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10 Best Apps for PhD Students | 2024

Best Mobile Applications for Researchers

There are millions of mobile applications available in the Android play store, but still, there are very few useful apps only available for researchers. We analyzed more than 50 applications and identified the 10 most appropriate applications for researchers based on daily activities like research collaboration, data collection, document reading, updating real-world issues related to their domain, resource gathering, daily schedule maintenance, and journal reading. This post gives an explanation to use the top 10 Useful Mobile Apps software 2024 for PhD Scholars that are really the best apps for PhD Students.

Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose   – Zora Neale Hurston

10 Best Android Apps for PhD Students

Here are 10 of the best Android apps that can be extremely helpful for graduate students in their academic pursuits. I’ll also provide some insights on how these apps can benefit you.

• These apps are essential for creating, editing, and presenting documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Store and sync your documents, making them accessible from any device. Collaboration features are a plus for group projects.
• A reference manager and academic social network. It helps you organize your research, collaborate with peers, and discover the latest research.
• An excellent note-taking app that allows you to capture and organize ideas, research notes, and web clippings.
• Another robust reference manager that simplifies the process of collecting, organizing, and citing research materials.
• Enhance your writing by checking grammar, spelling, and style. It’s an indispensable tool for proofreading.
• Manage your projects and tasks effectively. Great for keeping track of deadlines and staying organized.
• Boost your productivity by using the Pomodoro technique. Stay focused and limit distractions during study sessions.
• Access a wide range of educational content in various subjects, making it a great resource for learning beyond your coursework.
• Turn your smartphone into a portable scanner. Scan and digitize documents, notes, and books for easy reference.

10 Best iOS Apps for PhD Graduate Students

Here are 10 iOS apps that can be incredibly helpful for graduate students:

• An excellent note-taking app that allows you to write, draw, and annotate PDFs.
• A reference management tool that helps you organize and cite your research materials.
• A writing assistant can help you improve the clarity and correctness of your writing.
• Another powerful reference manager with a mobile app for on-the-go access to your research library.
• A versatile note-taking app that syncs across devices and allows you to organize your thoughts and research.
• If you struggle with staying focused, this app helps you stay on track by growing virtual trees when you avoid your phone.
• A comprehensive digital notebook that’s great for organizing your research notes.
• Access a vast database of scholarly articles and research papers.
• A project management app that can help you organize your tasks and deadlines.
• If your research involves multiple languages, this app can help you learn and practice them.

These apps cover a range of functions, from note-taking and reference management to productivity and language learning. They can be valuable tools for graduate students in various disciplines.

Best Apps for PhD Students

1. mendeley.

What is the Mendeley App?

Mendeley is a free reference manager and PDF reader crafted especially for researchers. It helps you to organize your literature in a proper manner so you could effectively use it during your thesis writing or dissertation. Mendeley is available in both mobile and desktop applications, It will help you to read your collected articles wherever you go.  

How to Use it for Research?

• Create a free account at www.mendeley.com and download a desktop version in your system.
• Add all your Journals , Magazines, Book Chapters, Thesis , and other materials in an organized manner.
• Segregate the files based on year, author, publication, and domain using TAG option.
• Download the Mendeley mobile application and log in with the same account.
• Allow the application to synchronize with your account.
• Now you can see all the files that you saved on your desktop that will appear in the mobile application.

Organizing Resources is the first step towards the solution

2. Flipboard

What is Flipboard App?

Flipboard is the most popular mobile application used by millions of people every day, It helps you to keep yourself updated with your domain-related information and also read the daily news, blog posts, and trending topics all together in one place. Flipboard allows the user to collect posts based on their passion and interest. The powerful and smooth user interface gives a pleasant feel to reading more articles.  

• Download the Flipboard mobile application and create your account.
• Flipboard will give a virtual tour to learn the basic features of the application.
• Click  “WHAT’S YOUR PASSION?” Next to the Flipboard icon.
• Search for your domain. Ex: Machine Learning.
• It will show many sub-categories inside the topic. Based on your requirement personalize the magazine. That’s it!
• Keep up with the news related to your domain every day with The Daily Edition.

Don’t be outdated, Because you are working for the future!

3. Researcher

What is a Researcher App?

Researcher is a free journal-finding mobile application that helps you to read new journal papers every day that are relevant to your research. It is the most popular mobile application used by more than 3 million scientists and researchers to keep themselves updated with the latest academic literature.

• Download Researhcer mobile application on your mobile.
• Open and search for your required journal in the search bar.
• You can follow any number of journals and you can read new articles as well.

4. Plagiarism Checker

What is Plagiarism Checker App?

Plagiarism Checker is a free application that works with Plagiarisma.net. It will detect duplicate content in your papers from more than five popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, Babylon, Google Scholar, and Google Books.

• Download Plagiarism Checker mobile application.
• No need for registration so you can directly go into the app.
• Scan your essay, article, term paper, or dissertation with a single tap of your smartphone.
• It also has voice support and direct URL support.
• Save results to HTML, PDF, EPUB. That’s it!

5. Google Keep

What is Google Keep App?

Google Keep is a free remainder application from Google LLC, It helps researchers quickly capture what’s on their mind and get a reminder later at the right place or time. 

• Download Google Keep mobile application.
• Log in with your Google account.
• Record a voice memo and Keep will transcribe it so you can find it later.
• Take quick notes.
• Schedule your daily plan and enable the remainder.
• Take handwritten notes.
• Capture important results using the camera and save them.
• Access it when you working on a desktop or laptop as well.

6. Curiosity

What is Curiosity App?

Curiosity is a very popular mobile application from curiosity.com, it helps researchers to learn new scientific inventions in a more detailed way with videos.

How to Use it for Research? 

• Download the Curiosity mobile application.
• Create an account to access the app.
• Read inspiring articles from your topics.
• Watch smart videos from millions of creators.
• Personalize your favorites, then follow your favorite categories. 

7. Paperity

What is Paperity App?

Paperity is a free mobile application for researchers from www.paperity.org. It helps you to aggregate various open-access journals through your mobile.

• Download Paperity mobile application.
• Browse the most recent articles.
• Browse journals and their Tables of Contents of Open Access papers.
•  Search papers and their full text for specific keywords, phrases, authors, publication dates, languages, and countries of origin. 
• View and read full-text PDFs of more than one million articles. All for FREE!

What is Slack App?

Are you doing Collaborative Research? Then Try this useful mobile application Slack it brings team communication and collaboration into one place so you can get more work done, whether you belong to a small lab or doing collaborative research with researchers from another part of the world. Make effective conversations on different topics using #TAG. 

• Download Slack mobile application.
• Include your lab members using their Email-ID.
• Communicate with your lab mates and organize your conversations by topics, projects, or anything else that matters to your work.
• Message or call any person or group within your team.
• Integrate into your workflow, the tools, and services you already use including Google Drive, Salesforce, Dropbox, Asana, Twitter, and Zendesk.
• Customize your notifications so you stay focused on what matters.

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox is a free another free mobile application for researchers to make creative collaboration space, store all files together in one central place, and safely sync them across all your devices.

• Download Dropbox  mobile application.
• Create a Dropbox account and choose a free version. (Limited space only but more than enough for document files).
•  Work on files with others through shared folders.
• Use the document scanner to turn receipts, whiteboards, and notes into PDFs.
• Comment on files to share feedback with your team
• Sync, share, and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

10. Camscanner

What is Camescanner App?

Camescanner is a mobile document scanning and sharing application, It helps you to scan, store, sync and collaborate on various contents across smartphones, iPads, tablets and computers.

• Download the Camscanner application and Create an account.
• Use your mobile camera to scan and digitize all kinds of paper documents.
• Using smart cropping and auto-enhancing ensures the texts and graphics in scanned documents.
• Easily share documents in PDF or JPEG format with friends in various ways.
• Instantly print out any documents in CamScanner with a nearby printer via AirPrint.

Hope, this article would help you to know about the 10 Best Apps for PhD Students.

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Top 7 artificial intelligence (ai) tools in scientific research 2024, quantitative vs qualitative research.

[…] 10 Useful Apps for PhD Scholars […]

[…] Earth Institute Postdoctoral Research program provides innovative postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to build a foundation in one of the […]

[…] tool also available as mobile applications in Android and iOS […]

[…] 10 Useful Apps for PhD Scholars | 2020 […]

Hello, I loved this article! All of your resources listed here are spot on, thank you for taking the time to write this. I sent you an email about a tool we created by (a team of researchers) that is free for PHD and graduate students to use. We started this no-code app to help our own academic research students and faculty, and would love to help more people. Thanks again! – Pathverse Team

Mendeley App was removed in 2021 – the mobile web version is sadly close to unusable. If anybody finds a proper workaround or a usable third party app, please include that in the article.

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• Artificial intelligence

The best note-taking apps for graduate students: How to choose the right note-taking app

• September 20, 2022
• PRODUCTIVITY

As graduate students, we have to collect, consolidate, and absorb a great deal of information. It is rare for universities to train you on how to do this; therefore, keeping track of notes can quickly become a challenge.

I learned this the hard way. After desperately searching for a better note-taking app that has worked for me for more than six years, I learned that finding the  right  app can take a while. But it’s worth it in the end.

Several books discuss the importance of note-taking and provide ways and strategies to become an effective note-taker. Instead of covering all note-taking techniques, I will outline some modified methods I have developed over time.

Maintaining good grades requires taking excellent notes in class; keeping notes on books is essential for comprehensive exams, dissertations, and other publications. Keeping effective records of academic articles is crucial for all PhD programs.

By 2026, the note-taking tools market is expected to reach $1.35B. Good news: there’s an app for everyone. In addition, most of the best note-taking apps for graduate students are free. Not-so-great thing: new note-taking apps are popping up weekly, making it hard to decide which one you should use. This is the dilemma you have to face.

You don’t have to choose a note-taking app based on black-and-white criteria. Depending on your use case, you might need to combine two or more apps to achieve your goals, so you may need to use more than one. The goal should be to avoid creating a Frankenstein’s monster of a productivity system, which often would not be productive at all. It’s often better to keep things simple when taking notes and turning them into creative work.

The shiny toy syndrome is real, and using the “latest and greatest” wastes your time. It is worsened by the availability of different note-taking apps for graduate students.

Nothing is more valuable than a carefully selected note-taking app for a graduate student. It is imperative to stick with whatever tool you choose for a while before switching to another.

You probably have read articles that compare the best note-taking apps for graduate students in terms of features, with tables showing which ones offer which functionalities. 

I will take a slightly different approach in this guide. Considering features in isolation is pointless, so let’s examine the benefits of note-taking apps based on how you take notes.

Digital or analogue?

Analog note-taking.

When choosing the right note-taking app for graduate students, this is arguably the most frequently asked question for all the right reasons.

There is no harm in taking notes by hand. For some students, they work better than digital notes. However, I also think that it’s impossible to avoid digital note-taking in today’s digital world, where everything is digital, and many courses are also run digitally. 

You can be creative when it comes to handwritten notes. You can color coat them, draw boxes, and do many other things to customize each page.

In addition, sometimes, it’s easier to take notes by hand than with a tablet or laptop. It is especially true if you have to jot down quick notes.

It can also help with memorization because you’ll be able to visualize the page in your mind when you’re stuck on an exam question.

Digital note-taking

Digital note-taking offers the convenience of storing everything in one place.

As long as you have internet access, you should be able to access all of your notes, which is convenient, especially if you commute or are always on the go.

It’s also easier to organize digital notes since you can sort them into files, look up things with keywords, and find what you need faster than flipping through many pages.

With so many note-taking apps for graduate students available on the market, you will be able to find an app that works for you to take digital notes.

Digital and paper have different characteristics and their own use cases.

In addition to handwritten notes, I have seen some graduate students use Apple iPads to make notes digitally (but still handwritten).

In addition to digital note-taking, I take handwritten notes when necessary. I prefer digital note-taking because handwritten notes have never worked for me. 

I also prefer digital note-taking since I don’t like to carry physical items around all the time.

From now on, I will be focusing on digital note-taking. 

Find your inner note-taking persona

Are you a connecter.

You are an architect .

Architect enjoys planning and designing processes and frameworks, and a note-taking tool helps them organize their ideas.

Are you a databaser?

You are a librarian .

Libraries enjoy collecting resources and need a note-taking tool that makes it easy to retrieve notes.

Are you somewhat in between or have no idea at all?

You are a gardener .

Gardeners like to experiment, connect different ideas, and need a tool that helps them grow their imaginations.

My note-taking journey

Disclaimer .

I think that there isn’t an app that works for everyone. As a matter of fact, I think it’s nearly impossible because finding the best fit always depends on so many factors. It depends on your daily life and visual learning abilities. 

My note-taking app of choice is Obsidian.

Having tried so many note-taking apps over the past six years, I have decided to use Obsidian exclusively.

Here’s why… 

My six years of journey to find the best app

Of course, finding the right note-taking app for a graduate student is never a piece of cake. It takes time and lots of trial and error.

But if you know what to look for and where to look, you will find the best note-taking app in no time.

Discovering something that works best for you is non-linear because your requirements also change over time. Therefore, it is a non-linear process on two levels. Choosing an app that suits you best also involves figuring out what you really want. By the end of this process, you will have a better idea of what you need from a note-taking app than you did before.

For example, I wasn’t sure what type of note-taker I was. I used to think I was an architect when I heard the concepts of  architect, gardener, and librarian . 

However, after six years and so many failed attempts later, I found myself between an architect and a gardener.

Available note-taking apps for graduate students

I started with Evernote , which was the obvious choice at the time. Also, Obsidian was not even released at this time. 

I had this idea of having an excellent note-taking system when I was an undergraduate student, and the most obvious option (Back in 2017) was Evernote so I went with it. As of now, I have more than 2000 entries in different notebooks in Evernote .

Then I realized something. I couldn’t build any connections between my notes using this app. It’s just a stack of notes piling up without giving me feedback. So I couldn’t “think” with Evernote .

So, I moved into OneNote, which had many more options than Evernote . But it has the same issue of not being able to link notes. Also, one note is just an infinite canvas, so it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Therefore, I moved into Notion , which I still use for different reasons. Although one can link notes and files in Notion , it is not built for that. Therefore, I worked against a system when I tried to link notes. And consequently, I felt mentally tired over time.

But still, Notion was one of my go-to apps at the time (But not for note-taking), so I stuck with it for a while.

Right before I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I started questioning my judgment about the app I use for “ thinking “. To be able to think freely, the app I utilize should not be “ heavy “. Furthermore, I need to be able to “link my thinking” to make my notes more useful in the long run.

This is where I moved into Roam Research , which satisfied both of the requirements mentioned above.

I thought I found it after a handful of apps and three years of searching. But, mental fatigue developed each and every time I used Roam Research . Although this app had all the features I wanted, something was missing. And it took me another year to figure that out, just before I started my graduate degree.

Although Roam Research is a simple, elegant and lightweight app, the problem was we did not have much control over sorting the files and file management within the app. Because of this issue, I felt a resistance to thinking about “ ideas ” on this platform.

In the long term, the essential quality of a note-taking system is how efficient the sorting and file management functionality is. But the linking notes were one of the top features of Roam Research .

Therefore, the question was, what is the app I can use that already has the bi-directional linking option and better sorting and file management features?

This is when I first encountered Obsidian . And it has been my only note-taking app from that point onwards. 

Lessons I learned from six years of note-taking 

Visualized note-taking can be nothing but a huge mess in the long run if you do not know what you are doing. .

Visualized note-taking can be appealing at times, but it can be really hard to sort your notes in the long run when the data fill in.

There is no guarantee that something will be useful just because it is visually appealing. 

It is most effective to keep things simple.

In the long run, you should develop a system that works for you, not the other way around. 

The apps we use shape who we are

As I took notes in  Roam Research , I felt mental fatigue develop as I took notes, so I was always looking for alternatives. 

This is where I found the YouTube video by Nick Milo’s video, Why Obsidian Will Overtake Roam . At this time, I was partially using Obsidian but did not fully commit to it. 

Nick talks about a concept that I never thought of, which is that, the apps we use shape who we are . 

When you are interacting with anything in day-to-day life, it has a huge impact on us. It also applies to the note-taking apps we use.

The purpose of some note-taking apps is only to jot down notes, not to  write .

You are working against a system if you used one of these apps to write.

This is exactly what I was doing. I was working against the system.

This is why choosing the best note-taking app for a graduate student is not as straightforward as it seems.

I had already started my PhD at this point. The most accurate definition of a PhD holder is a person with a  license to write . Despite wanting to write, I could not do so using an app designed for just jotting down notes. My mental fatigue piled up because of this.

As Nick mentioned in the video,  at the end of the day, people will have to write .

The first app isn’t always the right app

When you find a visually appealing app, you are always reluctant to try another, even if it does not feel right. 

This is a form of rebellion against the system. You are actually working against the system. You should be audacious enough to try something new until you find the best app. 

