Top Reasons Why Evernote Is Still My Go-to Note Taking App

[@KlirrenDieFahnen]

Fully agree. The search and the webclipper and the versatility in the setup of organizing things do it for me.

[@ToddWaddell]

Great commentary. I will mention that I love Evernote for tasks. The ability to keep tasks together with the notes and documentation about the task is a huge plus for my workflow.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's true, Todd. I use Evernote as my CRM, and the tasks really help me stay on top of communications.

[@stevemartin7912]

Still using Evernote and I still Love it 15 years later!

[@ffblegend]

Me to, but I hate the paid model and trying to force it.

[@TheINKspiredLife]

I really like the Evernote dashboard on the desktop. It makes all I need to see so convenient.

[@haileyrosemiller]

I've been with Evernote since 2013. Could never imagine moving somewhere else. I liken Evernote to those comfy old slippers - it may not be the newest, or the glitziest. It may not have xyz features that some other app has... but it's always been there for me. Just like those comfy old slippers, we've grown together, moulded to each other, and now we're the perfect fit.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Haha, I love that; Evernote is like a pair of comfy slippers. 🙂

[@heussi]

I was en Evernote user for over 10 years. I had a great tagging system in place and was overall happy with it. The new pricing model and system instability especially on the app made me switch to apple notes. Turns out i dont really need a tagging system and apple notes has everything i need and works perfect. The whole export/import was quite a pain in the…but it was worth the trouble for me.

[@Davidc10]

you can tag in apple notes by the way, just add a hashtag followed by your tag within the note :)

[@MrSamoDude]

I found importing from Evernote to Apple Notes really easy, I don’t know if this has improved since you made the switch, but I just exported my Evernote notebooks to enex files and imported them straight in. A few notes did loose some bits, but most imported fine. My biggest concern with Apple Notes is its lack of decent export/backup options, so I’m now thinking of going back to Evernote!

Although I know that I could (and should) Evernote more (efficiently), I am still using it for almost 16 years and am never going to give it up. Solid and reliable as you very clearly stated.

[@Carl_Pullein]

The great thing is, it's always there when you need it.

[@justinchamberlain3443]

2:30 gives a very good lists of apps for tools for writing books etc 7:50 drafts app for sending small notes

[@GrantCrowell]

I’ve been an Evernote paid user since 2014. While I use Apple Notes for quickest note taking, Evernote to me is the most versatile with the right balance of features for my PKM needs. Like Carl, I use it with ToDoist and it makes me super-productive. I may someday use Notion for more architectural-style PKM, but Evernote keeps me in flow. TEAM PULLEIN!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha, thank you for sharing, Grant.

[@pompom6675]

I also use apple notes together with Evernote, as apple notes are way faster and have better navigation system. However, Evernote is better for storing and organizing large bunches of information in the long-term

[@JeffreyAmanTampa]

Thank you, Carl. I have been an avid Evernote user since 2009. I've tested and dabbled in the other apps that have come around, but I'm using Evernote for all "notes" and other apps for other things. Great video, and Evernote is great!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you Jeff.

[@AaronJonesMagic]

I’ve used Evernote since Oct. 2009 so the same 15 years. So much is there. Like you said it’s had it up and downs but it has always been there and saved me so many times. I can’t believe 2009 was 15 years ago. lol

[@Carl_Pullein]

Yes, indeed 15 years - where does the time go?

[@MrTaserface]

We have way too much choice in all aspects of our life. Love your content. Your apple apps productivity video really helped me since I got my first ever MacBook. Thank you.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's true.

[@loganm577]

Very true, Carl. Yes, the web clipper is super.

[@anshulkummar]

Great analysis and very candid thoughts, Carl! I have been on Evernote since 2011 and have been following you since 2019 😄🙏

[@Ahdbfbfbeh]

the real reason evernote is great is the search function. you can type anything into it and youll find your note. it can pick up words on stuff youve written and photographed

[@EthanJerryMings]

Thank you. I really enjoyed your Evernote Course. Still using Evernote, and it continues to help me on a daily basis.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Yes, it does the same for me too. It helps me every day.

[@everwoodcottage]

Hi Ethan, curious as to where this Evernote course is? I was looking on his website but couldn't find it.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@everwoodcottage Hi Ellie, I think Ethan is referring to my Digital Notes Organisation course. carl-pullein.thinkific.com/courses/mastering-digital-note-organisation

[@bmcl5243]

Good video. I have been a heavy user of Evernote and largely agree with you, Carl; my only disagreement is regarding Mobile, Tasks, and Calander. I also wear glasses but have no problem reading text on my mobile phone. In fact, my mobile phone use has increased now that it has been made more responsive. I use Tasks for all my task needs, and the fact that you can create them either within a particular note or in the Default Task Notebook allows the tasks to be viewed in any way you require. The Calander widget is also prominent on my desktop, my Dashboard for the day, keeping me on top of what is happening. I also have three Pinned Note Widgets on my Home Screen for quick access to notes on Current projects.

