Best note-taking apps?

For strategy consultants like us, having a solid note-taking app is crucial. I recommend checking out Evernote or Notion.

Hi!

For work I would stick with the corporate software the firm provides as there's always a confidentiality concern.

For everyday life I just love Notes that synchronise seamlessly between my MacBook and an iPhone.

Regards,
Nick

Hi,

Great question.

For me I used 2 things:

1. OneNote
2. GoodNotes (for iPad)

I do agree that OneNote doesnt have the best UI/UX, but i used it because

• It was part of BCG's corporate software (so we got the full version)
• It is a Microsoft suite product which integrated with OneDrive (which was what we used for collaboration)

If you are on the job, using the official/approved software is often the most practical (and cheapest) solution. 

Hi there,

Ex-Bain here!

I am using OneNotes for years now and I really enjoy it. Bain offered it as part of the Office package, and I never had problems with user experience. I think it also allows to meet your needs:

(1) It allows to keep notes super organized and it syncronize perfectly with other devices (I keep switching from pc to iphone and it syncronizes new notes super fast).

(2) You can save information in all the forms that you mentioned. I sometimes insert picture, voice notes & documents. In this way you can have all your important info in 1 place.

Even though it may give problems with the free to use account, I can tell from experience that I never encountered those problems with a paid acount. I suggest you to try buying a paid account for a month (it should be around 10€) and give it a try. You will realize it is actually amazing!

Hope this helps!
Francesca

Hi there,

If you're the kind of person that takes a lot of notes with a pen, I highly recommend the remarkable2. If you're happy to type everything up, no need to read further ;)

When I worked at McKinsey, I really got into the habit of visual note taking that simply can't be replaced by typing. However, I filled so many paper notebooks, which was just impossible to handle. The device I mention above is the absolute best (in my opinion) for solving this problem by taking visual notes on a device that feels like paper and allows you to keep organized with all kinds of syncing capabilities.

Hope you find everything you're looking for!

Moritz

Hi there,

I have an unconventional one: email

I use gmail drafts and schedule send.

If I'm taking notes on something I'll need later, draft email. If I need to do something on x date or someone sends something I need to do later: schedule send.

That said, the other apps people have recommended also work.

Generally best to stick with what is preloaded on your corporate laptop - probably OneNote

Tried lots of things, but what worked best for me was a combination of a physical notebook and Evernote. 

The physical notebook is critical during client interactions. I'd recommend not using a laptop then. It really damages the flow of the conversation, makes it seem like you are not fully focused, plus you appear more junior this way.

In the end, any tool works as long as you feel comfortable with it. I wouldn't overthink it.

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

When I was working at McKinsey, GoodNotes for iPad was my go-to option. Other Apps (apart from OneNote) were strictly forbidden for work purposes.

On my personal life, I use Notion.

I hope this helps!

Alberto

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