Notability is a powerful note-taker to annotate documents, sketch ideas, record lectures, take notes and more. It combines, typing, handwriting, audio recording, and photos so you can create notes that fit your needs. With iCloud support, your notes are always available on iPad, iPhone and Mac. Anytime, anywhere. Notability is optimized for Mac. Notability is a feature-rich note taking app that takes maximum advantage of the interface features introduced since iOS 9. The $9.99 app's got you covered on all the note taking basics such as.
Taking notes on your device saves a lot. But it even gets better when you can directly put down notes in your handwriting. This comes with its advantages, including the fastness because you use a digital pen instead of the touch screen keyboard, and this also acts as a physical notebook replacement with back up of course. And just that you have your iPad, these apps will be beneficial for note-taking. Over the years, Goodnotes and Notability have two apps in the centre focus and most practical use when taking notes on the iPad. Goodnotes and Notability both let you achieve the pen and paper set up on the iPad but in a digital way.
See,and choosing which of the two is right for you can be a daunting task —especially keeping in mind that both apps have their strengths and weaknesses,but most importantly online critics using the two tools regularly jab at eachother.
So,you may be wondering which is the better option between Goodnotes andNotability. That is what we are going to cover both intensively and extensivelyand help you decide which of the two is the best. In reality, you will havealso have to decide which app has some slight drawbacks that you can or cannottolerate in your note-taking.
User Interface
Macos app install paused. Aside from other features that come handy inside the two note-taking apps, first impressions when you fire the two apps is also crucial and indicates the general arrangement of the previous documents and when they were last opened. Starting with Notability, it has a user interface that is almost similar to what you get on the standard notes’ app on the iPad.
You will see a two-column layout with the right side featuring the various categories of notes taken, including recent notes, writings, and archive. On the other hand, your notes are arranged in a column based on the date they were opened. Additionally, you can also sort the recent notes out by using the filters provided such as name, date of creation, or last modified date. Alongside the name and date of creation of the notes, you will also view the category in which they lie.
Turning over to Goodnotes, it has one system-wide layout with recent documents in the view. Before the list of recent documents, Goodnotes provides you with a button to create a new note. To search for your old documents, you have to switch to the central search feature. The other option available on the home screen is the “favorites” button at the bottom of the screen which will provide you with a list of your favorited documents in Goodnotes.
Ability
Whatis even better about Goodnotes version 5 is the ability to choose how you wantto scroll through your notes. In previous versions, Goodnotes permittednavigating only in a horizontal manner. https://treedemo918.weebly.com/adobe-photoshop-cs6-camera-raw-download-mac.html. In Notability, you will have to livewith vertical scrolling, and there is no way around that.
Besides,Goodnotes working space and notes look more old-age designed as the app triesto emulate real paper. Notability, on the other hand, offers a more digitallook which turns as the most impressive one.
Soaside with the user interface, let us dive into the comparison of featuresoffered by the two separate apps.
Search
The search comes as a handy feature in both Goodnotes and Notability. For Goodnotes, version 5 now offers ways to search globally. Which means you can now be able to explore throughout your notebooks. But there is a slight problem you should be aware of regarding this feature. For those of you who can take notes in multiple languages, you will have to choose a default language for the search feature to work effectively in one language. Goodnotes search feature is also more advanced and offers search results even in your handwritten notes. I know the same applies to Notability, but Goodnotes is way better when you put the two apps together head to head.
Andwhat is even good about Goodnotes is that the search results will let you havea sneak peek of the location of the text in a note even when you search fromthe homepage. In Notability, when searching from the homepage, you will beprovided with resultant notes that contain that keyword, but it will nothighlight the exact location in a sneak peek view.
Handwriting Recognition
OCRalso is known as Optical character recognition is a technique of recognizingtext in either images or handwritten documents or even typed text.
OCR implementation is both on Goodnotes and Notability as I have previously highlighted above regarding the search feature. But remember you have to set your preferred language under general settings. Which means you will still have trouble using this feature typing in more than one language. OCR helps you convert your handwritten text to the standard typed version which you can then import in your preferred format.
Looking for more options for your note-taking needs? Be sure to also check out “Notes on the Go: A Comparison of Google Keep & Evernote“. Compare these two well-known note-taking apps and see which one is better for you.
Auto-deselect Feature
Goodnotes 5 includes a useful auto-deselect feature which helps in cutting down the manual task when switching between the pen and the eraser for example. To put this into perspective, for example, you have written a wrong spelling and want to write better. You have to click on the eraser then rub the misspelt word.
