Explore the Best Note Taking App for Mac: Top 10 Choices

As a working professional, constantly juggling multiple tasks and projects on my Mac, I've always been on the lookout for the perfect note-taking app that can keep up with my pace. That's why I've curated this comprehensive guide to the top 10 best note-taking apps specifically designed for Mac users like myself. Whether you're drafting your next big project plan, organizing your thoughts, or simply keeping track of your daily to-dos, there's an app here that can dramatically improve your productivity and make your workday smoother.

So, let’s dive into the world of possibilities these note-taking giants offer, each with unique features tailored to different needs and workflows. From the robust, feature-packed tools that cater to comprehensive project management to simple, minimalist apps that focus on pure writing, this guide aims to help you find the note-taking companion that best fits your professional lifestyle on your Mac.

Introduction to Note Taking

You know how important note taking is for capturing and organizing information. In today's digital age, you have a plethora of note taking apps at your disposal, offering a convenient and streamlined way to manage your thoughts.

A note taking app is software designed for creating, editing, and organizing your digital notes. These apps are accessible across your devices, from computers to mobile phones.

Whether you're a student in a lecture hall, a professional in a meeting, or a creative individual exploring ideas, note taking apps provide adaptable platforms for your every need. They offer an array of features beyond traditional note taking, making it easier to keep your information organized and accessible.

What is a Note Taking App?

A note taking app is a digital tool that allows users to create, organize, and store notes in a variety of formats, including text, images, audio, and video. These apps often come with features such as tagging, searching, and syncing, making it easy to access and manage notes across multiple devices. Some note taking apps also offer advanced features, such as handwriting recognition, optical character recognition (OCR), and collaboration tools.

For instance, you can use a note taking app to capture quick thoughts, create detailed project plans, or even record audio files during meetings. The advanced features available in some note taking apps, like OCR, allow you to search for text within images, making it easier to find specific information. Collaboration tools enable multiple users to work on the same note, enhancing productivity and teamwork.

Best note taking apps for Mac at a glance

NotePlan

NotePlan stands out as a top-tier note-taking app for Mac users who value productivity and organization. Combining the power of notes, tasks, and calendars, it offers a seamless, all-in-one solution for managing daily life and long-term projects. Its intuitive interface and native design make it a joy to use on Mac devices, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

One of NotePlan's key strengths is its versatility. It caters to various note-taking styles, from simple daily journaling to complex project management. With features like Markdown support, backlinks, and powerful search capabilities, it's easy to capture, organize, and connect your thoughts and ideas. Whether you're a student, professional, or creative individual, NotePlan adapts to your needs and helps you stay on top of your goals.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned note-taker, NotePlan has something to offer everyone.

Key features that make NotePlan shine:

• Integrated Calendar and Tasks: NotePlan allows you to schedule tasks directly within your notes, making it a comprehensive tool for planning your day or week. The calendar view offers a clear overview of your schedule and deadlines.
• Markdown Support: NotePlan's robust Markdown support allows you to format your notes beautifully and add rich text elements like headings, lists, and links. This enhances the visual appeal and readability of your notes.
• Cross-Platform Synchronization: NotePlan seamlessly syncs your notes across all your Apple devices and web, ensuring you have access to your information wherever you go.
• Powerful Search: NotePlan's robust search functionality lets you quickly find specific notes or information within your notes, even across multiple documents.
• Customization: You can tailor NotePlan to your preferences with various themes and layouts, making it a truly personalized note-taking experience.
• Seamless Task Management: NotePlan empowers you to manage tasks effectively. Create to-do lists, set due dates, and prioritize tasks with ease. The app's integration with your calendar ensures you never miss a deadline.
• Privacy and Security: NotePlan prioritizes your data privacy and security. Your notes are stored locally on your device and synced using Apple's secure cloud framework, giving you peace of mind.
• Plain Text Storage: All your notes in NotePlan are stored as plain text files, ensuring compatibility with various text editors and preventing vendor lock-in. You have complete control over your data.

