Microsoft Windows has a plethora of note-taking apps that streamline the process of jotting down ideas, creating to-do lists, and otherwise organizing your day. Note-taking apps make it easy to jot down ideas, record meeting minutes, and make notes during lectures. Whether you’re an engineer working on a project, a student taking notes in a lecture, or a secretary taking down key points from a call, you can benefit greatly from using these tools. In this article, we will discuss the best and most free note-taking apps for Windows.
What Is a Note-Taking App?
Note-taking applications serve as viable substitutes for the conventional practice of using pen and paper to record information.
While some people can get by just fine with a pen and paper, the note-taking apps designed for smartphones and tablets provide a wide range of features that can revolutionize the way you do business.
Some note-taking apps will handle everything for you, so you don’t even need to write the documentation by hand.
You can find a note-taking app that suits your preferred method. There is a plethora of apps for taking notes, whether you like a minimalistic interface with gesture-based functionality or a more robust set of tools for managing your many notes.
With alternatives for nearly every OS, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, and others, you can choose the best software to boost your productivity regardless of the computer you happen to be using.
What Makes the Best Notes App for Windows?
You want a reliable and easy-to-use note-taking app that can match your specific demands on Windows. After all, you’ll want an app that works no matter where you are to keep your data in order.
However, it might be challenging to figure out which app is truly the best fit for you due to the abundance of possibilities. That’s why it’s so important to zero in on a program with just the right mix of features, effectiveness, and cost.
Keep in mind that there is no silver bullet for taking notes, and no single tool can handle every task. The best note-taking apps for Windows, however, should provide users with a number of helpful tools.
Remember these crucial points before you get started:
#1. Convenience
Note-taking apps in today’s fast-paced world need to be user-friendly and simple to use to keep up.
Although there are other apps out there, pen and paper remain the primary competitors. In other words, an app will not succeed if it cannot replace a notepad in terms of ease of use.
Not only that, but the software can’t leave you battling with a poor user experience and needs to have excellent editing and sorting features.
#2. Organizational Skills
Assigning different types of notes to distinct folders is made easy with a top-notch note-taking app.
You should have the option to maintain anonymity, upload relevant files, streamline communication, and compile all of your notes in one convenient location. In addition to taking notes, it should also allow you to annotate them, attach files, and even save them as PDFs.
#3. Universal Device Compatibility
The most obvious advantage of using a notes app rather than a physical notebook is that you can access your notes from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. Your notes are always just a click away, whether you’re sitting at your desk, at home, or in the air.
Additionally, a superior note-taking app allows you to view your notes from any of your devices.
#4. Cost-Effective
Getting the most out of your money can be done by purchasing a high-quality note-taking app. Not only do the best note-taking apps for Windows provide free versions for users to check out, but the premium versions also include a plethora of helpful features that more than makeup for the low cost.
You may take your note-taking to the next level with the advanced features and functionalities available in the paid version of note-taking apps.
#5. Secures Users’ Confidentiality
Since your notes could contain private information, you should investigate the app’s policies on user anonymity and data storage.
One of the best note-taking apps for Windows out there places a premium on user security and privacy by encrypting all data sent and received during the syncing process.
By encrypting your notes using a password that is never sent to the app, you can rest assured that all of your data will remain completely secure.
You can rest easy knowing that your notes are protected from any outside interference thanks to these cutting-edge security features.
Does Windows Have a Note-Taking App?
Yes, Windows does have a built-in note-taking app called Microsoft OneNote. OneNote allows users to create text, image, audio, and video notes. It offers features like organization into notebooks, sections, and pages, making it versatile for various note-taking needs.
Additionally, Windows 10 also comes with a Sticky Notes app, which allows users to create quick notes and reminders that can be placed on the desktop. Both applications are useful tools for jotting down ideas, making to-do lists, and keeping track of important information on Windows devices.
Overview of the Best Note-Taking Apps For Windows
How you plan to use a Windows note-taking app is a major factor in deciding which one is the best. It’s vital to think about your needs before investing in note-taking software because most note-taking apps provide a lot of functionality options that may be perfectly matched to your needs or may be superfluous. By showcasing features that you could find useful, the following list might help you determine which note-taking apps for Windows are best for you:
#1. Notion
Notion is a powerful Windows app that allows for extensive customization of notes thanks to its database-driven architecture. It has facilities for including media in your notes and a template engine for quickly creating new note templates. Notion’s dynamic tables can be used as editable and collapsible databases. You can use keyboard shortcuts and UI components to format text while writing in Markdown using the hybrid editor.
