- What Is Apple Notes?<\/a>
- Apple Notes features<\/a><\/li>
- Apple Notes pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What Is Microsoft OneNote?<\/a>
- Microsoft OneNote features<\/a><\/li>
- Microsoft OneNote pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes vs. OneNote: Features Compared<\/a>
- 1. Handwriting support<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Storage and syncing<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Platform Support<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Attachments and audio recording<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Security<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes vs. OneNote on Reddit<\/a><\/li>
- Meet ClickUp: The Best Alternative to Apple Notes Vs Microsoft OneNote<\/a>
- ClickUp\u2019s One-Up #1: ClickUp Docs<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp\u2019s One-Up #2: ClickUp Brain<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp\u2019s One-Up #3: ClickUp Mind Maps<\/a><\/li>
- ClickUp\u2019s One-Up #4: ClickUp Notepad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- ClickUp: Your Go-To Tool for Smart Note-Taking<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
What Is Apple Notes?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-268-1400x683.png\")
via App Store<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes, developed by Apple Inc., is a versatile note-taking app designed for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. You can also access it via your browser. It offers robust security options such as FaceID, TouchID, or a password to protect your notes, ensuring your data stays safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This app is known for its seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. It syncs smoothly with iCloud,<\/strong> ensuring your notes are always accessible across your devices. Whether on your Mac or a iPad, your notes are readily available without any hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes boasts a range of features designed to enhance productivity and organization. Here are the core functionalities of Apple Notes if you\u2019re new to the tool:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Search for any note<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Apple Notes’ powerful search feature, finding old notes is easy. You can search text, images, attachments, drawings, handwritten content, and scanned documents, quickly locating specific notes <\/strong>or content, no matter how you\u2019ve organized them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Maintain smart folders<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Maintain](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-269-760x1400.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes lets you create smart folders using tags, automatically adding notes with matching tags. <\/strong>Simply type “#” followed by the tag name, and Apple Notes will organize your notes for you, making categorization quick and effortless.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1Pro Tip:<\/strong> To make the most of all its available features, ensure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS. Head to Settings > General > Software Update<\/strong> to see if the newest version is available for download and use.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
3. Secure your notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes offers advanced security options for sensitive information. You can lock notes with a custom password, your device\u2019s login password, or Face ID.<\/strong> Once locked, authentication is required to access the note, adding an extra layer of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Sketch directly into Notes<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Sketch](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-270-728x1400.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes lets you create sketches directly within your notes using your finger or an Apple Pencil. Drawing tools like pencils, markers, and a color palette <\/strong>allow you to adjust thickness, opacity, and drawing space and easily move sketches around for better organization.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83e\udde0\u00a0 Fun Fact:<\/strong> Apple Notes uses Live Text<\/a> to extract text from pictures of handwritten notes, converting them into editable and searchable content.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
5. Scan and save documents<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Scan](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-271.png\")
via Apple Support<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Apple Notes allows you to scan and save physical documents directly into your notes. You can mark documents or add your signature,<\/strong> making it a valuable tool for project documentation<\/a> and collaboration on important files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonus: Apple Notes Templates<\/a>! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Record and transcribe audio in Apple Notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apple Notes lets you record audio directly in the app, automatically generating a transcript alongside the recording. You can copy, search, or add the transcript <\/strong>to your note. Perfect for note-taking, document collaboration<\/a>, and capturing meetings or ideas, this feature enhances productivity and streamlines organizing your thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Also Read: <\/strong>5 Effective Note-Taking Methods for Different Use Cases<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Apple Notes pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Free forever<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udceeClickUp Insight: <\/strong>92% of workers<\/a> use inconsistent methods to track action items, which results in missed decisions and delayed execution.