But how do you know if you have the right app that works for you?

Well, the feeling that makes you want to use that app more and more will tell you if you like it or not.

I’ve been using Obsidian for the past two months, for example. Every day, I spend more than two hours on it, on average.

How to get the absolute most out of digital note-taking

I prefer non-visualized note-taking methods as a writer and since I like to organize my notes as a thinking hub .

My experience as a person coming from visually-oriented note-taking apps made me realize that non-visualized note-taking requires a different skill set.

Typing skills

Typing fast is a superpower for anyone who spends much time at the computer. It surprises me how many people ignore this simple logic. 

Let’s say you can type 40 words per minute (which is about the same speed as an average writer). Writing 80 words per minute will make you twice as productive as writing notes by hand. It really is that simple. 

This is clearly one of the advantages of digital note-taking over handwritten note-taking. 

But, you have to invest time in increasing your typing speed to have that added benefit of digital note-taking.

Touch typing (typing without looking at the keyboard) was difficult for me at first. I typed 21 words per minute. Therefore, I would have been half as efficient as someone who takes notes by hand.

My typing speed needs to be increased at this point. I was able to increase my typing speed to 80+ words per minute after a couple of months. 

I can type more than 90 words per minute on a good day. Taking digital notes, along with a million other things I do for my PhD, is made much easier by being able to type faster. 

The process of learning to type is similar to learning to drive. Once you learn it, it won’t leave you. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you speed up your typing if you wish to take digital notes.

Here are my typing stats:

Programming skills

While this is not a requirement for digital note-taking, it can be very useful if you have some coding skills (any language will do). 

So many great digital note-taking apps for graduate students are available for free. As a result, you can come up with macros or add-ins to customize your workflow.

Long-term benefits of having a note-taking app that works for you

It is almost autopilot.

A perfect note-taking system  works for you . You do not work for the note-taking system. 

In the long run, your system will grow into an  evergreen forest  that will work as a  second brain  for you. The more notes you have, the better.

However, if you did not have such a system and just stacked up all of your notes, you would be able to find anything. This is the last thing a graduate student wants. Having nothing organized when you are about to write your thesis is not very empowering. 

More thinking, less organizing

A modern way of  procrastinating  is spending more time on things than actually doing some work. With all the note-taking apps available nowadays, it is really easy to fall into this trap.

In the long run, when you look back, you just organize things without doing productive work. Having a proper note-taking system prevents this from happening.

The more notes you have, the more powerful they become

I realized down the road to finding the best app for note-taking because most of the apps I used work backwards.

The more notes I have, the more difficult it becomes to do constructive work, mainly because of the poor sorting capabilities of the app I chose.

Therefore, before choosing a note-taking app, you should ask,

Is this app suitable for sorting so I can use it long-term?

Finding the best app for note-taking that works for you is not easy. Ultimately, it’s worth your effort because it’ll be more rewarding than ever imagined.

Images courtesy : Image by storyset on Freepik

Aruna Kumarasiri

Founder at Proactive Grad, Materials Engineer, Researcher, and turned author. In 2019, he started his professional carrier as a materials engineer with the continuation of his research studies. His exposure to both academic and industrial worlds has provided many opportunities for him to give back to young professionals.

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16 Best Note-Taking App For Academics

Say goodbye to cluttered & chaotic notes! Discover the best note-taking apps for academics and elevate your academic game

Look no further, because we’ve got the ultimate guide to finding the best note-taking app for academics. Say hello to streamlined, organized, and efficient note-taking, and goodbye to cluttered and chaotic notes. It’s time to take control of your academic journey and level up your note-taking game!

Table of Contents

Key Types of Note-taking Apps 

3 best all-in-one note-taking apps, evernote – organize your notes.

Evernote is a user-friendly note-taking app that allows users to easily create, organize, and access notes, lists, and documents. It offers flexibility in note creation, and has a range of organizational tools, such as notebooks and tags. 

OneNote – Organize Your Thoughts, Discoveries, And Ideas

OneNote features include the ability to organize notes into notebooks and sections, add tags for easy searching, insert and annotate images, and collaborate on notes with others. The user experience is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with a simple interface and a variety of formatting options. 

Availability: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can also be accessed via a web browser. 

Zoho – Note Taking App – Add Text, Images, Audio, Checklist

Zoho is a suite of business and productivity apps that aims to provide a seamless user experience. The apps within the Zoho suite are designed to work together and share data, allowing users to easily move between them. 

3 Top Digital Notebook Apps For Students

Notability – unleash your ideas, your way.

Availability: Available for iPad, Mac, and iPhone.

GoodNotes – Access Your Digital Notes Wherever You Work

GoodNotes is an app that provides a seamless and intuitive user experience for taking notes and annotating PDFs. It offers a variety of tools for typing, handwriting, highlighting, and drawing, as well as support for audio recording and playback. The app’s user interface is clean and easy to navigate, with options for organizing and searching notes through the use of folders and tags. 

Google Keep – Free Note Taking App For Personal Use

Users can easily create new notes by typing or dictating, and can quickly access their existing notes through the app’s search function or by browsing through categories. Overall, Google Keep provides a streamlined and efficient experience for managing personal notes and tasks.

3 Simplistic Note-Taking Apps For Academics

 bear – private markdown editor for iphone, ipad and mac, simplenote – simplest way to keep notes.

Availability: Available on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS devices.

Joplin – Capture Your Thoughts And Securely Access Them

Joplin also supports markdown formatting and includes a built-in web clipper for saving web pages as notes. Overall, Joplin aims to provide a streamlined and efficient note-taking experience for its users.

4 Apps that Turn Audio to Notes

Soundnote – take notes on your ipad and mac.

SoundNote is a note-taking app that allows users to take notes while recording audio. The app syncs the notes with the audio recording, so users can go back and listen to the recording while reviewing their notes. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it a great tool for students or professionals who want to take notes during lectures or meetings. 

GoTranscript – Best Human-Centric Transcription Services 

Otter – voice meeting notes & real-time transcription.

Reference: See our review on Otter.ai, along with other transcription tools .

Rev – Best-known Transcription Brand

With the help of AI and humans, they are able to achieve 99% accuracy. One thing we like about it is that Rev doesn’t charge you more for 12-hour delivery, whether you have multiple speakers and no extra cost for strong accents. And it can offer you a strong price at $1.25 per minute.

3 Best Conceptual Note-Taking Apps For Students

Mindnode – mind map & brainstorm ideas.

The app also includes features such as the ability to add images, notes, and links, as well as the ability to export and share maps with others. Overall, MindNode is designed to help users effectively brainstorm and organize their thoughts and ideas.

XMind – Your Favorite Mind Mapping Tool

XMind is a mind mapping and brainstorming software that allows users to visually organize their ideas and information in a hierarchical structure. It features a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and concept maps. 

SimpleMind – Organize Your Thoughts

Note-taking app features to look for, benefits of note-taking apps , final thoughts.

In conclusion, there are many great note-taking apps available for academics. 

Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one app with a variety of tools, a digital notebook experience, a simple and minimalistic approach, voice to note features, or a way to visually organize complex concepts, there is an app on this list that will meet your needs. 

3 thoughts on “16 Best Note-Taking App For Academics”

Your article was excellent, and I appreciate you providing it. I gained a lot of knowledge from it. Write more about this subject, please. Thankyou

Thank you for the kind words.

Where does Liquidtext and MarginNote3 fit in your matrix? They are both sophisticated apps and worth evaluating.

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Best Note-Taking App In 2023 For Researchers: Academic & Industry

In the fast-paced world of 2023, where information is king, finding the best note-taking app has become a crucial quest for researchers and professionals alike. Whether you need to streamline your research papers, collaborate with others, or manage projects with precision, the right note-taking tool can make all the difference.

From the cross-platform capabilities of Evernote to the streamlined simplicity of Bear, this comprehensive guide explores the top note-taking apps, their strengths, and even their quirks. What are the best note-taking apps in 2023?

Some of the best note-taking apps for researchers in 2023 include:

• Apple Notes

Microsoft OneNote

Google keep.

Join us as we delve into the world of digital notebooks, markdown formats, PDF exports, and more, in our quest to uncover the best note-taking app for your needs.

Slite – Perfect For Project Management

Slite is a note-taking app designed for team collaboration, Slite is primarily pitched as a knowledge base platform, aiming to centralize a team’s collective knowledge. In the context of research, this application could be invaluable.

Researchers often collaborate with others, sharing insights, annotations, and edits on research papers. Slite, being a digital notebook, caters to this collaborative environment. It allows researchers to organize their research, create notes, and collaborate on notes in real-time.

This note-taking software is especially efficient for onboarding processes, streamlining how new team members integrate into ongoing projects.

One of Slite’s strength is its AI assistant, a unique feature potentially integrated with Open AI.

It enables users to utilize a command bar to swiftly search across their team’s knowledge base.

For example, when a researcher queries, “Where is our analysis on XYZ?”, the AI can quickly pinpoint the relevant document, streamlining the note-taking experience.

Slite also has a great feature, called ‘Projects’. Here, researchers can organize their notes, refining specific processes integral to their research routine.

For instance, if a research project involves a sequential method, each step can be outlined and assigned, making the research process more transparent for all involved.

However, every app has its limitations. Slite’s free version caps users at 50 documents and discussions, which may be restrictive for expansive research projects. 

Apple Notes – Best Note-Taking App For Apple Users

In 2023, with a plethora of note-taking apps available, Apple Notes continues to make a mark as an inherent tool on Apple devices.

Originally launched with iOS 1.0, this note-taking application has matured over the years, introducing features that make it a potent contender among best note-taking apps.

Apple Notes employs a folder system, distinguishing between regular folders and smart folders – a nifty addition that auto-sorts notes based on tags.

Researchers, who often deal with a wealth of information, will appreciate its advanced search capabilities. 

The optical character recognition feature allows them to search terms within handwritten notes or scanned documents , ensuring no vital research notes go unnoticed. The app’s organization extends to sorting notes by edit date, a boon for researchers to keep track of latest edits.

Researchers can easily collaborate on notes, adjusting permissions to either view or edit. With the unique feature of Quick Notes, jotting down spontaneous ideas or research papers’ insights becomes instantaneous.

Apple Notes is not perfect however. Importing content, especially from non-Apple devices, feels cumbersome. Also, the app’s export function is limited; converting notes to PDFs sometimes results in a blurred output due to raster ink usage.

In the ecosystem of apps in 2023, Apple Notes, especially for users engrossed in the Apple world, remains a top-tier note-taking app. 

Evernote – Best Note-Taking App For Power Users

Evernote is a popular digital notebook that allows users to seamlessly take notes and sync them across devices.

For the modern researcher, the app’s cross-platform note-taking capability ensures that capturing sudden bursts of inspiration is never a miss, whether you’re on a mobile app, web app, or desktop.

A significant strength of Evernote lies in its versatility. It’s not just about text; users can capture a myriad of note formats, from:

• Attachments
• Audio notes.

The optical character recognition feature deserves a special mention, enabling the app to identify words even in handwritten notes. 

Evernote’s task system acts as both a note-taking tool and project management software, helping users track their daily objectives. One user, who relies on Evernote to manage ADHD, lauds its easy task system which syncs in real-time across devices.

Evernote’s organizational prowess is very notable, offering notebooks and a search feature that can even pull words from uploaded documents.

One issue with Evernote is that it can be too powerful, and be overwhelming for some. While the app offers various functionalities, some users might wish for a more flexible note-taking format with a more intuitive interface.

In the rapidly evolving world of digital tools, Microsoft’s OneNote emerges as a powerful note-taking app. Touted by many as the best note-taking app for multi-platform users, OneNote is a digital notebook that offers seamless sync capabilities across iOS, Windows or Android devices.

OneNote’s strength lies in its adaptability. For researchers, OneNote is not just a digital notebook but a comprehensive note-taking tool.

The app offers functionalities like the ‘Researcher’, which is invaluable for those writing research papers. It allows users to pull information from credible sources and even automatically formats citations—a feature that streamlines the academic writing process. 

The cross-platform nature of the app is showcased by its sync with other devices, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or a two-in-one PC. One can take notes on one device and seamlessly access them on another, a capability that even rivals like Apple Notes and Google Keep are striving for.

One major issue with OneNote is its format sometimes exhibits unpredictability, with text boxes appearing haphazardly, which can be confusing.

While the app offers extensive features, some, like the math helper, are tucked behind a subscription fee, unlike the free plan in Evernote or Google Docs.

Additionally, while it’s a robust note-taking app, OneNote might not replace project management tools or the collaborative capabilities of Google Drive entirely.

In comparison to 2023’s other note-taking tools, OneNote’s capacity to import PDFs, export notes, and collaborate with others is commendable. Its ability to rival standalone apps like Evernote and Apple Notes demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to refining this digital notebook. 

Bear – Simple Digital Notebook

The Bear app stands out for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. Unlike other best note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote, Bear offers a streamlined experience, resonating with researchers who prioritize minimalistic interfaces.

Bear was developed by a team from Parma, Italy, in 2016, and has since become a beloved note-taking tool among Apple users.

For a researcher, taking notes without distractions is essential, and Bear’s markdown format hits the mark, with the added perk of advanced markup options, such as inline code blocks.

This digital notebook doesn’t overcomplicate the process but ensures the user has all they need for effective research.

One of Bear’s prominent strengths is its dedication to user data privacy. Unlike some note-taking apps, Bear’s default setting stores notes locally on devices, thus minimizing data leakage risks.

Plus, for those wary of the dreaded app lock-in, Bear supports the export of notes to numerous file formats, ensuring that switching to a different note-taking app or platform is hassle-free.

One criticism about Bear is it’s use of hashtags instead of folders, which some users find less intuitive.

Moreover, its exclusive availability on Apple devices limits its reach, although a web app version is reportedly in the works.

Bear’s free version is notably generous, offering all features with the exception of cross-device sync, which is reserved for the Pro plan. It’s a competitively priced app that offers quality service, making it a contender in the list of best note-taking apps for 2023. 

In the landscape of note-taking apps in 2023, Google Keep emerges as a significant contender. As a note-taking app, it’s designed for swift capture of ideas, essential for researchers who often need to jot down sudden insights.

One of its primary strengths is its simplicity, focusing on quickly capturing notes and making them accessible across devices. It integrates seamlessly with the broader Google ecosystem, which means if you’re working within Gmail or Google Docs, your notes are just a sidebar away.

For the uninitiated, Google Keep is more than just a digital notebook. For researchers, the voice memo feature stands out, converting voice recordings directly into text, thus making it a valuable tool when conducting interviews or vocalizing thoughts.

Google Keep also offers collaboration features, allowing users to share and collaborate on notes with others in real-time. This is handy when working on joint research papers or group projects.

Unlike Evernote, a popular note-taking app, Google Keep doesn’t excel at archiving vast volumes of notes or organizing them into intricate notebook structures. Instead, it relies on labels for categorization, which might not suffice for detailed research notes organization.

While Google Keep’s camera feature aids in capturing images, it lags behind when compared to Evernote’s sophisticated document capture capabilities.

Researchers should also be aware of the location-based reminders, a feature unique to Google Keep.

Imagine setting a reminder to review certain research notes when you arrive at your university or research facility. This sort of integration between physical location and digital reminders can be invaluable.

Google Keep does offer a robust suite of features for the researcher seeking a free, integrated, and straightforward note-taking tool. Its mobile app ensures that you can take notes on the go, and its collaborate with others feature makes teamwork smoother. 

In the ever-evolving realm of note-taking apps, Notion stands out in 2023 as a comprehensive tool that promises more than mere note-keeping. Notion surpasses the functionalities of its competitors such as Evernote, Google Keep, and even Microsoft’s OneNote.

The platform has been recognized as the best note-taking app that goes beyond digital notebook functionality to a broader project management space.

For researchers, Notion acts as a digital playground. Unlike traditional note-taking apps, Notion offers the capability to create dashboards customized to individual workflow preferences. It’s not just about taking notes; users can also:

• Embed Loom videos
• Integrate calendars
• Generate templates for repetitive tasks
• and many more.

Researchers can efficiently organize their research notes, develop content calendars for publishing, and even design databases. The cross-platform note-taking experience ensures consistency, whether accessed via web app or mobile app.

Notion’s ability to collaborate on notes is unmatched. Sharing specific pages, embedding various content formats, and the ease to sync your notes across devices make the process seamless.

For instance, databases can be shared, filtered, and viewed in different formats, like a Trello-style board or a conventional calendar.

Notion’s flexibility, its biggest strength, can also be its most significant weakness. The sheer range of possibilities can overwhelm new users, and without a streamlined approach, one can end up complicating tasks.

Its expansive nature requires time to master, with a potential risk of becoming a productivity drain instead of a booster.

Obsidian has risen as a formidable contender for the best note-taking app title. Operating as a digital notebook, Obsidian stands out from the multitude, including popular names such as Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep, and Apple Notes.