[@claudiavolkman1281]

I too have been with Evernote since 2009 -- and I agree, such an exciting time to be part of the Evernote community. Would yo consider doing a video on how you use Evernote as your CRM?

[@Angelique-sdz]

I'd also like to see a video like that.

[@DavidKrudop]

Long long time user of Evernote. Started with EverNote before the merger with Phil Libin and it became Evernote (2008-?). There have been some turbulent times over the years but I have stuck with it.

[@jesuscc03]

Totally agree! Furthermore, my feelings, along the last years, have been the same. Nice video. Thanks!

[@neo7779]

Great video and thanks for sharing your view on this. I have been using Evernote for about 10 years now and it did get stale for awhile, but the changes have been exciting. Personally I use tasks to keep project specific tasks out of Todoist. My Todoist has a Project task with a link to the main Evernote project note. As the project grows I may find the need for more than one note and will create a notebook for the project. Are there other apps that do more with AI and automate processing notes, yes, but I find that taking my brain out of that I don't get as much from the processing of the notes. Your point about having output apps for work is so true. I am not going to use Evernote to write a proposal for my boos, but I will use it to gather my thoughts and supporting information so, I have it all at hand when I do write the proposal in Google Docs or Word. Thanks again for keeping the process simple and reminding us it's about getting the work done, not about how we store our notes.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Love that. So true.

[@PierlucF]

I wish they would offer a cheaper plan without the tasks and calendar features for those of us who just want to take notes

[@DanielMescoloto]

i wish i could disable those features xD

[@DionJensen]

:-) They did, its called the Personel Plan. Its for Note taking and you get for free Tasks and Cal. Its not like you have a chance to have Microsoft Office without Powerpoint right ? Its callled an offering within the platform.

[@NeuroPete]

I take some notes directly into Evernote, but my main use is as a knowledge base, especially for paper records scanned to PDF, web pages, project notes, maintenance records, etc.. As you say, the web clipping and search engine are brilliant. I hate subscriptions, but this one is worth it for me. If it ever happens that I can no longer afford to pay, the free version will give me read access. If this ever changes, I will have to look for another solution.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Me too, Pete. I am not a fan of subscriptions, but Evernote and Todoist are a critical part of my personal productivity system. (It's funny, but I realised before digital tools, I would spend a fortune on leather bound diaries and hardbacked notebooks. My Evernote and Todoist subscriptions cost less than I spent on paper products in the past)

[@meeluanistyn1644]

Sounds like we use Evernote in a similar way. I scan in all my personal documents (bills, invoices, important emails) and love that I can access all this information quickly rather than searching through paper files as I used to do. I’ve also followed Carl’s workflow and manage projects in Evernote such as drawing up a will and moving house and love how I can link notes within Evernote as well as linking them to Todoist. I do use Apple Notes for a few things such as capturing all the tips and tricks that Carl gives in his videos. Apple Notes is really very good and, for a non-subscription app, it’s amazingly good. However I have years of Evernote notes and am comfortable carrying on following the green elephant!

[@NeuroPete]

@@meeluanistyn1644 Same for me. Even though I pay for Evernote, I still use the free Google Keep, as it quick. I have a MacBook and am getting an iPad, so I will try Apple Notes.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@meeluanistyn1644 I noticed there is a synergy between Evernote and Todoist 🙂

[@simimik.]

I originally used Evernote in 2006. But left when it became laggy sometime in 2014 if I am not mistaken. Now thinking to go back for my immediate note. I will use it together with Obsidian.

[@facatempo]

Thanks for the video, I’m struggling between use Evernote, the app I’ve been using for years, and Apple Notes. The Evernote desktop app is incredible, but the mobile it’s terrible, so I started to move for Apple Notes, but I miss a lot of features such as Web Clipper, Readwise Integration and Send emails. I was thinking, that my main use is on Mac, so if I ignore the mobile, I can stay with Evernote.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I agree with you. That's why I use the Drafts app to get stuff into Evernote quickly on my mobile device.

[@cchang2771]

I think web clipper and email to notes are two best finctions of Evernotes. I don't know if there is another note program can do the email to note as Evernote can. I am surprised this wonderful email to note function was not mentioned by people.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're right. The web clipper and email to notes are excellent features.

