Mac Notes App Empty

Initially, I had planned to make an extensive post about Apple Notes tips for Mac and iPhone/iPad. However, I had to change my mind midway as the article would have turned out to be rather long. After wrapping up the 16 hacks for iOS Notes app separately, I think it’s the right to do the same favor to its macOS counterpart. Talking about the tricks, I’ve picked them based on how effective they are.

If you rely on Apple’s note-taking app to record ideas or keep your hectic life in sync with your priority, the following tips can boost your productivity. Plus, they can also help you ideally customize the app as per your workflow. Read on to explore the tricks and use them proficiently to get the best out of the app!

Launch the Notes app on your Mac. Hover your cursor over the folder of notes you wish to share and click the circle of three dots that appears. Select Add People from the contextual menu. If this technique doesn't work, recover files from the empty Mac desktop with Mac desktop files recovery software. Restore Mac Desktop Files/Folders Using Mac Desktop File Recovery Software. Applies to: All levels of Mac users to restore missing Mac desktop files and folders. Looking for tips on how to actually take your notes? Once you’ve chosen your app, check out our guide on the 6 best note-taking methods. The Top 11 Note-Taking Apps of 2020 1. Overview: Offers a powerful, database-driven note-taking experience that’s unlike most apps out there. Compatibility: Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, Browser.

18 Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Apple Notes App for Mac

#1. Use Continuity Camera to Scan Docs or Capture Photos

macOS Mojave has introduced a smart feature called “Continuity Camera.” You can use this well-thought-out feature to quickly add a photo to your note or scan a document using your iPhone on your Mac.

Times when you want your workflow to be smooth, Continuity Camera can come in very handy. One thing worth noting is that it works between macOS Mojave and iOS 12. So, ensure that your devices are fully onboard.

Simply click on the media button and then select Take Photo or Scan Documents. Now, use your device to snap the pic or scan the doc. To find out more about it, head over here.

#2. Pin Notes

Just imagine that there are a number of lists in your note. And whenever you want to access a specific list, you have to drill down the entire collection. Wouldn’t it be great if you could show a frequently used checklist right at the top? This is where pinning comes into the picture!

To pin a note, simply right-click on it and choose Pin Note. Now, it will be displayed at the top along with the pinned icon. If you ever decide to unpin it, all you need to do is right-click on it again and select Unpin Note.

#3. Float Notes

Supposing you have created an extensive agenda about the things you have to do today while working on your Mac. And you have to hop into it time and time again to ensure you are in sync with the plan. That’s when the floating feature can save your day!

To float a note, select it. Then, click on Window menu and choose Float Selected Note.

#4. Import files to the Notes app

The Notes app makes importing contents pretty straightforward. So, when creating an agenda, if you ever wish to import any related stuff, all you need to do is click on File menu in the app and choose Import.

Then, choose the file and click on Import. Finally, click on Import Notes to confirm. It will be added to the Imported Notes section.

#5. Export Notes As PDF

After creating a long note, you want to convert it into PDF to make it more portable. All you have to do is click on File and select Export Note As PDF.

Next, enter the name, add a suitable tag and select the desired location. Hit the Save button, and you are ready to go!

#6. Create A Checklist

You are all set for a long shopping spree and want to craft an easy-to-view checklist. Don’t worry, as you don’t need to look anywhere else for the solution.

Simply put the cursor before the first item in the list and then click on the ☑“Make a checklist icon.” Now, go ahead and enter the name of all the items.

#7. Add Tables

Adding tables to note is as easy as clicking on a button. Literally. If you ever happen to make a complete sheet for the upcoming meetings that are planned soon, just hit the tiny tables button. A table will instantly be added.

Now, right click on the small Add Row/Column icon and then choose whether you want to add a row or column before/after as per your need.

We have crafted a detailed post on it. Do check it out here.

#8. Sort Your Notes

I like to keep my notes organized. And the one little trick that helps me keep them in sync with my workflow is “sorting.” If you also want to put all of your stuff in a better state, this one can definitely make a difference.

Pretty much like its iOS counterpart, the Notes app for macOS allows you to sort your projects based on Date Edited, Created or Title.

To get it done, open the app → click on Notes menu → click on Preferences → click on the Sort notes by drop-down menu and choose the preferred option.

#9. Format Text With Quick Keyboard Shortcuts

Frankly speaking; I’ve saved this tip for the folks who are fond of super handy keyboard shortcuts. Formatting text can be made a tad easier with a keyboard shortcut. Keep the following ones on your radar to boost your productivity and also save time.

shift+cmd+t: Title Style
shift+cmd+b: Body Style
shift+cmd+h: Headline Style

Alternately, you can select the text → click on Format and choose the preferred format.

#10. Make the Most of Siri to Create and Edit Your Notes Fast

Do not underestimate Siri! The personal assistant works pretty well in letting you quickly create notes and even edit them with ease. When you don’t want to fiddle with the keyboards, use the quick commands to get your work done.

You can invoke Siri and say something like: “Create a new note.” “Open my shopping note.” “Add sugar to my shopping note.”

#11. Change Default Account

By default, all of your notes are designed to sync with iCloud. However, you can switch your default account to Google, Yahoo or other. Besides, you will also choose to save them locally on your computer.

To do so, open the Notes app → click on Notes menu → Preferences → click on Default account drop-down menu and choose the desired cloud service.

Note: If you want to keep your notes locally, check the box to the left of Enable the On My Mac account.

Want to sync your lists with a different cloud service? No problem. Fire up System Preferences → Internet Accounts → Select the desired service and sign in.

#12. Move a note out of iCloud

So, that was about switching the default account. What if you want to move a specific note from iCloud to Google or other cloud services? It’s just as upfront!

Open the app and then go to the note → right click on it → Move To → Choose the cloud service → finally select the folder to save your file.

#13. Use Dark Mode

Often have to work till late night to create notes for meetings or the presentations? If yes, chances are your eyes might be straining a lot and preventing you from having a better sleep. Click on Apple Logo from the far left corner → Click on System Preferences → Click on General → Click on Dark from the Appearance options.

Follow this hands-on guide to enable system-wide dark mode on your Mac.

#14. Collaborate With Friends

Times when I’m working on a marathon project and want to have an invaluable opinion from my colleagues, I make sure to take advantage of the collaboration feature. It works pretty effectively in this note-taking app.

To use this feature, you have to first invite your friends. And once they have accepted your request, they can make changes seamlessly.

Open the respective note → hit the people button → choose the medium and then share it with your friend/s as usual.

#15. View Attachments from All Of Your Notes

Keeping track of attachments is quite simple. Personally; I make sure to use this feature for one biggest reason–prevent the app from being cluttered.

To check all of your attachments, simply click on the attachments button.

Then, navigate through the specific sections like Photos & Videos, Sketches, Documents, Websites and more.

To preview an attachment, select it and then hit the space bar.

#16. Save files to Notes from Other Apps

You are browsing the web and suddenly find a piece of an article worth remembering. Wouldn’t you want to save it in a secure place? Yeah, you would love to offer it up safe heaven.

What better place to keep all of your goodies safe than the Notes app! Just hit Share button → select Notes from the available option → add a suitable title → choose the preferred folder → click on Save. And there you go!

Note: Share button may not be available in every app.

#17. Lock Your Note

Supposing you have created some personal notes and don’t want anyone to bump into them without your permission. Why not lock them out! It would add an additional layer of safeguard to your personal info.

Once you have secured a project, anyone who wants to have access to it will have to enter the password.

Head over to the note in question and then hit the Lock button → Lock Note → enter the password and click on OK to confirm.

