Tuesday, May 13, 2025

I Dumped Apple Notes for a $5 Scratchpad App and I’m Never Going Back

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Introduction to Antinote

I have missed numerous fleeting ideas, deadlines, and minor chores while being absorbed in work. On several occasions, I was too lazy to reach for my iPhone, open a to-do app, and type in a note. You can probably relate to this feeling. The hassle of navigating through multiple apps or dealing with clunky interfaces often leads to forgotten tasks and lost ideas.

The Struggle with Note-Taking Apps

Over the years, I’ve tried various apps for transient note-taking, but their poor design, lack of features, or clunky UI have always driven me back to Apple Notes or Google Keep. That was until I discovered Antinote, an app that has revolutionized my note-taking experience. For just $5, it’s been the best investment I’ve made in an app.

What is Antinote?

At its core, Antinote is a note-taking app, but it offers so much more. It can perform calculations, unit conversions, set timers, and even scan text from images using simple commands. You don’t need to memorize shortcuts or dig through menus; it’s all about using natural language. The app features a stunning, customizable design that resembles digital sticky notes but with added functionality.

Customization and Ease of Use

With Antinote, you can open a new note using a customizable keyboard shortcut. The app pops up with a sleek animation, allowing you to start typing immediately. You can create lists by typing "/," and the app will display a list of formats to choose from. Alternatively, you can start a list by typing "list" or "todo," and entries will be added with checkboxes. To mark an item as completed, simply type "done."

Taking Control with Hotwords

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Antinote is the ability to create custom hotwords. You can pick any word you like or invent a new one. For instance, I use the term "mission" for my to-do lists. Want to check off finished tasks? You can use a fun word like "Poof" instead of clicking or typing "done." The app is case-insensitive, so you don’t have to worry about capitalization rules.

Functional Depth

Antinote’s simplicity belies its depth of functionality. You can perform calculations, conversions, and even scan text from images using natural language. The app also features an automatic paste function, where you can copy content from any app, and it will be added to your note by typing "paste." There’s no need to juggle between apps or use clipboard managers. Additionally, Antinote includes an OCR facility that extracts text from screenshots, making it easy to save and organize information.

Simplicity with Depth

Despite its extensive features, Antinote boasts a clean and intuitive interface. The app’s settings menu reveals a high level of customizability, including access controls, theme options, and font adjustments. You can customize the hotkey combination, pick from over a dozen themes, adjust the paper’s appearance, and even tweak translucence effects. I customized the app to launch a new note page every time I opened it and set an auto-delete protocol to keep my notes organized.

Exporting and Integrations

One of the best features of Antinote is its ability to export notes in various formats, including .txt, markdown, and even directly to Apple Notes. This integration enables cloud sync, allowing you to access your notes across all your devices. The app also includes a shortcut to export your Antinotes content to Apple Notes, making it easy to keep your notes in sync.

Conclusion

Antinote is a powerhouse of an app that simplifies tasks and keeps things visually minimal. Its functional depth and customizability make it an absolute steal for $5. If you’re someone who loves research, writes down numerous notes, and appreciates beautiful design, Antinote is the perfect app for you. With its seamless integration, extensive features, and intuitive interface, Antinote has become an indispensable tool in my daily life, and I’m confident it will be the same for you.

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