8 Best Note-Taking Apps for Chromebook Users

Chromebooks are a popular choice for those seeking a tablet alternative. If you're a Chromebook user looking for a reliable note-taking app, you've come to the right place. Whether you prefer typing or using a stylus on your touch-screen Chromebook, there are plenty of options available. In this article, we will explore the best free note-taking apps for Chromebooks.

Free Notes Apps for Chromebooks

1. Google Keep

Google Keep is one of the top note-taking apps for Chromebooks. It offers a range of features, including the ability to create simple text notes, write with a stylus, and add images. While it lacks folder organization, it does support tags. You can pin notes to the top, color code them, and rearrange them easily. Google Keep also supports lists and reminders. Additionally, you can copy large notes to Google Docs. It's a cross-platform app with dedicated apps for Android and iOS. Check out the best tips to use Google Keep.

2. Cursive

Cursive is a new note-taking app from Google designed specifically for handwritten notes. While it doesn't support text notes, you can add images to your notes. You can write using your fingers, a mouse, or a stylus. The app has a simple interface with no learning curve. It supports notebooks for organizing your notes, and you can change the background and export your notes as PDFs. Your notes sync to your Google account and can be accessed from any device through the web app.

3. Evernote

Evernote is a widely popular note-taking app available for Chromebooks. It allows you to add text notes, create hand-written notes, take voice notes, and attach files. The app offers reminders, tags, and notebook functionality for organizing your notes. It's a cross-platform app, so you can use it on any device. However, the free version only allows syncing to two devices and has a limited storage capacity. Read the comparison between Google Keep and Evernote.

4. Microsoft OneNote

OneNote is an excellent app for taking hand-written notes on Chromebooks. While it used to be available as a downloadable app from the Play Store, it is now only accessible through the web app. OneNote allows you to organize notes using sections and subsections, tag your notes, and include tables, files, images, audio, and more. You can customize the page appearance and even record voice notes.

5. Memo Notepad

Memo Notepad is a simple note-taking app for quick jotting. It has a user-friendly interface and opens with a lined page on a wooden background, allowing you to start typing right away. It doesn't support additional features like images, tags, voice notes, or handwritten notes. It's purely a text-based note-taking app that syncs to the cloud and can be accessed from any device.

6. Simplenote

Simplenote lives up to its name as a simple note-taking app available on all devices. You can access it through the web version or download the Android app on your Chromebook. The app is free to use and offers cloud sync functionality. You can add tags, pin notes, create checklists, collaborate, and more. However, Simplenote doesn't support handwriting or the ability to attach images or voice notes.

7. Nimbus Note

Nimbus Note is another interesting note-taking app that you can use through the web version or by downloading the Android app. It supports multiple levels of hierarchy, allowing you to organize your notes effectively. You can add tags and format notes using the text toolbar. It's a great app for taking long notes, making it useful for students. You can create notes from scratch or duplicate existing templates.

8. Sticky Notes

If you're a Windows user who enjoys Sticky Notes, you can find a similar experience on your Chromebook with Sticky Notes by ProWebJect. The app is available on the Chrome Web Store and has an interface similar to other Sticky Notes apps. You can change the color of notes, add formatting, and even use speech-to-text functionality to create your notes.

How to Install Web App on Chromebook

Some of the note-taking apps mentioned above are web apps. To install them on your Chromebook, open the desired website in the Chrome browser. Look for the Install button in the address bar and click on it to install the app. Alternatively, click on the three-dot icon, go to More Tools, and select Create shortcut. Once a shortcut is created, you can pin it to your Chromebook's shelf for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What are some of the best handwriting apps?

    • INKredible, OneNote, and Squid are great options for taking hand-written notes. Check out other amazing handwriting apps.
  2. How do you take class notes on a Chromebook?

    • For taking class notes, you can try Google's Cursive app, Evernote, OneNote, Nimbus, Notion, or Zoho Notebooks.

Paint and Draw on Chromebook

If you enjoyed this list of best note-taking apps for Chromebook, you might also be interested in the best Chromebook apps for students and the best drawing and painting apps for Chrome OS. Additionally, take a look at some interesting PWAs to install on your Chromebook.