, with Active Canvas, I can do so without opening a separate note or canvas. Whatever I jot down stays put, even if I tweak the layout later. The note anchors to the spot, bumping text to fit, and I can resize or shift it around with my finger at will. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I can still use the margin option as well, but now that view slides out to offer even more space than before. The Scribe also still supports sticky notes, though I find those cumbersome. Using Active Canvas or the margin canvas is smooth, intuitive, and an incredibly useful way to annotate books guilt-free. Needless to say, if I had this device while reading Game of Thrones I may have had an easier time keeping track of all the characters and their deaths. But probably not. Active Canvas allows you to write anywhere on the page. Importantly, Active Canvas only works seamlessly with Amazon's own content, but you can use Send to Kindle to make it work with a PDF or sideloaded file as well. If you're as nerdy as me, you can also use the Scribe for crosswords and other puzzle books, and there are plenty of titles made specifically for it on Amazon. It feels just like doing paper versions, only now it's easier to throw in a bag without crumpling your work, and you don't have to hunt down a chewed-up pencil. Another standout addition this year is a new AI tool that can generate brief summaries of handwritten notes. It's surprisingly helpful for storing the thoughts I jotted down before coffee and swore would make sense later. I can generate a summary with just a few taps, name the note based on it, and even share it via email. The AI tool isn't perfect, though, and struggles with scattered notes like multi-column lists. It did pretty well deciphering my handwriting, but it's probably best for people with organized minds. Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) review: The verdict Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority A writer-friendly e-reader isn't revolutionary. However, the 2024 Kindle Scribe brings thoughtful design tweaks and new AI tools that make note-taking feel effortless, especially if, like me, you usually hesitate to 'ruin' a pristine notebook. The writing experience is genuinely satisfying, and the device itself is sleek and well-built. It's a fantastic companion for anyone looking for a reusable, infinite stack of notebooks and a packable library. I personally would have loved this in college to lighten the weight of my bag. The Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) offers a fantastic writing experience on a trusted e-reader. That said, it's a little bulky for casual reading, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you're specifically excited about the note-taking features. For a straight bookworm's companion, you're better off with the other two 2024 Kindle refreshes: the Amazon Kindle ($109.99 at Amazon) or Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99 at Amazon). If you already own the 2022 model, you'll also still get the same software updates, so it's probably not worth the upgrade just yet. On the flip side, you can also shop outside the Kindle family for a powerful digital notebook if reading isn't your top priority. For example, the reMarkable 2 ($429 at Amazon) won't support Kindle books, but it does offer a great design and a streamlined note-taking experience, though only in grayscale. The company's premium model, the reMarkable Paper Pro ($629 at Amazon), features a larger color display and a more professional design for long-form writing, especially paired with the brand's keyboard. For a more affordable, portable alternative with a color display, check out the ONYX BOOX Go Color 7 ($249.99 at Amazon). Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) Large display • Great battery life • Stylus support • AI note taking MSRP: $419.99 E-reader with premium stylus E-readers are great for consuming books, an e-reader with a stylus becomes a powerful tool for classes or meetings. The Amazon Kindle Scribe 2024 is just that, a 10.2-inch anti-glare tablet with the Amazon Premium Pen stylus. Highlight your textbook, take notes, or just doodle for fun with up to 12 weeks of battery life. See price at Amazon Positives Paper-like writing experience Paper-like writing experience Large 10.2-inch display for note-taking Large 10.2-inch display for note-taking Useful Active Canvas and added AI features Useful Active Canvas and added AI features Refined stylus with ergonomic eraser Refined stylus with ergonomic eraser Attractive color ways Cons No performance upgrades No performance upgrades Grayscale only Grayscale only Still not waterproof
Digital Trends
12-05-2025
- Digital Trends
I tried a $5 scratchpad app for the Mac. I'll never go back to Apple Notes
Table of Contents Table of Contents It just makes things… easy You are firmly in command Simplicity with functional depth It keeps on surprising I have missed more transitory ideas than I can count while absorbed in work. Or missed deadlines. Or forgot minor chores. On a few occasions, I was just too lazy to reach out for my iPhone, open a to-do app, create a new page, and type in. You feel the flow here, right? On other occasions, I just lost my train of thought mid-way through it all. Often, an app just doesn't have the functions I need for that fleeting, low-stakes note-taking job. Then there's the load of 'yet another app' taking up precious screen space. Recommended Videos Over the past few years, I've tried a bunch of apps for my transient note-taking, but clunky UI, poor design, or lack of features have always pushed me back to Apple Notes or Google Keep. That's until I discovered Antinote. It's the best $5 I have ever spent on an app. By a far margin. It just makes things… easy At the fundamental level, Antinote is a, well, note-taking app. But it can do calculations. And unit conversions. And set timers. And even scan text from your images. All using words. You don't need to memorize a shortcut or dig into some multi-step menu list. Above all, it looks stunning. Think of digital