So, what makes Obsidian unique? Unlike many note-taking apps that store notes in the cloud, Obsidian keeps your notes in a local folder, providing users control over their data.

This note-taking app also adopts a markdown format, which is not just for those familiar with coding but is a user-friendly way to take notes.

With a cross-platform note-taking feature, Obsidian allows users to access your notes across various devices seamlessly.

A distinguishing feature is its ability to create and visualize links between notes, enhancing the note-taking experience and making it easier to organize your research.

This interconnected web can be an invaluable asset, especially for researchers who wish to see connections between different research notes or topics.

While Obsidian thrives in note linkage and local storage, it might present a steeper learning curve for those accustomed to more straightforward apps like Google Docs or Apple Notes.

Another issue is the absence of a free version. This may deter some, but Obsidian’s robust features could justify its price tag for dedicated users.

In comparison to apps like Roam Research, which also emphasizes interconnected note-taking, Obsidian’s strength lies in its local-first approach.

Still, if collaboration is a key aspect of your research process, you might find apps that prioritize real-time collaboration, such as Microsoft’s OneNote, more suitable.

Glasp – Take Notes Differently

In the expansive realm of note-taking apps in 2023, Glasp emerges as a unique web app designed specifically for researchers and avid online readers. With the app’s Chrome extension, users can effortlessly highlight and capture text from web sources.

Here are some features of Glasp:

• Social Web Highlighter : Glasp’s focus on highlighting and sharing web content makes it stand out. Users can create profiles based on the web content they clip, similar to how social media platforms like Facebook work. This adds a social element to the note-taking process, enabling collaboration and sharing of insights.
• Integration with Other Note Apps : Glasp’s compatibility with other popular note-taking apps is a significant advantage. This allows users to export their clippings or highlights to various note-taking platforms, ensuring flexibility and the ability to organize their research across multiple apps seamlessly.
• Cross-Platform Note-Taking : The cross-platform note-taking feature is essential for users who use different devices or platforms for their work. It ensures that notes and clippings can be synchronized and accessed from anywhere, enhancing productivity and convenience.
• Heatmap Feature : The heatmap feature is an interesting addition, as it helps users visualize their note-taking habits over time. This can be valuable for improving the research process, identifying areas of interest, and staying organized.

Glasp is however, in beta, which can be a reason for caution for some. Researchers accustomed to using more established platforms like OneNote or Roam Research may find the transition challenging. Additionally, while the app offers various note-taking tools, Glasp’s main strength lies in its unique blend of note-taking and social sharing.

Wrapping Up – Best Note Taking Apps In 2023

As the note-taking app landscape continues to evolve, each app offers its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right note-taking app for yourself ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and workflows. 

So, whether you’re looking to streamline your research papers, collaborate with others, or manage projects, there’s a note-taking app out there in 2023 to cater to your requirements. Choose wisely, and may your note-taking journey be both efficient and productive.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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The 11 Best Note-Taking Apps in 2023 – Evernote, Notion, and More

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Taking notes used to be so simple. You’d take out a sheet of parchment, dip your quill in ink, and get to writing.

Then a bunch of nerds got together and started  inventing things — and that’s when note-taking got complicated. Suddenly we had to choose from different models of typewriters and competing keyboard layouts.

Later the computer showed up, and with it, we got GUIs and dozens of different writing applications. And then the Internet came along, bringing cloud syncing into the mix.

In 2023, we’re faced with a dizzying array of tools and apps for taking notes. How do you choose which one to use?

Luckily, we’ve done the research. After putting dozens of apps through their paces and testing every feature — from the writing experience to shortcuts to sharing capabilities — we’ve put together this list of the best note-taking apps currently available.

Read on to find out which tool is the right one for you, your devices, and your price range!

Looking for tips on how to actually take your notes? Once you’ve chosen your app, check out our guide to the 6 best note-taking methods .

The Top 11 Note-Taking Apps of 2023

Overview:  Offers a powerful, database-driven note-taking experience that’s unlike most apps out there.

• Flexible pages. Notion has a template engine that allows you to turn pretty much anything into an easily-duplicated template, including a multi-layered collection of pages. It also has great media embedding and previewing tools, including a gallery view for photos and videos.
• Powerful tables. Tables in Notion aren’t just charts; they’re databases. Think of Notion’s databases as Google Docs + Google Sheets. Every row in a table is its own Notion page that you can go into and update.
• Nested hierarchical organization. You’re probably tired of this. But Notion does this. You can even turn a set of text into a dropdown so you can roll it up when you want non-immediate information out of the way.
• Hybrid editor. Notion lets you write in Markdown or use normal keyboard shortcuts and UI elements to format your text.
• Free personal accounts.  As long as you don’t mind the 5 MB file upload limit, Notion’s free plan offers everything you need to take notes.
• No offline support. Currently, you need to have an internet connection to use Notion. The team is working to change this, but it’s a big limitation at the moment.

Price:  Free

Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Web

Notion is one of the most flexible and powerful apps I've ever used. It can be a note-taking app, but there's also a database feature with multiple views (including Trello-style kanban boards and calendars) the ability to make anything into a template, and great collaboration features. At CIG, we use it for all of our team documentation, and I also manage every YouTube video I make with it.

2. Evernote

Overview: Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking app that’s great for processing hand-written notes and clipping articles from the web. The price, however, could be prohibitive on a student budget.

• Multiple file formats. If you’re on a paid plan, Evernote can hold anything your professor throws at you: PDFs, PowerPoints, the 3 different sheets of requirements for one project. One fun extra: If you paste a Google Docs link, Evernote creates a Google Drive icon in-line and changes the URL to the name of the doc.
• Scanner for mobile. You can use Evernote as a scanner to take photos of pages of books when you don’t want to pay for photocopying. It also has optical character recognition.
• Web clipper for browsers. Great for saving those New York Times articles that are hidden behind a paywall so you can use them for your essay later. You can pick how much of the page you want to capture: everything, just the article text, or a highlighted selection of text.
• Limited organization. Imagine your study area’s desk : You have notebooks lying around that contain class notes, random doodles, and frustrated journal entries. You can pile up semi-related notebooks into stacks. You can put sticky notes or flags into pages of the notebook that contain certain topics you want to refer to. That’s the extent of organization with Evernote: stacks, notebooks, notes, and tags.
• No Markdown support. If you typically write in Markdown to speed up your writing process, you’ll find its lack of support in Evernote frustrating.
• Pricey. If you use Evernote to scan documents and save research papers as I do, the 60 MB included in the free plan won’t cut it. And if you want to use it with more than 2 devices or use optical character recognition, you have to go Premium. At least students get 50% off Premium for a year.

Price:  $7.99 / month

Overview: Microsoft’s free cross-platform note-taking app gives Evernote a run for its money, though the interface leaves something to be desired.

• Totally. Free. It has everything Evernote can do, but there’s no premium tier. So you get the full feature set out of the box.
• On basically all the platforms (for free). Just had to emphasize this: With OneNote, you get unlimited devices — a feature that other note-taking apps, like Evernote and Bear, keep behind a premium subscription.
• Freeform. Unlike Evernote, you can put text boxes everywhere on the screen for OneNote. You can draw. You can even change the background to look like a ruled notebook!
• Even less organization than Evernote. It lacks note sorting options, such as sorting notes by newest created or newest modified.
• Messy interface + Limited tagging capabilities.  With OneNote, you have notebooks and dividers within notebooks. Then you can also indent notes within notes. But it’s all over the user interface: notebooks on the left, dividers up top, then notes on the right. I’m a messy note-taker myself, but c’mon.

Price:  Included with a Microsoft 365 subscription (starting at $69.99 / year). Check if you have free access through your school or company.

Platforms:  Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Web

4. Roam Research

Overview: Roam Research takes a different approach to organization than most note-taking tools. You can instantly link one note to another to create a web of information, doing away with the need for tags and folders.

• Delightful writing  experience . Roam has strong support for Markdown, and the app is set up so that you can immediately begin writing when you open it.
• The setup of the app encourages daily journaling. The default page when you open the app is a “Daily Note” for the current day. I’ve found this encourages me to journal in the course of using the app, which often leads to new ideas.
• Fluid note-to-note linking . One of the core features of Roam is how easy it is to link notes (what Roam calls “Pages”) to each other. After you get the hang of the syntax, you’ll find yourself automatically linking notes (and ideas) together.
• Easy to visualize the connection between notes. Roam features a “Graph Overview” that shows the connections between your notes as a web. It’s an interesting alternative to the hierarchical view that most note-taking apps use.
• No offline capability.  Roam currently works only in the browser, and it requires an internet connection to access your notes. However, the founder claims an offline version of Roam is in development.
• Learning curve. Roam is very powerful once you learn how to use it, but expect to spend a few hours learning the syntax and overall philosophy of the app.
• Expensive.  Access to Roam will cost you $15/month – more than any other tool on this list. Roam’s fans passionately argue that the tool’s design innovations more than warrant the price. We’ll leave that up to you to decide.

Price:  $15 / month (after a 31-day free trial)

Platforms: Mac, Linux, Windows, Web

Here’s an overview of Roam Research from our founder Thomas Frank:

Overview: Bear features powerful Markdown capability and an excellent writing experience. The only downside is its lack of Windows support.

• Hybrid Markdown editor. You don’t have to imagine what your formatted Markdown will look like after you write because Bear formats text as you type.
• Simple organizational system. Using “#” and “/”, Bear lets you tag each note and nest those tags within each other. #NestedHierarchy
• Archive feature. A small but time-saving feature. Archiving a note takes it out of search and organization without deleting it.
• Clean writing experience. Bear looks good out of the box — writing is readable, simple, and clean. The Premium version gets you a half dozen free themes that look even slicker.
• Just Mac and iPhone. If you have a Windows setup…sorry.
• Limited organization After a few weeks of using Bear, I started bumping up against the limitations of its organization system.

Price: Free for most features. Upgrade to the Pro subscription ($1.49 / month) to sync your notes between devices and get additional export options.

Platforms: iOS, Mac

6. Apple Notes

Overview: Apple Notes offers solid organization and formatting features, though it lacks Markdown support and is (unsurprisingly) only for Apple devices.

• Free.  If you have an Apple device, you have access to Apple Notes.
• Good-enough formatting tools. You get the usual bold , italics , and fonts.
• Allows cross-platform editing via the browser. No need for Google Drive/Dropbox workarounds. Just log in to your iCloud account from a browser and you can pull up your notes on a PC.
• Can create nested lists of hierarchical folders. This is surprising, given that some paid apps don’t have this feature. Well played, Apple.
• No hybrid Markdown. You can’t have it all in a free tool, can you?

Platforms:  iOS, Mac

7. Google Keep

Overview: Google Keep offers a basic, cross-platform note-taking app that plays well with other Google tools. The only downside is its lack of organizational features.

• Free.  All you need is a Google account.
• Simple. Imagine how you use sticky notes, and Keep will make sense to you. You write something on the note, stick it in a place you’ll remember, then (ideally) transfer it somewhere permanent. The Google Keep interface even looks like a wall of stickies.
• No hierarchical organization. There’s only one level of tags. Depending on how much organization you need, this may not matter.

Platforms:  Android, iOS, Web

8. Standard Notes

Overview: Standard Notes takes security seriously and has powerful search features. The only downside is its lack of in-app image hosting.

• Most security-focused. Everything you write is encrypted by default, and only you can access it.
• Free (mostly).  The free version of the app includes most features. But you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan if you want support for rich text and Markdown.
• Powerful search. Custom tags are infinitely nestable, similar to Bear. You can also define and save custom searches based on different criteria.
• Supports all major devices. Including Linux.
• Limited image support. It can’t host in-app. You have to save your images elsewhere before you can save them in the app.
• Can’t drag-and-drop notes between folders and tags.

Price:  Free for basic features. Upgrade to the Core Plan ($29 / year) to get rich text, Markdown support, and other features.

Platforms:  Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows, Web

9. Obsidian

Overview:  Obsidian combines customizable knowledge organization features with a Markdown editor that’s a delight to use.

• Simple.  Obsidian is based around Markdown and a simple (local) file/folder structure. This means that even if the app eventually disappears, you’ll still have all your data in a universally readable format.
• Highly customizable.  If you have the skills, you can write your own Obsidian plugins. You can also turn features of the app on and off to suit your needs.
• Powerful organizational features.  Obsidian lets you create links between pages, helping you to expand upon your previous work. It also lets you view the connections between your notes on a graph (similar to Roam).
• Cross-platform . Obsidian is available on basically any platform you could want.
• Works offline.  You never need an internet connection to use Obsidian since all of your data is stored locally. In fact, you don’t even need an account to use the app.
• Limited image support.  While it is possible to embed images within your notes , you’ll still need to use the Markdown syntax. You can’t drag and drop images into notes as you can in Notion or other apps on this list.
• Text-based.  If you like highly visual notes, Obsidian won’t be for you. We recommend an option such as Notion instead.
• Syncing notes is a paid feature.  If you want to sync your notes across devices, you’ll need to pay for Obsidian Sync (currently $10 / month).

Price:  Free (for personal and educational use)

Platforms:  Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows

10. Ulysses

Overview: Ulysses is great for both note-taking  and  writing long-form essays or articles. But it lacks a free version and only works on Apple devices.

• A fully-featured writing app . If you want an app that you can use throughout your entire writing process from research to writing and printing, then Ulysses is your pick.
• Focus mode. Many authors write books in Ulysses. But unlike some other heavy-duty writings apps, Ulysses gets out of your way with its Full-Screen focus mode.
• Customizable. Ulysses has themes, including Dark Mode. You can also choose from several different markup styles and publishing formats — it’s really quite flexible.
• Publishing to WordPress. After writing, editing, and formatting an entire blog post within Ulysses, I don’t have to log in to my WordPress dashboard to publish it anymore. Ulysses allows me to format images, tags, categories, and meta-data and upload all of them from the app.
• Pricey. It’s $5.99 / month with no free plan, but you can apply for a student discount for 6 months and get it down to $1.99 / month.
• Mac and iOS only. As with Bear, the Ulysses app is exclusive to Apple devices. But if you just want to edit your files on a Windows computer, you can save them in a synced Google Drive or Dropbox folder and then edit the rich text file it provides.

Price:  $5.99 / month

Overview: Typora is highly customizable and works on all major operating systems, though it lacks online and mobile apps for working on the go.

• Hybrid Markdown editor. It formats text as you type, and it’s faster than Slite.
• Focus Mode. It dims the text you’re not currently working on.
• Table of Contents mode. Like Slite, it allows you to zoom into headings and outlines.
• Themes. Lots of themes that you can customize with CSS — a language that lets you dictate exactly how you want your content presented.
• No in-app storage. Since it’s just a Markdown editor, Typora doesn’t store notes in the app. Files are actually stored in your computer’s file system, meaning you can’t move notes around in the app.
• Desktop-only writing app. Typora doesn’t have a mobile app, but you can always complement it with a Markdown-editor mobile app such as iA Writer .

Price: $14.99 (one-time purchase)

Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows

Take Notes Your Way

There are a lot of note-taking apps out there. And as with most recommendations, you have to figure out what works for you.

I hope that this list will help you decide on your note-taking app, whether it’s on this list or not.

Bonus: If you want to ensure that the rest of your productivity system is optimized as well, you might want to check out these guides:

• The Best To-Do List App in 2023
• The Best Time Tracking Apps in 2023: Toggl, Clockify, and More
• The 40+ Best Apps for College Students
• 15+ Writing Apps to Brainstorm, Draft, Edit, and Publish Your Work

27 Best Apps for Grad Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: June 6, 2024 , Reading time: 11 minutes

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Graduate school is challenging; therefore, you need the best resources and tools to keep succeeding! In the world we live in today, most of us reach for the latest app in order to ease the load that surrounds being a grad student.

Juggling between graduate school and a career requires Herculean strength, and only relying on traditional methods and paperwork isn’t enough!

Graduate students are no longer just confined to acing their exams, assignments, and books; many navigate graduate study like the back of their hand! They have access to a wealth of ways and strategies to become productive.

Thanks to technology, graduate education has undergone a transformation that benefits all stakeholders—graduate students included!

Apps and Technology

Luckily, grad students can browse through the best apps and technologies online and locate their most essential partners in times of need. The old standard of hand-written notes, notebooks, books, and papers can get lost, but the best apps—once installed and saved on smartphones—can always be accessed.

Mobile apps also present modern convenience. Instead of carrying bulky materials or papers wherever you are, you simply log on to the app and access all the information you need or the data you saved.

An increasing number of apps are being developed to provide students with the utmost convenience and flexibility to promote productivity .

In fact, when used as a strategic advantage, university apps have a positive impact on students’ access to information, retention rates, and academic success, according to EdTech Digest.

