“Google Keep vs OneNote: Best Note-Taking App”

Discover which note app works for you: Google Keep or Microsoft OneNote. Learn their differences and pick the perfect one for you.

Introduction

Finding the right one for taking notes can be tricky in a world full of digital tools. Two popular options are Google Keep and OneNote. Imagine you’re in a store trying to decide between two different kinds of candy. Each has its flavors and packaging. 

In this article, we’ll explore both options to help you select the one that best suits your needs!

What is Google Keep?

Google Keep is like a digital sticky note board. It’s a tool that helps you jot down quick notes, make lists,  and organize your thoughts. You can save ideas, reminders, or anything you want to remember, but on your phone, computer, etc.

Top Features of Google Keep

Google Keep is more than just a note-taking app; it’s a versatile tool designed to simplify your life and keep you organized. Here are the top features of Google Keep:

1. Quick Capture

Source: Evernote vs. Google Keep: Which should you use? (zapier.com)

Quick Capture lets you jot down your thoughts or ideas quickly and easily. It’s like having a digital notepad always at hand, ready for whenever inspiration strikes.

2. Rich Note-Taking

Source: 5 ways to use Google Keep to manage tasks | PCWorld

Rich note-taking lets you make awesome notes with lots of cool stuff. Instead of just writing, you can add pictures, drawings, and checklists. You can also record your voice or save customer feedback obtained from tools.

3.  Reminders

Google Keep reminders are like sticky note alarms. Here’s how they work:

Source: 5 ways to use Google Keep to manage tasks | PCWorld

• Set reminders: When you make a note, you can click on a bell icon to set a reminder.

• Pick when: Choose a specific time and date, or tell Google Keep to remind you “later today” or “tomorrow.”

• Reminders by location: Google Keep can also remind you about a note based on your location. 

• Never miss a thing: When a reminder pops up, you’ll see the note and can easily check it off or snooze it for later.

4. Organization

Google Keep’s organization tricks can inspire a more engaging in-app communication experience for your customers. Here’s how:

Source: What Are Labels in Google Keep and How to Use Them Effectively (guidingtech.com)

• Color-coded chats: Just like marking important notes in Google Keep, use colors in your app to show how important a message is. Red for urgent problems, yellow for important updates, and blue for regular chats can help users see what needs attention fast.

• Labeled conversations: Imagine folders for your emails! Your app can have labels, too, like “Order Status” or “Technical Issue.” 

• Pin important chats: Pinning important chats to the top of the app. This way, customers and your team can find ongoing critical conversations easily without getting lost in a chat mess.

5. Collaboration

Source: How to Share Notes in Google Keep Online and on Mobile (groovypost.com)

Google Keep collaboration is when you work with others on the same notes or lists. It’s like sharing a digital notebook with friends, family, or colleagues. 

With Google Keep collaboration, everyone stays on the same page, and it’s easy to get things done together.

• Works Well with Google: Google Keep works smoothly with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Google Assistant, which helps you get things done faster.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Keep

When evaluating the pros and cons of Google Keep, it becomes clear that while it offers many benefits for productivity and organization, insert “users should also consider some limitations.

Strengths:

• Syncing Everywhere: Google Keep works on all your devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers, so you can always access your notes no matter where you are.

• Different Ways to Take Notes: You can make text notes and checklists, record your voice, and even draw pictures.

• Colourful and Organized: You can label your notes with different colors to keep things neat and easily found.

Weaknesses

• Limited Text Styles: Keep is all about simplicity, so you can only fancy your text with the same font or size.

• Not for Big Projects: While great for capturing ideas and to-do lists, Google Keep might need help with in-depth research or complex projects.

• Limited Collaboration Features: While Google Keep allows for sharing notes, its collaboration features are more basic than other apps, making it less suitable for extensive team collaborations.

What is Microsoft Onenote?

Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook made by Microsoft. It allows users to write, draw, and save text, pictures, and voice recordings. It works on devices like computers, phones, and tablets.  

You can organize your notes into different sections and pages. People often use OneNote to take notes in meetings, remember ideas, make to-do lists, and collaborate with others.

Top Features of Microsoft Onenote

Microsoft OneNote stands out as a versatile note-taking application with a range of features that cater to different learning and organizational styles. Here are some top features:

1. Free-form Canvas

OneNote differs from a regular document editor. It provides a virtual canvas with limitless space, allowing you to take notes in various ways:

Source: Microsoft Adds Free-form Digital Canvas to Office 365 | by John Gruber | GitBit | Medium

• Text: Type notes in a familiar format, perfect for capturing lectures or detailed information.

