How to Use the Newly Upgraded Apple Notes to Get Super Organized

iPhones fall stuff with a ton of baked - in apps that most masses wo n’t open , even once . Like that goddamn stock ticker , or Health ( Health is actually very usefulthough , guys ) . Up until lately , I would have lumped the Notes app into that class as well , but thanks to the lovely nerds at Apple who go ahead and modernize the app for iOS 9 , it ’s now one of the most useful feature article on the phone . Here ’s all the fresh and cool stuff you could do with it to reach Type A levels of organization .

Create more comprehensive lists thanks to fresh formatting options

It ’s easy to add emphasis to particular sections or wrangle since Notes come carry with a rooms of fresh formatting options that may sound hilariously basic , but in truth make a large difference . Now you’re able to change font size , italicize / bold / underscore , add unlike - sized headers , or create lists with bullet points , dashes , or number . To enter the formatting fare , tap in the body of the government note , gain the plus - sign button that pops up at the bottom left of the concealment , and select the " Aa " option .

Track your progress with interactive checklists

Again , this may sound rude , but dammit it ’s a game - record changer . You now have the ability to transmute an entire note into a checklist format ( complete with interactive checkmarks ) , or just add a checklist house of cards to individual items . Not only does it aid keep you on chore , but there ’s something oddly pleasurable ( and motivation ) about watch as you slowly chip away at the shit you demand to get done ( or , in our case , the Sung you perfectly must sing at karaoke before the night terminate ) .

Add detailed sketches from within the app

One of the most fun plus to Notes is a fully fleshed - out sketch block feature . you could scrawl colorful doodles as part of any note – which is useful for designers or artists who ’re feeling inspired , but also for us less gifted folk who demand to illustrate an idea to coworkers in an email .

Tap the squiggly strain along the bottom track of any survive note and it ’ll bring forth a white sheet for you to trace upon , complete with a full Seth of tool and utensil including a pencil , marker , playpen , eraser , ruler , and colour selector . Once you ’re end up drawing , tap Done and it ’ll cast your sketch in line with whatever was in the preeminence before you get down sketching . ( For all you old - school iPhoners out there , this feature only works on the iPhone 5 or newer . )

Add maps and links with just a few taps

Let ’s say , for illustration , you ’re using Notes to brainstorm an travel guidebook for a great summertime trip . you’re able to keep open important info from around the vane in a note by embedding links and mapping you come across on other construct - in apps like Safari or Maps . Simply draw up the share instrument while on the special page you ’re concerned in , tap the Notes icon , and select the note it belong in .

Lock access to sensitive information

This latest and potentially most important Notes feature only recently became uncommitted as part of thehandy iOS 9.3 rollout . It allows you to protect individual note with a unequalled passcode or your Touch ID . So , if you ’ve scrawled out all your watchword or your check into account spread-eagle number on a undivided note ( or if you keep a digital Burn Book a la Regina George ) , there ’s a secure way to keep it from intrude eyes . With the note open , rap the plowshare clitoris in the top - rightfield quoin , quality " Lock Note , " and conform to the prompt .

Add photos or video without leaving the app

Notes has always allow you to confiscate existing photos , but now you could seamlessly shoot a film or video from within the app , which is in particular ready to hand if the grocery listing or meeting docket you ’re bewilder together warrants a specific visual assistance .

Joe McGauleyis a senior writer for Thrillist and wrote most of this in Notes .

woman using notes app in iphone 6