For about a year now, I've been using the Quick Notes feature on my Mac, a tool that's as straightforward as it is useful. I can't recall exactly when Apple introduced this feature or in which macOS version it debuted, but I can say it's become indispensable for my daily workflow. If you haven't yet incorporated Quick Notes into your routine or you're looking to optimize its usage, this guide is for you.

What Is Quick Notes?

Quick Notes is a built-in macOS feature that streamlines the note-taking process. It allows you to jot down information without needing to switch out of your current application. All notes taken this way are saved in a specific folder within the Notes app, where they can be edited further. Let's dig deep into its capabilities and how you can maximize its benefits.

Creating a Quick Note: The Basics

You can create a Quick Note using either a keyboard shortcut or a hot corner of your screen:

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Simply press the Fn (Globe) key along with the letter Q.
2. Hot Corners: Hover your mouse pointer to the pre-set lower-right corner of your screen and click on the note icon that appears.

If the Hot Corner does not activate the Quick Note, first check the option is selected in your System Settings -> Desktop and Dock -> Hot Corners

Then select Quick Note on one of your available corners

Both methods offer immediate access to the Quick Notes feature, making it convenient to take notes during web browsing sessions, video conferences, or any other tasks you are engaged in.

Tip: If you prefer having a new Quick Note each time instead of resuming the last one, go to Notes -> Preferences and deselect the Always resume to last Quick Note option.

Adding Web Links and Page Highlights

The real utility of Quick Notes shines when you're working within the Safari browser:

1. Web Links: To add a web link to your Quick Note, click on the 'Share' button within your Safari window, and then select Add to Quick Note.

2. Page Highlights: Want to remember a specific piece of text? Simply highlight it, right-click, and then choose Add to Quick Note. The text will remain highlighted even when you revisit the webpage later.

By using these features, you transform your Quick Notes into a dynamic repository of information that goes beyond simple text entries.

Managing Quick Notes

Managing Quick Notes is as easy as managing any other note on the Notes app. However, given that Quick Notes are meant to be, well, quick, it's quite common to have them pile up. Here are some organizational tips:

• Tagging: Use tags to categorize your Quick Notes. Just type # followed by your tag. Your tags will then appear within your Folders

• Searching: Use the search function to find the note you are looking for easily.

Advanced Features

• Tables: Just like in the main Notes app, you can add tables to your Quick Notes to better structure your information.
• Checklists: For task-oriented notes, make use of checklists within Quick Notes.
• Attachments: Believe it or not, Quick Notes can contain attachments like photos and scanned documents.

Action Plan

To really get the most out of Quick Notes, you need an action plan:

Define Your Use-Case: What kind of information will you primarily be capturing?

• A shopping list to capture items you need to buy on your next trip to the grocery store. This is the most common use I suppose.
• Reading Lists: a collection of books, articles, or papers you plan to read, possibly organized by topic or priority (I recommend to use tags here).
• Travel Itineraries: Flight details, hotel reservations, must-see locations, and daily activity plans for upcoming trips.
• Idea Journal: A repository of ideas for stories, poems, or other creative projects.
• Music Playlist: Lists of songs or compositions for different moods, activities, or events.
• Research Notes: Summaries of academic papers, books, or lectures relevant to your research.

Testing: Experiment with Quick Notes in different scenarios—while reading articles, attending meetings, and so on.

Regular Cleanup: Make it a habit to periodically go through your Quick Notes to categorize, tag, or delete as necessary.

Final Thoughts

The Quick Notes feature in macOS is more than just a convenient tool; it's a dynamic system for managing quick bits of information that otherwise could easily get lost. By following this guide, you'll be better equipped to make Quick Notes a truly effective part of your productivity toolkit.