Who Should Consider NotePlan:

• Anyone seeking an all-in-one solution: If you're looking for a single app that can handle notes, tasks, and calendar events, NotePlan is an excellent choice.
• Value organization and productivity: The integrated calendar and tasks system helps you stay on top of your schedule and deadlines.
• Prefer Markdown: If you appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of Markdown, you'll find NotePlan's implementation intuitive and efficient.
• Want control over their data: The plain text storage ensures your notes are accessible and portable, regardless of the app's future.
• Need cross-device sync: If you use multiple Apple devices, NotePlan's seamless iCloud sync is a valuable feature.
• Prioritize privacy and security: NotePlan's focus on local storage and secure sync provides peace of mind.

Pricing:

Free trial. Starting with $9.99/mo

Rating & Reviews:

• Apple App Store: 4.8 out of 5

NotePlan's Unique Strengths:

While other note-taking apps excel in specific areas, NotePlan's strength lies in its seamless integration of note-taking, task management, and calendar functions. This makes it a holistic tool for productivity, enabling you to manage your entire workflow in one place.

Conclusion:

NotePlan offers a compelling option for Mac users seeking a versatile and efficient note-taking app. With its powerful features, intuitive interface, and focus on productivity, it has earned its place as a top contender in the market. Whether you're a student, professional, or creative individual, NotePlan can help you stay organized, focused, and productive.

Notion

Notion offers you a versatile workspace on your Mac that goes beyond basic note-taking, making it a powerful notes app. It gives you the flexibility to create various types of content, from simple notes to detailed project plans and even databases. This adaptability is perfect if you need a tool that can handle anything you throw at it, whether it's for personal use, school, or work.

One of the most powerful features is the ability to create custom templates and databases, so you can build the exact system you need to capture your ideas and information. It's surprisingly easy to link information across your workspace too, so everything feels connected. This is a major plus if you're juggling multiple projects or need to understand how different parts of your work relate.

Notion also makes collaborating with your team a breeze. Everyone can jump in and edit together, leave comments, and more, which keeps communication flowing smoothly and everything organized in one place.

Honestly, there's so much it can do, it took me a little while to really get the hang of it. If you're looking for a way to organize your whole life in one app, and you're not afraid of a bit of a learning curve, Notion might be perfect for you.

Pricing:

Free plan. Paid plan starting with $10/mo for personal plan

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 4.7 out of 5
• Capterra: 4.7 out of 5

Pros

• All-in-one Workspace: Notion's biggest strength is its ability to go beyond simple note-taking. It can serve as a project manager, database, wiki, and much more, making it ideal for consolidating your work in one place.
• Beautiful and Customizable Interface: Notion's visual appeal is undeniable. It offers various templates, fonts, and color options to tailor your workspace to your liking.
• Vast Template Library: The extensive template gallery offers a headstart for different types of notes, documents, and even project structures.
• Powerful Database Features: Notion's databases are incredibly flexible, allowing you to view your information as a table, board, calendar, or gallery, all linked to your notes.
• Collaboration: Easy real-time collaboration makes it a great choice for teams or shared projects.

Cons

• Complexity can be overwhelming: Notion's wealth of features can be daunting for new users or those seeking a simple note-taking experience. The learning curve can be steep.
• Not primarily for Networked Thought: While Notion supports some linking, its structure isn't inherently designed for the networked thought approach that tools like NotePlan focus on.
• No Graph view: Unlike dedicated networked thought tools, Notion doesn't have a graph view to visualize the connections between your notes.
• Performance: Some users experience occasional sluggishness, especially with large databases or complex pages.
• Offline Mode: The offline mode can be limited, requiring an internet connection for full functionality.

Is Notion right for you?

Consider Notion if:

• You want a single app for notes, tasks, projects, and databases.
• Visual appeal and customizability are important to you.
• You collaborate on projects and need real-time editing features.

Notion might not be ideal if:

• You seek a purely minimalist, distraction-free writing environment.
• Networked thought and linking between notes is your top priority.
• You have an older MacBook with limited resources.

