Section 1.1: Getting Started with Evernote

The initial step is to create an account and download the Evernote app on your device(s). Evernote provides both a free and premium version — if you're curious about the added features in the premium version, take a look here. Personally, I utilize the free version.

After signing up, you can install Evernote on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. The app supports both Mac and Windows, along with iOS and Android, making it accessible from virtually any device. I have Evernote installed on my mobile and tablet, as the free version allows for a maximum of two devices.

Section 1.2: Setting Up Your First Notebook

Once you've installed Evernote, the next step is to create your initial notebook. Notebooks serve as the foundational structure of Evernote, holding your notes, ideas, and other content. They enable you to categorize your notes by topics, projects, or purposes, making them easily accessible.

I utilize notebooks for various self-paced learning projects, recipes, travel aspirations, and more. Tags enhance my organization further, and I'll elaborate on that shortly.

Section 1.3: Capturing Your Notes

Congratulations on establishing your first notebook! It's now time to start capturing your notes. Note-taking is the core feature of Evernote, and there are several methods to do this:

3.1. The Traditional Method: Typing Your Note

Simply click the “New Note” button in the sidebar to start typing your note. You can customize its layout and appearance using the formatting options.

3.2. Clipping Web Content

Evernote's web clipper tool allows you to save articles, images, and other online content directly into your notebooks. Install the web clipper extension in your browser, and click the icon to save the content to your chosen notebook. This is the method I use most frequently.

3.3. Scanning Documents

For physical documents, receipts, or other paper items, Evernote’s scanning feature lets you create digital copies. Use your smartphone or tablet's camera to photograph the document and save it to your desired notebook.

3.4. Recording Audio

You can record audio notes directly into Evernote. The free version allows for recordings up to 25MB per note. However, I find this feature less practical for retrieving information later, as reading is often easier than listening.

3.5. Creating Sketches

This option allows you to insert diagrams and handwritten notes alongside your photos, audio recordings, and file attachments. I particularly enjoy using this feature at conferences or workshops to capture key ideas.

3.6. Annotating Images

You can take a picture, save it to Evernote, and write your notes on top of it. I primarily use this during conferences, capturing images of presenters' slides or posters and annotating them with my notes.

Section 1.4: Organizing with Tags

In addition to notebooks, Evernote’s tagging system allows for further organization of your notes. Tags are keywords or phrases that can be assigned to notes, making it easier to search and filter content.

To add tags, simply enter them in the “Tags” field when creating or editing a note. You can also select existing tags from the tag icon in the note editor. I categorize my recipe notes with tags for meal type (e.g., breakfast, dinner) and recipe type (e.g., vegetarian, quick prep).

Section 1.5: Finding and Utilizing Your Notes

Now that you have notebooks and notes, it's time to use them effectively. With an abundance of content, it's crucial to have a method for searching and filtering notes. Evernote provides a robust search function that allows you to look for keywords, phrases, tags, and more.

To search, use the search bar in the sidebar and enter your keywords or tags. Everything in Evernote is searchable, including note contents, notebooks, tags, and attachments.