sticky notes, but a lot more customizable and surprisingly functional. Some people would even call it a scratch pad for the Mac, and it won't be out of character. With a customizable keyboard shortcut — option+A for me — you can open a new sticky note. It just pops into the foreground, atop whatever app you are running, with a slick animated effect. But it does a lot more than just taking plain text notes. For example, if you want to jot down a list, simply type the '/' command, and you will see a list of formats. Just type the number for whatever it is you want, and the app will switch to the appropriate layout. That's the hard way, and not as fun as shortcuts. To start a list, simply type 'list' or 'todo' in the text field, and all entries will be added with a checkbox. Want to sign off a particular item as completed? Just type 'done.' You are firmly in command Here's the most fun part. You can pick up any hotword you like, or just invent a new word. Being a fan of spy films, I prefer the term 'mission.' For all my to-do lists that include stuff like buying onions and cleaning the room, I start my journey by typing mission in the 'Antinote' sticker. Want to check off finished tasks. Why not go with 'Poof' instead of clicking with the cursor or typing 'done?' Yeah, you can do that, too. It's quite fun, or adds some energy to otherwise mundane chores. And don't worry about capitalization rules, as no commands are case sensitive in Antinote, custom or default. In the meantime, you can switch between new and old notes with a swipe gesture, and there's also a reliable search system baked at the heart of the app. Likewise, you can add up or average things out in a natural language statement instead of pulling up a calculator app. All you need to do is type the '=' operator, and you will get the answer. Just take a look at the image below, and you will get the whole gist. On a similar note, you can perform distance, volume, and currency conversions by simply typing them. I have never experienced such functional ease in an app like this. Everything works like a charm in Antinote. My favorite part is the automatic paste function. All you need to do is copy content from any app, and it will be automatically added to the note. You just have to activate the paste function by literally typing the word 'paste' atop the scratch pad, and every copied item will start appearing there. No more dealing with clipboard apps. You don't have to juggle between a source and destination app, nor do you have to hit the paste command for every entry. Another fantastic tool is the OCR facility. Just copy or drag any screenshot, and Antinote will automatically extract and paste it on the scratchpad. Simplicity with functional depth One of the most joyous aspects of using Antinote is that the app has a relatively clean user interface, and it delivers simplicity by heap. Yet, if you dig into the Settings menu, you will be taken aback by the sheer level of customizability that it has to offer. Starting with access controls, you can choose to put it in the dock, have it appear in the menu bar (hidden behind a click), combine both, or make it invisible and summon it via a keyboard shortcut. You can customize this hotkey combination, by the way. Next, you can pick from over a dozen themes with zesty color combinations, adjust the paper's looks, change font size, and even tweak translucence effects for the sticky notes. I customized it to launch a new note page every time I opened the app, and followed it by setting an auto-delete protocol worth one week. You can go with daily, monthly, and annual cadences, as well. Alternatively, you can also batch-delete untouched notes dating back to a certain point in the past. I also love the fact that you can force the language layout to an RTL (right-to-left) format, which came in handy for saving snippets from my favorite Urdu and Persian literary pieces. As I mentioned above, customizability is at the heart of AntiNote, and to that end, you can adjust the shortcuts for all the quick actions. From opening a new note, moving one to the front, deleting it, and searching through the library to pinning them and adjusting text size, you can change all of it to your liking. The app digs even further and lets you adjust the granular side of pasting content on a sticky note. You can even specify whether you want to retain the empty lines while pasting content, automatically remove leading spaces, and wipe formatting remnants such as bullets. It keeps on surprising One of the best parts? You can directly export your notes as a .txt file or in markdown format. There are built-in options for exporting them to your specified Obsidian vault, as well. Or, you can export them all in one go as a bundled zip package. The best route, however, is the Apple Notes option, for a couple of reasons. First, since Antinote saves all your data locally, you can't access it on your iPhone, iPad, or any other Apple device. Exporting them to Apple's app enables cloud sync, which means you see the contents on all your synced gadgets. Second, there's a neat integration that relies on a shortcut to export your Antinotes content to Apple Notes in a jiffy. You don't have to create the shortcut manually, as enabling the integration automatically saves it your Shortcuts app library. Neat! The app is also fairly transparent about the privacy aspect, and lets users disable whatever terms they aren't at ease with. For example, you can separately choose to disable sharing of anonymized usage data, crash reports, and feature update calls. Overall, Antinote is an absolute powerhouse that keeps things visually minimal and serves just the right dose of functional depth. The real gem, however, is the simplification of tasks that would otherwise require users to jump across multiple apps. For $5, this app is a steal. If you are someone who loves research, writes down more notes than you can count, and appreciates a beautiful design, Antinote is as good as it gets. Personally, I've never made a more satisfying software purchase in my life than Antinote for the Mac.