Now, on switching back to the pen, the process is automatic with auto-deselect on, so you don’t have to click on the pen to continue writing. Oh, and if you have the iPad Pro 2018 Edition and you happen to hate Apple Pencil 2 double-tap feature for switching between the eraser and the pen (very tedious, indeed Updating mac microsoft apps. ), Goodnotes got you covered with the auto-deselect feature.
On Notability, you will experience a manual life on selecting a deselecting a feature. With Notability, you will have to click on the rubber then again click on the pen to switch back to writing which is time-consuming.
Eraser![]()
Regardingthe eraser, both apps offer an in-built eraser feature. Goodnotes makes workeasier by letting you customize the eraser further. On Goodnotes, you canchoose to erase an entire stroke or just part of it. How cool is that! On theother hand, it gets worse using Notability. Notability’s eraser lets you deleteall the lines instead.
Importing Images
When taking notes, there are those moments you have to add some images to back up the writings. Both Goodnotes and Notability have this functionality, but there is a big difference. Goodnotes offers a better, more straightforward way to import your photos. Just tap on the image icon at the top bar then Goodnotes will open a scrollable filmstrip view of your photos starting with the most recent one. To import; tap on an image then it will overlay at the top of your note where you can manipulate the image in different ways like rotating, zoom, crop and even resize it to your liking.
Notability,on the other hand, will take you through some steps clicking buttons andopening new menus. For notability tap on the “+” sign, then photo then choosewhere you want to import your image from. One thing you will notice is whiteborders on imported images in Notability which is not the case for Goodnotes.And again, another plus for Goodnotes.
Highlighting Texts
Ifyou love highlighting written notes for further customizability, then Goodnotesis your best companion here. Goodnotes features a highlighting tool thatautomatically straightens out and adjusts to cover the whole borders of thetext. For Notability, the highlights just follow what you do, and there is nostraightening or adjustment of the highlights to cover the texts on the edges.
Paper Settings
Because you may want to write on a different kind of paper for various purposes, an excellent note-taking app should be able to cater to your needs accordingly. Notability has different paper variants including square (in four variations), another four variations of ruled paper and also a blank paper. All of the mentioned variants are all in a standard portrait format. However, Notability offers variant color options that you can customize your papers to – you won’t lack your preferred color in these color collections.
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Now turning over to Goodnotes; the app features several paper types grouped in categories which looks neat. There are categories like Essentials, writing papers, music, and planner. Essential provides most common paper standards like blanks, ruled narrow, squared, dotted among others. For orientation, most papers have an option for a landscape and portrait orientation. And for paper customization in terms of color, Goodnotes allows you to choose between a white background or a yellow one which is well, a bummer for those who love different colors aside from the two. Nav take me simple download.
Back-Up of Data
Although both Goodnotes and Notability back up your data directly to iCloud why not have the flexibility to back up via third party cloud providers too? Notability has been the best in implementation of data back-up to third-party cloud services. For Notability, you will find an additional feature termed “auto-backup,” which offers other ways in which you can back up your notes aside from iCloud. With auto back-up on Notability, you can choose to back up your data to Dropbox, Onedrive, Google Drive.
Backingdata on Goodnotes is quite a different manual process, unlike in Notability.With Goodnotes, you will have to first import your data in the form of a zipfile by using the “back-up data” feature. After the exportation has been done,you can then move the files to your preferred iCloud alternative to keep a copyof the same.
Dark Mode
This mode has been one of the touted features in Apple’s recent iOS 13/ iPadOS 13 previews. Dark mode not only looks impressive but also saves on power. For Android users, the latest Android 10 has also come with a system-wide dark mode. Notability has additional theme settings that let you choose what theme you prefer. There is a common white theme and a dark theme which looks dark gray. For Goodnotes, though, there is no dark theme yet. But the feature may be implemented in the future as well given that iOS 13 has an upcoming system-wide dark mode.
Availability
Syncingnotes across your multiple devices is a much-needed functionality. So, havingan app that supports other platforms as well comes is a bonus and adds morejuice to the real-world usage case scenarios.
Notabilityoffers MacOS compatible app while Goodnotes has only an iPad app. If you haveto go with Goodnotes, all your activity will be limited to the iPad only. Thecase is different with Notability; you have a macOS app that lets you view yoursaved notes.