There are drawbacks to thinking in this way. It’s not the easiest word processor to use because of all the formatting options available thanks to the block architecture. There is also no offline functionality, so you’ll need an active Internet connection to use it.
#2. Google Keep
The note-taking app Google Keep is included in your Google account at no extra cost. You can sync your notes and to-do lists across all of your devices.
By setting reminders for things like going grocery shopping, going to a party, or seeing friends in the city, Google Keep simplifies task management.
Making a new note requires next to no effort. When you launch the app, all it takes is one tap or click to get started writing. This quickness is really satisfying, and it comes in handy when you need to jot down some notes quickly or save several of them.
Not only can you set reminders based on the time of day, but also on where you are. Imagine being alerted when you pick up your soiled laundry from the laundromat. With the task list in Google Keep synced with Google Calendar, planning your schedule is a breeze.
Google’s interconnected services allow it to predict your needs and promptly send you reminders.
The Keep mobile app also includes speech-to-text transcription, which is useful for recording your voice. While not the best dictation software, it is accurate enough to save you time and effort in transcription. Furthermore, the original recording can be re-checked at any time for accuracy.
#3. Hive
If you’re a user of Hive, Hive Notes is a fantastic way to combine your meetings with your to-do list, taking your standard meeting notes to a whole new level. In Hive Notes, you may link a note to an event on your Google or Outlook calendar, delegate action items to participants, and then quickly distribute the meeting’s notes to everyone, whether or not they were present. You won’t find a better app for taking notes on your phone.
Thanks to the synchronization between your calendar and Hive Notes, you’ll get a reminder in Hive five minutes before the meeting begins, urging you to start taking notes. Hive also has a “notebook” style setup, allowing you to add numerous entries to the same note if the meeting is recurring. Meeting attendees can use Hive Notes to participate in real-time, Google Docs-style, and add their thoughts to the document as it is being discussed.
The ability to use Hive Notes’ extensive features without leaving your Zoom sessions is one of the app’s most interesting features. Taking notes in a group is now possible within Zoom meetings without leaving the app or switching to another window, thanks to Hive Notes for Zoom. It’s a whole new way to conduct online meetings, with the ability to instantly communicate with everyone involved, take notes, and assign tasks all from within the Zoom platform.
#4. Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft’s OneNote is a free, feature-rich app for taking notes on Windows or mobile devices. In a conference, you can use your phone to quickly jot down some notes since you’re allowed to use an infinite number of devices for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use your computer to jot down notes while at work. OneNote is unique among note-taking apps in that it does not cost anything extra to access these features. It’s also novel in that you can position text boxes wherever you like on the display.
Despite all of OneNote’s features, the app is terribly disorganized. You can’t organize your notes by date or size because there aren’t any sorting capabilities. Some users have complained about the interface’s general awkwardness, and the fact that it can be time-consuming to locate a previously saved note due to a lack of labelling has contributed to this perception. While OneNote’s digital notebooks and dividers are helpful, untidy notes are still possible.
#5. Typora
For highly adaptable notes, the Typora app is hard to beat. This app requires payment; however, there is a free 14-day trial available so you can determine if it meets your needs. The Markdown editor is a hybrid, so you may format text as you type. As an added bonus, there is a “focus mode” that reduces the visibility of any information that is irrelevant to your present task. Typora’s extensive library of CSS-editable themes makes it easy to create a site that looks exactly how you want it to.
Also, its lack of local storage, which limits it to being merely a Markdown editor, is one of its major limitations. The alternative is to copy the files to your personal computer, which may not be as convenient depending on the situation. You’ll have to stick to using it on your Windows desktop, as it doesn’t support mobile devices in any way.
#6. Simplenote
When it comes to apps for taking notes, simplicity and ease of use are usually the most helpful. It has a simple, straightforward user interface that facilitates note-taking and the subsequent retrieval of previously made notes. It provides a decent range of features, including automatic synchronization and a web app in case you can’t get the downloadable app on your device. You can quickly find specific notes with Simplenote’s powerful tagging and search features. It also has backups in case you accidentally delete a note.
The lack of complex elements is the primary drawback of this style. You can’t utilize the Markdown markup, you can’t embed media, and there is very little protection. Since there is no cost associated with using this app, some users still choose it over others that offer more bells and whistles.
