Since taking notes is such a common chore, it's simple to take all the resources available for doing so for granted. Yet, taking notes may be frustrating if the wrong tools are used. Selecting the best note taking app for Mac that offers you all you require to succeed will help you avoid any needless difficulties. The best note-taking app for Mac programs currently on the market will be covered in this article.

Contents: Part 1. Does Mac Have a Note Taking App?Part 2. What's The Best App to Take Notes on a Mac?Part 3. Conclusion

Part 1. Does Mac Have a Note Taking App?

Yes, Mac has a built-in note-taking app called Apple Notes. It’s a versatile app for creating, organizing, and syncing notes across Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad) via iCloud. Apple Notes offers various features, including:

  • Text Formatting: Supports bullet points, checklists, tables, and rich text.
  • Organization: This lets you organize notes into folders and pin important notes at the top.
  • Attachments: You can add photos, scanned documents, web links, and drawings.
  • Collaboration: Share notes with others and collaborate in real time.
  • Search and Tags: Allows easy searching and tagging of notes for better organization.

Apple Notes is quite powerful for a free, built-in option and integrates well with macOS and other Apple devices.

Best Note Taking Apps for Mac - Apple Notes

Part 2. What's The Best App to Take Notes on a Mac?

1. OneNote

OneNote is the oldest program on our list, launching in 2003. Several notebooks that are separated into parts are used to manage notes. Several other programs would later mimic this format. However, OneNote still excels at it in many ways, all while providing a far more liberal free alternative than you can get elsewhere. OneNote works for everyone and is especially simple to promote to Microsoft Office customers because of their familiarity with the user interface. The paper notepad serves as the main metaphor. OneNote functions more like a scrap of paper than most applications on our list do; you can click wherever to begin typing in that precise location.

Best Note Taking Apps for Mac - OneNote

2. Notebooks

Most notebook programs either need you to learn Markdown or save your work in proprietary formats. You are not required to understand HTML to use this software; it just saves each note as an HTML document on your machine. Flexibility and simplicity are combined in a stunning package. In many aspects, Notebooks is similar to Evernote before they discontinued their native Mac edition. There are 3 panes: one for your notes, one for the notebook's documents, and one for the most recent note. You may work on many notes at once or have a tiny window to the side while you do internet research if you double-click any item to launch it in a separate window.

3. Obsidian

The first app to use a John Locke quotation in its help section is Obsidian. Just the fact that this program tries to alter your thinking illustrates how ambitious it is. The notes from Obsidian are just Markdown-formatted text files. This implies that you can save all of the notes even if you quit using Obsidian. Obsidian wants to be a record of your life, so don't be fooled by how straightforward the file format seems to be.

Best Note Taking Apps for Mac - Obsidian

4. Joplin

Notes are quite private, therefore we can see if you are reluctant to entrust them entirely to a business with its objectives. Since Joplin is an open-source and free program, all of the notes are saved to your machine under your control, among other benefits. You can sync the notes across devices without creating an account to use any service you choose, including Dropbox, OneDrive, and the open-source Nextcloud. If you do not want third-party providers to have access to your notes, you may set end-to-end encryption.

A standard note-taking app's interface is used, with notebooks and notes arranged in the left column. Also, you may use tags to organize your notes, and the web clipper lets you save articles you find online. If you're not familiar using Markdown, a rich text editor is available as an alternative.

5. Evernote

Evernote continues to be one of the more popular note-taking programs for both macOS and iOS, despite the fierce competition. The abundance of options that provide versatility is the key feature of this program. The ability to take notes in a variety of media, including video, audio, online clippings, and sketches, makes it possible for you to give your ideas the proper form. You can compose your ideas attractively if you have access to a word processor with simple formatting.

You may compose a brief message, make an agenda for a meeting, and move your Evernote notes over to Apple Notes.

Best Note Taking Apps for Mac - Best Note Taking Apps for Mac - Evernote

6. NotePlan

The interface of NotePlan may remind you of previous applications you have used. After we get over those UI resemblances, NotePlan may be used as a task manager and calendar replacement since it has both features built in.

NotePlan will automatically recognize and add a deadline if you submit a note that does so. Not only that, but you can also sync these activities with Google or Apple calendars.

7. Bear

Give Bear a careful look if you want a top-notch writing/note-taking program for your Mac. Its straightforward layout and user-friendly tools are its strongest features. As a result, you may create incredible tales and give your craziest ideas the perfect form.

Part 3. Conclusion

The best note-taking app for Mac might be difficult to choose. You also need to determine what works for you, as is the case with most advice. Whether your preferred note-taking app is included here or not, we hope this list will assist you in making your choice.