Evernote

If you're a Mac user looking for a reliable, feature-rich note-taking app, Evernote is a popular choice that you may want to consider. It's a great tool for capturing all kinds of information—whether it's text notes, pictures, web articles, or even PDFs. It's designed to make organization easy, letting you create different notebooks for different topics or projects. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, so you can jump right in and start taking notes without any fuss.

One of Evernote's biggest strengths is its powerful search function. You can easily find that one obscure detail you jotted down months ago, even if it's buried within an image. Tagging lets you categorize your notes even further, giving you another way to stay organized.

Evernote also shines when it comes to collaboration. You can share your notebooks with colleagues or friends and edit them together in real-time. Plus, it integrates with various other apps and services, so it might already fit right into your current workflow.

Overall, Evernote is a solid, well-rounded note-taking app for your Mac. It's known for reliability and has a comprehensive set of features to help you stay on top of your work and ideas.

Pricing:

Free, starting with $14.99/mo personal plan

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 4.4 out of 5
• Capterra: 4.4 out of 5

Pros of Evernote:

• Web Clipper: Evernote's web clipper is a standout feature, allowing you to effortlessly save articles, web pages, or selected content directly into your notes.
• Cross-Platform Sync: Evernote syncs seamlessly across all your devices, ensuring your notes are accessible wherever you are.
• Organization: Evernote offers a clear hierarchical structure with notebooks, stacks, and tags for organizing your notes.
• Search: Evernote's powerful search functionality, including handwritten text search, helps you quickly locate the information you need.
• Multimedia Support: It supports various types of content, including images, audio recordings, PDFs, and more, making it ideal for diverse note-taking needs.

Cons

• Limited Markdown Support: Evernote offers basic Markdown formatting but doesn't fully embrace the flexibility of Markdown like some other apps.
• No Backlinking or Graph View: Evernote lacks the bi-directional linking and graph view features found in networked thought tools like Logseq.
• Pricing: While Evernote offers a free plan, its full potential is unlocked with paid plans that can get expensive.
• Cluttered Interface: Some users find Evernote's interface a bit cluttered and less visually appealing compared to newer alternatives.
• Performance: On older MacBooks, Evernote might feel a bit sluggish, especially with large notebooks or lots of multimedia content.

Is Evernote right for you?

Consider Evernote if:

• You frequently clip content from the web and need easy access to it.
• You prioritize a well-established note-taking app with a proven track record.
• Organization and search are essential for managing your notes.
• You need to store and access various types of multimedia content.
• You are looking for a free note-taking app option, making it accessible for users who prefer not to spend money.

Evernote might not be ideal if:

• You want advanced features like bi-directional linking and graph views.
• Markdown support is a high priority for you.
• You're on a tight budget and need a completely free solution.

Microsoft OneNote

If you're a Mac user, you might find Microsoft OneNote a flexible option for your digital note-taking needs. It replicates the look and feel of a traditional notebook but gives you all the advantages of digital organization and easy searching. You can create multiple notebooks, each with their own sections and pages, providing a structured yet adaptable way to keep track of different projects or subjects.

OneNote's interface is intuitive and fits well with other Microsoft Office applications, which is great if you're already using that ecosystem. You can store a variety of content in OneNote, including text, images, links, and even audio recordings. If you have a touch-enabled device, you can also handwrite or draw directly in your notes.

Collaboration is a breeze with OneNote, thanks to real-time co-authoring and easy sharing of notebooks or individual pages. And since your notes are stored in the cloud (OneDrive, usually), you can access them on any device, which is super convenient.

While most features are smooth, some Mac users might notice that a few things aren't as polished as the Windows version. That said, if you're looking for a free and flexible way to take notes that also works seamlessly with your other Microsoft tools, OneNote could be a great choice.

Pricing:

OneNote is available with a paid subscription of Microsoft 365.