• Drawing & Sketching: Unleash your creativity by drawing diagrams, mind maps, or visual representations of ideas with a digital pen or finger (on touchscreens).

• Multimedia Integration: Embed images, scanned documents, or web clippings directly into your notes for a richer, more comprehensive information repository.

• Audio Recording: You can capture lectures, meetings, or voice notes for hands-free information gathering, ideal for on-the-go situations.

2. Flexible Organization

Source: How to Organize Notebooks With OneNote (makeuseof.com)

Organize your notes efficiently with OneNote’s hierarchical structure:

• Notebooks: Imagine these as digital binders. Create separate notebooks for different subjects, projects, or even personal interests.

• Sections: Think of sections as chapters within a notebook. For more granular organization, categorize your notes within each notebook.

• Pages: Each section can contain multiple pages, providing a dedicated space for specific topics within a broader subject.

3.  Collaboration Powerhouse (Microsoft 365):

Source: 18 Tips for Sharing and Collaborating in Microsoft OneNote (lifewire.com)

While email automation tools streamline communication, OneNote excels in collaborative environments:

• Live Collaboration: With Microsoft 365, several users can access and modify the same notebook simultaneously. 

• Shared Notebooks: Effortlessly share notebooks with coworkers, classmates, or relatives, allowing them to view or edit notes as required.

4. Cross-Platform Accessibility

 Microsoft OneNote is available on a wide range of devices:

• Desktop: Access and manage your notes on Windows and macOS computers.

• Mobile: Take notes on the go using the OneNote app for iOS and Android devices.

• Web App: A web-based version allows you to access your notes from any device with a web browser. 

5. Powerful Search

Finding information within your notes is very swift in Microsoft Onenote:

• Search within Pages & Sections: Each page and section has a search function, allowing you to locate specific details quickly within your notes.

• Microsoft Search Integration (Microsoft 365): OneNote integrates with Microsoft Search, enabling you to search all your Microsoft 365 apps, including your notes. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Onenote

When considering Microsoft OneNote’s advantages and disadvantages, it is crucial to acknowledge its strengths and limitations, as they shape the application’s user experience and utility.

Strengths:

• Versatility: Microsoft OneNote is incredibly versatile, allowing users to create various types of content, including text, images, drawings, audio recordings, and even handwritten notes.

• Organizational Tools: It offers a hierarchical structure with notebooks, sections, and pages, making it easy to organize and manage your notes effectively.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Microsoft OneNote is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web browsers, ensuring seamless synchronization across all devices.

• Integration with Microsoft Office: It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency.

• Collaboration Features: Microsoft OneNote allows real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same notebook.

Weaknesses:

• Complexity for Simple Needs:  OneNote might be overkill if you just need a quick note-taking app. Its strength lies in detailed organization, which might only be necessary for some.

• Limited Offline Access: While some features work offline, full functionality requires an internet connection. 

• Desktop-focused: While mobile apps exist, OneNote’s full potential is best experienced on a desktop computer.

Microsoft Onenote vs Google Keep

FEATURES	GOOGLE KEEP	ONENOTE
Focus	Quick capture, to-dos	In-depth note-taking, research
Organization	Simple color coding, pinning	Sections, pages, subpages
Content types	Text, voice notes, checklists, images	Text, handwriting, images, web clippings, audio
Collaboration	Limited	Shared notebooks
Offline access	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Microsoft OneNote offline?

Yes. Microsoft OneNote offers offline access, allowing users to view and edit their notes without an internet connection. 

Can I use both Google Keep and OneNote?

Absolutely! They cater to different needs. Use Keep for quick notes, to-dos and OneNote for in-depth research and project management.

Is Microsoft OneNote secure?

Yes. Microsoft OneNote offers security features such as encryption and password protection to safeguard users’ notes.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Google Keep and Microsoft OneNote have advantages catering to different needs. If you prefer simplicity and quick note-taking, Google Keep is the way to go. However, Microsoft OneNote is your best bet if you need more advanced organization and formatting options.

So, depending on what you need, choose the one that fits you best and start taking better notes today. Check out TechWriteable’s blog for more reviews from their team to help you find the right tool that suits your needs.