Great Minds Read a Lot: How to Choose the Right Note-Taking App for Creative Output

Great Minds Read a Lot: How to Choose the Right Note-Taking App for Creative Output

The late great Steve Jobs once said, "Creativity is just connecting things." This statement holds true when it comes to expanding our knowledge and intelligence through reading. Books play a crucial role in connecting existing experiences and allowing us to synthesize new ideas, making us smarter over time.

In today's digital age, note-taking has become an essential part of our lives. With the market for note-taking tools projected to reach $1.35 billion by 2026, it's evident that people are seeking efficient ways to organize their thoughts and turn them into creative output. But with a plethora of options available, how do you choose the right note-taking app for your needs?

To begin with, it's essential to identify your note-taking style. There are three common styles: the architect, the gardener, and the librarian. The architect enjoys planning, designing processes, and frameworks. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to easily structure their ideas. On the other hand, the gardener thrives on connecting various thoughts together and brainstorming. They require a note-taking tool that enables them to grow their ideas effortlessly. Lastly, the librarian enjoys collecting and building a catalogue of resources. They need a note-taking tool that allows them to retrieve their ideas conveniently.

For the architect, note-taking apps like Notion, Coda, or Tettra are recommended. These apps rely on a hierarchical structure based on pages and categories, allowing architects to meticulously plan and design their ideas. On the other hand, gardeners may find apps like Roam, Obsidian, TiddlyWiki, RemNote, or Milanote more suitable. These non-linear apps offer bi-directional linking, enabling users to explore connections between ideas. They provide a space for free thinking and creative work. Lastly, librarians may benefit from note-taking apps like Evernote, Bear, or OneNote. These apps excel at organizing and retrieving information, making them ideal for storing a large amount of mostly static data.

When choosing a note-taking app, you can base your decision on either your note-taking style or your specific use case. If you primarily need to store and retrieve information, opt for a librarian-style app. However, if your goal is to brainstorm new ideas and engage in creative work, a gardener-style app may be more suitable. This distinction is particularly relevant for writers and researchers, where the focus is on generating ideas rather than retrieving them.

Now that you understand the different note-taking styles and the corresponding apps, here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you make the most of your note-taking experience: