Gadgets

7 note-taking apps for organization

Published

4 weeks ago

August 25, 2024

Empowerment

Key Takeaways

It is possible to find a note-taking app that fits your needs, with options for organizing, syncing, and cross-platform support.

Microsoft OneNote offers text formatting, voice input, and cross-platform support within the Microsoft ecosystem.

For an intuitive Apple-based option, consider Apple Notes for easy access across devices, even on a web browser.

Note-taking is something we all do in some capacity. No matter if you need to write lists, copy down a phone number, or take detailed notes on a discussion or class, there’s a note-taking app out there that’s for you. The right note-taking app should simplify your workflow, and help you keep things organized. There’s a wide range of options now for a note-taking app; some are ideal for desktops, while others are designed to be used with phones and tablets. There are even some new apps that I’ve included that have been featured by Apple and have just been released to the public.

The right note-taking app will allow you to seamlessly jot down or dictate your notes across multiple platforms and have them synchronized and ready to go from anywhere. An even better hub of thoughts should also have organization systems that make it easy to search for and find your notes so that you can quickly reference information whenever you need it.

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1 Microsoft OneNote

My favorite note-taking app

Microsoft / Pocket-lint

My top overall note-taking app

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote manages to fit the bulk of Microsoft Word’s text-formatting and editing abilities into a lightweight note-taking app that handles everything from text, to audio, to handwriting and drawing.

Pros

Free to use
Supports handwriting input from tablets
Cross platform support on iOS, Android, and Mac

Cons

Works best within Microsoft’s app ecosystem

Microsoft’s OneNote is my favorite, hands-down, and it’s the note-taking app that I’ve used the most. OneNote is my daily driver for both my professional writing, but it’s also what I use to draft short stories and jot down daily reminders. It’s not the snazziest note-taking app available, but if you’ve used Microsoft Word, then OneNote’s interface, which features the same “ribbon” bar, should feel comfortable to you. Best of all, you can use OneNote with a free Microsoft Account.