Apple Notes is a simple but powerful app for capturing ideas, lists, and documents across your Apple devices. It can handle plain text, checklists, images, scans, audio, and even links between notes.
Getting started
Open the Notes app and tap the compose button (square with a pencil) to create a new note. Type your text, then tap Done to save; the note is stored automatically in your default Notes folder and syncs via iCloud if enabled.
Basic writing and formatting
Inside a note, use the toolbar above the keyboard to change text style (title, heading, body), add bold/italic/underline, and create bullet or numbered lists. You can also insert tables, checklists, and horizontal lines to structure information more clearly.
Adding media and scans
Tap the plus or camera icon in a note to scan documents, take photos, or attach existing images and files. The scanner can automatically detect pages, crop them, and save them as clean, readable documents inside your note.
Organizing with folders, tags, and pins
On the main screen, create folders to group related notes (for example, Work, Personal, School). You can pin important notes to the top of the list and add tags (like #todo or #ideas) so Smart Folders can automatically collect notes that match specific tags or criteria.
Quick notes and collaboration
Use Quick Note to capture ideas from anywhere: on iPhone, add the Quick Note button to Control Center, then tap it to jot something down; on iPad or Mac there are shortcuts as well. You can share or collaborate by inviting others to a note or folder so they can view or edit with you in real time.
If you say what device you’re on (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and your goal (study, tasks, journaling, etc.), a step‑by‑step setup can be outlined for that specific use.