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 4.5 out of 5
• Capterra: 4.4 out of 5

Pros

• Free and Cross-Platform: OneNote is free to use and available across all major platforms (macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, web), making your notes easily accessible.
• Flexible Canvas: OneNote's page layout is flexible, allowing you to add notes, images, audio, video, and other content anywhere on the page, just like a real notebook.
• Powerful Organization: OneNote offers a robust organizational structure with notebooks, sections, and pages, making it easy to manage large volumes of notes.
• Ink and Drawing: OneNote excels at ink support, allowing you to draw, sketch, and annotate your notes with your Apple Pencil or trackpad.
• Office Integration: If you use other Microsoft products, OneNote integrates seamlessly with them, making it easy to embed files, share notes, and collaborate.

Cons

• No Markdown Support: Unlike Logseq, OneNote doesn't natively support Markdown for formatting.
• No Backlinking or Graph View: OneNote lacks the bi-directional linking and visual graph view features found in networked thought tools.
• Cluttered Interface: Some users find the interface a bit overwhelming and less visually appealing compared to newer, minimalist apps.
• Performance: On older MacBooks, OneNote can feel sluggish at times, especially with large notebooks or complex pages.
• Sync Issues: Occasional syncing problems have been reported, though Microsoft has been working to improve this.

Is OneNote right for you?

Consider OneNote if:

• You want a free, versatile note-taking app with a flexible canvas.
• You regularly use handwritten notes and sketches in your workflow.
• You heavily utilize other Microsoft apps and want seamless integration.
• You prioritize a well-established app with robust organizational features.

OneNote might not be ideal if:

• Markdown support is essential for you.
• You want to create a network of interconnected notes with backlinks.
• You prefer a minimalist, distraction-free interface.
• You own a new M1 MacBook and want the app to be fully optimized for it.

Bear

If you're a Mac or iOS user, you'll appreciate Bear for its clean and minimalist design that feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a note-taking app that puts the focus on writing, making it perfect if you need a calm, distraction-free environment to gather your thoughts and get work done.

Bear ditches traditional folders in favor of hashtags, allowing you to categorize and organize your notes in a way that feels more flexible and intuitive. Plus, if you're familiar with Markdown, you'll love being able to format your notes quickly and easily with just a few keystrokes.

As an Apple enthusiast, you'll appreciate Bear's seamless syncing across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Your notes are always there, up-to-date and ready to go, no matter what device you grab.

Overall, Bear is a solid choice for Apple users who appreciate its sleek interface, efficient workflow, and straightforward approach to note-taking.

Pricing:

Free plan. Paid plan starting with a $2.99/mo

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 4.6 out of 5
• Capterra: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Beautiful Design: Bear is known for its elegant and clean interface, making note-taking a visually pleasing experience.
• Focus Mode: The focus mode helps minimize distractions, allowing you to concentrate on writing without clutter.
• Markdown Support: Bear fully embraces Markdown, providing a flexible and powerful way to format your notes.
• Tagging System: Organize your notes efficiently using hashtags (#) to create flexible categories and easily find related notes.
• Cross-Note Links: Easily link notes together for quick navigation and reference.
• Export Options: Bear offers various export formats, including Markdown, PDF, HTML, and more.

Cons

• Apple Ecosystem Exclusive: Bear is only available for Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS), limiting its accessibility if you use other platforms.
• No Graph View: Unlike some other note-taking apps, Bear doesn't offer a graph view to visualize the relationships between your notes.
• No Backlinking: While you can link notes together, Bear doesn't have a full-fledged bi-directional linking system like Logseq.
• Limited Collaboration: Bear's collaboration features are not as robust as some other apps designed for team-based work.
• Pricing: Bear offers a free version, but the Pro version, which unlocks features like syncing and advanced export options, requires a subscription.

Is Bear right for you?

Consider Bear if:

• You value a beautiful and distraction-free writing environment.
• You work primarily within the Apple ecosystem (macOS, iOS).
• Markdown support and a simple tagging system are important to you.
• You're willing to pay for a subscription to unlock all features.

Bear might not be ideal if:

• You need a note-taking app that works across multiple platforms (Windows, Android).
• Backlinking and knowledge graph visualization are essential for your workflow.
• You collaborate heavily with others on your notes.