Audio Recording
Wehave already touched on several features where Goodnotes proves to be the king.However, audio recording is one feature that is not available in Goodnotes yet.Notability’s audio recording feature comes handy when you want to record audiowhile taking some notes. Although Goodnotes has hinted that the feature is onits way, it has been years since the hint was dropped. So, don’t put too manyhopes on that anytime soon.
InNotability, you can adjust your audio by speed and also back by 10 seconds.Plus, you can also animate your audio and your text at the same time.
Note Taking
Sincenote-taking is the primary use of these apps, let us see how they weigh againsteach other.
Goodnotes’ interface makes it much easier to switch the colors of your handwriting which has been achieved by docking your favorite colors at the top of the screen. You can customize your favourite colours for easy, one-tap access. On Notability, the process is a little complicated. https://phillyever354.weebly.com/sonos-music-app-mac.html. You have to tap on the pen-like feature at the top then select a colour that you want to write in – as compared to how you quickly access this feature on Goodnotes; Notability is tiresome on this one.
Another thing to note about the two apps is the way you add a new page. Notability offers an infinite scroll which cuts down on the work needed when you want to move on to a new page. With Goodnotes, we go a little manual by adding a new page from the “+” button at the top bar.
Throughoutall the features that we have highlighted above, all of them add to the generalbeauty of using the two note-taking apps.
Pricing
Onpricing, Goodnotes will set you back by $7.99 while Notability will cost you $2USD more.
Between the two apps, Goodnotes offers more than what Notability has. Ranging from the paper settings, image importation, text highlighting, auto-deselect feature, search and has an impressive user interface also. But I will still say, depending on the features available some note-takers may prefer otherwise, which is impressive also depending on their needs.
Thank you for reading! Check out “Automation Software Comparison: Zapier VS IFTTT (2019)” and learn how to automate all your apps at your business to improve productivity.
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While Apple Notes checks off most of the boxes, it may not fit into everyone’s needs. This is where the best Notes app alternatives for Mac come into the play.
Aside from making the task of note-taking pretty straightforward, these third-party apps also double up as a super handy annotation and writing tool. Besides, they allow creating projects in many formats like text, audio, video, and whatnot.
Though the App Store has several fine options, only a few have walked into our list of the top note-taking apps for Mac. We’ve chosen them based on their effectiveness and how well they work. Dive right in along with me to take a close look at ’em!
#1. Evernote
Despite the cut-throat competition, “Evernote” remains one of the most appreciable note-taking apps both for macOS and iOS. The highlight of this app is the wide range of tools that provide more flexibility.
The option to make notes in several formats like video, audio, web clippings, sketch ensure you are able to give your thoughts the right shape. With easy-to-format word processor at your disposal, you can write your thoughts elegantly.
You can create an agenda to be discussed in a meeting, write a quick memo and transfer your Evernote notes to Apple notes.
Often forget to do some important tasks? Make a checklist of all the things you have to do. Besides, you will also create presentations to express your thoughts with the desired impact.
Price: Free
Download #2. Microsoft OneNote
“OneNote” is a complete package. The app lets you capture your ideas in a variety of formats and offer you the needed freedom to keep everything in the perfect sync.
You can tag your notes to find them quickly. Make a list of to-dos and keep track of them so that you are able to do your tasks in time.
The collaboration features works immaculately, allowing you to work with your colleagues. For more security, you will also add an extra shield to your projects to keep them private.
Better still, OneNote for Mac is compatible with a ton of international languages including French, German, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Spanish and more. So, a language should never become a roadblock to your note-taking.
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Download #3. Notebook
Zoho Corporation is well-known for producing powerful apps. And Notebook does have all the qualities to be highly efficient. Kivuto secure download manager mac.
While there is a lot to like in this app, I find “Smart Cards” very adorable. What it basically does is automatically format the contents into specific cards like the recipe, video, and link.
The app provides several predefined note covers to let you design your stories elegantly. If you don’t like the readymade options, you can create a custom cover. Moreover, there is also an option to make public notes using shareable links so that anyone can view them.
With the dark-themed night mode, you will enjoy working till late at night. Plus, the reminders won’t let any of your tasks go out of your notice.
Price: Free
Download #4. Bear
Should you want to have a top-notch writing-cum note-taking app for your Mac, give a close look to Bear. I’ve used this app for long and always found pretty neat.
The best thing about it is the simple interface coupled with the easy-to-use tools. Therefore, you can write amazing stories and give your wildest thoughts the ideal shape.