This article highlights the best apps for graduate students. Use these page jumps to check out your favorite app:

Evernote Dropbox Google Drive Penultimate iProcrastinate iStudiez Pro Outliner PDF Expert Mendeley Pocket

Keynote Slack Flipboard Microsoft To-Do instaGrok Awesome Note Amazon Kindle Sleep Cycle Alarm Habitica

Google Keep ToodleDo Encyclopedia Britannica SyncBackFree nTask 2Do Apple Reminders Any.do

Best Apps for Grad Students

Evernote is an excellent app for graduate students to sync notes across different devices. It is a handy app that helps you remember all the essential things that you might need, such as meeting proceedings, annotated bibliographies, reading summaries, or outlined notes.

It also comes with an audio recorder that you can use to record ideas for group discussions, group work, or parts of a lecture.

Dropbox is one of the best apps for graduate students to save important documents and access them anytime for as long as there’s an internet connection. The app lets you share files, images, videos, documents, and other essential files with your colleagues, instructors, and friends.

Dropbox allows you to access your documents while you’re on the go.

G oogle Drive

Similar to Dropbox, Google Drive is a must-have app for graduate students. It is one of the safest places to save your files for group work, assignments, and collaboration. You can upload videos, documents, images, and other required documents that are important for your graduate education.

Through Google Drive, you can access your files anytime, anywhere.

Penultimate

If you prefer the traditional way of note-taking, i.e., scribbling in your notebook, Penultimate is one of the must-have apps for you. It is an easy-to-use and straightforward hand-writing app for iPad.

As a result, you’ll have the experience of writing on paper with the flexibility and convenience of using an iPad. You must have a stylus pen for you to use this excellent app for graduate students.

iProcrastinate

iProcrastinate is one of the best apps that helps graduate students narrow down long-term homework assignments into more organized and manageable components, sets prioritization for specific tasks, and organizes all to-dos and reminders into one place.

Graduate students’ task lists can be shared with and modified by their colleagues, friends, and classmates, which makes it an excellent tool for group work and projects.

iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro is a great app for prioritizing all your assignments and keeping track of your important timelines and schedules.

This app can help you plan and visualize your week ahead, notify you when an assignment is almost approaching the deadline, and sync with your calendar for important meetings and events, which is a perfect companion if you tend to juggle between personal and professional commitments.

One of the most challenging tasks of creating a term paper is coming up with an outline. Outliner is the best app for graduate students when it comes to organizing their tasks and thoughts into an easily manageable outline format – whether you’re on the go or working at your desk.

PDF Expert is a must-have for every graduate student. It is perfect for organizing and annotating all their PDF documents. PDF Expert can also automatically sync with Dropbox, which enables you to access your annotated documents from any device anytime, anywhere.

Mendeley is one of the best apps for graduates who are serious about research. It is similar to a personal research assistant, which helps you collect, manage, cite, and share research works.

Through Mendeley, graduate students can browse through the app’s catalog of more than 30M research works/papers, significant references and make personal libraries per project they’re working on.

Pocket helps you organize and keep interesting distractions at bay. You can use Pocket to bookmark articles and websites you can’t read right then and there but want to revisit at a later time.

One of the noteworthy features of this best app for graduates is that you can read any type of articles, blogs, webpages, and other online content you’ve saved even without an internet connection.

If you’re not a fan of bringing your laptop to school daily for a class presentation or reporting, Keynote is one of the best apps that you must have as a graduate student. Similar to PowerPoint, Keynote allows you to create, design, and display your presentation from any device. It is like a mobile version of Microsoft’s PowerPoint.

Slack is one of the best apps for collaboration. It is a simple and straightforward app that lets you add multiple Slack teams. That said, it is a must-have if you are working with multiple people for research projects, assignments, group work, and reporting.

Slack utilizes a social network-style platform for team collaboration. It is available in Android, iOS, Windows, and even Linux platforms, which makes it an excellent app in terms of convenience and flexibility.

If you are passionate about reading to update your knowledge and what’s happening around you, Flipboard should be installed on your devices. It is similar to a magazine where you can browse curated articles, videos, pictures, stories, blogs, and news based on your interests or preferences.

Flipboard allows you to be updated by reading news articles daily, anytime, anywhere.

Microsoft To-Do

Microsoft To-Do is another must-have app for grad students developed by Wunderlist. It is a cloud-based app that integrates entirely with Office 365. To-Do allows you to create tasks from scratch or even transfer/import other to-dos from other platforms such as Outlook and Wunderlist.

instaGrok is an innovative educational search engine where graduate students can find almost any information they need. It provides them with essential information and details they require in the best way possible through facts and figures, concepts, videos, relationships, and pictures.

Students can pin their favorite content to reference and take notes or inspiration from it.

Awesome Note 2

Awesome Note 2 is one of the best multi-purpose apps for task management for iOS devices. It offers serious list creators and taskmasters an effective tool to help them keep track of to-dos, ideas, events, and other essential tasks.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle is perhaps one of the most popular apps that have been widely used by graduate students for studying and note-taking. It provides them with the ability to read through PDF documents, newspapers, textbooks, magazines, and Kindle books on a straightforward and easy-to-use interface.

Sleep Cycle Alarm

Working and busy graduate students generally have days where they don’t get enough sleep. Sleep Cycle Alarm helps in analyzing their sleep routines/patterns and will wake them up even in the lightest sleep phase. This app helps them keep track of how much sleep they need since having a good night’s sleep is essential for good health.

Habitica is one of the unique to-do list apps for graduate students that offers them a completely different experience. It converts their daily to-dos into a role-playing interactive game where they can earn rewards at the end of each game.

It is a fun app for task management where students are compelled to complete specific tasks on schedule and motivated to do more to level up their game’s characters.

Google Keep

Google Keep is the perfect companion for graduate students who don’t need much in a task management app. It is mainly used for creating quick lists that can be opened from any device. It is a straightforward note-taking app where they can write all the significant tasks, save photos and voice notes, as well as mark off tasks as complete once they are done.

Google Keep is essentially integrated with Google Drive, allowing syncing with numerous devices conveniently and easily.

ToodleDo emphasizes task management and allows grad students to organize their to-do lists in the easiest and simplest method. Under each specific task, they can add one or more sub-tasks, important notes, and prioritization together with other essential details.

This app helps in organizing tasks by outlining. All their tasks and sub-tasks are displayed in an outlined form for convenience and easier tracking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica is one of the largest online encyclopedias where graduate students can access hundreds of thousands of images, videos, biographies, and objective articles. It is one of the most reliable knowledge repositories for accessing factual content.

Graduate students can organize or curate all the comprehensive information they can find for their group works, assignments, thesis, and other essential purposes.

SyncBackFree

Similar to other cloud-based storage platforms, SyncBackFree is a 100% zero-cost tool that helps graduate students create backups of important files and synchronizes with the devices they have even while they’re on the go.

Through SyncBackFree, they can create scheduled backups with unlimited lengths of file names, providing them with the convenience of renaming multiple files to avoid duplication and confusion.

nTask is one of the most powerful task management platforms created for teams and individuals such as grad students. With nTask’s user-friendly and simplified GUI allowing you to navigate a unique range of features, this app helps you make tasks and sub-tasks as well as schedule them as recurring or one-time tasks.

Through checklists, grad students can list down the tasks they need to accomplish. Advanced integrations such as Gantt Charts, timelines, and progress reports allow them to keep projects on time. This app helps them save time with powerful filter and search functionalities.

2Do is another must-have app for busy grad students to manage tasks. It comes with native features to help implement the “get things done” strategy efficiently. Through an easy access add feature, students can immediately add tasks before they have slipped out of their minds.

It lets them conveniently and easily convert to-do lists into projects or a checklist to organize them according to their priorities and needs.

Apple Reminders

If you’re an iPhone, iPad, iTouch, or Mac user, a simple reminder app is already integrated into your devices. Apple Reminders is already an efficient task management app if you don’t want to install and configure to-do list apps in the first place.

It is a simple and easy-to-use app for adding tasks and easily categorizing them according to the students’ needs. Are you in a hurry or too lazy to type? You can launch Siri to do the process for you. Also, you can share the lists with anyone who has a registered iCloud account.

Any.do is one of the best and easiest apps for graduate students in terms of creating and managing their to-do lists. It has simple tasks and subtasks folders, which aid in the instant and easy creation and checking off tasks when completed.

The app has an integrated drag-and-drop option for documents. A noteworthy feature of Any.do is voice-entry integration. Suppose you hate typing long to-do lists and prefer talking it out, Any.do is the perfect app for this.

The app allows you to create a to-do list of tasks and subtasks by speaking into your mobile devices and then making the tasks for you, similar to a virtual assistant.

Helpful Links: Gadgets for Grad Students

• LAPTOPS for Grad Students
• GRAPHING AND SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS for ALGEBRA Grad Students
• FINANCIAL CALCULATORS for FINANCE and ACCOUNTING Grad Students
• MICROSCOPES for Graduate Students in CHEMISTRY and BIOLOGY
• LASER CUTTERS for Grad Students

Additional Resources:

• The Best Apps for College Students with ADHD
• Great Apps for Psychology Students
• Ways to Practice Self-Care in Grad School

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

Why should students take notes?

Best student note-taking apps for 2024, 2. supernotes, 3. evernote, 4. microsoft onenote, 5. goodnotes 6, 6. bear notes, notable mentions, so what's the best notes apps for students, best note-taking apps for students in 2024: curated picks.

8th May, 2024

Take better notes in class or bring ideas together in one base. These note-taking applications are perfect for students that need an all-round notes day-to-day.

A studio for your mind | A place to make sense of the world and create amazing things.

It's free. No credit card required.

Looking to be more productive in class with note-taking?

Students collect class notes, PDFs, presentations, ideas, research titles, and many millions of links across a typical study day. That's enough to make your head explode if you're not using some form of app or system for bringing that all into one location.

Many students have apps like Apple Notes, Google Keep , or maybe even notebooks, which are good but might not be able to provide the large-scale function that our curated list of best student-focused note-taking apps can help with.

Leveling up your notes app in university or college is probably one of the best investments you can make during your study years, as unlike the calendar and task management app (which become more helpful later in life) the notes app is your second brain of wisdom and knowledge you're bringing together in one location.

As a former student, at university one of the key lessons I learned was that I cannot store everything in my brain. This was paramount from concepts in books I'd read like Getting Things Done by David Allen and the newly formed concept at the time, Second Brain by Tiago Forte .

"Your brain should be a thinking tool, not a storage tool" is how one of the quotes went in the book by David Allen , and this quote always stuck with me as an effective way to think about how your brain uses knowledge and information.

So, students think of it this way - the more you store in a notes app, the better - the more your brain can be freed up for thinking through a problem or concept, the more insightful results you'll have in the long-term. This changed the way I thought about notes and can really activate true learning for many people trapped in "your brain needs to store all this".

So, what apps do students use to take notes in university and college? Let's unpack:

• RemNote - Get organized with your notes and then turn them into flashcards
• Supernotes - The perfect way to capture collaborative notes to share with others
• Evernote - A more traditional base to take notes with tasks & calendar too
• Microsoft OneNote - One of the most common notes apps for students & teachers
• GoodNotes 6 - The perfect notes app for visual note-takers & new iPad users
• Bear Notes - A lightweight notes app with markdown writing abilities
• Notion - One of the most popular tools for student note-taking

Let's dig into the list we have in a moment, but look at why we chose all of these tools:

How we curate this list of best student notes apps?

We came down to three core criteria when selecting these applications

• Designed - A lot of these note apps have evolved to become household names for managing your notes as a student. Some are designed, and others are highly optimized with features to be the perfect notes app for students.
• Easy to Use - All of these apps take a small level of education to learn and are super approachable and once you get started, it is super easy to get things rolling. There's no notes app on this list that won't take you 45 minutes to adapt to.

Okay, let's get into that list now:

Best In-Class Notes App for Students

RemNote is an advanced note-taking app popular with students for creating flashcards.

• Free Plan : Unlimited Notes, Unlimited Devices
• Best Student Features : PDF Annotation (Pro) & Flashcards (Free)
• Price to Upgrade: $7.50 per month, with education discount

Why is RemNote a good notes app for students?

RemNote is one of the best student notes apps because it is, at the core, designed for students with flashcards, unlimited notes and an app on all your devices. Inside of RemNote, you can create a note and turn it into a flashcard almost instantaneously.

RemNote also packs in powerful PDF annotation (Pro feature) and connection to notes meaning any presentation or PDF that your lecturer sends you can connect to a note which makes for an easy experience, but you can also annotate it to add more value. You get 3 PDF note annotations as part of your free plan on RemNote.

RemNote is best for more serious student note-takers. Great for structured note management - there's a little bit of education to learn it but all-in-all this is the best of our list for all-around student note-taking management .

Best Collaborative Notes Apps for Students

A beautifully-designed note-taking tool that was originally developed for students.

• Free Plan : Limited to 100 cards, All Devices
• Best Student Features : Notecard Collaboration, Backlinks
• Price to Upgrade: $7.32 per month, if billed annually (50% off for students)

Why Supernotes app is a good student notes app?

Supernotes provides us with a good firm base of your notes, used beyond student note-taking, it has grown on many people thanks to the clean, minimal nature of the app and the focus on notecards instead of constant folder organization. This makes it easier to connect notes up using backlinks and to share notes with other students.

Collaborative notes are one of the gem features in Supernotes for students to take notes and simply share them with other students using Supernotes too. This makes life so much easier when it comes to missing a lecture (intentionally or not) and sharing those notes post it happens.

Supernotes is a clean, beautiful way to take notes with daily notes too for light journal entries, to-dos for bringing items together and many more note abilities. With the limit of 100 cards, likely chance unless you have lots of friends (note referral gives you 20 extra cards) then you'll be looking to get the premium pricing.

Best All Round Notes Hub

Evernote is a note-taking application with tasks, calendar and AI features inside.

• Free Plan : Unlimited Notes, 25MB size limit, Unlimited Devices
• Best Student Features : PDF Uploads, Search & Clipper
• Price to Upgrade: $14.99 per month, 40% off with Unidays for Evernote Professional

Why Evernote is still one of the best notes apps for students?

Powerful search, powerful PDF management & powerful extended abilities to with tasks and calendar management. This is more of a notes app for students but beyond so think of Evernote has more of a notes app for life allowing you to store work project notes in, or maybe even meeting notes and lightweight tasks too.

Evernote used to be the hottest app for student note-taking purely due to the ability to add attachments to notes, but one of the features that still appears to student note-takers is the ability to capture into notebooks with the Evernote Web Clipper. It still reigns as a brilliant notes app clipper for allowing you to capture links or snippets from pieces you're researching making the hunt for links and references 3x as easy.

Advice : Evernote is much more extensive if you go over the limitations and the more power features like tasks, search, offline and large uploads are locked under premium. So whilst the free plan is good, it will only take you so far (yes, that is a line from Oppenheimer).

The Best Free Notes App on the Market

Microsoft OneNote

Note-taking and organising app perfect for students, academics and general notes.

• Free Plan : With Microsoft account
• Best Student Features : Sketching, Tabs & Co-Pilot
• Price to Upgrade: Microsoft 365 is an upgrade

Why OneNote is one of the best free notes apps for students?

If budget is your concern, look no further than Microsoft OneNote. It offers the best free notes app for students, hands-down. The notes experience allows you to take notes in a tab format allowing you to have almost a ring-binder feel to your notes app along with solid apps for iPad and Microsoft Surface meaning you can make notes and sketches all in one.

Microsoft OneNote is one that I always recommend when it comes to managing your notes with Microsoft account. If your school, university or college offers a Microsoft for Education plan that is tied into your email, it is highly likely you. have OneNote with free access and storage, so we'd recommend taking advantage of that.

Advice : Microsoft OneNote is practical and offers a good free experience. It isn't for everyone. Some people don't like their notes being in the Microsoft ecosystem, but for many it'll hit the nail on the head for an upgraded, more focused Microsoft Word-like notes application that meets the bill.

Best iPad Notes App for Students

GoodNotes is a iPad focused note-taking application with AI and handwriting tools.

• Free Plan : 3 Notebooks, 20m Audio Limit
• Best Student Features : New AI, Audio Capture & Notebook Customisation
• Price to Upgrade: $9.99 per year for most unlimited features or $29.99 one-off

Why GoodNotes 6 is one of the best notes apps for students?

GoodNotes 6 has had a big face lift in the last year and is much more focused on AI note-taking meaning better hand-writing support, typed notes and beyond. GoodNotes works wonders for taking sketch notes but also using it to record lectures or audio files for coming back to important notes you've made.

GoodNotes offers good levels of customization for notebooks including stickers, templates and even a big store for that (locked under premium) but this level of customization appeals to many of those students wanting that BuJo style notes app with sketch abilities.

Advice : If you don't have an iPad, there's no point looking at GoodNotes, but if you do, this is going to be one of the best investments for the lower cost of $9.99 for a year.

Markdown Note Editing App

Bear Notes is a minimal, markdown note-taking application perfect for iOS and Mac.

