Finding the Right Note-Taking App: My Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Digital Productivity
As a newcomer to the realm of digital productivity, I've dedicated a surprising amount of time to assembling my ideal suite of applications. The irony of delaying actual productivity by diving into app research isn't lost on me, but I've come to realize that every application comes with its own set of limitations.
In my previous article, I discussed the key features I sought in a writing and note-taking app, such as cloud integration and an intuitive interface. While many apps check these boxes, I soon recognized that focusing solely on these technical attributes was misguided. I overlooked crucial aspects like my personal writing and note-taking habits, organizational strategies, and the overall personal knowledge management (PKM) framework I was still developing.
This led me to add several new criteria to my ideal app:
- Adaptability for various note-taking techniques (e.g., Zettelkasten)
- Compatibility with different organizational models (e.g., PARA)
- Support for various organizational tools (e.g., tags, folders, interlinking)
- A healthy mix of customization options and established conventions
My journey through the world of writing and note-taking apps has introduced me to several major players. Here are my main insights.
Section 1.1: Notion
Notion stands out with its flexible database features and aesthetically pleasing templates. It’s no wonder it has become a favorite for project management and note-taking. A quick glance at Pinterest reveals numerous Notion users proudly displaying their creative dashboards, tracking everything from habits to study notes.
Where it falls short
Notion was my introduction to note-taking applications and will always hold a special place in my heart. However, its extensive customization options ultimately led me to seek alternatives. I found myself investing excessive time adjusting my dashboard and pages, from color schemes to layouts, rather than focusing on writing. When I did write, the block-based structure detracted from the fluidity of the experience compared to dedicated writing applications. Additionally, I found the mobile app's handling of elements like tables and columns to be inconsistent.
Section 1.2: Bear
Bear is an elegantly designed app that offers a variety of themes. It allows users to write in markdown, a format that facilitates easy export to other applications. The writing experience in Bear is unique, and despite its minimalist design, it possesses powerful capabilities.
Where it falls short
Many users, myself included, express frustration over the slow pace of development. While I can overlook the absence of table support, seeing markdown formatting during writing disrupts the flow. Bear’s organizational structure also leans heavily on tags instead of folders, which can be limiting for someone like me who frequently experiments with different organizational methods.
Section 1.3: Apple Notes
Apple’s native note-taking application has significantly improved over the years, boasting a range of formatting options and features that make it a viable competitor to premium apps. For those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, its seamless connections with other native applications are unmatched.
Where it falls short
I haven’t explored Apple Notes extensively, so I can’t speak to all its features. While it offers the organizational flexibility I desire, such as tags and folders, it struggles with exporting to other formats and presents a somewhat unappealing interface.
Section 1.4: Obsidian
Obsidian is often regarded as one of the best tools for PKM and Zettelkasten. Like Bear, it is a markdown editor, and while it may not be the most visually appealing at first glance, its array of core and community plugins allows for extensive customization.
Where it falls short
Despite my regular use of Obsidian, I often find myself falling into the same trap as with Notion. The wide range of customization options can be distracting, leading to time wasted on experimenting with different themes or plugins. Although the mobile app has seen improvements, it still lacks widget options and can feel cumbersome to use.
Section 1.5: Craft
Craft, the newest entrant among these apps, is gaining popularity within the note-taking and writing communities. Similar to Notion, it features a block-based editor but offers less flexibility. However, its clean and minimalist design makes writing enjoyable, and the mobile experience matches this quality.
Where it falls short
Craft does not provide a native tagging system, instead promoting the use of folders and links, which can feel somewhat clunky due to its block-based nature. Additionally, its pricing can be a concern for some users.
Chapter 2: My Current Setup
At this stage, I’ve decided to use Craft and Obsidian as my main note-taking applications. I’ve mirrored my folder organization on both platforms, allowing for seamless transitions between them. The markdown support in both apps simplifies this process.
I value Obsidian’s free access, but the multitude of themes and plugins can sometimes undermine my self-discipline. Conversely, Craft provides the structured limitations I need to maintain productivity. While I appreciate the clean and streamlined experience of Craft, there’s an undeniable allure to Obsidian that keeps me returning.
As I continue to refine my workflow and system, I anticipate a clearer frontrunner will eventually emerge.
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