Apple’s approach to note-taking on macOS could use a significant overhaul. It often feels incomplete, especially when compared to the more robust experiences of its native iOS counterparts. The inconsistencies between platforms, particularly between iPadOS, iOS, and macOS, are concerning.
For instance, on iPadOS and iOS, users can effortlessly launch a notes page directly from the control center, eliminating the need to exit their current app. However, this convenience is absent on macOS.
To save a webpage or its contents as a note, users face some obstacles. Firstly, you need to rely on Safari, as the Share Sheet in other browsers doesn’t support a quick notes shortcut. Alternatively, you can invoke the Notes app through keyboard shortcuts.
It’s puzzling why Apple hasn’t added a Quick Notes button in the control center or the Menu Bar. Why should users need to deal with another app window when a seamless solution is readily available?
Inspiration from Alternatives
The missed opportunities surrounding macOS’s Menu Bar continue to stand out. The open-source community has generated various practical utilities that effectively utilize the Menu Bar.
Take Maccy, for instance—it elegantly addresses the native clipboard limitations on Macs. Antinote, another favorite of mine, enhances my day-to-day productivity, while Sticky Notes for Safari helps tag and organize information directly on webpages.
Recently, I discovered BarNotes, a lightweight scratchpad app that sits conveniently in the Menu Bar. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with Apple’s aesthetic. You can customize the font size and notepad color, even opting for a “transparent” effect that complements macOS’s design.
BarNotes strips away unnecessary features, focusing purely on the usability of a digital scratchpad while maintaining security, as it’s available for free on the App Store.
Another free option is Tab Notes Lite, which offers additional features like edge-click shortcuts and customizable storage options. While there are several paid alternatives, many free apps can adequately meet your needs.
Harnessing AI for Productivity
AI can significantly enhance productivity in straightforward tasks, like drafting notes or formatting documents. Currently, both Google Gemini and Apple Intelligence can assist with such features.
However, the challenge lies in the inconsistency of implementation. The AI-driven Writing Tools feature is often unreliable, especially in third-party applications like Google Docs. Users may find themselves copying and pasting text into the Notes app to perform tasks like proofreading or summarization, which could easily be streamlined with better integration.
Integrating a shortcut for Notes into the Menu Bar could eliminate the cumbersome switching between apps, making the note-taking process smoother and far more efficient.
A Call to Action for Apple
Recently, advancements such as ChatGPT allow easy access to files from cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. However, there’s still no word on Gemini’s presence in Apple Intelligence. Perhaps the upcoming WWDC 2025 could provide the answers we seek.
Additionally, integrating voice input features would enable quick, hands-free note-taking, enhancing daily productivity. Imagine dictating a thought and receiving a neatly transcribed version right away.
By integrating Notes into the macOS Menu Bar, supported by Apple Intelligence and better service integration, users would enjoy a seamless experience. There’s no need to juggle between apps or pay for basic functionalities when helpful solutions are within reach. I genuinely hope Apple considers these enhancements in the next developer conference.
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