• Free plan: Generous
• Best Student Features : Markdown, hashtags not folders, sketch abilities
• Pricing to upgrade : $29.99 per annum upgrade

Why Bear Notes is a good student note-taking app?

Bear Notes provides many people with a solid iOS and macOS app for handling their notes. A lot of people like Bear for the markdown abilities and for students looking something more than Apple Notes , then Bear Notes is a great option for them.

The way Bear Notes allows you to organize your notes is focused on hashtags and note normal notebooks, meaning you can create nested hashtags perfect for multiple spanning notes. Meaning a note with a revision for an exam that spans multiple classes, could be connected the multiple places. You can use the sketch abilities on the iOS app to better handle ideas and thoughts you're bringing together.

Bear Notes has one of the best experiences for macOS users for note-taking, it is lightweight and provides one of the better mac experiences and winner of the Apple Design in 2017 for just this.

Both Notion and Anytype have been given head nods for students looking to organize not just their notes but many more aspects of their studies.

Anytype is a privacy-focused, open-source, note-taking application for notes.

Notion is an all-in-one workspaces for notes, projects, tasks, documents & calendar.

This is a tough one because it depends on your needs, so let's determine based on the needs we have above us and pick the best notes app for your study endeavours.

Best for iPad: GoodNotes 6

The functions and AI focus of GoodNotes 6 makes it a great companion for iPad users. There are lots of iPad notes apps out there that take advantage of Apple Pencil out there, and GoodNotes is only one of the many.

Best for Free Student Notes App: OneNote

Want to save a buck? Well in this case Microsoft OneNote might be your best option. It works wonders for managing your digital filing cabinet and with sketch make notes more interactive if you do have an iPad or tablet device.

Best for All Round Use: Evernote

This is perfect for all round user, pre-and-post university or college. So we'd recommend Evernote for making the most of your notes.

Best for Focused PhD students: RemNote

If you want to commit to a notes app, upgrade and be with it longer than 3 years, RemNote is the best app on the market for students and the premium features offer superb features ideal for hunkering down with your notes and optimizing.

Best Notes App for Students on Mac: Bear Notes

The build quality of Bear Notes presents a great experience for students looking for a better way to take notes on their new Macbooks as they start university, the low cost fee of $29.99 makes it a light, yet approachable way to take notes that can be shared and exported to other people for use later on.

That's our recommendations, but it is worth exploring the range of notes apps we have all over Tool Finder, they'll help you pick from more of a range of tools.

Looking for to-do list apps as a student , we have you covered!

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Best Apps for PhD Students

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 14, 2024

Reflecting on my PhD journey, I feel a mix of happiness and relief. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that taught me so much. I’m now contemplating writing a short book about this incredible journey. In this post, I want to share some of the best digital tools and apps that were essential during my PhD studies. Along with these recommendations, I’ll include practical tips to help you make the most of your scholarly journey. I hope you find these resources helpful as you navigate your own path in academia.

Apps for PhD Students

Here are some of the best apps I highly recommend for PhD and grad students:

1-Note taking tools

Two of my favourite note taking tools I have been consistently using during my PhD journey are  Evernote  and Google Keep . I use them to take notes in both text and audio format. Google keep allows you to take photo notes as well. 

These tools also allow you to organize your notes in folders for easy access. Your notes can include images, videos and even files. Both Evernote and Google Keep are available as mobile apps that work across different devices.

2- File Storage platforms

As a PhD student, you will be working with tons of digital documents and reading resources. In fact, over 90% of my reading resources were in digital format. I am very much used to digital reading as I find it way more practical than print reading. 

I only opt for print reading when the digital alternative is not available or hard to access. Some of my fellow graduates are the total opposite. They cannot stand digital reading to the extent that they would print PDFs to read in paper format.

However, if you are like me and you find yourself accumulating a mounting pile of journal articles, book chapters, reports, white papers, and several other digital resources, your best bet is to choose a file storage platform where you can easily organize, store, and access these files. 

My favourite file storage service and the one I have been using throughout my PhD journey is Google Drive. I literally could not imagine my life without it.  Google Drive offers a wide range of helpful features including organizing files into folders, adding tags, collaboration, offline access, and many more. Besides Google Drive, I also use Dropbox especially in collaborative writing projects. 

That being said, I highly recommend that besides storing your digital resources on the cloud, you also need to keep copies of these resources in the local drive of your computer or laptop in case cloud services you use did not work, hacked, password lost, or any other reason that would restrict your online access. 

3- PDF annotation tools

Reading, especially the extensive kind of reading a PhD program requires, cannot be effective without annotations. In fact, annotation boosts your understanding and helps with memory retention. 

I have already reviewed a list of what I think are some of the best annotation tools and apps for students and teachers but my favourite of them all is Adobe Acrobat Reader. While you can do a lot with the free version, I personally use the premium version. 

It offers way more features including editing PDF text, filling forms, inserting e-signatures, and many more. 

Kindle is another great app I use to read and annotate my reading resources. It offers several interesting features including highlight, integrated dictionary, the ability to add notes, export highlights, and many more. 

4- Reference and bibliography tools

The extensive reading marathon you engage in during your PhD introduces you to works from a wide spectrum of authors. Some of these folks will probably make it into your dissertation or research papers hence the importance of organizing and properly formatting references early on. 

I wish I learned this when I first started my PhD. It would have saved me so much time and hassle. 

Do not postpone formatting references till the end of your research project; that is a sure-fire recipe for extra stress and unwarranted work. Make it a habit to save and format references as you read them. 

There are several tools to help you do that and some of them even allow you to export your formatted references directly to your research paper with a single click. Some of these tools include Mendeley, Zotero, and Endnote. Check out References and Citations Organization Tools to learn more.

5- Audiobooks apps

Audiobooks have radically transformed the way we read books. You can now access your books anywhere anytime and more importantly you can access them in situations where print or digital reading is not normally feasible. 

For instance, you can listen to your audiobooks during your daily commute to work, while running or working out, while spending time in a doctor’s waiting room, or literally anywhere else. No idle time anymore. That being said, I personally would not listen to the audio version of any academic work. 

I would rather read its digital (or print) format in a silent environment where I can focus on it 100%. Deep and intellectually engaging reading required by PhD is, in my view, not the territory of audiobooks. 

I normally listen to audiobooks covering topics related to motivation, self-development, and recreational listening (reading). I listened to tons of self-help books that helped me a great deal survive the vagaries of PhD at the emotional, social, intellectual, and relational level. 

While helping me with my personal and academic growth, very often, audiobooks provide me with an escape from my academically boring readings and assignments. 

I love Audible and have been using it for several years now. There are several other alternative audiobook apps to try out. Check them out and see which one works best for you. 

6- Journaling

I used Google Docs to journal my PhD journey. I jot down challenges and difficulties I face, I reflect on my academic progress, and I rant on issues related to methodology. 

I also reflect on the emotional aspect of my doctoral journey. If you have not started journaling yet I highly recommend it. 

Journaling is a conduit to reflective writing and reflective writing is a great way to destress and release pent up emotions and energy. You do not have to journal every single day if you don’t like to and you also don’t have to bother with the mundane details of your PhD journey. 

Also, when journaling, try not to edit or hold back as you write. You need to write with no self-judgment, in unrestricted flow. Let your thoughts express themselves the way they want. 

Indeed, the benefit of journaling is in its accumulative power. From time to time you need to go over older entries, see what changed and what not, what worked and what did not, etc. 

In this way, you will not only be able to document your progress but will also be able to immortalize those ephemeral moments and events that marked your academic journey.

7. Presentations tools

Presenting whether in front of your peers or in conferences and webinars is part and parcel of your work as a PhD student. You need to master the art of creating engaging presentations, ones that are visually engrossing without being monotonous or boring. 

The key is to create slides with the minimum wordage possible. Brevity, as the saying goes, is the soul of wit.

Use expressive visuals to communicate your ideas (check out these copyright free image  sources ) and always prepare your script carefully and in advance. Try to rehearse it few times before your presentation day. 

I know no other way to build confidence and overcome stage fright than effective planning and preparation. 

As for the presentations tools I have been using during my PhD, these are Keynote, Google Slides, and I recently started using Canva almost exclusively. And no, I am not a fan of PowerPoint. For more options check out best presentation tools for students and teachers .

8. Writing tools

Which platform to use to write your dissertation and research papers is a question you need to settle early on in your PhD journey. Choose wisely as the writing platform you select can mean a lot to your productivity and the flow of your writing. 

During the first year of my PhD, I used Google Docs and, to a certain extent, Scrivener then I switched to Microsoft Word and stayed with it since then. 

I love the simplicity of Word and I find it focus-friendly. I also like the ‘track changes’ feature, one that I have been using with my doctoral supervisor throughout the writing process of my dissertation. 

By simply turning on track changes, you can see the edits the reviewer of your paper added, and they too can see your edits. Commenting is another powerful interactive feature that allows you to exchange feedback on your writing with others. 

[ Related:   Best Books on how to Write Research and Dissertation Proposals ]

Final thoughts

Embarking on a PhD journey is both demanding and rewarding, and having the right tools and strategies can make all the difference. The digital tools and apps I’ve shared in this post were instrumental in my academic success, from note-taking and file storage to reference management and presentation creation. By incorporating these resources into your own routine, you can enhance your productivity, stay organized, and manage the complexities of scholarly work more effectively.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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Software, Tools, and Apps that PhDs Must Have

We often are asked to recommend some of the must have software programs, tools, and apps for PhD students, professors, and academics, so we have put together a comprehensive list. These selections are based on our experience using some of them and recommendations made by several of Stephanie’s colleagues via Facebook. Interestingly, for some of the tools listed, there was a lack of consensus about their usefulness so in some instances we provided a few pros and cons to help you make the best decisions based on your needs.

This post was written by Stephanie A. Bosco-Ruggiero (PhD candidate in Social Work at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service) and Jessica Russell ( freelance writer) on behalf of Dave Maslach for the R3ciprocity project (Check out the YouTube Channel or the writing feedback software ). The R3ciprocity Project started out as a side-project, where David Maslach created an App to help others get feedback on their work (r3ciprocity.com – it is seriously inexpensive and easy to use. You have to try it!) , but it is beginning to grow into a real movement. R3ciprocity helps students, faculty, and research folk by providing a real and authentic look into doing research. It provides solutions and hope to researchers around the world.

As a PhD candidate, a professor, or academic much of your time is spent doing research, so it’s important to do as much as possible to ensure your projects and tasks run as smoothly as possible. The list below includes software, apps, and tools to help you take notes, manage projects, do statistical analysis, edit and cite your writing, convert files to and from PDF and eBook format, survey respondents, help you concentrate, and aid in graphic and art creation. We also threw in some tools to help with self care including mindfulness and meditation apps. 

This list is not all inclusive. If there is another app or tool you think people should be aware of, let us know in the comments. 

Check out this article on what PhD students do all day. You will be surprised.

Here’s a vlog Dave recording on how to speed up research productivity that you might want to check out as well. 

Note Taking

There are times when an idea or inspiration pops up in the moment and you need to jot it down, or you’re focusing on one task and you think of something that will help with another. Note taking apps and software programs help you jot down those ideas to save for later. Check out this amazing post on how professors check for plagiarism – it is pretty helpful). They also help you organize your notes for teaching, research, and other projects. Get a program that is web based so you can sign on anywhere, including your phone. Most allow syncing via multiple OS and Browsers. Of course, you may always also benefit from a simple electronic post it app that you can install on your desktop (don’t go too crazy though, I once crashed my laptop by having like a hundred notes). Phones of course also have handy note taking and reminder apps. But we recommend the following apps and tools for more comprehensive academic note taking: 

Google Keep

In July 2021, I polled the R3ciprocity YouTube community about the best note-taking software, and here is the results from 174 responses! Thank you! As you can see, the best note-taking software is OneNote or Evernote, but many people have others that they use.

Check out this article on how many years it takes to do a doctorate degree. It goes into quite a bit of detail.

Word Processing

Writing will take up a bulk of your time and using software that has a great UX and is easy to navigate will reduce the time you spend with unnecessary editing and fumbling with tools that slow you down. The software we recommend are staples of the industry and are most popular among writers. Make sure you explore Microsoft Word online as well. It is useful when you have work across multiple devices. Microsoft can be seamlessly integrated with OneDrive but make sure your settings are right so you don’t lose anything! The usefulness of Good docs and drive also cannot be understated. 

Stephanie resisted Google Docs for a long time because I feared I would lose something or the document would not look as polished as a Word document, but you can download your file as a Word document, plain text, PDF, etc. The thing that really sold me on Google Docs though was the ability to work with a team to collaborate on writing, provide suggested edits, accept or reject edits, and be able to do all of this real time. You can also easily chat to the side of the document as you collaborate and edit. You can keep your documents in shared drive and designate who has permission to access and edit. 

Microsoft office/Word

Google Docs/Drive

Libre Office – Open-source, but uncommon.

I did a poll on the R3ciprocity YouTube community in July 2021 on the most popular word processing software, and here are the results:

You might want to watch this video about writing Apps for PhDs:

Grammar Checking, editing, and Proofreading

Hey, did you hear about this neat proofreading and editing program called r3ciprocity 😉 It allows you to pay forward the favor of proofreading and reviewing by collecting credits which you can then use when you need your work reviewed. You can also buy credits if needed. Check out Dave’s platform at https://www.r3ciprocity.com/ The platform is also building a community of scholars that can be helpful to you when you need scholarly work reviewed or just need to bounce around some ideas. 

(Here is a good blog post on getting feedback on your work – you will love it.)

Be careful using automated proofreading or editing software or tools as they may not pick up on the nuances of your work or the points you are trying to make. Also, try to use alternatives before you hire a pricey writing consultant, proofreader, editor, or coach. Sometimes hiring someone is needed, but if you need lighter editing and reviewing check out r3ciprocity.com and contact Dave if you have any questions about the platform. 

Check out how to log-in to the R3ciprocity platform.

Here is Dave discussing how and when to purchase credits on his proofreading and editing platform R3ciprocity:

There are a number of other resources for grammar checker Apps and editing resources that you might want to check out in this blog post.

Statistical Analysis

Of course you are going to need statistical analysis software to complete that thesis or dissertation, and as an academic, analyze your data and produce manuscripts. Many doctoral programs train their students using IBM’s SPSS but some also or alternatively train their students in R or Stata. Stephanie personally prefers the point and click functionality of SPSS which also allows advanced coders to exclusively use syntax to conduct analyses. Personally, she prefers to use a mix of point and click and syntax. There is a plethora of guidebooks and manuals, print and online, to help you become fluent in SPSS. New versions are released regularly and students can purchase SPSS inexpensively (read more below). However, for those who prefer to code and use syntax R and Stata may be more challenging and enjoyable to use.

SPSS (Paid, easy to learn)

R (Free, open-source, and powerful)

Stata (Paid, combination of open source and paid, powerful) – Dave’s Pick

Since, there is confusion and it matters a lot about what software you should choose early in your career, I (Dave) polled the R3ciprocity community on YouTube in February, 2021 to find out the most common statistical software that researchers use. 106 people responded. Here are the results:

I was actually quite surprised by these results. I knew that R and SPSS would be rated fairly high, but I was surprised by the fact that Stata only got 16.2% of the votes. Stata is such a powerful, and underrated tool. However, I suspect that it is fairly uniquely used by more economics, finance, and business folks. As someone who has used all of these software (other than R), I would highly suggest it. The instructions material alone is a great benefit.

EBook Converter/PDF Converter

Publishing your manuscript may require turning it into a readable digital format that will translate easily to multiple electronic devices. Whether you are self-publishing, want to convert your work into a polished format, or need this capability for another reason we’ve found that these are some of the best tools out there. 

Epubor Ultimate

Foxit Phantom PDF Editor/Reader

MikTex LaTex – LaTex is preferred in the basic sciences.

Project Management/Task Management

Research and writing can be overwhelming with the minutia of details you need to record and track. You may also need to keep these details on behalf of or with a writing or research team. Project and task management software will help you stay on task and warn you when you are falling behind. Additionally these programs help when you’re collaborating with a team. Everyone using these tools can get both a big picture view of the project timeline as well as dive into the details to understand how to best manage the project.

Survey Research/ Experience Management

At some point you will send out a survey for your research, or perhaps for another purpose. These survey and experience management tools help you gather that data as well as measure and analyze the results. They both allow you to export to statistical analysis software and have different levels of functionality and pricing. Make sure your university does not have a license before you spend your own money on these tools. Survey Monkey might be more accessible for beginners but Qualtrics is not difficult to use. You might even give Google forms a try for quick, basic surveys of students or another smaller group of respondents. 

Survey Monkey

Google Forms – Great for small tasks.

We conducted a poll of the R3ciprocity YouTube community about the most popular survey tool in March 2021. 56 people responded. The most popular survey tool for researchers is Google Forms. 55 percent of the respondents preferred Google Forms. Honestly, this surprised me because I thought it would be Qualtrics, however this might be explained by the younger and more international audience on the R3ciprocity channel.

Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis

Stephanie does not have a whole lot of experience with qualitative data analysis but has heard that the following programs are quite helpful. They provide some free training and practice modules as well as manuals and guides. Find out which software your department uses and whether you can use it on campus to complete your research. A personal license may be expensive. If you are doing qualitative data collection such as interviews or focus groups you should also download a handy recorder for your device such as Audacity. 

Reference/Citation Managers

Make your life easier by using a citation manager. These programs help you to manage your sources as well as help you build your reference lists. Doing this task manually is silly if you are an advanced researcher. You must have a citation manager if you are completing a dissertation and it is highly recommended for a thesis. Your university may offer a specific program for free so you might go with that one, but others are often either free or low cost, especially the web based versions. Endnote has Endnote Web and Zotero is very easy to integrate into your word processing programs, use collaboratively, and use only. Some people feel that Mendeley and Endnote are clunky. Stephanie personally really likes Endnote but recommends taking some in depth tutorials to learn how to use it properly.

Endnote (Dave’s and Stephanie’s preference)

Don’t know which is best for you? Check out our survey on the best citation software for PhDs.

Illustration/Graphics

Your writing may require graphics, diagrams, and other forms of art. Some people rely on the tools native to Microsoft products, but we’ve found that the following programs help further and enhance creativity. Additionally they make creating graphics to support your writing easier and look more professional. Stephanie especially recommends Canva. She discovered it when her students kept mentioning that they were using it to create graphics, brochures, and other illustrated products for social policy advocacy class. It is super easy to use and the library of images is great. You can make business cards, social media posts, infographics, brochures, and more! It’s the hot tool in illustrated document creation today. 

If you need a website for your organization or you want to develop an academic profile site you could use Canva for ideas, photos, and structure. WordPress takes some getting used to but it is inexpensive and versatile. For an academic profile/portfolio you might simply use Academia.com’s template which allows you to feature your writing, projects, interests, experience, etc.

Strata 3D Modeling

Canva (Dave’s pick).

Microsoft Visio (Good for schematics).

Lucidchart (Dave’s pick).

AutoDesk (A favorite for CAD).

Meeting Software

These days we are all familiar with meeting online. From job interviews to meeting with colleagues, the following are the most used software programs for online collaboration with video and sharing tools. One of these platforms may be available to students for free so investigate before paying for any of them. Stephanie prefers Zoom but has heard great things about Teams. WebEx is great for delivering webinars. 

Microsoft Teams

Google Meet (reliable, but less functionality than Zoom)

Skype (Seems to be losing ground)

FaceTime – Reliable, but only works with other FaceTime users.

In July 2021, I (Dave) polled the R3ciprocity YouTube community about the meeting software that they most use. It turns out that Zoom is a by far the most popular, with 67% of responses selecting Zoom. Most PhDs tend to use Zoom. However, 17% use Google Meet as well.

Programming

What would a PhD without programming? It seems that more and more of us are doing programming during grad school. Here are some best picks that you will use:

Python (Open-source).

Microsoft Visual Studio C++

MatLab (Scientific computing – Dave’s pick).

MapleSoft (Scientific computing).

MathCad (Pretty awesome Engineering software).

In August 2021, I polled 124 PhDs on the R3ciprocity community on YouTube on what is the best programming language for PhDs. Here it is: The most common programming language for PhDs is Python. Around 60% of PhDs use Python as their favorite programming language for their research projects. Python is preferred to Matlab 4 to 1.

Self Care/ Mindfulness

It’s important to practice self care during your doctoral studies or as a professional academic. Taking time out daily with these self care apps will help you center yourself and reduce stress. In addition they will help you stay on task and make your life one in which you can find a calm space to just be mindful wherever you are. If you have a VR headset there are some mind blowing meditation apps you can use to fully immerse yourself in a blissful meditative state. 

White Noise Generator

Some people need complete silence when writing, while some need a portion of their brain to be occupied by music or white noise. When it’s important that nothing distracts you from focusing, especially outside noise from loud environments, we recommend the following to help you stay focused and block out the noise. 

MyNoise.net

Don’t forget that your finances are super important during your PhD. You have to keep your financial life together to get through your PhD Program. Here are some that Dave suggests:

Mint.com (Free, Dave uses it everyday).

Every Dollar (Dave Ramsey’s product).

Data Transparency

Don’t forget to use tools for data transparency. For example, the Open Science Foundation (OSF) offers a suite of tools designed to facilitate transparent and collaborative research. These tools include project management platforms, data repositories, and preprint archives, all aimed at enhancing the rigor and reproducibility of scientific work. Check it out: Open Science Foundation website .

Gaining access to software and tools for free

We hope you found this list of suggestions helpful. Remember, do not spend a lot of money on software or other tools if you can get them for free through your university. Most schools now provide a Microsoft suite of tools, including OneDrive, to students for free. Check your IT department’s web page and list of free downloads. Of course, Google apps are free as well. Often, you can’t go wrong with Google but there are apps and tools that may be better that you have to purchase, just don’t spend a whole lot of money, especially if you’re a student. 

When it comes to survey or data analysis software your university may have purchased a license making the software free for students, faculty, and staff users situated on campus. In certain cases, you may also be able to access these software programs for home. What comes to mind is a university wide or department based Qualtrics license or a comprehensive Zoom license. Just check with your department or university before you purchase anything. If you must purchase SPSS for use at home as a student or university affiliated researcher go to studentdiscounts.com . They offer a full array of options for purchasing SPSS licenses for personal use on your own PC or Mac at a deep discount. You just have to provide proof of your university affiliation. 

One more recommendation is to definitely take advantage of a cloud based file storage tool such as OneDrive or Dropbox. If you are not in the habit of backing up your local computer files on a thumb drive, you must back them up on the cloud. Stephanie likes Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Which one works best for you might depend on whether you often collaborate, which word processing software you are using, where you access your files, and which one you use for free. Many universities include limited free OneDrive storage as part of the Microsoft Suite offerings. 

Did you benefit from this post? Do you know of anyone at all that could use feedback on their writing or editing of their documents? I would be so grateful if you read this post on how to get feedback on your writing using R3ciprocity.com or let others know about the R3ciprocity Project. THANK YOU in advance! You are the bees knees.

If you enjoyed this blog, you might be interested in reading these other posts on blog.r3ciprocity.com . 

Self-Care for Ph.D. Students: 10 Tips to Reduce Stress and Boost Productivity While Writing Your Dissertation

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The 12 best new note taking apps in 2023

Even though I’m very happy with my current note taking software setup (thanks, Bear Notes ), I always like to keep an eye on the latest personal knowledge management and note taking apps that are coming to the forefront. I was an early adopter of Obsidian , and even though I don’t use it right now for personal use, I’m so excited to see how much growth it has undergone over the past few years. Likewise, I’m excited to watch the growth of these promising new note taking apps.

Check these new note taking apps out (listed below alphabetically) if you’d like to refresh your personal knowledge management system with the next new thing in 2023.

Table of Contents

The 12 best new note taking apps to watch in 2023 (from A to Z)

Website: https://bangle.io/ Description: “Bangle.io is a powerful yet simple note taking web app that works on top of your locally saved Markdown files.”

Website: https://brainio.com/ Description: “Note taking and mind mapping combined in one app Your brain works visually. And your notes can too.”

Website: https://bulletjournal.app/ Description: “Organize All The Things. Bullet is a bullet journal app lets you add tasks, notes & events all in one place. Clear your mind to think about the important stuff or just be present.”

Website: https://capacities.io/ Description: “Like an artist’s studio, Capacities is a place for all your information. It stores your knowledge and can resurface it, right when you need it. It’s your own studio to collect, connect and reflect – a place to make sense of the world and to create amazing things.”

Website: https://cloverapp.com/ Description: “Think better. Achieve more. Clover is your daily workspace: Notes, Tasks, Whiteboards and a Daily Planner in a streamlined workflow.”

Website: https://www.effie.pro/ Description: “Effie is a list making, mind mapping, note taking, focused markup-based writing tool that helps to visualize your ideas with mindmaps and outlines, and turn them into great writing pieces in the simple, distraction-free environment.”

Website: https://get.mem.ai/ Description: “The self-organizing workspace. Mem is the world’s first AI-powered workspace that’s personalized to you. Amplify your creativity, automate the mundane, and stay organized automatically.”

Website: https://www.notedapp.io/ Description: “Noted is a fully-integrated audio recording and note-taking app.”

Reflect App

Website: https://reflect.app/ Description: “All your notes, connected. Give your brain superpowers. Mirror the way your mind works by associating notes through backlinks. Reflect builds you a second brain that you can reference anytime.”

Website: https://www.scrintal.com/ Description: “A web app that combines mind mapping with the power of networked note-taking. Organize & connect all your thoughts in one place.”

Website: https://tana.inc/ Description: “The Everything OS. Get ready to cancel half your software subscriptions. Tana’s combination of simple concepts lets you build anything.”

Website: https://xtiles.app/ Description: “Your digital visual dashboard for personal life, work, and education.  Organize your ideas, projects, and notes online.”

Discover more posts on note taking apps

Want a deeper dive into the world of note taking apps? Check out these related posts from the archives:

By platform

Tips & advice on choosing the right note taking app.

Elizabeth Butler, MD, PhD helps creative, idealistic professionals build streamlined note-taking and productivity systems to fit their busy lives. Dr. Butler is a practicing physician, working parent, and creator of the Calmer Notes method for personal knowledge management . She writes about note taking, quiet productivity, and digital organization.

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9 Note-Taking Tips For PhD Research

Taking notes when writing a PhD dissertation or thesis is one of the most important yet daunting tasks for any PhD student.

How you take notes can either make or break your PhD experience.

Luckily, there are some useful tips from previous PhD students that can make this task easier and simpler and make the writing of the PhD dissertation or thesis less tiresome.

This post is a collection of top 9 note-taking tips that have proved to be most useful and effective for majority of PhD students.

1. Choose a note-taking medium that works best for you

Some people work best with the good old paper and pen, while others are more comfortable with digital apps.

The medium doesn’t matter as long as it works for you.

2. Take notes as you read

Every time you read a material, take notes simultaneously. Do not wait to take notes afterwards as the human mind is bound to forget important points.

The reading should be active rather than passive. Active reading ensures that you critically analyse what you are reading and place it in the larger context of your own research and the research done by others.

Ask yourself questions such as:

How does this material support my own research? How relevant is it to what I am doing? Where does it fit in my own paper (does it support my background to the study or fits better in the research methodology)? How does the material relate to what others have written on the same topic? Do the findings support others’ findings or do they contradict them? If the findings contradict previous research, what could explain the contradiction?

For a PhD student, active reading and note-taking is a necessity because you are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field of study.

3. Include full references in your notes

The notes for each material read should start with the reference in the reference style recommended by your school or department.

Referencing your notes cannot be overemphasised.

This will save you lots of time when you start inserting in-text citations and compiling reference lists or bibliographies in your dissertation. You won’t have to worry about where certain notes came from and will save you the headache of going back to look for the correct reference.

4. Include some direct quotes

Direct quotes are useful in some cases as long as they stand out and are not just mere general knowledge. They may include: statistics or data that are relevant to your own research, some interesting findings from the research or the author’s unique interpretation of an issue, etc.

Always include the page number of the material where the quote was borrowed from. Direct quotes have to be referenced together with the page number.

5. Have a system for differentiating your own thoughts from the author’s writings

This is useful for avoiding plagiarism.

It is advisable to write the notes in your own words as much as possible. But sometimes it is impossible to avoid noting down exactly what is in the material even if it will not be used as a direct quote. This is especially the case if you want to remember some points the author made in the material for future reference without having to re-read the material again.

In this case, you need to put a system in place that helps you differentiate your own notes from the writings of the authors. You can use for instance a colour coding system where your own notes are marked by a colour of your choice, the author’s writings are marked by a different colour and the direct quotes are marked by a separate colour.

If you go by a colour coding system, then having key for the different colours used in your notes will be useful to avoid confusion as you go along.

An example of key for colour codes would be:

Red = own notes Blue = author’s writings Yellow = direct quotes

6. Make sure to digitise manual notes

Both pen-and-paper methods and digital methods have their pros and cons.

One advantage of using the pen-and-paper method is that it makes it easier to have clarity of thought. You can also easily add your own comments or insights to the notes.

“Plan in Analog — spend time in analog before jumping to digital” ―  Carmine Gallo,  The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

The downside to pen-and-paper method is that the notes can easily get lost or rendered useless, for instance, by spillage.

The other downside to pen-and-paper method is the inability to find something easily. It is time-consuming to peruse through hundreds of pages looking for specific things. Whereas in digital media you can easily use the control F function to find whatever you are looking for.

It is therefore important to digitise manual notes using Microsoft Word or note-taking apps

7. Organise your notes by topics and sub-topics

Instead of organising your notes by authors (like we do in annotated bibliographies ) or by dates, it is best to organise them by topics and sub-topics.

For instance, have a folder for the introduction chapter and create separate files for each sub-topic under the introduction chapter such as: the background to the study, the problem statement, research gap etc.

Do the same for each of your proposal’s or dissertation’s chapters including literature review, research methodology, results and discussion, and lastly the conclusion chapter.

This kind of notes’ organisation will come in handy when writing the proposal or the full dissertation. It will save you time spent going through the notes looking for notes that fit in each of the chapter and their sub-topics.

8. Integrate note-taking with dissertation writing

What I mean is: do not spend a whole year reading materials and taking notes only without writing drafts of the dissertation (or the proposal).

Always write something towards your dissertation on a regular basis.

As an example, you may decide that every Friday you will write 500 words of your dissertation to start with, and then increase the number of words you write as you progress along. So every Friday make use of the notes that you have made at that point and write a sub-topic of your dissertation.

If in the first year you write at least 500 words per week, you will have written at least 26,000 words of your dissertation at the end of the first year. You will then realise that after a while you are able to write 1,000 words and even more in one sitting. The more you write, the easier the writing task becomes.

Keep in mind though, that whatever you write at the beginning is just a draft that you will revise a number of times before it becomes PhD-standard material.

Another important thing to do when writing the drafts of your dissertation is to build the bibliographies or reference list simultaneously, rather than waiting to do this task at the end of your PhD program. Not only will this strategy save you time and headache but it will help you avoid many mistakes in the referencing at the end.

While building your bibliography or reference list be mindful of the required referencing style and always refer to the referencing style manual, even if you are building it with digital softwares such as Zotero. The digital softwares are not always accurate therefore the human eye is a necessity.

9. Build mind maps as you take notes

Mind maps are visual illustrations of the relationships between various concepts. While building the mind maps, include the sources in the notes for easy referencing.

You can build mind maps manually (using pen and paper) or digitally using available mind mapping tools for the different operating systems (such as SimpleMind Pro for MacOS).

Final thoughts on Note-Taking for PhD Students

Effective note-taking habits and strategies form the foundation for an A-graded PhD dissertation. While some students prefer the good old manual tools, more have embraced the digital world. However, each of these platforms has its pros and cons. The best thing would be to have a blended system that incorporates both worlds. This post provides useful tips for taking notes that feed into PhD research thereby making the writing task less daunting.

Related post

How to Take Notes Effectively using OneNote (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Grace Njeri-Otieno

Grace Njeri-Otieno is a Kenyan, a wife, a mom, and currently a PhD student, among many other balls she juggles. She holds a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees in Economics and has more than 7 years' experience with an INGO. She was inspired to start this site so as to share the lessons learned throughout her PhD journey with other PhD students. Her vision for this site is "to become a go-to resource center for PhD students in all their spheres of learning."

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Software for Research and Digital Notetaking

Most of us utilize a range of media when conducting research—we gather documents from online databases, as well as images, audio, and video files from the web. We review box after box of physical documents at the archives. We take notes from books as well as from journal articles we’ve downloaded as pdfs. Some of us conduct oral history interviews, by person or phone. It can be a challenge to keep so much diverse material organized, accessible, and easy to work with when you’re in the process of writing a major research paper or dissertation.

Fortunately, there are a wide array of digital tools for notetaking, generating citations, and organizing your research. Listed below are a few of the many available options:

A free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources from your browser. Integrates with Word to generate bibliographies and citations quickly.

PhD dissertation writing software. Helps to retain, organize, and evaluate assertions, ideas, and concepts for your dissertation, prepares outline-structured notes and saves your time by eliminating tedious cut-and-paste work.

Scrivener is a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents. Scrivener puts everything you need for structuring, writing and editing long documents at your fingertips. On the left of the window, the “binder” allows you to navigate between the different parts of your manuscript, your notes, and research materials, with ease. No more switching between multiple applications to refer to research files: keep all of your background material—images, PDF files, movies, web pages, sound files—right inside Scrivener.

Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research, collaborate with others online, and discover the latest research. The program automatically generate bibliographies, imports papers from other research software, helps you find papers based on what you are reading, and enables you to collaborate with other researchers online.

