notebooks Archives

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

5 reasons I swapped Google Keep for this open-source app

The author has extensively explored various note-taking applications, including Google Keep, OneNote, and SimpleNote, ultimately transitioning to Outline, an open-source application that combines note-taking with personal knowledge management. Google Keep is appreciated for its simplicity but lacks depth, while OneNote's interface is seen as cluttered. Outline offers a clean, intuitive interface, supports markdown for rich formatting, and allows for interconnected note systems similar to a wiki. It integrates well with external tools and provides self-hosting options for data ownership. The author now uses Outline primarily for research, long-form writing, and journaling, finding it superior for serious note-taking compared to Google Keep and OneNote.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft OneNote finally gets unformatted text pasting

Microsoft OneNote has introduced an unformatted text pasting option, allowing users to paste text from various sources without carrying over any formatting. This feature is available in OneNote on Windows, Mac, and the web, with Windows users needing version 2508 (Build 19101.10000) or later, and Mac users requiring build 16.100 (25080335) or later. Users can paste unformatted text by right-clicking and selecting "Keep Text Only" or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V on Windows or Command + Shift + V on Mac. Microsoft has noted that features may be removed even after testing.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Obsidian

Obsidian is a personal knowledge management (PKM) system that can handle various tasks but may have a steep learning curve and an uninviting aesthetic for some users. Notion is a cloud-based alternative that allows for personalized knowledge bases and workflow optimization, appealing to those who prioritize convenience. Google Keep offers a simple, cloud-based note-taking experience that is easy to navigate but has limitations in text formatting and organization. Evernote provides enhanced note management and text formatting features, along with a web clipper, but has restrictions on its free plan. Anytype adopts an offline-first approach, prioritizing privacy and combining features of both Notion and Obsidian. Capacities enhances productivity and can complement other tools, catering to various workflows.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Top 6 Privacy Note Apps for Linux and Android That Actually Sync

Your messages are monitored, your location is tracked, and certain note-taking applications are focusing on privacy. The guide reviews note-taking applications for Linux and Android that prioritize confidentiality, with no trackers or unsettling sync processes. Standard Notes: - Data export: Encrypted, plain text format - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Available on official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, rich text, etc.) - Organizing Style: Free (basic tags), Paid (folders and tags) - Themes & Creativity: Paid (multiple themes) - Support: Active community support Notesnook: - Data export: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, PDF, HTML) - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Yes, with granular controls - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (Markdown, lists, etc.), Paid (images and reminders) - Organizing Style: Free (20 Notebooks, 5 Tags), Paid (unlimited) - Themes & Creativity: Free (customizable sidebar), Paid (color options) - Support: Active community on Discord, email, Twitter, and Reddit Joplin: - Data export: ENEX files - 2FA: Single-use codes - Offline Access: Offline-first - Unlimited Device Sync: Requires Joplin Cloud - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, etc. - Organizing Style: Notebooks, sub-Notebooks, Tags, To-dos - Themes & Creativity: Customizable via CSS - Support: Community support through forums and Discord Cryptee: - Data export: Encrypted folder download, formats include PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Functions offline as a PWA - Unlimited Device Sync: Local data for quick syncing - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, pinning - Themes & Creativity: Customizable themes - Support: Community-driven support Obsidian: - Data export: Plain text and markdown files - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Fully offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Paid (Obsidian Sync), Free (third-party services) - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, links, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, graph view - Themes & Creativity: Complete UI customization - Support: Community support available Turtl: - Data export: Plain text format with encryption - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Operates offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Possible with official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Spaces, Tags, boards - Themes & Creativity: No customization options - Support: Community-driven support Recommendations include Joplin for structure, Notesnook for minimalism, Turtl for privacy, and Obsidian for creativity. The best tool integrates seamlessly into your workflow while ensuring privacy.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Google stocks ‘featured notebooks’ on NotebookLM shelves for curated topics

Google is introducing "featured notebooks" in NotebookLM for desktop users, in partnership with publications like the Atlantic and the Economist. These notebooks provide in-depth advice and analysis, including contributions from Eric Topol and Yellowstone National Park. They are publicly accessible, allowing users to read or generate Audio Overviews. The update, announced on July 14, enhances the app's ability to curate high-quality sources for complex topics. Notable collaborations include public notebooks such as "How to Build a Life" and "The World Ahead 2025." Users can engage with AI for clarification and access AI-generated summaries. The rollout also includes various publicly available notebooks, such as longevity advice from Eric Topol and a science enthusiast’s guide to Yellowstone National Park. The feature builds on the "Public Notebooks" introduced in June, allowing users to compile and share notebooks for collaborative interaction. Discover Sources helps users find credible references by autonomously gathering pertinent information based on user-described topics.