2022/10/20 |By G Editor
Recording information or idea is no longer limited to writing on notebooks. From mobile apps to software on your computer, you can record information by handwriting, typing, screenshots, sound, and more. Let's take a look at 6 must-have note-taking software for 2022, with the most practical note-taking techniques to manage your digital notes!
You can clarify your demand by the following common uses.
1. Students
Students must deal with a variety of subjects and handouts, so free and unlimited storage will be the key points to consider. If with handwriting habits, you can consider software with powerful handwriting recognition functions.
👍 Recommended– OneNote、Notability、Samsung Notes
2. Video creators
The video creators collect film ideas and various materials, such as composition angle, layout style, sounds and icons…etc. You can choose software with functions to access video and sound.
👍 Recommended– OneNote、Notion
3. Administrator/Project Manager
In order to make information sharing more convenient, the functions such as collaboration and cloud synchronization are indispensable, and the software with schedule and project management tools (such as Gantt charts) can also be utilized.
👍 Recommended– Evernote、Notion
4. Graphic/Architectural/Interior Designer
Need to organize a lot of textures and require great visual presentation. In addition to support of hand-drawing, it is also useful to have a slide show function for concept proposals!
👍 Recommended– Notability、NoteLedge
5. Writer/Editor
Grabbing the fragments of inspiration, reading a lot, recording interesting sentences, etc. may be your daily life. You can use tree classification to sort out the outline and structure of the article.
👍 Recommended– Evernote、Notion
“When collecting materials, online courses, and remote meetings, you can work with a second screen or an external touch screen to write notes, so you don't have to switch windows frequently or compare across devices!”
Here we select 6 pieces of unique note-taking software, from the old classics to the new ones that have emerged recently, with tips on how to use Dual Monitor to increase your productivity!
The powerful search function makes Evernote easier for users who like taking photos and snapshots to find data. There is no problem to attach PDF files, documents and images.
● Support tag function. Select the tags to quickly filter your notes of that tag.
● Evernote Team- The team note for remote working trend allows you to create shared content with your team and share work data with different groups in Space.
◆ Supported Platforms: Mac/ Windows/iOS/Android/Web
★ Tips for Dual Monitor!
Install the Evernote Web Clipper plugin in Google Chrome, right-click to retrieve data when browsing a website, and the retrieved page will be added in a new note to the Evernote at the same time!
Based on Markdown syntax, you can create different blocks, use headings, lists and other flexible ways to design the layout, like editing your own website. This is also a software that takes time to figure out.
● Supports attaching pictures, webpage thumbnail links, image links, audio links, files, scripts, etc., and can also embed Google Drive, Google Map, etc.
● Handwriting is not supported
◆ Supported Platforms: Mac/ Windows/iOS/Android/Web
★ Tips for Dual Monitor!
When planning a travel plan, use the browser to search information, while recording the collected attractions, flights, accommodation, etc. You can even embed Google Map into Notion. Right-click the image on the webpage and click "Copy Image Address", you can embed the image into the note in Notion.
*Where to find Notion widgets? Notion Widget、Indify
Microsoft OneNote expands in a tree of chapters with support for tables, files, embedding videos, audio and more, and can be linked to an Outlook-scheduled meeting to write notes for that meeting.
● Collaboration and sharing capabilities
● Equation tool with a variety of mathematical formulas and symbols
● File Printout: Import Word and PDF into OneNote and paste each page as a picture, no more transcribing or inserting page by page.
◆ Supported Platforms: Mac/ Windows/iOS/Android/Web
★Tips for Dual Monitor!
The literature collection for your essay can be organized in a tree-like manner of Notebook>Section>Page. While searching literature, take the key notes for easy categorization and reading. The original text from foreign journals can also be translated directly in OneNote.
Users who like handwriting should put Notability into a pocket list. The interface of Notability is known for its simplicity and fashion, and it uses a hierarchical concept to manage notes. Handwriting can be converted into input text, and even handwritten mathematical formulas can be converted!
●Syncing notes-writing and audio-recording is a well-received function of Notability. When the recording is played back, the content written at the time can be displayed synchronously, which is very suitable for interviews and class notes.
● The color of stylus can be set as the absorbed color by dropper. The line function supports pressure sensitivity and the dotted line.
● Gif files can be inserted
● Encryptable to protect the privacy of your notes
◆ Supported Platforms: iPhone/iPad/Mac
★Tips for Dual Monitor!
During class, you use your laptop to open handouts while you record and write notes on your iPad.
This app can be used on Samsung series mobile phones and tablets. If you are in the Samsung ecosystem, you should be familiar with the S Pen. The tablet with S Pen provides a larger space than on a mobile phone, making it more suitable for taking huge notes.
● With the function of synchronizing recording and note-taking, the content written at that time can be displayed synchronously when the recording is played back.
● Handwriting function: can convert handwritten notes into text, modify the color and thickness of the written handwriting.
● Text straightening: When the entire line of handwritten notes is crooked, you can tap this function to straighten the text by selecting the paragraph!
◆ Supported platforms: Samsung mobile phones, tablets, and laptops only
★Tips for Dual Monitor!
After connecting Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet to an external monitor and extending the desktop by the DeX mode, you can open an e-book on the external screen, and take notes on Samsung tablet on the other side.
NoteLedge is a note-taking app specially for designers and creators. It is handy for organizing inspirations and efficient for communicating with clients! It offers more flexibility in arranging images and text, which is beneficial for graphic design.
● Brushes can be used with rulers, quads, ellipses, triangles and protractors
● Use the pattern brush to increase the texture of the drawing and enrich the hand-drawing works
● Import Pinterest images– to drag the collected inspiration into your notes
◆ Supported Platforms: Mac/Windows/iOS/Android
★Tips for Dual Monitor!
While collecting data on web pages such as Pinterest , you can drag images or text from the browser and draw drafts on the other screen.
Choosing and using digital notes is not difficult at all! Finally, we compiled a list of common functions of the software, and you can find one that suits your needs better. Some functions are limited to the paid version, please check the official description of each software for details.
Evernote | Notion | OneNote | Notability | Samsung Notes |
NoteLedge | |
Free version | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
Offline Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Audio Recording | ✓ | No | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No |
Video insertable | No | ✓ | ✓ | No | No | ✓ |
Handwriting | ✓ | No | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Data storage of free version | 60MB | 5MB | 5GB | - | - | - |