[@devarni]

Apple Notes is now so brilliant and keeps getting better that I cancelled my Evernote account after more than 13 years. I'm also not prepared to pay that much money per month for a note-taking app, as I personally don't see the value in it. But I can understand why people stick with one app, especially when it's almost impossible to export all your notes to another app.

[@mittendad]

I'll be curious to see what updates come about next week for Apple Notes as well.

[@ChristopherSmith-kl3xj]

iPad and iOS18 is making me lean back towards apple notes even more now. What are your thoughts Carl? Have you had a chance to check the new features out? Also reminders with calendar integration is brilliant.

[@Carl_Pullein]

From what I saw, Evernote is already doing what Apple is bringing out. That said, the one tool I may be able to let go is Grammarly.

[@ChristopherSmith-kl3xj]

@@Carl_Pullein I think I am mainly looking at switching due to costs of another subscription. Reminders doesn’t quite beat Todoist yet though sadly

[@RobertLee-m3i]

You hit nail on head the search function and webclipper nothing else does it so well. BTW do you still advocate Todist above all else? It seems the tasks and calandar function in EN is working well now

[@AlHR23]

Great video Carl - thank you. I wonder if you could help me with this: Evernote now have 2FA, but you can ask to reset your password if you have forgotten it and they will simply email you a reset link. This obviously isn't very safe as somone may have hacked your email. Do you know any way of turning this feature off? Thanks

[@Carl_Pullein]

As far as I recall, if you go to your Evernote settings, you can turn if off there.

[@holgerruoss2404]

Thank you Carl! Some times it pays off not to chase every new shiny object! BR Holger

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's very true, Holger.

[@Jivolt]

Was a HUGE Evernote user for 13 years but then it got clunky. So I moved all my notes to Apple Notes. Then I found Craft and that was game changing. It’s like Evernote but with more features when it comes to note customization. Then Evernote really upped its game and got much better… but I still stick with Craft for work/creative stuff and Apple Notes for other stuff. I still have my Evernote paid subscription but I hardly ever use it. Craft is just too good to switch back to Evernote right now.

[@maikeru86]

It weird that font is too small for you... About what situation do you mean? If you copy something from website, it take formatting properties to Evernote... So size of font it depends of what you adds. When you want to add a new note from mobile, you can also set size of font for it... So please give some details and maybe I can help you somehow 😊

[@grantsmall_Ngenious]

Carl, my biggest question is the ability to write my notes using Apple Pencil. It appears as though this functionality has gone. I use hand writing for my journal. Written test is used for business and PKM notes. There used to be a solution but no longer. This is my biggest issue. I have also been a user since 2009 when handwriting was not possible on an iPad But things have changed. Any suggestions?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, it looks like that has gone for now. I suspect it will come back eventually.

[@grantsmall_Ngenious]

@@Carl_Pullein a real pity

[@zilingc]

Back to Evernote after bending spoon updating the task design which is lots useful than before. Bending spoon also did a good job to make the mobile app faster than before which is very important for me to take an instant note. I’m also a Notion user and love its database. But it could be too much for daily use. Craft is too simple to mange tasks. Evernote is still the most balanced note-taking app for me that I keep coming back no matter what other apps I have tried😂

[@Carl_Pullein]

They are indeed.

[@rono1rono]

Thanks, Carl. I’m curious to know if you use your personal Evernote email address and how or when.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, yes. All the time. I email emails to it if I want to keep them or need them for a project.

[@mzamilbr]

I confuse which is better Evernote or Notion. N notion giving me headache as it confusing for me. Where Evernote is happy ever since

[@brittanyalleyne9760]

I use EN as my central second brain and Notion for tasks paired with Morgen Calendar. If you are adopting GTÐ method. Notion for actionable items, lists and EN for non actionable items and capturing content.

[@MaschaVanDeWeer]

Hi Carl, I don't understand why you would choose Apple Notes if you were starting again from scratch right now, because there is no way to export notes from Apple Notes (only pdf, but that is of course not a real option for export). So once you're in, you can't get out anymore. That would be an important reason for me not to use Apple Notes.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Marscha, great to hear from you. I hope all is well. I think in the 14 years of using Evernote, I've never exported a note. In Apple Notes, in the few times I have experimented with it, the share sheet has always given me enough options to get the notes I made to where I wanted them. (a Pages document, Reminders even Todoist.)

[@oahukiteboarder808]

Can you or someone please explain or confirm how awful search is with Evernote? Need to be able to search for notes with parts of words --search for notes that include multiple words-- search for notes with or without letters Does not include -- recent -- date range created or modified. Etc., etc.

[@tomslayton2319]

Evernote is great, a lot of people are complaining about the price increase but, I think the software is worth the price.