#7. Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is an app for iOS, Windows, and Android that encourages group note-taking in the cloud. When working in groups on a project or other endeavour, Dropbox Paper makes it simple to exchange notes, ideas, and media. Integration with other popular apps is also possible to further facilitate teamwork. You may also use mobile folders to categorize your notes in this mode.
For groups who are already familiar with Dropbox, Paper is a great addition. Without a Dropbox account, you probably won’t be able to use all of Dropbox Paper’s features. There may be better alternatives if your team isn’t accustomed to using this method or isn’t willing to pay for a Dropbox account.
#8. Evernote
Keeping yourself organized and on top of your game is easy with the help of Evernote, the best cross-platform note-taking tool. Organize your ideas, important information, photos, and web clippings into clearly labelled online notepads with reminders for easy retrieval.
Evernote is a helpful tool for professionals and students who wish to organize their information more efficiently because it allows team members to easily access shared notes and automatically syncs with all their devices.
With Evernote’s streamlined note-taking interface and handy add-ons like checkboxes and highlighting, you’ll have everything you need in one convenient place.
#9. Clover
Clover is another option to assist with taking notes more easily. The app can serve as a digital notepad, consolidating features like a to-do list, calendar, whiteboard, and task manager. So that your coworkers may engage with content from YouTube, Figma, SoundCloud, and more, the solution provides potent features like an endless canvas, presentation settings, and the opportunity to embed rich media into your notes.
Clover’s free plan allows for up to three guests and 50MB uploads and is accessible via Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, and the web. The base monthly cost of Clover Pro, which includes unlimited users and monthly uploads of 10GB, is $6.
#10. Microsoft 365
One more platform that supports taking notes is Microsoft 365. Because it is hosted in the cloud, the most recent version of Microsoft 365 can be accessed from any device with an Internet browser. Many advanced features in popular applications like Word are available while using Microsoft 365 for note-taking. The need to transfer notes to a word processor is eliminated. The synchronization of documents between devices with embedded notes is also included.
Furthermore, the primary drawback of using Microsoft 365 is that it can be a pricey alternative if you don’t already have this software suite. This is especially true if your sole intention in using it is to abstain from doing so. For simple note-taking, there may be more cost-effective and budget-friendly alternatives. However, it does offer a wide range of other features and functionalities that make it worth its price.
#11. Slite
Slite is a Windows app for taking notes that prioritizes Markdown editing. You can take as many personal notes as you like with the free version, and you can share up to 50 of those with others each month. Quickly formatted text and media can be added to your notes with the Markdown editor. You can also switch to a table of contents view to locate specific sections of your notes.
Slite’s note organization features, such as channels and collections, have their drawbacks. For instance, channels only allow you to order items by their creation date, but you can nest collections as many times as you wish. In addition, the app’s user interface isn’t always friendly, which might make using it an unpleasant experience. Pages and notes can be slow to load via the UI.
What Is the Difference Between Evernote and Onenote?
Evernote and OneNote are both popular note-taking applications, but they have different features and approaches to organizing information. Evernote focuses on simplicity and quick note-taking. It allows users to create notes, organize them into notebooks, and tag them for easy retrieval. Evernote is known for its powerful search capabilities, making it easy to find specific notes or information within notes.
On the other hand, OneNote, developed by Microsoft, offers a more structured approach. It resembles a digital notebook, allowing users to create notebooks, sections, and pages. OneNote provides greater flexibility in organizing content, allowing users to add text, drawings, audio, and even handwritten notes. It seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, making it a preferred choice for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Ultimately, the choice between Evernote and OneNote depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Evernote is favoured for its simplicity and robust search, while OneNote is appreciated for its versatility and integration capabilities.
Free Note-Taking Apps For Windows
Here are some free note-taking apps for Windows you might want to consider:
#1. Workflowy
Workflowy is a cross between a note-taking app and a project management tool, but it excels at the former. The concept of an outline is taken to its logical conclusion in Workflowy. Instead of making individual note cards like you would in a notepad, Workflowy builds out an outline from the ground up, giving your notes a natural hierarchy.
Workflowy provides a great deal of adaptability. Managers have the same tools that novelists do: the ability to generate fast tasks and checklists to distribute to employees.
Afterward, further classification options become available upon the addition of tags.
Workflowy’s new mobile apps make it an attractive proposition.
In addition, until you hit 250 tasks each month, using the Workflowy note-taking app is completely free. You can add more items by upgrading to the pro edition, which costs $4.99 per month and includes limitless lists and items.