FileMakerPro

Powerful database software for organizing your research (available for Mac and PC). Take notes, import pdfs, images, videos, and audio files, cross-reference your documents, and more. FilemakerPro comes with built in templates for research notes, but it is completely customizable as well. Fully-searchable. Take advantage of a significant student discount by purchasing this software through the UVa bookstore.

Intuitive notetaking software that comes with Microsoft Office. OneNote is a digital notebook that provides a single place where you can gather all of your notes and information, with the added benefits of powerful search capabilities to find what you are looking for quickly, plus easy-to-use shared notebooks so you can manage information overload and work together with others more effectively. You can insert almost anything into a page, and create as many pages as you want in a notebook. Use to take notes and organize documents, images, websites and more in a user-friendly program with a great visual interface. (For PCs)

GrowlyBird Notes

The closest approximation to OneNote for the Mac--and it's free.Growly Notes lets you capture everything you’re interested in, all in one place. Pages can contain almost anything: formatted text, images, movies, audio clips, PDF files, tables, lists, web and file links, and drawings you create in Notes. There are no rules for where things have to go: put an image beside text or under it. Draw shapes on top of other notes. Put two snippets of text right next to each other. Click anywhere and start typing.

Omeka is a free, flexible, and open source web-publishing platform for the display of library, museum, archives, and scholarly collections and exhibitions. Its “five-minute setup” makes launching an online exhibition as easy as launching a blog.

A.nnotate is an online annotation, collaboration and indexing system for documents and images, supporting PDF and MS Office formats.

A reference manager for Mac and iOS users. Bookends can perform Internet searches to retrieve references and associated pdfs or web pages, or immediately find and import references for which you already have the pdf.

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My favorite note-taking apps for organizing my thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• Microsoft OneNote is the best overall note-taking app with advanced features and cross-platform support.
• Apple Notes is a great free option for iOS users with easy use and seamless iCloud integration.
• Google Keep is a fully free, lightweight app for simple note-taking but lacks advanced organization features.

Note-taking is something we all do in some way. No matter if you need to write lists, copy down a phone number, or take detailed notes on a discussion or class, there's a note-taking app out there that's for you. The right note-taking app should simplify your workflow , and help you keep things organized. There's a wide range of options now for a note-taking app, some are ideal for desktops, while others are designed to be used with phones and tablets .

The right note-app will allow you to seamlessly jot down or dictate your notes across multiple platforms, and have them synchronized and ready to go from anywhere. A good note-taking app will also have organization systems that make it easy to search for and find your notes, so that you can quickly reference information whenever you need.

1 Microsoft OneNote

My favorite note-taking app.

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote manages to fit the bulk of Microsoft Word's text-formatting and editing abilities into a lightweight note-taking app that handles everything from text, to audio, to handwriting and drawing.

• Free to use
• Supports handwriting input from tablets
• Cross platform support on iOS, Android, and Mac
• Works best within Microsoft's app ecosystem

Microsoft's OneNote is my favorite, and it's the note-taking app that I've used the most. OneNote is my daily driver for both my professional writing, but it's also what I use to draft short stories and jot down daily reminders with. It's not the snazziest note-taking app available, but if you've used Microsoft Word, then OneNote's interface -- which features the same "ribbon" bar -- should feel comfortable to you.

The free version of OneNote will provide you with all the features you'll need, including the ability to cross-sync your notes across Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and even iPadOS. You will need to pay extra if you want more than the 5GB of allotted storage space, or if you want to export your OneNote files to Office Word or Excel. If any of these apply to you, you will need to pay for a Microsoft 365 account, which starts at $6.99 per month, but you do receive the rest of Microsoft's 365 productivity suite.

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2 Apple Notes

The default and fully-free notes app for macos and ios.

Apple Notes

Apple's Notes app comes pre-installed on all Macs and iOS devices, and it's one of my favorite iOS note-taking apps.

• Recent updates have improved the app
• Can even be accessed from a bowser
• Experience isn't very intuitive

If you have an iPhone or Mac computer, there's a pretty good chance you've interacted with Apple's free Notes app. This is probably my second most-used notes app, and I like it because of how easy it is to use, comes with consistent useful feature updates, and is fully integrated with your other Apple devices through your iCloud account.

Notes has improved greatly since its original release back with the original iPhone. The latest iOS update allows you to have hidden conversations with the Notes app, as well as create easy group notes for things like party planning or a class assignment. If you are using the Notes app on an iPad, the app is Pen compatible, and you can handwrite notes. Be warned, however, it's not the most intuitive experience, as you have to insert a handwriting section into your note, instead of drawing directly on the note.

Apple Notes can be accessed from nearly anywhere, including your browser. You can access all of your Apple notes through your iCloud account, and this is true even if you are using a Chromebook or Windows PC. While you can view and edit your Apple Notes files through a web browser, we don't recommend using the Windows version of the Notes app, as it interacts pretty poorly with the Windows 10 and 11.

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The best alternative to Apple Notes for iOS devices

Bear is for iOS users who want a clean design and feature-rich replacement for Apple's Notes app. Bear features a tagging system along with Markdown support for easy organizing of your notes.

• Markdown text editing support
• Apple Pencil support
• Intuitive tagging system for organization
• Only compatible with Apple products

Bear is a great option for anyone who wants a more feature-rich note-taking app for iOS devices and Macs. The killer feature of Bear is that it allows you to write in Markdown (a formatting tool that allows you to format text in real-time) and tag each note to keep your thoughts neatly organized. You don't have to use the Markdown feature, though. Bear is easy to use, and it's simple to organize your notes your own way. There's also pen support, so you can use the Apple Pencil natively in Bear.

Bear can be used for free, but the free version limits your exports to just .TXT, Markdown, and Textbundle files. The payment tiers for Bear are a bit confusing, but for $2.99 a month or $30 a year, you can export your notes to nearly any format, including ePUB and OCR. The paid version also includes iCloud syncing, so your notes can go anywhere with you.

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4 Google Keep

The best simple and fully free note-taking app.

Google Keep

Google Keep is free to use and available on all platforms, but it lacks organization features compared to the other options on this list. Still, it is a great note-keeping app for anyone looking for a lightweight note-taking app.

• Easy to use
• Totally free
• Cross-platform
• Lack of organization features
• Google Docs has better integration

If you are looking for a simple and lightweight note-taking app or one that doesn't have a steep learning curve with a ton of features, consider Google Keep. Google Keep can be accessed from any device and is a wonderful note-taking app for jotting down quick notes or for creating daily to-do lists. You can input images into Keep notes and links with ease, and Keep is integrated with the rest of Google's ecosystem.

Keep is accessible directly from Gmail, making it easy to jot down quick bits of information from emails. You can also draft writings in Keep and export them directly to Google Docs , saving time in the writing process. There's no fee for using Keep, but do keep in mind that your Keep notes will impact your overall Google account storage, so if you have a lot of already-existing Sheets and Docs, you may need to pay for more Google storage.

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The best premium note-taking app

Notion is a popular note-taking app often used by software developers, but it's great for anyone thanks to its wide range of custom templates and features.

• Wide ranging use cases
• Different templates for different uses
• AI integration
• Steep learning curve

If you've worked for a startup or have worked on a technical team, there's a good chance you have interacted with Notion. I've used Notion both in a job setting, but I've also used it as a digital journaling tool. It's one of the most flexible note-taking apps that I've tested, and if you're willing to spend time on learning all the ins-and-outs, Notion can do nearly anything you want it to as a note-taking app.

Notion is built with blocks of your notes. It's easy to create your own Wiki, to-do lists, or daily or weekly planner with Notion thanks to the block system of the UI. Notion runs in your browser, so it's usable from anywhere, and you can share anything you create with any other Notion users. It's free to use, but if you want to bring in more than 10 people to your Notion, or create private pages, you can pay for Notion starting at $8 a month.

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The most expansive note-taking app, for those with patience

Obsidian is a great, feature-rich note-taking app, but it features a steep learning curve. It's free to use for individuals, but businesses will need to pay for a commercial license from Obsidian.

• Free to use for individuals
• Graph notes
• Wide range of free plug-ins
• Difficult learning curve

Obsidian is the most feature-rich note-taking app on this list, but it's also the most difficult to learn. Obsidian shines by locally saving your notes, eliminating the requirement for an internet connection that most of the other apps on this list have. It also keeps your note secure, but security always comes at a cost, and that mainly translates to how difficult Obsidian is to learn.

There's a ton you can do with Obsidian. You can make a nesting doll of your notes, graph them and organize connections in a web design. You can also take advantage of the hundreds of free plug-ins that are available for Obsidian. Obsidian's best feature is how customizable it is. You can make things look however you wish, as long as you are willing to put the time into learning how to master the app.

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Q: How did you decide on these picks?

As a writer covering consumer tech and lifestyle, I've tested many different note-taking apps over the years. I built this list by prioritizing ease of use and cost while considering features. The top picks are what I have found in my own testing to be the easiest-to-use apps, while the more feature-rich apps are further along in the list.

Q: Is it worth paying for a note-taking app?

This ultimately depends on your own individual needs. If there is a specific feature that you need to pay for for a note-taking app, and you think it will simplify your workflow, I would say go for it. I have paid for note-taking apps in the past because of certain features I wanted to use, but I don't currently pay for any note-taking apps. As a writer, however, I have no problem with paying for a note-taking app if I know that it will make my life easier.

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best note-taking apps for iPad: Digitize your notes

Did you upgrade from a spiral notebook to an iPad? For many of us, an iPad is the perfect work, school, or personal tech companion to a laptop to level up daily productivity. If you love the tactile feeling of writing notes on paper, or it's your preferred study method, you won't have to sacrifice. The iPad is equipped with a native Notes app, and third-party developers offer tons of specialized, detailed, and upgraded app experiences for taking notes on your Apple tablet. 

Also: The best iPad stylus for your iPad  

But with hundreds of notebook-style apps on the market, it's hard to know which are worth your time or fit your needs. No one wants to waste time testing different apps and jumping ship until finding what works best. That's why we went hands-on with over a dozen note-taking apps for the iPad, keeping in mind cost, functionality, practicality, and design while focusing on apps that level up the hand-written note-taking experience. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy  

What's the best note-taking app right now? 

Our pick for the best note-taking app overall goes to Notability for its tiered plan offerings, multiple pen styles, added format and design tools, and easy-to-use interface. But tons of apps are available for note-taking on your iPad, and some are suited to different wants and needs. See how Notability compares to our other top note-taking apps for studying, tool variability, and more. 

The best note-taking apps for iPad in 2024

Best ipad note-taking app overall.

• Supports multiple formats and pen styles
• Good free version
• Templates available
• PDF editing
• Tiered subscription options, but no one-time purchase option
• Limited stylus compatibility for use of Ink
• iCloud sync for subscribers only

Notability is widely regarded as one of the best note-taking apps for iPad, thanks to a simple interface matched by powerful capability. Notes are no longer just notes when you can add different forms of multimedia, like audio and video. 

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It melds several different types of note-taking apps for iPad, offering the ability to take notes, create a journal, or utilize special tools like ink and highlighter. It allows not only note-taking but also PDF annotation. This is a convenient additional feature for students and professionals who spend time reviewing and working with PDF documents. 

Francois Gouelo uses Notability to help him in his role as owner of Enso Connect . "I've found Notability to be an invaluable tool in managing my business and helping us take our guest hosting game to the next level," he says, adding that it has significantly streamlined his workflow. "This versatility has been a game-changer in terms of productivity."

When I tested Notability, I immediately preferred it over other options because it was so easy to use. The app is arranged thoughtfully, and all the essential tools needed while jotting down notes are conveniently at the top of the screen. Plus, I appreciated the ability to use templates right away (even with just the free version). It brings the notebook experience to life and makes it fun. 

You can also upload your document or slide to begin. The app is specifically compatible with Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon for specific tools like ink (I tested using the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen). When you first create an account, you'll be limited to the free plan, which offers a decent amount for free, but your note edits are still limited until you subscribe to a paid option if you want access to extended features. While there are several tiered subscription options, though there isn't a one-time payment option, which is a downside compared to alternatives like Goodnotes 6. 

Several users on Reddit said they recommended Notability for note-taking, with one user emphasizing the all-in-one nature of the app. "Notability is better if you will be using the notes app for anything besides just writing (drawings, diagrams, math). The dotted line tool sealed the deal for me; as an engineering student, I use it quite often," one Redditor said. 

As an editor, notes are primarily notes to me, but Notability's multifunctions greatly set it apart from other users. My closest friend is an AP statistics teacher in New Jersey, and she says there's nothing better than making answer keys and worksheets for her classes. She swears by Notability for in-class demonstrations on her projector while student teaching. 

Notability key features:  Price: $5/month or $15/year (other plans available) | Available app for Mac, iPhone, iPad | Templates | Customize notes with images, text, audio, and more | Import and mark-up PDFs and other docs | Store and organize notes | Math Conversion technology

Best iPad note-taking and productivity duo app

• Efficient workflow and notes app in one
• Numerous tiered subscription plans
• Multi-platform capabilities
• Good basic note-taking
• Limited storage under the free plan
• More costly than other subscription options
• No focus on handwritten notes, rather overall productivity

Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create notebooks to organize your notes and add content like PDFs, sketches, and other multimedia like photos and audio. You can sync your account to your Google calendar, offering full scheduling capability beyond your note-taking abilities. 

You can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote's Web Clipper tool. In addition, you can scan your own handwritten or printed notes with your camera. 

You can sync all your devices with the number of devices determined by your subscription plan. Your plan also controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

"I've come to like Evernote," says Tina Grant, quality assessor for Aerospheres with 17 years in the aviation industry. "The fact that it's a multiplatform tool helps, as I use a Windows computer at work. This means I can take notes on my iPad and then later access them directly in my browser on the PC. The fact that there is a built-in organization system that allows you to set up categories and tags also really helps to keep things in order."

I previously used Evernote as a high school student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it's gotten a lovely facelift in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized, especially if you need help to be the neat. 

That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you're looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may better suit your needs. Plus, the accessible version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of overall storage, note size, and more. 

Many Redditors said they like Evernote's features, organization, and workflow. Still, recently, some users said they ditched the platform for more simple, decluttered productivity apps and to escape "annoying" ads or pop-ups. 

Evernote f eatures: Price:  Starting at $15/month or starting at $130/year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices 

Goodnotes 6

Best alternative ipad note-taking app.

• Supports file storage on several platforms
• Templates included
• Several paid plan options
• PDF note-taking supported
• Can purchase outright
• If purchased outright, you don't get the latest upgrades as they come out
• No monthly or 3-month plan

While embarking on this journey to test note-taking apps, I've discovered that the Goodnotes vs. Notability lure runs deep. Much like you're either Team Edward or Team Jacob from Twilight, you're either Team Notability or Team Goodnotes. 

The pitting of the two against each other is for good reason. They offer many of the same features, have cult followings, and are Apple Editors' Choice-awarded apps. 

GoodNotes also syncs across your devices for easy access, no matter where or what device you use. You can adjust and change your handwriting or use different colored inks with included tools, like Shape, Lasso, and Elements, that allow you to import photos and diagrams. Plus, it's perfect to use in conjunction with the Apple Pencil. You also have the option to work with PDFs and document outlines, housing them in an unlimited number of folders and subfolders for better organization. From handwritten notes to typed ones, your notes, files, and folders are all easily searchable. 

When I tested Goodnotes 6, I liked the three notebooks provided while using the free tier. I found the app easy to use, intuitive, and similar to the Notability experience. Ultimately, the deciding factor between the two came down to the subscription options. While Goodnotes can be purchased outright and Notability can't, the latter offers monthly and quarterly subscription options, which is excellent for students or those who know they will only use the app periodically or for one semester. A subscription model ensures that you'll always have access to the most up-to-date app version. 

Several Redditors said they would recommend Goodnotes 6 over Notability or other apps, with many saying it's well worth the cost to upgrade to the paid plan. Some said the one-time purchase option of Goodnotes makes it more cost-effective than other note-taking apps. However, other Redditors said that purchasing the software outright limits any future upgrades without having to pay and that the developer never lets customers know when a new version will be available.

"Only the current version you buy is forever, so if you buy GoodNotes 6, you will continue to benefit from it 100%, but once they release GoodNotes 7, you will have to buy that to stay up to date. If you don't, your current version will not continue to receive updates, and they will bombard you with ads telling you to move to the next version," one Redditor wrote. 

Goodnotes 6 key features: Price: $10/year or a one-time fee of $30 | Free starter plan with three notebooks (paid plans include unlimited notebooks) | Compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud | Paper Templates and customizable sizes for notes | Add, create, or import stickers | Supports audio notes | AI support

Best iPad note-taking app for handwriting recognition

• More affordable
• Great handwriting recognition
• Easy to use
• Useful tool panel for control while writing
• Lacks some features competitors have
• No subscriptions

Nebo offers full stylus support when you have an Apple Pencil you are itching to use on your new note-taking app for iPad. It uses leading AI technology to provide the option of handwritten notes, or you can annotate where you see fit. Nebo works with 66 languages, converting your scrappy hand-scribbled notes into lovely notes. 