Apple Notes

If you're a Mac user, you'll probably already be familiar with Apple Notes, a straightforward note-taking app that comes built-in on your devices. You might find it a reliable and convenient way to capture your thoughts, create lists, and store information. Being deeply integrated with macOS and other Apple devices means your notes are always synced and accessible on your iPhone and iPad too.

The app handles a variety of content: text notes, images, scanned documents, and even sketches if you're feeling creative. It's designed to be minimalist and easy to use, letting you focus on your content without distraction. You can organize your notes into folders, pin important ones to the top, and use the powerful search function to find anything you need quickly (it even searches text within images!).

Apple Notes also allows you to collaborate with others on notes in real-time, which can be great for group projects or brainstorming sessions. You can also lock sensitive notes to protect your privacy.

While Apple Notes might be a bit too basic for some users, especially if you need more advanced features or integrations, it's a great option if you're looking for a simple, reliable, and well-integrated note-taking tool on your Mac.

Pricing:

Apple Notes is available with a iCloud account on Apple devices

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: Not Available
• Capterra: Not Available

Pros

• Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Apple Notes integrates effortlessly with your entire Apple ecosystem, including iCloud syncing, Handoff between devices, and collaboration through Shared Notes.
• Quick and Easy Note-Taking: Apple Notes is designed for simplicity and speed, allowing you to jot down ideas and capture thoughts instantly.
• Organization with Folders and Tags: You can organize your notes into folders and use hashtags (#) for flexible tagging and easy retrieval.
• Attachments and Formatting: Apple Notes supports adding images, links, tables, checklists, and sketches to your notes, as well as basic formatting options.
• Free and Pre-Installed: Apple Notes comes pre-installed on your MacBook and is completely free to use.

Cons

• Limited Markdown Support: While Apple Notes supports some basic Markdown formatting, it's not as extensive as other Markdown-focused apps.
• No Backlinking or Graph View: Apple Notes lacks the bi-directional linking and graph view features found in networked thought tools like NotePlan.
• No Advanced Features: Compared to other note-taking apps, Apple Notes lacks advanced features like templates, API access, or custom plugins.
• Limited Export Options: Exporting your notes is limited to PDF and plain text formats.

Is Apple Notes right for you?

Consider Apple Notes if:

• You primarily use Apple devices and value a seamless ecosystem experience.
• You prioritize a simple, fast, and easy-to-use note-taking app.
• You don't require advanced features like backlinks or graph views.

Apple Notes might not be ideal if:

• You want a note-taking app with extensive Markdown support and customization.
• You need a tool for building a networked knowledge base with interconnected notes.
• You frequently work with users on other platforms.

Joplin

If you're a Mac user who values privacy and customization, Joplin might be the note-taking app you've been looking for. It offers a functional, minimalistic interface that focuses on getting the job done rather than flashy design. If you're already familiar with Markdown, you'll love the flexibility it offers for formatting your notes.

Security is where Joplin truly shines. With end-to-end encryption, you can trust that your notes are private and secure. You're not locked into a specific cloud service either. Joplin lets you sync with Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, or even your own server if you prefer. And because it's available on multiple platforms, your notes are accessible on any device you use.

Joplin also boasts a wide range of plugins, letting you tailor the experience to your exact needs. Want to add calendars or task management? There's likely a plugin for that. It's a great app for tinkerers who want full control.

One thing to keep in mind is that Joplin is open-source, which means it might lack the polish of some commercial apps. You'll need to rely on community support for help, and if you're less tech-savvy, the initial setup might take a bit more effort.

However, if you're looking for a free, customizable, and secure note-taking solution on your Mac, Joplin is a compelling choice.

