Make Your Notes More Useful
If you’re already using the Notes app on your iPhone for simple reminders or quick thoughts, you might be surprised at just how powerful it can be with a few extra tools. Whether you’re organizing ideas, keeping lists, or collaborating with others, the Notes app can handle much more than basic text. Let’s take a closer look at how to unlock more of its potential.
Format and Style Your Text
Creating a clean, structured note starts with formatting. The Notes app gives you options for headings, titles, and body text so you can organize information clearly. Tap the Aa icon just above the keyboard to access these styles. You can make certain text bold, italicized, or underlined, helping you call attention to important details and make your notes easier to scan later.
Select Text More Easily
Selecting the right portion of text doesn’t have to be frustrating. To highlight text, tap and hold a word to bring up the selection tool. You can then drag the handles to include more or less text. A double-tap will select a full word, and a triple-tap selects the entire sentence—making editing and formatting faster and more precise.
Create Bullet Lists and Checklists
If you’re organizing a shopping list or a set of tasks, Notes makes it easy. Use the bullet list icon to create a standard list, or tap the checklist icon to make interactive checkboxes. You can check off items as you go, and even drag them to rearrange the order. It’s a great tool for tracking progress or organizing ideas.
Add Tables for Structured Information
For more structured notes—like schedules or simple data tracking—you can insert a table. Tap the table icon and begin entering information in rows and columns. You can easily adjust the layout by dragging to rearrange rows or columns, and the table can be copied into other apps if needed. It’s an efficient way to compare or track information side by side.
Insert Images, Scans, and Sketches
Sometimes you need to include more than just text. Tap the camera icon in a note to insert a photo, scan a document, or even draw a quick sketch with your finger. This makes Notes ideal for storing receipts, diagrams, or handwritten ideas right alongside your written notes.
Add and Use Links
Notes also supports links. You can paste in a webpage manually or share one directly from Safari using the share sheet. For better organization, you can now link one note to another, which is especially helpful if you’re working on a large project with multiple notes. It turns Notes into a more connected, flexible workspace.
Share and Collaborate on Notes
If you’re working on something with a friend, classmate, or coworker, you can collaborate in real time. Use the share button to invite someone to edit the note with you, or share a read-only version if you just want them to view it. Changes appear as you both work, making it a great tool for planning, writing, or group tasks.
Wrap Up
With a bit of exploration, you’ll see the Notes app is much more than a basic notepad. From formatting to checklists, file attachments to collaboration, these features make it a powerful part of your daily toolkit. Whether you’re brainstorming, tracking tasks, or sharing ideas, Notes helps you stay organized and productive—right from your iPhone.