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If you pick up where you left off, you can import a file because the app is compatible with PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. Regardless of your choice, you can easily transition from handwriting to text to dictation, even in the same word, to make transcription a breeze, regardless of your preferred method. It can even handle math equations and diagrams, available as LaTeX or image.

Nebo also offers a companion app called Nebo Viewer, which allows you to access read-only versions of your notes anytime on your iPhone. Before seeing your notes, you must create a free MyScript account and access cloud sync.

"I operate in a sphere where time is precious, and managing day-to-day operations can be a Herculean task," explains Athina Zisi, Chief Operations Officer of Energy Casino . "This is where Nebo comes in with its meticulously designed features. Whether I'm jotting down notes during a high-stakes meeting or capturing action points during an operations review, Nebo handles it with aplomb."

Plus, Nebo's latest AI updates up the ante. Now, Nebo AI can be utilized for PDFs, empowering users to summarize content, clarify complex concepts, engage in quizzes, or interact with an AI assistant directly within their PDF documents. English users can enjoy improved quiz questions with Nebo's AI Quiz tool. 

When I tested Nebo, my favorite features were the lasso tool and the handy toolbar, which made it easy to switch colors and writing tools, change size and weight, and customize my note-taking. It's also easy to teach yourself the Nebo interface, which makes it a good pick for a beginner or student. 

Redditors said that they liked Nebo's handwriting-to-text feature, which some emphasized was better and more practical than that of Goodnote 6. Users said it has some of the best handwriting recognition across the note-taking app space but lacks some features of other competitors, like synching and audio notes. 

Nebo key f eatures:  Price: $9 for full version |  Artificial intelligence technology | Compatible with PDFs | Freeform canvas for unique note-taking control | Writing to text conversion | Lasso tool for maximum control | Add photos, sketches, and math | Create and edit structured notes | Solve simple math 

Apple Notes

Best native ipad note-taking app.

• Free to use
• Automatic save feature
• Already built into your iPad
• Rather basic features
• No fancy extras
• Only syncs on other Apple devices

A handy addition to any iPad, the Notes app is Apple's signature note-taking app. Its straightforward functionality makes it our best basic note-taking app for iPads. If you own an iPad, you probably already have the Apple Notes app installed on your home screen. 

It is one of the easiest ways to take notes, but the app can be used for more than note-taking. It can also handle other media types, like images, checklists, and sketches. 

"I freely admit to Notes being a complete lifesaver for me on more than one occasion," shares Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool . "In business, you can have unexpected conversations and need to be able to remember pertinent information. Having Notes has helped me save important information easily during those unexpected conversations."

I use the Apple Notes app for many things, from checklists to grocery lists to to-do lists. I wouldn't recommend trying to complete detailed educational notes on this app because there are much better options for in-depth note-taking, but the app is great for everyday jotting and reminders. 

It also works with handwritten notes or scanned documents that you need to keep at the ready. You can lock your notes with passwords or scan paper documents using the built-in scanner. The app is based on iCloud, so you can access your notes on any of your Apple devices. 

"It's easy to use, save, and already included on your iPhone," says Portillo. "Wins all around."

Apple Notes key features:  Price: Free | Simple to use | Share notes with others | Native to Apple ecosystem | Already installed on your iPad

Best note-taking app for annotating PDFs

• Ultimate research review and annotating capabilities
• Multi-platform sync
• Student discounts available
• Shareable files
• Several subscription options
• Limited traditional notebook experience
• More catered to PDF and document annotating

LiquidText was named the "Most Innovative iPad App of the Year" by the Apple App Store, and it's not for nothing. LiquidText offers a quick and easy way to review, gather, and organize information across tons of documents and web pages and then apply your findings to writing, studying, prepping, and more. You can pull out key facts and connect them, squeeze a document to compare sections, draw a line to connect ideas in different documents, comment on multiple pages, build upon your thoughts, and more.

When I tested LiquidText, I was impressed with its capabilities and was honestly quite mad that this was the first time I had found something like it before graduating from college. This would have been the perfect tool to have on hand throughout my graduate studies because it makes it so easy to take and connect ideas through files like PDFs, which traditionally are pesky to work with, especially when dealing with scanned copies of class readings, etc. This would've been great while writing my master's thesis, but lucky for you, I'm telling you about it now in this list. 

If you're looking for a solid note-taking app specifically for research, PDFs, and detailed annotating, LiquidText is a good pick. LiquidText users on Reddit said they liked the layout, app structure, and easy editing and note-taking on documents and files. Some said they would prefer something other than the subscription offerings or the synching capabilities. Still, many Redditors found it a better option than other note-taking apps for seamlessly annotating things like PDFs. 

LiquidText key features:  Price: Starts at $10/month | Easily organizes research | Review and annotate PDFs | Import from email, Dropbox, and more | Cross-platform synching | Backup on cloud | Share files easily 

What is the best note-taking app?

The best note-taking app for iPad is Notability and for several reasons. It works with the different types of media that you want to add to your notes, plus you can organize all of your notes into neat notebooks that are easy to access. Notability is also free to use, but you can upgrade for a minimal fee should you want access to the bonus features. 

Below is a look at the standout features and rating of the best note-taking apps we chose:

Which note-taking app is right for you?

Finding the best note-taking app is personal. It really depends on what you're looking for and what features are most important to you. So many iPad apps offer a lot of the same capabilities, so here's a breakdown of the standout features and our recommended best use case for each app we've rated to help you make the right note app choice for your iPad. But remember, it's going to come down to your personal preferences, and perhaps even some trial and error. 

Factors to consider when choosing a note-taking app for iPad:

If you're on the hunt for a good note-taking app, here's a few key features we think would be good to consider when searching for an app that fits your needs: 

• Interface: We looked for note apps that offer a clean, streamlined interface that is not too cluttered or distracting from your work. It's going to be key to decide what overall interface and design style suits your lifestyle, skills, and needs -- you're not going to want to take notes on an app that you struggle to find the tools on. 
• Tools: When it comes time to write, you want to be sure that there are the right tools to help you get the job done. We looked at features like the type of writing, dictation, presentation, and editing tools available with each of the best note-taking apps. Be sure to consider if you need a multitude of writing tool types, fonts, colors, and more artistic features, or if you just need the basics. 
• Continuity : If you want to be able to take notes on your iPad, but pick up where you left off on your Mac, you're going to need to look for apps which offer continuity between your device ecosystem. Most apps make it incredibly easy to access your notes from another device, but keep in mind that some apps may require a subscription or fee to do so. 
• Use: Narrowing down your use case for an iPad note-taking app will make it easier to find the perfect app for you. Do you need an app that can handle educational notes, to-do lists, reminders, and more? Will this app just be for school or work notes? Consider what you'll be using the app for the most and go from there. 
• Note-taking style : While all note-taking apps are designed to take notes, some are catered to different styles of note-taking. If you're looking to type your notes, or are looking to have your written text turn into text, you may need to pay closer attention to app descriptions before downloading tons of apps. Most "note-taking" apps on iPad are optimized for written notes using a stylus. 
• Cost: Budget is critical, so we considered how much each app costs and what each purchase gives you, and think you should too. 

How did we test these note-taking apps for iPad?

ZDNET went hands-on with every note-taking app recommended on this list, using a 2022 iPad Air. I spent time during using this app during my own daily activities to test out tool options, design or layouts, continuity and security, ease of use, user appeal, and most importantly, writing capabilities -- not just for a day or two, but over the course of a few weeks to really get a feel for an app's add-in value. That is, can you "add-in" this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that's too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off? 

We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that's why this list, as well as our other advice, is tailored to your needs, wants, and your budget, and why our picks are expert-tested and expert-vetted. 

Why should I use a note-taking app for iPad?

Note-taking apps offer far more than you may expect. In addition to storing your notes and bright ideas, they also can offer many other support features, including converting handwriting to digital notes, templates to choose from, and even adding different forms of media like video and audio. 

And they're great for organizing ideas on the go. Whether you're scribbling your own ideas or collaborating with friends or colleagues, you'll have a central hub to access your notes easily. 

What can I use to take notes on my iPad?

If you plan on using a keyboard to type out your notes on your iPad like on a computer, you won't need to worry about a stylus. However, if you want a true pen-and-paper-like experience on your iPad, a stylus will be the best way to replicate that. ZDNET's top pick for an iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) -- especially if you can grab it while it's on sale, or the Apple Pencil Pro, depending on what iPad model you own. We also have tested and liked options from Zagg, Logitech, and more. 

Also: The best iPad stylus you can buy

And if you're really committed to the notebook bit, there are even paper-like screen protectors designed for various iPad models to offer users a similar tactile experience to real paper. 

Also: The best iPad screen protectors of 2024

Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

Logitech crayon, paperlike 2.1 screen protector for ipad 10.9-inch, apple pencil pro, what is the highest-rated note-taking app for ipad.

Many of our picks for best note-taking apps have high App Store ratings. Goodnotes 6, OneNote, Notability all have a 4.7/5 star rating. Few apps, like CollaNote and " Old Notepad ", have an even higher rating of 4.8/5. 

Does iPad have a free note-taking app?

It is possible to use a free note-taking app for iPad. The best free iPad note-taking app is Apple Notes, since it comes pre-installed and could not be easier to use. However, there are other options available to you, too. 

What's the difference between a smart notebook and a note-taking app?

A smart notebook (often called a digital notebook) is essentially a digital version of a traditional notebook, designed specifically for note taking and writing tasks. They often offer cloud services, storage, and different upload options. An iPad, like other tablets, runs on an operating system and can offer a wider range of function such as browsing the web, multimedia, gaming, and other tasks. With an iPad, you can download specific applications designed for note taking to provide a notebook experience, while also using it for a multitude of other things. A smart notebook is only designed for note-taking, and not for other activities. 

Also: The best digital notebooks you can buy

Where are my notes stored when I use a note-taking app?

Where your notes are housed will ultimately differ from app to app, but most offer options to additionally export files to alternative storage places or automatically update to the cloud. This makes your notes easy to share and find, no matter what device you choose to access them on. Of course, you can access your notes directly from each app, too. If you plan on taking many digital notes, we recommend ensuring you have ample storage space and a proper cloud system . Nothing is worse than losing notes you worked hard on before a big test or meeting. 

Also: The best cloud storage services for secure file keeping

Do I need a stylus to take notes on my iPad?

No, you don't absolutely need a stylus to take notes on your iPad. Some note-taking apps are designed to better suit typing your notes, so a stylus wouldn't be required. But if you're looking to replicate the feel of paper and pen, a stylus is the easiest way to do so and works much better than your fingers. The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Apple Pencil Pro, and Logitech Crayon are some great stylus options , though we've tested others you can consider, too. 

Also: The best stylus for your iPad

Other note-taking apps we've tested:

While searching for the best note-taking apps, we came across other apps that may work for your needs. Here are a few other note-taking apps to look into. 

ZDNET Recommends

The best note-taking tablets: expert tested, the best smart notebooks you can buy: expert tested, the best tablets for students going back to school: expert tested.

CollaNote: Notes & PDF Markup 4+

Note with 25+ pens & pencils, zauberberg lab company limited, designed for ipad.

• 4.8 • 12.5K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

CollaNote : Powerful Note-Taking, PDF Markup, and Digital Planning - All-in-One - Versatile Toolset: Experience an extensive collection of 25 pens and brushes, surpassing other note-taking apps in options for creativity - Enhanced Writing Perfection: Elevate your writing experience with CollaNote's cutting-edge ink engine and stabilizer, surpassing pen and paper in precision and stability - Smart Dark Mode: Write your notes once and enjoy optimal visibility in both dark and light modes, ensuring comfort for your eyes. - Calming Writing ASMR: Immerse yourself in a calming note-taking ambiance with soothing writing sound, creating a serene environment while you write. - Audio Recording and Playback: Record audio while taking notes and watch as your handwritten words animate in sync with the audio playback, akin to karaoke text. - Note Security: Safeguard your notes with password protection, ensuring the utmost security and privacy. - PDF Integration: Seamlessly import PDFs, annotate or sign them, and effortlessly export your notes back to PDF format. - Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborate with unlimited participants in real time, experiencing zero delays for smooth and efficient teamwork. - Extensive Paper Selection: Choose from over 150 stunning paper designs and beautiful templates - Media-Rich Notes: Personalize your notes with images, text, stickers, web widgets, and links, creating dynamic and interactive content. - AI Shape Detection: Utilize CollaNote's AI-powered technology to effortlessly detect and draw perfect shapes with unmatched precision. - Effortless Note Storage: CollaNote securely stores all your notes in the System Files app, providing seamless options for syncing, backing up, and restoring your valuable content - Discover Countless Surprises: Delve into CollaNote and uncover a plethora of delightful surprises that await your exploration. CollaNote's journey began with a student at Hamburg University, who now leads a dedicated team of individuals devoted to delivering the finest digital paper experience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our users for their unwavering support since the early days of CollaNote.

Version 2.1.6

Minor bugs fixed and preparations made for the next major update

Ratings and Reviews

12.5K Ratings

Best note taking experience

I don’t like to leave reviews. But this app truly provides the best features for both handwritten and typed notes so much so that I want to thank the developer with a monetary donation. Not sure where to do that yet, though. You can really tell that the person who developed this app did so with students in mind—there are so many useful, convenient features that make note-taking and studying very easy, and all of it is FREE, which is one of the biggest factors that makes this app even more underrated. I’m actually surprised it doesn’t have more reviews, but I’m so glad I found it. I usually take non-digital handwritten notes, but as a masters student, it’s easier to erase, re-write, and upload everything as a PDF. There are a ton of little details that make life as a student easier. You have to take a small amount of time to go through the different features and customize certain things, but that’s part of the reason I love it. Once I set everything up, it’s so quick to change the font, size, color, utensil-type, page background and it soon becomes part of your motor memory. I encourage everyone to utilize this note-taking app, especially if you rely on hand-written notes. Please keep up the good work, man! We really appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into continually improving this app.

Saved me from losing school work

This app has a lot more applications and freedom then most paid apps I’ve used in the past. It also saved me from loosing school work. My previous school had me download a different note app. For the most part the prior app was fine, except for the amount of notes I lost to hungry void. Eventually ditching the prior app in search of a new one. CollaNote has a small learning curb but that’s what the beginners tips are there for, despite that it can be a little bit of a struggle sometimes to find things in settings. For example, the dark interfaces are not seen in the settings icon next to all the other options in the all notes area. You have to enter a note and these options can only be accessed while in a note. There isn’t many export file options at the moment but does have your universal pdf file, so it’s much easier for other apps to accept your notes. Would definitely recommend as theirs so many people who are contributing to this app who are helping making the app more accessible for other languages. There are public notes that allow for a unique way of interaction with users. Notes are also ridiculously easy to organize once u get over that learning curb.

An incredible note taking app, definitely a competitor

TL;DR: this wildly good free app will make you question why anyone would pay for a note taking app. This app offers many of the same incredible features that paid apps such as Notability and GoodNotes use to justify price points. I downloaded it out of curiosity and now I am reconsidering making the jump to primarily use it. I am just flabbergasted that it is completely free with no micro transactions or ads. Some of the features do come out a little less polished than the other big names apps, but I have looked at the developer’s update history on their published forum and it is incredible how responsive, timely and involved the individual is. I have no doubt that in less than a few months, those polishes will be more than completed AND even more new features will be implemented. I would be more than happy to send a few $$ to the developer because they seem to actually care about improving their app and implementing feedback, vs the once very few months minor “update” provided by expensive, big name note taking apps (which sometimes include new micro transactions). Note taking apps everywhere better watch themselves on what they charge for in the future and on how fast they get features out there.

Developer Response ,

Thank you very much for writing the first review of CollaNote, that's very kind of you - it has given me so many motivations. Reading this first review makes me remember the moment 10 months ago, when I released the first version of app in the App Store. I look back, and I'm so glad that the app has become so much better, so many features has been added and so many people love using it. I achieved things that I thought I could never do, thanks to your motivations. I will try my best, so you can keep enjoy the app. Love

App Privacy

The developer, Zauberberg Lab Company Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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Best note-taking device for students?

I’m looking for a note-taking device for graduate studies. Simplicity is important as I’ll mostly use it for notes and reading course material. For that reason, I’m hoping to avoid devices with distracting features, however scheduling or project tracking would be nice too. Some of the features I’m considering are below.

Non-negotiable:

Convert handwriting to text

Recognizes bulleted note taking (I.e. indentation)

Download PDFs

Sync to Google Drive

Nice-to-have:

Project or task tracking such as ToDo lists with dates and statuses

Sync to Google Calendar

Organization features like linking

Thanks for the suggestions!