Pricing: 

Open Source. Starting with $2.99/mo basic plan

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 5 out of 5
• Capterra: Not Available

Pros

• Open-Source and Free: Joplin is free and open-source, giving you full control and ownership of your data.
• Markdown-Focused: Joplin prioritizes Markdown, making your notes portable and future-proof. You can easily edit and view them in other applications.
• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Joplin offers optional E2EE for enhanced security, keeping your notes private and protected.
• Offline-First: Joplin works seamlessly offline, allowing you to access and edit your notes even without an internet connection.
• Cross-Platform: Access your notes from your MacBook, other computers, and mobile devices (iOS and Android apps available).
• Web Clipper: Joplin has a browser extension (Web Clipper) to save web pages and articles directly into your notes.

Cons

• Interface: Joplin's interface is functional but can feel less polished than some other note-taking apps.
• Learning Curve: While the core functionality is straightforward, setting up advanced features like syncing and encryption might require some technical know-how.
• No Graph View or Backlinking: Joplin doesn't have a visual graph view or a robust backlinking system like Logseq or Obsidian, which are features of networked thought tools.
• Performance: On older MacBooks, Joplin might occasionally feel sluggish, especially with large notebooks or many images.
• Limited Plugin Ecosystem: While Joplin has some plugins available, the ecosystem isn't as extensive as other note-taking apps.

Is Joplin Right for You on Your MacBook?

Consider Joplin if:

• Privacy and data ownership are top priorities.
• You value a Markdown-based note-taking system.
• You often work offline and need reliable access to your notes.
• You want a free and open-source alternative to commercial note-taking apps.

Joplin might not be ideal if:

• You prioritize a highly polished and visually appealing interface.
• You rely on features like backlinks and graph views for networked thought.
• You want seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Notebooks

If you're looking for a note-taking app on your Mac that can handle more than just quick notes, Notebooks might be a good fit for you. It's designed to be a comprehensive solution, accommodating anything from simple notes to long-form documents and project plans. You'll appreciate the wide variety of formats it supports, including plain text, Markdown, PDF, and even HTML. This flexibility means you can always work in the way that suits you best.

Notebooks organization might feel familiar if you like traditional file structures. It uses folders and subfolders, making it easy to keep your thoughts and projects well-organized. You can even add to-do lists directly into your notes, merging task management with note-taking.

It also offers a lot of little tools that can boost your productivity. Easily linking between notes, bookmarking pages you need to reference later, and using the search function to find exactly what you need. And, since it syncs with popular cloud services like Dropbox, your notes are always accessible, no matter where you are or what device you're using.

The interface might not be the most modern you've seen, and there is a slight learning curve. But if you need a tool that can do it all, from simple notes to complex project management, Notebooks on your Mac is a solid choice.

Pricing:

One time payment of $43.99

Ratings & Reviews

• G2 Crowd: Not Available
• Capterra: Not Available

Pros

• One-Time Purchase: Unlike many note-taking apps with recurring subscriptions, Notebooks is a one-time purchase, making it potentially more cost-effective in the long run.
• Non-Proprietary File Formats: Notebooks uses standard file formats like TXT, RTF, and Markdown, ensuring your data is accessible and portable even if you stop using the app.
• Customizable Interface: Notebooks allows you to personalize the appearance of your notes with various themes and fonts.
• Powerful Organization: The app offers a flexible hierarchical structure with notebooks, folders, and sub-folders to organize your notes.
• Multimedia Support: You can embed images, audio recordings, PDFs, web links, and even calendar events into your notes.

Cons

• No Backlinking or Graph View: Notebooks lacks the bi-directional linking and graph view features found in networked thought tools like NotePlan
• Limited Markdown Support: While Notebooks supports basic Markdown formatting, it doesn't have the full range of features found in Markdown-focused apps.
• Less Intuitive Interface: Some users find the interface a bit less intuitive compared to other note-taking apps, requiring a learning curve.
• No Collaboration Features: Notebooks doesn't offer real-time collaboration or sharing features for team projects.
• Limited Mobile App Features: The iOS/iPadOS app has fewer features compared to the desktop version, making it less ideal for heavy mobile users.
• No Free Version: Notebooks doesn't have a free version, only a free trial.

Is Notebooks right for you?

Consider Notebooks if:

• You value data ownership and portability through standard file formats.
• You prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription model.
• You want a note-taking app with flexible organization and multimedia support.

