You will find many note-taking apps, all with different features and depth. However, two exceed all expectations\u2014Apple Notes and Notability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we\u2019ll review these two apps and help you determine which app takes the lead by comparing their features, pricing, and more. We\u2019ll also explore an alternative that’ll prove to be a game-changer!<\/p>\n\n\n
- What is Apple Notes?<\/a>
- Apple Notes features<\/a><\/li>
- Apple Notes pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What is Notability?<\/a>
- Notability features<\/a><\/li>
- Notability pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes vs. Notability: Features Compared<\/a>
- Ease of use<\/a><\/li>
- Pricing<\/a><\/li>
- Writing tools<\/a><\/li>
- Advanced features<\/a><\/li>
- Note organization<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Notability vs. Apple Notes: Who\u2019s the Winner?<\/a><\/li>
- Apple Notes vs. Notability on Reddit<\/a><\/li>
- Meet ClickUp\u2013The Best Alternative to Apple Notes and Notability<\/a>
- ClickUp Brain<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp Notepad\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp Docs<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp Whiteboard\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- ClickUp: A Smarter Alternative to Apple Notes and Notability\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
What is Apple Notes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Apple-Notes-1400x682.png\")
via App Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Developed by Apple Inc., Apple Notes is a note-taking app compatible with macOS<\/a>, iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. You can also access the online version through your browser. It is well-secured; protect it with a FaceID, TouchID, or password. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes is incredibly easy to use since it is built into Apple devices. It also syncs automatically with iCloud, so you don\u2019t have to worry about losing your notes. Your notes will appear when you access it on your PC or Chromebook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes offers features like tags, search, written notes, adding quick notes, document scanning, and sharing. You can even integrate notes with Siri! Let\u2019s look at its major features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Search option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Finding a note you created a few weeks ago can be a task, especially if you use your notes as a digital journal<\/a>. Apple Notes\u2019 powerful search features take care of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can search text or images in your notes, and the feature will check the body of notes, attachments, drawings, handwritten sections, image content, and scanned documents. Moreover, you can limit your search to a specific note, some of your notes, and all accounts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create smart folders<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Smart](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Apple-Notes-smart-folders.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes templates<\/a> allows you to create smart folders using tags and other criteria. It is a quick and flexible way to categorize your notes. The best thing about these folders is that they automatically add any note that contains the tag you used to create the folder.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When creating or editing a note, you can type # and write the tag name, and your note will be automatically added to the folder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secure notes <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you record sensitive information in your notes, you can secure it with Apple Notes\u2019 top-notch security options. You can add a custom password, use your device\u2019s login password, or use Face ID. Once you\u2019ve locked a note, you can only open it using your authentication method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add sketches <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Handmade](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sketches-in-Apple-Notes.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n You can draw sketches using your finger or the Apple Pencil in Apple Notes. The app offers a variety of drawing tools, such as pencils, markers, and colors. You can also change the thickness and opacity of your drawings, make the drawing space large or small, and move the sketch around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scribble<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re writing down your notes quickly using Apple Pencil, the Apple Notes\u2019 Scribble feature automatically turns them into typed text. The feature is highly intuitive. Using the pencil, you can scratch a word to remove it, select text by underlining it, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scan documents<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Scanned](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/scan-documents-in-Apple-Notes.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes also supports scanning documents or photos. So, if you want to add a document to your notes, you can directly scan it and save it in the notes. You can also mark the document and add your signature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Notability?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Notability](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Notability-1400x691.png\")
via App Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Notability is another popular note-taking and productivity app<\/a> that is compatible with all your Apple devices. Ginger Labs created it as a notes app<\/a> for professionals and students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The app has a clean and intuitive user interface, a built-in toolset, and many features that make it easy and convenient. Whether you want to type, draw, or write your notes, Notability does it all. You can also annotate your PDFs, record audio, and use it for math conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Notability has many features that make it a tough competition for Apple Notes. Let\u2019s take a peek:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability Notebooks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