#18. Recover Deleted Notes

You are on the complete cleanup mission. And want to get rid of all the useless lists or folders so that the app no longer seems to be messed up. Unfortunately, you end up deleting some important notes and want to restore them as soon as possible.

Don’t panic! All the eliminated notes are stored in a separate folder called “Recently Deleted.” If you ever find yourself on the wrong side, head over to this folder→ select the file → right click on it → Move To → Then, choose the destination.

That’s pretty much it!

Video: Apple Notes Tips and Tricks

Your Favorites?

So, these are some of my most productive hacks for Apple Notes app for macOS. Which ones were able to win your favor or found a special place in your collection?

Moreover, if you find some of your favorites missing from the lineup, do not forget to let us know about them.

Don’t miss:

The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.

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Note Taking App On Mac

While Apple Notes checks off most of the boxes, it may not fit into everyone’s needs. This is where the best Notes app alternatives for Mac come into the play.

Aside from making the task of note-taking pretty straightforward, these third-party apps also double up as a super handy annotation and writing tool. Besides, they allow creating projects in many formats like text, audio, video, and whatnot.

Though the App Store has several fine options, only a few have walked into our list of the top note-taking apps for Mac. We’ve chosen them based on their effectiveness and how well they work. Dive right in along with me to take a close look at ’em!

#1. Evernote

Despite the cut-throat competition, “Evernote” remains one of the most appreciable note-taking apps both for macOS and iOS. The highlight of this app is the wide range of tools that provide more flexibility.

The option to make notes in several formats like video, audio, web clippings, sketch ensure you are able to give your thoughts the right shape. With easy-to-format word processor at your disposal, you can write your thoughts elegantly.

You can create an agenda to be discussed in a meeting, write a quick memo and transfer your Evernote notes to Apple notes.

Often forget to do some important tasks? Make a checklist of all the things you have to do. Besides, you will also create presentations to express your thoughts with the desired impact.

Price: Free
Download

#2. Microsoft OneNote

“OneNote” is a complete package. The app lets you capture your ideas in a variety of formats and offer you the needed freedom to keep everything in the perfect sync.

You can tag your notes to find them quickly. Make a list of to-dos and keep track of them so that you are able to do your tasks in time.

The collaboration features works immaculately, allowing you to work with your colleagues. For more security, you will also add an extra shield to your projects to keep them private.

Better still, OneNote for Mac is compatible with a ton of international languages including French, German, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Spanish and more. So, a language should never become a roadblock to your note-taking.

Price: Free
Download

#3. Notebook

Zoho Corporation is well-known for producing powerful apps. And Notebook does have all the qualities to be highly efficient.

While there is a lot to like in this app, I find “Smart Cards” very adorable. What it basically does is automatically format the contents into specific cards like the recipe, video, and link.

The app provides several predefined note covers to let you design your stories elegantly. If you don’t like the readymade options, you can create a custom cover. Moreover, there is also an option to make public notes using shareable links so that anyone can view them.

With the dark-themed night mode, you will enjoy working till late at night. Plus, the reminders won’t let any of your tasks go out of your notice.

Mac Notes App

Price: Free
Download

#4. Bear

Should you want to have a top-notch writing-cum note-taking app for your Mac, give a close look to Bear. I’ve used this app for long and always found pretty neat.

The best thing about it is the simple interface coupled with the easy-to-use tools. Therefore, you can write amazing stories and give your wildest thoughts the ideal shape.

Bear has a good library of more than a dozen themes that make it a lot easier to design stories. Features like tagging, archiving and adding tasks to notes enable to take control of your stuff. Furthermore, you can export your projects in multiple formats such as HTML, PDF, DOCX, MD, JPG, and EPUB.

Lastly, after a free trial of one week, you will have to upgrade to Bear premium’s $1.49 monthly or $14.99 annually plan.

Price: Free
Download

#5. Agenda

If you want to streamline all of your projects and get them ready before the deadline, pick out “Agenda.” One of the notable features of this app is the advanced text editor.

