Ranking updated
How to take better notes
You wrote it down. You know you did. Somewhere between a notebook, three apps and a photo of a whiteboard, the idea is gone. Better notes are less about the app and more about a few habits: one inbox, your own words, and a quick look back before the day ends.
A note-taking routine, then note-taking apps. The method works on paper or in any app. If your notes hold private information, check where the app stores them; see the offline option below.
Note-taking apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus
Younger apps from independent developers:
PinnedNoteApp Storecaptures a thought quickly and puts it where you will see it, on iPhone.NotuiGoogle Playfast notes, checklists and voice memos on Android.
- Your app hereFree, foreverList my app
Capture in one place
Pick one app or notebook as your inbox and send everything there first. Sorting comes later. Compare two common setups in Notion vs Obsidian and Evernote vs OneNote.
Write it so future you understands
Paraphrase instead of copying. Put questions and actions on their own lines with a mark you will spot when scanning. For a meeting or lecture, see how to record a lecture or interview.
Review before you forget
Spend a few minutes before bed reading what you wrote. Fix what is unclear, move tasks to your to-do list and turn key facts into cards; see how to make flashcards that work.
Find it again
Give notes titles you would search for, and link related notes rather than burying them in folders. For notes that should stay on the device, see how to keep private notes offline. Compare apps in note-taking apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. One inbox | a single place to capture | nothing gets lost |
| 2. Own words | not copied lines | you understand it later |
| 3. Mark actions | a symbol for to-dos | tasks stand out |
| 4. Same-day review | a quick read back | fix gaps while fresh |
| 5. Title and link | clear names, related notes | easy to find again |
Frequently asked questions
How do I take better notes?
Capture in one place, write in your own words, mark actions and review your notes the same day.
Should I take notes by hand or on my phone?
Either works. What matters is one place to capture and a habit of reviewing what you wrote.
How do I organise lots of notes?
Give each note a clear title you would search for and link related notes instead of nesting folders.