Whether you\u2019re sending follow-up notes or using spreadsheets, the process is often scattered and inefficient. ClickUp\u2019s Task Management Solution ensures seamless conversion of conversations into tasks\u2014so your team can act fast and stay aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTry ClickUp for Free<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Is Microsoft OneNote?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Microsoft](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-272.png\")
via Microsoft OneNote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n One of the best Apple Notes alternatives<\/a>, Microsoft OneNote, is a versatile digital note-taking app that lets you gather all your thoughts, ideas, and plans in one place. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, it offers a convenient way to organize everything you need to remember. You can take notes, research, store plans, and more\u2014all in a secure and accessible format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You don’t have to worry about running out of space in OneNote. The digital notebooks are easy to organize and share,<\/strong> with quick search functionality to find information, even if you forget where it\u2019s saved. Plus, access them on any mobile device to organize the notes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83e\udde0 Fun Fact: <\/strong>Microsoft OneNote debuted as OneNote 2003<\/a> in Office 2003, initially an obscure tool. Today, it\u2019s one of the most widely used digital notebooks worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Microsoft OneNote features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OneNote is a free download for all platforms. After you install it, you can create a new notebook if you don\u2019t already have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at some core functionalities of Microsoft OneNote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Make notes, anywhere<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Make](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-273.png\")
via Microsoft OneNote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n OneNote lets you capture notes in various formats, such as text, images, and audio. You can write, draw, or create sketches on Windows and even convert handwritten notes into typed text\u2014perfect for mind map note-taking<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notes are easily organized into pages and notebooks, with search functionality across devices. <\/strong>You can clip web pages,<\/strong> create bulleted\/numbered lists, and use tags like “Important” or “To Do” to prioritize tasks. However, it cannot create sub-pages, limiting content hierarchy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
OneNote includes a built-in calculator for quick, simple calculations\u2014ideal for students or business use.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Notes](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-274.png\")
via Microsoft O<\/a>neN<\/a>ote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n \n\ud83e\udde0 Fun Fact: <\/strong>OneNote\u2019s infinite canvas offers a flexible, page-size-free layout, perfect for mind maps, organizing thoughts, or using it as a digital whiteboard. It adapts to any note-taking or project needs.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
2. Ensure note security<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Ensure](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-275.png\")
via Microsoft O<\/a>neNo<\/a>te<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n OneNote lets you add password protection to specific sections, keeping your meeting notes or personal information secure. This feature is available on desktop versions, ensuring your private data stays safe while sharing notebooks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the password protection feature doesn’t apply to audio or video files.<\/strong> Make sure you don\u2019t forget your password, though\u2014even Microsoft won\u2019t be able to help you recover it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Use shortcuts for efficiency<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Want to be more productive with your note-taking? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
OneNote offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can help you do just that. Here are a few to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- F7: <\/strong>Check spelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ctrl + N: <\/strong>Add a new page at the end of the current section<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ctrl + K:<\/strong> Insert a hyperlink<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alt + Shift + F: <\/strong>Add the current date and time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ctrl + Shift + E:<\/strong> Send selected pages to an email message<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These shortcuts can help you save time and boost efficiency, making your OneNote experience even quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Collaborate with friends, family, and colleagues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
OneNote is an excellent collaboration tool. It allows you to invite friends, co-workers, or classmates to work on shared notebooks. Perfect for group projects or task management<\/a>, these allow all invited users to add text, images, and files<\/strong>, keeping everything organized in one convenient place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Integrate with third-party tools<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Integrate](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-277-1400x770.png\")
via Microsoft OneNote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n OneNote integrates with multiple apps, including Google Calendar, making it a versatile tool for organizing notes. Link your calendar to OneNote to track meetings<\/strong> and tasks seamlessly, keeping everything synced and accessible within your productivity workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Copilot in OneNote<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"CoPilot](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-278.png\")
via Microsoft OneNote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n As your note-taking assistant, Copilot in OneNote can work with your prompts to draft plans, generate ideas, create lists, organize information,<\/strong> and more. You can access it by adding Copilot Pro or Copilot for M365 to your M365 subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Voice transcription<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n![\"Voice](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-279.png\")
via Microsoft OneNote<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n With transcription enabled, OneNote lets you record audio while annotating, writing, or highlighting key points. Ink annotations sync with the audio, allowing you to tap on notes and replay specific moments for added context during reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can transcribe in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Record directly<\/strong>: Audio recorded in OneNote is transcribed in the background. Save the recording to OneDrive, and the transcript, along with synced ink annotations, becomes available for playback<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upload files<\/strong>: OneNote supports .wav, .mp4, .m4a, and .mp3 files for transcription. Upload your file, and the app will process it into a searchable transcript<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Keep the transcription pane open during processing, and work in other tabs while it is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With OneNote templates<\/a>, collaboration tools, and flexible organization options, OneNote is perfect for managing thoughts, tracking projects, and working with others.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n - Upload files<\/strong>: OneNote supports .wav, .mp4, .m4a, and .mp3 files for transcription. Upload your file, and the app will process it into a searchable transcript<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ctrl + N: <\/strong>Add a new page at the end of the current section<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- F7: <\/strong>Check spelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ClickUp\u2019s One-Up #2: ClickUp Brain<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Storage and syncing<\/a><\/li>
- Microsoft OneNote pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes pricing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Apple Notes features<\/a><\/li>
![\"Handwriting](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-280.png\")
![\"Handwriting](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-281.png\")