#2. Ulysses
Ulysses combines the features of a word processor and a note-keeping app. It is a cross-platform app for Macs that facilitates the transformation of rough drafts into polished final products. Taking notes in plain text mode allows you to easily switch to a different layout before exporting.
It also includes writing objectives and access to other materials, such as a PDF. Many people choose to use it due to its pleasant aesthetic.
#3. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is a social app that combines the best features of digital paper. It is a global platform where students may find others taking the same courses as them and share course materials.
Community is a freemium feature that lets users share their documents with others and build an online presence.
While the community feature is fantastic for bringing people together, the note-taking tools are either lacking or inferior to those of Notability. For up to three notebooks, GoodNotes is completely free. There is a one-time cost of $8.99 for access to the unlimited plan.
#4. Obsidian
Obsidian is a free Windows app that uses Markdown for note-taking and organization. The software was designed with human cognition in mind, specifically with the brain’s capacity to generate and maintain associations in mind. Users are able to centralize their notes in one place, and a robust method for linking papers together via backlinks is provided, allowing users to build a knowledge network.
In addition, Obsidian provides a free tier for individual users. The cheapest paid plan we provide is $25 per month. Read also: OBSIDIAN VS NOTION: Which Note-Taking App Is Better?
#5. Milanote
Milanote caters to those with an artistic bent who enjoy the process of free association and the resulting novel ideas. In contrast to a two-dimensional word processor, this one functions more like a visual pinboard, allowing you to arrange sections of text, images, and other objects by dragging and dropping them into different locations.
Milanote includes all the standard features of a note-taking app in addition to its adaptable user interface.
You may test out Milanote without spending a dime thanks to their generous free tier. When you upgrade to the Professional Pro plan, you’ll have infinite storage for your notes.
Why Use Onenote Instead of Word?
Since OneNote and Word are designed for distinct tasks, picking one over the other is ultimately a matter of personal preference. OneNote is a digital note-taking app that lets its users take notes, make digital notebooks, and arrange their notes however they like. It’s a fantastic tool for creative problem-solving, group brainstorming, and visual collaboration.
Word, on the other hand, is a program for making written documents like essays, reports, and letters. With its extensive styling options, it’s perfect for making professional-looking, well-organized documents.
Therefore, OneNote is an excellent option if you require an app to jot down thoughts, doodle, or organize information in a less structured manner. Word is the better choice if you need to create a formal document with precise margins and font specifications.
What Are the Disadvantages of Microsoft Onenote?
There are many advantages to using Microsoft OneNote, but there may also be some drawbacks. Here are some things to remember:
- Organization: With a growing amount of data in a notebook, it might be challenging to maintain track of notes and information despite the many organizational features provided by OneNote. It could be difficult for certain users to track down specific notes or data.
- Discords in synchronization: Syncing between devices and operating systems is crucial to the functioning of OneNote, although it can be sluggish or fail entirely at times. Notes and data may become out-of-date on some devices as a result.
- Inadequate alternatives for formatting: There are a few formatting options available in One Note. Compared to other programs like Microsoft Word, they have fewer features. The lack of formatting options may irritate users.
- Problems with compatibility: Since OneNote comes from Microsoft, it might not work perfectly with non-Microsoft hardware or applications. This can make it tough to work with those who don’t utilize Microsoft software.
Even though OneNote has a lot of useful features, it may not be the best option for some people. Users should carefully consider their needs and preferences before deciding if One Note is the right tool for them.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Windows note-taking apps can greatly improve efficiency and order. They provide useful capabilities for students, professionals, and artists alike, such as digital notebooks, cloud synchronization, and collaborative editing. These programs provide for extensive data management due to their capacity to store text, photos, and files.
Additionally, several apps now have handwriting detection and stylus input, making digital note-taking feel more like its analogue counterpart. Their search features make it easier to find what you need, which saves you time and energy.
Task management is improved with the incorporation of reminders and to-do lists. With all these positive effects in mind, it’s clear that Windows note-taking programs are well worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best Microsoft tool to take notes?
Microsoft OneNote is a popular and versatile tool for taking notes. It allows you to create digital notebooks, organize your notes, and collaborate with others. OneNote is available on various platforms, making it convenient for users who need to access their notes across different devices. However, the “best” tool depends on your specific needs and preferences, so it’s a good idea to explore OneNote and other Microsoft tools like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Sticky Notes to see which one aligns best with your requirements.
Is it OK to take notes on a computer?
Yes, taking notes in class by typing them on a computer instead of writing them with a pen and paper has many advantages, including the fact that you can access them from any device and that you save time.
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