Apple Notes App For Windows

Depending on the specific theme, you can give a befitting look to your notes. It allows you to convert your text into multiple formats like Markdown and HTML. Segregate your files into different categories so that will access them instantly.

The app lets you connect your sticky notes to the events in your personal calendar. As a result, you can plan your meeting perfectly.

Better still, you don’t have to pay any bucks to use all the features of Agenda.

Price: Free
Download

#6. Notability

For annotation and crafting rich notes, “Notability” is one of the better options. With a wide range of fonts, sizes, custom colors at your disposal, you can design your stories with complete peace of mind.

You will be able to import PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, GIFs to your projects and fine-tune them with more flexibility. Easily convert your stories into PDF to share them with your friends and colleagues.

Make the most of the super handy tools to annotate photos elegantly. Thanks to the automatic iCloud syncing, your tasks automatically sync across your devices.

Additionally, Notability works with multiple cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive.

Price: $9.99
Download

#7. Simplenote

There are very few note apps for Mac that look as familiar as Simplenote. Its user interface is pretty clean, and you hardly have to spend any time to master the tools.

One of my favorite feature of this app is focus mode. Times when you want to write with maximum concentration, this feature comes into play really well.

You can use pins and tags to organize your notes. And with Markdown, you will ideally format your projects. To ensure your eyes don’t burn while working in the night, the app comes with the dark mode.

Price: Free
Download

#8. GoodNotes

I have picked out GoodNotes for a couple of main reasons. First, it makes annotating docs really fun. And if you are fond of giving your docs a creative look, this one can be your thing.

You can highlight or strikeout the text in your PDF documents. Easily move, scale and ideally customize the object color. There is also an option to add the bookmarks to your docs.

Courtesy the fast iCloud sync, you will find your notes on all of your devices. You can share your notes with others and also print them. The compatibility with a number of languages like English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and more make it an evergreen tool.

Price: $7.99
Download

#9. Quip

“Quip” is a lot more than just a simple note app for macOS. To be more precise, this is what you should use to collaborate with your teammates. Thanks to the chat and messaging integration, it helps you work with your colleagues in a fun way.

You can use the app to note down your thoughts faster, create to-do lists, and edit your docs. It also lets you make comprehensive spreadsheets.

Another notable feature of this app is that it allows you to import your address book from several services like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook, Google, and iCloud.

You will create insightful charts by using the data from spreadsheets and Salesforce records. The smart slides would not just make your presentation more impressive but also save your time.

Price: Free
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#10. BoostNote

If you are a developer, “BoostNote” should be your preferred option. The reason why I say it because the app has the support for code syntax highlighting in over a hundred languages such as Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS and more.

This open source markdown editor offers several tools that allow devs to take notes faster. The formatting features have semi-live previews so that you can quickly check your writing.

Besides, the text is automatically formatted as you type, which speeds up your task and also saves plenty of time. That’s not all, BoostNote works offline as well so that you can work anytime and anywhere.

Price: Free
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Mac Notes App Empty Mac

Bonus

Unclutter

“Unclutter” is really smart! It’s designed to be a multitasker and lets you organize your clipboard data, files, and notes. If you aren’t able to take control of them, give it a chance to sort out the mess.

Best Mac Note Taking App

You can keep an eye on your clipboard history and manage it with ease. Store all of your files at once place and access them quickly. And yes, make sticky notes to never forget to do essential things.

The easy editing tools allow you to make changes conveniently. Due mainly to the quick search feature, you will instantly find a list. Besides, the app can be set up with Dropbox to sync data across the devices.

Price: $13.99
Download

That’s pretty much it! So, this sums up our roundup of the top note apps for Mac.

What’s your favorite?

Now that you have known our favorite note apps, tell us about the ones that can walk into your personal roundup. We’d really appreciate your collection and the valuable feedback.

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