With Notability, you can create a notebook from scratch or use the digital notebook and community template to create one. Notability allows users to customize the template by changing the color, orientation, grid spacing, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Writing tools<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability offers a wide range of writing tools like a fountain or ballpoint pen\u2014choose what works best for you. Moreover, you can make your notes easy to comprehend by using highlights, colors, and erasers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you have limited space, you can easily add small notes using the zoom feature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The edit options are limited in the free version, but you can access the complete list on Notability Plus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Math Conversion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Converting](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Math-conversion-on-Notability.png\")
via Gingerlabs<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n The math conversion feature of Notability allows you to convert handwritten equations into high-resolution images. It supports all the common mathematical expressions, rules, and elements. However, the feature is only available in Notability Plus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Audio transcription<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Audio](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Transcription-on-Notability.png\")
via Gingerlabs<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n With Notability, you can turn your audio into text within your notes. The app provides automated, time-stamped transcripts of recordings. You can search the transcripts using keywords and phrases, edit, annotate, and share them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the feature is only available in Notability Plus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combine all content types <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
One of the best things about Notability is that you can put all your content in a single note. So, add your texts, images, audio, GIFs, stickers, scanned documents, and handwritten notes\u2014Notability allows it all. Like Apple Notes, your Notability notes also sync with iCloud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presentation mode<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability ensures that actions in the app are not displayed on the screen if you present and share your notes in class or meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also allows you to use the multi-note view to see a secondary note while presenting. Don\u2019t worry\u2014the secondary note stays hidden and will not be visible to the audience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Notability Starter:<\/strong> Free<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Notability Plus:<\/strong> Price is not available <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes vs. Notability: Features Compared<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Notability and Apple Notes are powerful note-taking apps with unique strengths and features. Apple Notes\u2019 thorough search features have an edge over Notability’s. However, Notability has math conversion and audio transcription features that take the lead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s time to decide the winner between Notability vs. Apple Notes. Let\u2019s compare each feature of the two to conclude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ease of use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A clutter-free app that helps you record your thoughts with zero hassles sounds like a dream! Let\u2019s find out which one of the apps offers this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes is well known for its clean and minimalist design. It provides a straightforward interface and seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem. You can sync it across all your devices through iCloud, making it the default note-taking app on iOS and macOS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability focuses more on versatility and offers a customizable and intuitive interface. You can personalize it using the templates available in the Notability Gallery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The app also works on all devices in the Apple ecosystem, and your notes can easily be synced across devices using iCloud. However, the integration is not as seamless as with Apple Notes, considering it is not an in-built app. Another downside is that iCloud sync is only available to Notability Plus users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The best note-taking app must fulfill all your needs without emptying your bank account. However, with Apple Notes being completely free and Notability offering a free and paid version, the decision ultimately comes down to your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes is free to use and access all its features. It is an in-built app for Apple devices and is available to all users free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you plan on using notes for basic needs and don’t require advanced features, Apple Notes is perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Downloading the free Notability app from the App Store is perfect for beginning your note-taking journey. However, the free version has limited features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability Plus offers a variety of advanced features that make your note-taking journey a lot smoother and more fun. These include math conversion, audio transcription, iCloud sync, unlimited edits, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The price for Notability Plus varies depending on the region in which you live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, Notability Plus might be the right option if you want to use notes extensively and require advanced features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Writing tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who doesn\u2019t love a wide range of writing tools, including drawing tools, pens, highlighters, and colors? Let\u2019s see which one of our apps offers a more comprehensive range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes offers all the basic handwriting and drawing tools, making it an excellent option for casual sketching and note annotations. It also has basic formatting options, like bold, italics, strikethrough, and underline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pen selection includes monoline, fountain, watercolor, and ballpoint pens. You can also select pencils and markers. Other tools include an eraser, highlighter, the Lasso tool (to move content around the page), ruler, color palette, shapes, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, there\u2019s the Scribble option, which automatically converts your handwritten notes into typed texts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability has excellent writing tools, including an eraser that erases your text by pixel. Depending on your needs, you can also choose between partial or whole erasers. You can adjust color, line weight, styling, or pens. The pencil has pressure sensitivity, and the highlighter has translucent ink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other options include tape, a ruler, a Lasso tool, colors, widgets, and shapes. You can customize your toolbox to quickly access your frequently used tools and styles. Further, you can use gestures like a two-finger tap to undo and a three-finger tap to redo while writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability\u2019s handwriting conversion is also convenient, except it\u2019s not available in the free version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advanced features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are features you didn’t know you needed until you used them for the first time. The same is true for note-taking apps. Let\u2019s see which app offers the most valuable and advanced features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes has all the essential note-taking features, including scanning documents, adding attachments, and the scribble option. You can easily add links, videos, PDFs, tables, and audio to your notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its powerful search option makes it more convenient, as you can effortlessly search through all your notes and attachments using keywords. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability shines in terms of advanced features. It supports multimedia notes, handwriting recognition, audio recording synced with notes, and a variety of annotation tools<\/a>. You can add sticky notes, GIFs, stickers, scans, photos, web clips, links, and more to your notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its search option also searches your handwritten notes and provides accurate results. What\u2019s better is that you can easily use it for drawing, sketching, and math. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also offers multiple views, including zoom, multi-note, and presentation views. However, many advanced features are only available in the paid version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note organization<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organization is the key to note-taking apps. Let\u2019s explore who does it better, Apple Notes or Notability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes organizes your notes into folders. There are two basic folders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Regular folders where you can organize your notes any way you want<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Smart folders where you can use tags to add new notes to your folders automatically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some other folders include the Quick Notes folder (which includes all the quick notes created on your lock screen) and the Shared folder (which includes shared notes). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Notability provides robust organization with a two-level folder system\u2014dividers and subjects. Dividers are folders containing folders, while subjects are folders containing notebooks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability vs. Apple Notes: Who\u2019s the Winner?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Notability and Apple Notes have strengths and features that enhance the users\u2019 note-taking experience. At the same time, they have limitations that hinder their experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Apple Notes offers better organization and search options, making it perfect for users who love structure and create many notes. However, it only provides the most basic and essential features, limiting it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, Notability has many features and writing tools that cater to a broader audience. Users can customize the toolbar and use the templates available in the gallery. However, its organizational capabilities are limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, deciding which app wins is a bit challenging. Notability is undoubtedly your winner if you\u2019re an avid note-taker who loves to experiment and take comprehensive notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if you\u2019re worried about Notability\u2019s limitations, we have Notability alternatives<\/a> that will enhance your note-taking strategies and experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes vs. Notability on Reddit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In our quest to find the winner in our Apple Notes vs. Notability debate, we took to Reddit, hoping to find answers from its wise users. Upon searching Apple Notes vs. Notability on Reddit<\/a>, many users agree that Notability has broader and more advanced features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notability\u2019s strengths are color selection, document manipulation, PDF management, proper layout ease, exporting options, and audio recording.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Other Reddit users pointed out that while Notability has better features, it is much behind Apple Notes in utilizing the pencil function:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Notability and most other competitors are not taking advantage of many of the native API functions (or emulating them) for the Pencil support. Notability and others are much better than the Apple Note overall. But Notability is behind in exploiting the Pencil functionality.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Meet ClickUp\u2013The Best Alternative to Apple Notes and Notability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes and Notability are outstanding. But do you know what\u2019s better? ClickUp! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
ClickUp is the ultimate productivity platform designed to help you manage tasks, track progress, set goals, take detailed notes, and collaborate with others on a single platform. With AI tools for note-taking<\/a>, up your game and ensure you never miss out on a reminder or project, whether you’re a student or professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere. If you have the best ideas anytime in a day\u2014while you’re running or halfway through eating a sandwich\u2014then second-brain apps<\/a> like ClickUp are your best friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a look at the various features of ClickUp and decide for yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ClickUp Brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Summarize](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ClickUp-Summarize-feature.jpg\")
- Notability Plus:<\/strong> Price is not available <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- ClickUp Notepad\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Pricing<\/a><\/li>
- Notability pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes features<\/a><\/li>