# Discover 11 Compelling Reasons to Try Google Keep Today!
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Chapter 1: The Shift from Evernote to Google Keep
In the past, I was a devoted Evernote user. I appreciated its features like tags, notebooks, and saved searches, dedicating considerable time to organizing my notes meticulously. Each time I created a new note, I would carefully consider its title, tags for sorting, and the appropriate notebook for storage. However, this abundance of options often left me feeling overwhelmed. I frequently found myself re-tagging and shifting notes between notebooks, becoming quite adept at using saved searches (for example, tag:pantry tag:one-pan tag:chicken). But then, as fate would have it, Evernote increased its pricing, and around the same time, I switched from a Windows PC to a Chromebook. This transition led me to discover Google Keep.
What is Google Keep?
According to Wikipedia, Google Keep is a note-taking service that is part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite provided by Google. This suite also encompasses Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google Forms, and Google Sites.
Upon transitioning to Google Keep, I quickly realized how bogged down I had become with the multitude of choices that Evernote offered. While Evernote is an excellent tool for many users, those who do not require such extensive features might find greater satisfaction in a more simplified application. Personally, I thrive with fewer options, a sentiment echoed by Barry Schwartz in his book, “The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less.” Schwartz highlights that while having choices is crucial for happiness, the downsides of too many options can outweigh the benefits.
This brings me back to Google Keep and its value as a note-taking application, especially for users of Chrome or Chromebooks. Here are the key reasons why you should consider adopting Google Keep:
Section 1.1: Simplified Decision-Making
One of the standout features of Google Keep for me is its minimal decision-making requirement. There are no folders or notebooks to sort through, meaning you don’t have to deliberate on where to save each note. Just jot down your thoughts and save them—it's as straightforward as that.
Section 1.2: Exceptional Search Functionality
Thanks to the absence of notebooks and folders, the Search function is incredibly robust. Being a Google product, it excels at searching through all notes, within specific labels, colors, or types of notes.
Section 1.3: Completely Free to Use
Google Keep is entirely free, with no premium tiers; all users have access to the same features. This is a significant advantage, especially when managing multiple paid services.
Section 1.4: Seamless Synchronization with Google Apps
Google Keep integrates smoothly with other Google applications. For instance, when you're ready to expand on notes taken in Keep, you can easily transfer them to Google Docs with just a click.
Section 1.5: Cross-Platform Accessibility
I primarily use Google Keep on my Chromebook, but I also access my shopping lists through the iOS app on my iPhone, showcasing its cross-platform functionality.
Subsection 1.5.1: User-Friendly Label System
In Google Keep, you can utilize labels as tags, allowing up to fifty labels without any special formatting constraints. This makes organizing notes both flexible and straightforward.
Subsection 1.5.2: Minimal Text Formatting
Another appealing aspect is that Google Keep does not require text formatting. There’s no need to worry about font styles or underlining—just focus on the content of your notes.
Subsection 1.5.3: Reminder Functionality
Every note can easily be transformed into a reminder, enabling you to follow up on various tasks. Once you’ve completed the action, simply delete the reminder, and the note remains available.
Subsection 1.5.4: Voice Notes and Searchability
You can also create voice notes, which are conveniently searchable, providing another layer of functionality.
Subsection 1.5.5: Effective Web Clipping
Google Keep excels in web clipping, capturing snippets rather than entire articles, which keeps your notes concise.
Subsection 1.5.6: Checklist Creation
Any note can effortlessly be converted into a checklist with checkboxes, enhancing its utility.
Takeaway
In conclusion, while I haven’t covered every single feature of this impressive app, there’s much more to discover. The real highlight for me is how low-maintenance Google Keep is. It’s a powerful, agile, and user-friendly tool, enabling me to find any note I need with ease due to its excellent search capability. If you’re tired of costly, complicated apps or those that demand too many decisions, consider giving Google Keep a try.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Google Keep
In this deep dive video, you will uncover why Google Keep is highly regarded and how it can enhance your note-taking experience.
This review explores Google Keep as a note-taking memo app, highlighting its features and functionality.