Getting Started
Apple Notes is pre-installed on iPhone, iPad and Mac and syncs via iCloud. Open the Notes app. Tap the compose button (pencil icon) to create a new note. Everything saves automatically.
Useful Features
- 1
Checklists and formatting
Tap the + icon at the bottom of a note for formatting options: checklist (tick boxes), table, photo, scan document, sketch. The Aa button gives text formatting: heading, body, bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, bullet lists and numbered lists.
- 2
Tags and Smart Folders
Type # followed by a word anywhere in a note (e.g. #recipe, #work, #idea) to tag it. Smart Folders automatically collect notes with specific tags — create a Smart Folder for #recipe and all tagged notes appear there instantly. Tap the folder icon → New Smart Folder to set up.
- 3
Lock notes with Face ID or passcode
Long-press a note → Lock Note. Locked notes require Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode to open — they are not accessible on other devices without the password. Use for private information like account credentials, PIN numbers or personal details you store in notes.
- 4
Scan documents
Tap the + icon → Scan Document. The camera opens with an auto-detect frame. Notes automatically detects the document edge, corrects perspective and saves it as a clean, flat scan. Add more pages to the same note. The scanned document can then be shared as a PDF.
- 5
Collaborate on shared notes
Tap the share icon on any note → Collaborate. Add people by email or iMessage link. Shared notes show who made changes and when. Everyone invited can edit in real time — useful for shared shopping lists, travel plans or meeting notes.
- 6
Pin important notes
Swipe right on a note in the list → tap the pin icon. Pinned notes appear at the top of the folder list. Long-press a note for the option on Mac.