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's certainly excellent value for money if you use Evernote as much as I do. Constantly open on my computer and in use.

[@guillermogarcia5794]

I really hated Evernote... Really... But lately I've been impressed with constant updates and giving me a better tool for note taking... I really like the app now

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, now there is a lesson in not getting emotionally attached to an app 😁

[@purshotham91]

How would you manage webclips on Apple notes if you have to start over?

[@Carl_Pullein]

I would use the share sheet to send a website to Apple Notes. It doesn't do it as well as Evernote, but at least you can do it.

[@SpiderFX79]

​@@Carl_Pullein But via the share to Notes function you just get a link of the website into Notes. So, if the content of the site changes during time or if it is taken offline, the informations are lost. That's why I prefer the excellent web clipper of Evernote which makes me think about going with Evernote. By the way, your videos are really good, perfectly explained and professionally presented.

[@ruehtree]

I used Evernote for as long as you and it did and still does everything I wanted, however, it is now too expensive for just the average user.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Before Evernote, I spent more on paper notebooks each year than I did on an annual Evernote subscription. Evernote has saved me money over the years.

[@ruehtree]

@@Carl_Pullein Well I didn't, I have always used some sort of software. The software I use now costs me nothing and does the same job with thousands of notes and documents.

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

💯 (member since February 2009)

[@5654Martin]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MobileExperienceChris]

But I thought that you left Evernote for Apple notes?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Came close in 2019, but I couldn't quite leave such a 'good friend'.

[@sudhitpanchal4996]

Hey there, Can you tell me whether It can search on different files? Like I am typing ABC in my new file and does Evernote recogniesHey there, Can you tell me whether It can search on different files? Like I am typing ABC in my new file and does Evernote recognise that ABC from any other different file that we have uploaded ?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hmm, Evernote's a notes app. It is not a file folder, so it won't distinguish between file types. However, that said, if you do put a document into it, there is a separate section for documents that potentially could tell you.

[@sudhitpanchal4996]

@@Carl_Pullein oh okay, but also can no matter the type of document but can evernote search a keyword or any specific type of texts from our previously uploaded documents in evernote while we are creating a new document ?

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@sudhitpanchal4996 Theoretically, yes. However, it does depend what type of document you are storing in Evernote. PDFs certainly, others, I'm not sure.

[@sudhitpanchal4996]

@@Carl_Pullein thanks will look into it!

[@antoniochang4553]

Since I am starting to use notes to organise my life, I will head Carl's advice and use Apple Notes rather Evernote, which looks very complex and most probably will take me much longer to learn

[@Carl_Pullein]

Good choice, Antonio.

[@gtspeak]

I want to move back to Evernote but the incredibly small font size on iOS app with no way to change it per device is what’s keeping me away

[@Carl_Pullein]

I'm sure that's on Evernote's list of things to improve.

[@Han-dle598]

For the same reasons, as Carl said I still use Evernote, but I am getting more and more frustrated. That disrupts my mental muscle, because it's not working as well, and I need Evernote. I lately have been finding more websites not clipping graphics correctly, or not clipping paragraphs as paragraphs. Also my work computer doesn't show graphics in Evernote very well. I also have a lot more syncing issues on my Android tablet, where I don't Evernote as often. I really liked legacy a lot better and am disappointed they discontinued it since I depend on Evernote so much (14 years, 16,000 notes).

[@micheledellaquila7671]

Pls share the link of the drafts app

[@Carl_Pullein]

Here you go, Michele. getdrafts.com

[@micheledellaquila7671]

@@Carl_Pullein thanks

[@jawjuh1005]

Ugh. So torn. I like Apple notes for the reasons you stated in another video, I like an app called The Brain because it works the way my brain works, and I like Evernote. I am wasting time and energy going between all 3. The one thing that concerns me about Evernote is security of my notes but obviously that doesn’t seem to bother you so maybe I should just get over it? I’ve heard people say don’t put anything in your notes app you don’t want others to see but then why have a notes app if I’m that limited. I just don’t know.

[@Carl_Pullein]

No software will ever be completely safe. And in the days before software, paper notebooks were not safe either. You could lose them, leave them on a bus, or have them stolen from your bag.

[@jawjuh1005]

@@Carl_Pullein all true. So do you trust EverNote with personal documents? Of course scrubbed of financial or tax info.

[@jawjuh1005]

Never Mind. Guess you wouldn’t want to answer that.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@jawjuh1005 Hmm, I'm likely not careful enough, but I won't put credit card numbers in there. Most of my personal documents are on my computer, not in Evernote. Evernote is for notes, not documents.

[@dbrakowski]

16 years and 25K notes---Evernote til I die.

[@franciscogutierrezsanin9010]

It is a disgrace that the new versions of Evernote do not allow to enlarge the font. Also from a big fan

[@moniqueschroeder344]

Evernote user since 2013❤

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, 13 years. You must have built up quite a treasure of notes there. 🙂

[@Ahdbfbfbeh]

i love evernote. my life is on evernote so i hope the company contineus for 1 century. please however allow up to upload video lectures that are at least 35 minutes and not just 23 minutes. change the 200 mb to 350 mb upload limit

[@michaelaudettedlp7343]

Amen !

[@maikeru86]

I have 12 years of usage ;)

[@ClairePontin]

Me too.

[@kemistrypops]

I like Evernote but its too expensive

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hmmm. The hardback notebooks I used to take notes in meetings cost me $12. I would go through one at least once a month, so I was spending around $150 a year on paper notebooks. Evernote costs me $130 per year (Korean prices), so theoretically, Evernote is saving me money.

[@Georgevideocliper]

Google keep have one better thing wear os app

[@petepaxton5109]

So buggy and so expensive. Joplin for me

[@panos7256]

I used to be an Evernote user. I gave up. Android app too slow and cumbersome interface. Cannot search stacks by name. Tags applied only to notes and not notebooks. Evernote constrains the user and demands a premium price. No thanks

[@joseadrianobaltieri4773]

I was an absolute EN lover. Now I'm a huge HATER of it. Reasons: - Extremely SLOW. Very slow. When I open up a new note at Windows 10 Client, just to drop some text it takes many seconds before the prompt is ready. - Deleting a note on Desktop ? Also SLOW. - Select more than notes to move somewhere else ? You cant. Say you have 100 notes on one NoteBook and you just need to move around. You need to do it 10 by 10. Horrible. - EN Desktop is not a "Windows-like" program, a native one as it should be. So it misses many of the typical keyboard shortcuts. Many things you have to do you need to use the mouse together. Boring. Legacy version was way faster and more "intelligent". - Lots of features from Legacy version were left behind or not implemented totally. NoteBook sorting order "sticky" (customized) for each Notebook is one of them. Import Folders file deletion after import process is another. As a matter of fact I was still "loving" EN while we had Legacy version running. It was old but still great. Extremely fast and practical. The new version for me is complete garbage. Used Legacy for eons. Loved it. It's gone, unfortunatelly. - I don´t see huge improvements. Just minor things. Daily notes/journal ? Interesting. Not a huge leap though. Looks something very "silly", just to show some improvement month after month. - There are lots of things I could do with EN but it do it so poorly that I ended up using a better app : 1) Document Scanning ? Forget EN, use CamScanner. Works like magic ! Superb ! You may or may not share the finished document into EN. Either way sharing on Mobile with EN is also so slow that I may even forget it. Keep it on CS instead; 2) Take ScreenShots and save them ? Again it takes tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime before the shot is transformed into a Note. Also , the image editor is so pooooooor that there are many better things out there. PickPick is one of them... How I'd love to have a good image editor (professional) to annotate my shots on EN. It would be wonderful. But unfortunately it's editor looks like software from 1990... 3) Ow, you need to manage Tasks ? Go 4 TickTick. Awesome. Extremely FAST. Lots of features. Eons managing tasks. Very light and practical. You can easily add a task just with the keyboard, with global keys. Faster than blinking your eyes. Why use EN then ? - I used to tell "everybody" (potential new users) about EN and suggest them to use it. But the new 50 notes for free users is ridiculous. New users wont even try it, IMHO. I'm also ashamed to suggest them to use something that one week later they'll be limited and have to pay for it. For many people I could suggest them to start using as a sort of "Google Drive". But they'll be capped after 50 notes. Just go for something else at start. Forget EN. - As for the price I'm paying , I consider it very high because I have lots of features I don't need , such as AI. I'm paying for an implementation that I don't need. All I need is a fast and handy typical note taking/organizing program, as it was before. You need/want AI ? Then pay something more for it. Either way very, very unsatisfied with it. It was my first "hub" for everything. Now it's something that I avoid to use and when I do need to use I curse a lot. For instance my inbox used to be always organized. Now it's more than 160 notes left there. It's so slow and not practical anymore that I don't want to mess with it. - I'm from IT myself and my guess is that the underneath implementation is not OK. This is all about using Electron. I understand that maybe it simplifies and unifies the user experience, after all it's just one platform development for all devices. But the final result is not professional. Not at all. There's nothing like a native Android/Windows program. Anyway, just to conclude : happy you that are satisfied with EN. I'm not. Absolutely not.