Notebooks might not be ideal if:

• You need a note-taking app with extensive Markdown support and backlinks.
• You require a visual graph view of your notes and their connections.
• Collaboration features are essential for your workflow.
• You primarily use mobile devices for note-taking.

Obsidian

If you're looking for a note-taking app on your Mac that can handle more than just simple notes, Obsidian could be a great choice. It's designed for those who want to build a personal knowledge base, not just a collection of random notes. Imagine your notes interconnected in a web of knowledge, with each note linking to related ideas and concepts. That's Obsidian's core concept.

The app uses Markdown, which is a simple yet powerful way to format your text. If you're already familiar with it, you'll feel right at home. And even if you're not, it's easy to learn and gives you a lot of control over how your notes look. Plus, since it's just plain text, your notes are easily portable and future-proof.

Obsidian's biggest strength is the freedom it gives you to organize your thoughts. You're not confined to folders or rigid structures. Instead, you can follow your ideas wherever they lead, creating a web of interconnected notes that reflects how you think. The backlinking and graph view features are really helpful for visualizing those connections.

Of course, Obsidian has a bit of a learning curve. If you're used to more traditional note-taking apps, its features might feel a bit overwhelming at first. And if you're not tech-savvy, the reliance on plugins for some functionalities could be a drawback. But if you're comfortable with Markdown and want a tool that empowers you to connect and manage your ideas in a powerful way, Obsidian could be a fantastic option for your Mac.

Pricing:

Free plan. Paid plan starting with $50/user/year for commercial use

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: Not Available
• Capterra: 4.9 out of 5

Pros

• Local-First & Open: Your notes are plain text files stored locally, giving you full control and ownership. Obsidian's open-source nature allows for customization and community-driven development.
• Markdown Mastery: Obsidian is built around Markdown, offering a clean, distraction-free writing experience with versatile formatting options.
• Backlinks & Graph View: A core strength is its visualization of note connections through a graph view and automatic backlinks. This encourages interconnected thinking and helps you discover relationships between your ideas.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: Obsidian has a thriving community developing a wide array of plugins, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs and add features like daily notes, calendars, and more.
• Customization: You can customize almost everything, from the look and feel (through themes and CSS) to the functionality (through plugins).
• Offline-First: Obsidian works offline, so you can access and edit your notes without an internet connection.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Obsidian's flexibility can be overwhelming for beginners. It takes some effort to learn the basics of Markdown and how to utilize the various features and plugins effectively.
• No Mobile App: Obsidian's mobile experience (iOS and Android) is still a work in progress and may not be as polished as the desktop app.
• Potential for Distraction: The vast customization options and the graph view can become rabbit holes for some users, leading to distraction rather than focus.
• No Collaboration (Yet): Obsidian doesn't offer native collaboration features, though there are workarounds using third-party syncing services.
• Can Be Resource-Intensive: With numerous plugins and a large vault of notes, Obsidian can become resource-heavy, especially on older MacBooks.

Is Obsidian right for you?

Consider Obsidian if:

• You value open-source software, data ownership, and privacy.
• You embrace Markdown and want a flexible note-taking environment.
• Networked thought and knowledge graphs resonate with you.
• You enjoy customization and tinkering with plugins.

Obsidian might not be ideal if:

• You prefer a simpler note-taking experience with less setup required.
• Real-time collaboration is a must-have feature for you.
• You want a note-taking app with a strong focus on task management and to-do lists.

Ulysses

If you're a Mac user and looking for a note-taking app designed with writers in mind, Ulysses could be your perfect match. Its clean and minimalist interface eliminates distractions, giving you a calm space to focus on your writing. Ulysses excels at handling longer pieces like articles or manuscripts, and it keeps everything organized in one library so you can easily manage your projects.

You'll appreciate the Markdown support if you're familiar with it, as it allows for easy formatting while keeping your writing clean and readable. Ulysses also makes it a breeze to publish your work to platforms like WordPress or Medium.

