That one free app on your phone undoubtedly looks akin to a notepad; it sits patiently on your phone’s screen, waiting for you to open the app and make some note of what your intentions are for the day. But instead, you take a different route, and you end up in an app that either has nothing to do with productivity or it is just another version of Apple’s Notes. Out of all the possible productivity apps in the App Store, Notes has often been shunned by most students due to the misconception that the app only allows you to type words on lines. But after reading this article thoroughly, you can hopefully recognize some of the free and useful features the underrated app provides.

1. iCloud Feature

Replacing your old iPhone 6 with a new Apple device, but worried that all your notes from the previous years are going to vanish? There is certainly no need to fret; your iCloud has you covered if or whenever you decide to replace your phone or receive a new Apple device. By signing into your iCloud on a new phone, you can sync the exact notes from your previous device. Once your data has transferred, you can easily access them in a folder titled, “All iCloud.” Now, it is uncertain whether or not other apps will have an iCloud feature. However, iCloud on Notes will guarantee that previous notes are accessible from all devices.

2. Helpful Shortcuts 

Out of time trying to rummage through 600 other notes stored in your iCloud folder or trying to keep track of important points during a meeting? Notes has all the essential shortcuts you need when efficiently searching a memo or getting tasks completed. This app has a voice recognition feature that allows you to search a specific note in your folder by enunciating a key term in that note. Just say “cupcakes” into the mic, and your cupcake recipe will automatically appear!

Say, perhaps you mistakenly deleted an important note that contains all your homework assignments for the day. Notes has a recently deleted folder that allows you to access all your deleted and old memos. However, keep in mind that the documents in the recently deleted folder are available for 30 days. After that, the note may permanently delete on its own.

The edit button on the top right of your Notes screen will enable you to customize, share, move, and rename your folder. With this shortcut, students are able to share folders for group projects and invite others to edit the notes within the portfolio.

3. The Note-taking Feature

Another amazing feature the app provides is the ability to make checklists, data charts, graphs, and pictures. Certainly, with these tools, you shouldn’t be solely limited to just your phone’s keyboard; you have so many other options available to stay productive and efficiently take notes. By choosing a line or a grid to hand-write on Notes, you can doodle a picture or even graph lines. This note-taking feature works well on large touchscreen devices like iPads. Using a stylus pen comes in hand when deciding to take class notes, do graphing problems, or jot meeting discussions.

4. Document Scanner

For the grand finale, the most useful feature on this app, especially for the intention of distance learning, is the document scanning feature! At the bottom of every note, there is a camera icon. Select scan documents, and you should be able to use your camera to take a photo of your assignment. Once you have adjusted the size and shape of your document to your liking, select keep scan, and the scanned paper should immediately save on your memo. To turn in your written assignments/exams from Notes, hold the documents, and select share. You should be able to share your documents through Google Classroom, Drive, Gmail, etc.

Notes has every feature you need when efficiently turning assignments in or learning the skills of note-taking. Hopefully, the productivity app can someday be your best guide to success during your experience with distance learning.

Graphic courtesy of MACOBSERVER.COM