Note taking is a very personal thing. It seems like everyone has a different way of doing it. Some are careful and methodical, with subheads, bullet points, and sections. Others are totally the opposite, with the best way to describe their method as “organized scrawl.” The real trick, however, is keeping everything so that it can be found and understood when the information is needed. What is the best way to do that? Fortunately, just as is the case with so many other areas of life, the computer revolution has added a number of solutions, specifically in the form of note taking apps that are supposed to help everyone, regardless of their method.
Whatever method of note taking you use, there are several apps that will facilitate the job. Even better, these apps continue to evolve over the years, making them easier to use and much more accommodating of your own style. This list is of the five best-rated note taking apps for 2021, from old dependables such as Evernote.com, to the latest and greatest, which will allow more customization than practically anybody is entitled to.
Evernote.com
Probably no note taking app list would be complete without at least a passing reference to Evernote.com, which is not only the oldest of the genre, but its format is so natural that it’s almost a given for any such list. For intuition, there’s probably nothing that can beat the notebook format of Evernote, even if it doesn’t allow users to scan their notes into it. Instead, scans must be cut and pasted into the app, which is a small price to pay for the convenience. Evernote is the grandpa of the note taking apps, and for good reason.
Microsoft One Note
Microsoft’s One Note is just one more reason why if you want to get into an argument with that giant, don’t. That’s because if they really want to fight with you, all they have to do is to put out a great product, then give it away for free. One Note comes under just that heading, with the notebook format and easy to use interface.
Apple Notes
If sometimes you feel like you are caught in the Apple juggernaut without a note taking app, you’re in luck. Variously known as Notes or iCloud Notes (depending on how you access it) and built into macOS and iOS, it is conveniently accessed through the browser. This approach not only makes it easier to access while using the net, but it also keeps from having to feel like you are locked into the myriad of devices. And because it’s connected with the iCloud, the storage space is practically unlimited.
Google Keep
Practically anyone who uses the net does so for the purpose of taking notes on some subject. It also necessitates sharing data found with someone else. This is what makes Google Keep so unique. With Google Keep, users can copy, make notes, and send them to someone else without having to open and close a bunch of apps in the process. It’s quick and easy to use.
Notion
If the purpose of your note taking is to share with someone else, Notion is probably the best for you. Admittedly, Notion skirts the note taking issue from the start, but it’s favor is for sharing, which it does very well.
If you are one of those people who are old enough to remember taking notes from a computer with a note pad by your side, note taking apps are a Godsend. Even better is that they are evolving to be even better in the future.