Google has launched a simple, fast and colorful note-taking app in the form of Keep. It caught on the minute it was launched, and for good reason. With a web-first approach, Google Docs integration, audio transcription and OCR, Keep has replaced humble sticky notes forever.
ContentsHow to use Google KeepHow to indent in Google KeepHow to lock Google Keep NotesHow to share Google Keep NotesHow to undo in Google KeepHow to bold text in Google KeepHow to move and organize notes in Google KeepHow to search Google KeepKeep it simple, dumb
Want to know how to bold, indent or find your favorite notes? Not sure how to indent or add subtasks?
Let's start.
Google Keep is simple to use. Google has done a good job of keeping things simple. Still, if you've never used a note-taking app before or love a quick guide to using it and all that Keep has to offer, we've got you covered.
Anyone who has used other to-do list apps like Todoist knows this trick. Note that this will only work if you are using checkboxes and not plain text in a note. Tap the ‘+’ icon to select the Checkboxes option.
Enter the main task, then another. Now drag the second task to the right to place it below the first in an indented position.
You can only indent up to one level and one task at a time. Drag it to the left to bring it back to its original position. Checking the main task will automatically check all subtasks.
You can collaborate using Google Keep on a single note. All changes will reflect in real time across all sync devices. Useful for sharing information or managing lists. Tap the three-dot menu icon at the bottom and select Collaborator.
You can now send invitations by simply typing in the email ids of everyone you want to join. Tap Save when finished to finish and send invites.
The undo feature was not part of the initial release. People have been asking for both undo and version history for ages. Finally, Google added the Undo feature in 2017. However, the version history feature is still sorely lacking.
In a note, tap the curved forward or back arrow just above the keyboard to undo or redo anything. Can't see it? This is because the option is only available until the note is closed. Once you've done that, there's no way to undo anything.
It is annoying because users may accidentally close it or maybe work on two or more notes at the same time. Sounds like a half-baked feature to me. There's also still no word on the "view change history" feature.
There is no formatting toolbar in Google Keep, which makes things difficult. Unfortunately, there is no beacon support either. The only way to do this is to bold, underline, or italicize text on another app or platform, then copy it to Keep.
Keep will keep the formatting as it is, but again, there's no way to remove the formatting. Wait, there is a way. You can use the Ctrl+Shift+V keys on the computer to paste text without formatting. It's cumbersome.
Moving notes is very simple in Google Keep. Simply press and hold the note you want to move, then move it where you want.
The same goes for computers. Just point, click and hold the note with your mouse pointer or trackpad and drag it to the desired location. The other notes will automatically rearrange themselves for you.
You can easily organize the notes in Google Keep using various available options such as tags, colors, and pins. Since there is no way to create folders, you should use the archive feature instead. Swipe right for it. This will keep the home screen clutter-free, with only the notes that need your immediate attention.
You can search for notes by tags, keywords, reminders, lists, and colors. Depending on your notes and its content, you will also see an option to search by foods, notes with drawings, links and images, etc. You can also search for text in images with the powerful OCR feature that comes with Keep.
Here is a powerful tip. Insert the # symbol before keywords in each note. You can then search for notes using only those hashtags.
Using Google Keep is free and has no storage limit. It integrates with Google Drive but is not limited by its storage options. Google Keep is a powerful note-taking app with lots of useful features. I would like to be able to organize the notes in folders. That would be great.
If you're looking for a feature that isn't part of Keep, please send your feedback and request it in a future update. Why? Always submit feedback requesting a new feature because if enough users request it, it will be delivered. This is how most app developers and teams operate.
Then: Not sure between Google Keep and Google Tasks? Find out what each of these to-do list apps has to offer and which one is right for you.