Bear has a good library of more than a dozen themes that make it a lot easier to design stories. Features like tagging, archiving and adding tasks to notes enable to take control of your stuff. Furthermore, you can export your projects in multiple formats such as HTML, PDF, DOCX, MD, JPG, and EPUB.
Lastly, after a free trial of one week, you will have to upgrade to Bear premium’s $1.49 monthly or $14.99 annually plan.
Price: Free
Download #5. Agenda
If you want to streamline all of your projects and get them ready before the deadline, pick out “Agenda.” One of the notable features of this app is the advanced text editor.
Depending on the specific theme, you can give a befitting look to your notes. It allows you to convert your text into multiple formats like Markdown and HTML. Segregate your files into different categories so that will access them instantly.
The app lets you connect your sticky notes to the events in your personal calendar. As a result, you can plan your meeting perfectly.
Better still, you don’t have to pay any bucks to use all the features of Agenda.
Price: Free
Download #6. Notability
For annotation and crafting rich notes, “Notability” is one of the better options. With a wide range of fonts, sizes, custom colors at your disposal, you can design your stories with complete peace of mind.
You will be able to import PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, GIFs to your projects and fine-tune them with more flexibility. Easily convert your stories into PDF to share them with your friends and colleagues.
Make the most of the super handy tools to annotate photos elegantly. Thanks to the automatic iCloud syncing, your tasks automatically sync across your devices.
Additionally, Notability works with multiple cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive.
Price: $9.99
Download #7. Simplenote
There are very few note apps for Mac that look as familiar as Simplenote. Its user interface is pretty clean, and you hardly have to spend any time to master the tools.
One of my favorite feature of this app is focus mode. Times when you want to write with maximum concentration, this feature comes into play really well.
You can use pins and tags to organize your notes. And with Markdown, you will ideally format your projects. To ensure your eyes don’t burn while working in the night, the app comes with the dark mode.
Price: Free
Download #8. GoodNotes
I have picked out GoodNotes for a couple of main reasons. First, it makes annotating docs really fun. And if you are fond of giving your docs a creative look, this one can be your thing.
You can highlight or strikeout the text in your PDF documents. Easily move, scale and ideally customize the object color. There is also an option to add the bookmarks to your docs.
Courtesy the fast iCloud sync, you will find your notes on all of your devices. You can share your notes with others and also print them. The compatibility with a number of languages like English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and more make it an evergreen tool.
Price: $7.99
Download #9. Quip
“Quip” is a lot more than just a simple note app for macOS. To be more precise, this is what you should use to collaborate with your teammates. Thanks to the chat and messaging integration, it helps you work with your colleagues in a fun way.
You can use the app to note down your thoughts faster, create to-do lists, and edit your docs. It also lets you make comprehensive spreadsheets.
Another notable feature of this app is that it allows you to import your address book from several services like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook, Google, and iCloud.
You will create insightful charts by using the data from spreadsheets and Salesforce records. The smart slides would not just make your presentation more impressive but also save your time.
Price: Free
Download #10. BoostNote
If you are a developer, “BoostNote” should be your preferred option. The reason why I say it because the app has the support for code syntax highlighting in over a hundred languages such as Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS and more.
This open source markdown editor offers several tools that allow devs to take notes faster. The formatting features have semi-live previews so that you can quickly check your writing.
Besides, the text is automatically formatted as you type, which speeds up your task and also saves plenty of time. That’s not all, BoostNote works offline as well so that you can work anytime and anywhere.
Price: Free
Download
Bonus
Unclutter
“Unclutter” is really smart! It’s designed to be a multitasker and lets you organize your clipboard data, files, and notes. https://ameblo.jp/kellierabno1975/entry-12640275716.html. If you aren’t able to take control of them, give it a chance to sort out the mess.
You can keep an eye on your clipboard history and manage it with ease. Store all of your files at once place and access them quickly. And yes, make sticky notes to never forget to do essential things.
The easy editing tools allow you to make changes conveniently. Due mainly to the quick search feature, you will instantly find a list. Besides, the app can be set up with Dropbox to sync data across the devices.
Price: $13.99
Download
That’s pretty much it! So, this sums up our roundup of the top note apps for Mac.
What’s your favorite?
Now that you have known our favorite note apps, tell us about the ones that can walk into your personal roundup. We’d really appreciate your collection and the valuable feedback.
Notability Mac App Reviews
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The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
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