My Note-Taking Odyssey: From Paper Chaos to Digital Zen
Let's be honest, my pre-iPad note-taking life was a disaster. Loose papers, forgotten notebooks, scribbled notes I couldn't decipher – it was a chaotic mess. Finding specific information? Forget about it! Then, I got an iPad. Suddenly, organization wasn't a battle, it was a breeze. So, if you're drowning in paper or struggling to stay on top of things, buckle up, because I'm about to share my top 10 iPad apps for note-taking and organization (as of March 9th, 2025, of course!).
woman using ipad to take notes and organize | Image: Supplied
1. Notability: Your All-in-One Note-Taking Powerhouse
Notability is my personal holy grail. It's got everything: handwriting recognition (amazing for those of us who prefer pen and paper!), audio recording (perfect for lectures or meetings), PDF annotation, and easy organization into notebooks and folders. Seriously, I use this app for everything – from brainstorming sessions to jotting down grocery lists. I even use it to annotate ebooks, which is a game-changer. If you only try one app from this list, make it this one. Trust me on this. It changed my life.
ipad screen showing notability app | Image: Supplied
2. GoodNotes 5: The Digital Notebook Experience
GoodNotes 5 is a close second to Notability for me. I adore its realistic pen and pencil feel, which is super satisfying. Plus, it has some brilliant organizational features, including custom templates, so you can truly customize your digital notebooks. What’s not to love? It's not quite as fully featured as Notability, but its simplicity and elegance make it a must-have.
ipad screen showing goodnotes 5 app | Image: Supplied
3. OneNote: Microsoft's Note-Taking Giant
OneNote is a classic for a reason. It's super versatile, allowing you to create notebooks, sections, and pages, making organization a breeze. Plus, it syncs across all your devices, which is invaluable. I love how you can easily insert pictures, audio files, web links—it really is the ultimate digital workspace. It's a little less visually appealing than some of the other apps on this list, but its power and functionality make up for it.
ipad screen showing onenote app | Image: Supplied
4. Bear: Minimalist Note-Taking for the Discerning User
Bear is all about simplicity and elegance. It's perfect for those who value a clean interface and straightforward note-taking experience. It's beautifully designed, with a focus on aesthetics. It lacks some of the advanced features of Notability or OneNote, but its minimalist nature can be a huge plus if you're easily distracted. I like using it for journaling, personal thoughts, or things that aren't overly complicated.
ipad screen showing bear app | Image: Supplied
5. Evernote: The Organization Powerhouse
Evernote's a long-standing note-taking titan. It offers robust features like web clipping, tagging, and powerful search capabilities. It's not the prettiest app, but it's incredibly powerful for managing large amounts of information. It's more for serious organization and project management, not as much for casual note-taking. I use it for more complex projects and work-related notes. The search function is seriously good--a life saver!
ipad screen showing evernote app | Image: Supplied
6. LiquidText: For Deep Thinking and Research
LiquidText is a game-changer for research and deep thinking. Its unique annotation features allow you to connect ideas visually, making it perfect for complex projects or academic work. It's more focused on in-depth analysis, so if you’re not doing something academically focused, maybe skip this one.
ipad screen showing liquidtext app | Image: Supplied
7. Pages: Apple's Built-in Word Processor
I know, I know, it's not technically a note-taking app, but Pages is surprisingly versatile. It's great for creating structured notes, outlines, or reports. It’s intuitive and easy to use, especially if you are already familiar with other Apple products.
ipad screen showing pages app | Image: Supplied
8. Ulysses: Writing App with Note-Taking Capabilities
Ulysses is primarily a writing app, but its Markdown support and organizational features make it a solid option for note-taking, especially if you're a writer or prefer a more structured approach. It is clean and has a beautiful interface. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate clean writing apps, it's a worthy addition.
ipad screen showing ulysses app | Image: Supplied
9. Todoist: Task Management and Note-Taking Combo
Todoist is primarily a task management app, but it also allows you to add notes to your tasks. This makes it great for keeping track of to-dos and related information. I use it primarily for project management, combining notes and action steps. If you need an integrated to-do/note-taking solution, then Todoist is worth exploring.
ipad screen showing todoist app | Image: Supplied
10. Craft: A Unique Approach to Note-Taking and Organization
Craft takes a different approach. It’s less about the individual note and more about connecting your notes in a more interconnected way. It's designed for complex projects and those who want to see the big picture. It's one of my favorites for connecting various thoughts and ideas. It's worth exploring if you value interconnected notes.
ipad screen showing craft app | Image: Supplied
Finding Your Perfect Note-Taking Flow
Ultimately, the best iPad note-taking app depends on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with a few, see what works for you, and don’t be afraid to switch things up! What's your favorite note-taking app? Let me know in the comments!
