What is Google Keep? How to use Google’s note-taking app
Google Keep is the best note-taking app despite being underappreciated for everything it does. There might be more powerfulnote-taking apps, but where Google Keep shines is its simplicity, with awesome powers hidden under the surface. you may use it to create shopping lists, save web links, jot down thoughts, read the text in pictures, collaborate on notes, and set reminders.
Google Keep is available everywhere. Android, iOS, web, and on smartwatches. It’s built into ChromeOS, giving you awesome productivity powers on even thecheapest Chromebooks. Here’s how to use Google Keep.
Use Google’s note-taking app to its fullest potential
How to get started with Google Keep
Google Keep launched in 2013 as Google’s dedicated note-taking app that is integrated with other Google apps and services like Docs and Drive. It began as a lightweight app mainly for to-do lists, but Google has expanded on it over the years. You can store all sorts of information, including pictures and web links. And while Google Docs might be better for long-form writing, Keep holds its own when taking long notes.
Google Keep is available on the Google Play Store and AppleApp Storeand works in most web browsersthrough the desktop app. There’s also a Google Keep web clipper extension in theChrome Web Store.
Keep syncs across devices in real time, so you never have to worry about saving your notes.
How to create notes in Google Keep
It’s easy to miss many of the powerful functions when Google Keep first open. Five options are available on the home screen: four in the lower-left corner and a big colorful plus icon in the lower-right corner. From left to right, these are:
Tap the icon for the type of note you would like to create, and the app opens a new screen. You can also change the format of notes later on (for example, from a regular note to a list).
Each type of note has its own superpowers. This is what makes Google Keep a unique app.
it’s possible to create lists with check boxes ready to go. Lists are great for grocery shopping or quickly outlining things to take care of today. Each item in the list drops to a “finished” section at the bottom of the screen as you check them, so you can easily keep track of what you’ve accomplished.
Google Keep is fun to draw with. Use it to quickly write notes with a finger or Samsung S Pen or create a sketch of an idea. Tap thepaintbrush iconin the lower-left corner, and you’re presented with a blank canvas.
You can use Google Keep as a voice recorder by tapping themicrophone icon. Keep only records for a maximum of 30 seconds and often stops listening after five seconds. Still, audio notes are useful for making a quick reminder or note when you’re on the move and don’t have time to stop and type into your phone. Keep transcribes what you say into text with uncanny precision.
You can snap a photo from the app, and Google Keep stores it across all your signed-in devices. Best of all, Keep uses OCR, which can read text in the photo. Use this function for taking pictures of things you want to remember for later, such as a new living room set or a new outfit for a party.
Regular notes
Tap the colorfulplus iconin the lower-right corner of the screen to create a regular note. You can add anything you like, including the other available options. Google made this icon accessible to your thumb while holding a smartphone, so it’s a great place to start.
Things to know when creating a Google Keep note
Creating a note is simple, but here are some valuable tips to know before you get started:
How to set a reminder in Google Keep
Google Keep was the main reminder app for Google for a long time until Google Tasks took over. Google has three to create reminders if you include Google Calendar. Also, reminders set in Google Keep no longer show in Google Calendar. Still, there’s no reason not to use Google Keep for its tried-and-tested functionality.
you’re able to also view your reminders from the Google Keep home screen by clicking the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner and tappingReminders.
How to collaborate and share notes in Google Keep
Collaborating on a note is perfect for shared grocery lists, for example, allowing you and your partner to have the same list. It updates in real time as you check items off or add new items to the list. It takes a few more steps compared to sharing a note, but it’s not rocket science.
All collaborators on a note have their profile picture shown below the note. To remove a collaborator, tap theirprofile iconat the bottom of the note and tap theXbutton next to their name.
How to share notes in the mobile app
Alternatively, you could share a note with someone else. The difference is they end up with their own note separate from yours. Changes you make don’t show up in their note.
How to organize and customize notes in Google Keep
Creating notes is good, but if you don’t manage them, you’ll never be able to find that vital thought you jotted down. Google Keep has plenty of tools to organize and customize your notes, making them easily identifiable within the app. The key is to use the Note Menu, which you access by tapping the three dots in the lower-right corner of every note.
Additional features you’ll want to try
Google Keep is powerful. It’s part of the Google ecosystem and plays well with other Google services. Here are a few advanced Google Keep features to try.
Google Keep is handy on your phone, but why not control it with your voice?Google Assistant has plenty of useful tricks, and Google Keep support is one of them. Say, “Hey Google, take a note” to get started. When asked, a Google Nest Hub displays your lists, which is perfect for preparing shopping lists.
You can share Google Keep notes to Google Docs. If you start a note on your phone, you can turn it into something bigger on your computer later.
If you capture ideas for a paper or project, you can access your Google Keep notes in Google Docs. Open the side panel in Google Docs and drag images from Keep to your document. If you have hundreds of notes, you can quickly find them by using the search bar in the side panel. It’s as powerful as a Google search but only sifts through your text and audio notes.
Take notes quickly and easily with Google Keep
There’s no denying the power tucked away in Google Keep. It looks simple and fun, but when you use it as your primary note-taking app, you’ll appreciate how powerful it is. Tags, collaborations, lists, audio notes, and everything else are available everywhere, no matter what device you use. Best of all, Google Keep is free, making it one of thebest Android appsfor your phone.
The note-taking app I should have used all along
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