Ulysses is all about productivity and goals. You can set specific goals for your writing projects, like word count or reading time, and track your progress as you go. The typewriter mode is another handy feature, keeping your current line in the center of the screen to minimize distractions.

While Ulysses does require a subscription, the robust feature set might be worth it if you're a serious writer or content creator. And even if you're not familiar with Markdown, it's easy to learn and can significantly speed up your writing process. Overall, Ulysses could be the ideal writing companion for your Mac if you value a powerful, distraction-free environment.

Pricing:

Paid plan only starting with $5.99/month

Ratings & Reviews:

• G2 Crowd: 4.5 out of 5
• Capterra: 4.7 out of 5

Pros

• Distraction-Free Writing Environment: Ulysses excels at providing a clean, minimalist interface designed to help you focus on your writing.
• Markdown Support: Ulysses is built around Markdown, allowing for easy formatting and flexibility with your notes.
• Unified Library: All your notes are organized in a single library, making it easy to find and access them.
• Organization with Groups and Filters: Organize your notes using groups, filters, and keywords for efficient management.
• Export Options: Ulysses offers a variety of export formats, including Markdown, PDF, ePub, HTML, and DOCX, making it easy to share your work.
• Built-in Proofreading and Editing Tools: Ulysses has features like grammar and style checking, as well as a built-in dictionary and thesaurus.
• Publishing Workflow: Ulysses can directly publish to various platforms like Medium, WordPress, and Ghost.

Cons

• Subscription Model: Ulysses requires a monthly or yearly subscription, which may be a drawback for some users compared to one-time purchase options.
• No Backlinking or Graph View: Ulysses doesn't offer features like bi-directional linking or graph views, which are common in networked thought tools like NotePlan.
• Limited Collaboration: Ulysses doesn't have robust real-time collaboration features, making it less ideal for team projects.
• Not for Everyone: While Ulysses is great for writers, its feature set might be overkill for users who only need basic note-taking capabilities.
• Limited Customization: The interface and features are streamlined for writing, which might limit customization options compared to other apps.

Is Ulysses Right for You on Your MacBook?

Consider Ulysses if:

• You are a writer who values a distraction-free, focused writing environment.
• You embrace Markdown for formatting and note-taking.
• You want a tool that can help you write, edit, and publish your work seamlessly.

Ulysses might not be ideal if:

• You need a note-taking app with bi-directional linking and graph views.
• You primarily use notes for tasks, to-do lists, or project management.
• You want extensive customization options for your note-taking interface.

Specialized Note Taking Apps for Mac

While general-purpose note taking apps are versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, specialized note taking apps cater to specific needs and industries. For example, some note taking apps are designed specifically for students, offering features such as flashcard creation and study guides. Others are designed for professionals, offering features such as project management and collaboration tools.

These specialized note taking apps provide tailored solutions that address the unique requirements of different user groups. For students, apps with features like flashcards and study guides can enhance learning and retention. Professionals might benefit from apps that integrate with project management tools, allowing them to keep track of tasks and deadlines within their notes.

Choosing the Best Note Taking App for Mac

With so many note taking apps available for Mac, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a note taking app for Mac:

1. Purpose: Define how you plan to use the note taking app. Are you a student looking for a simple note taking app, or a professional seeking a more advanced tool?
2. Features: Consider the features you need. Do you require advanced features such as handwriting recognition or OCR, or are simple notes sufficient?
3. Syncing: If you use multiple devices, consider a note taking app that offers seamless syncing across all your devices.
4. Security: If you plan to store sensitive information, look for a note taking app that offers robust security features, such as encryption and password protection.
5. User interface: Choose a note taking app with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that suits your needs.
6. Cost: Determine your budget and choose a note taking app that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
7. Compatibility: Ensure the note taking app is compatible with your Mac and other devices you use.
8. Reviews and ratings: Read reviews and check ratings from other users to get a sense of the app’s performance and reliability.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best note taking app for Mac that meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a simple note taking app for quick notes or a more advanced tool with all the features for comprehensive project management, there’s a perfect note taking app out there for you.