How to Journal with Apple Notes

In this video, I demonstrate how I use Apple Notes to create a simple journal.

1. Have a separate folder for your 'Journal'. Each note is an entry.
2. Name with the following format: YYYY-MM-DD Journal Entry. This makes notes more searchable.
3. Journal how you like: Freewriting, 5-Minute journal (what would make today great, what are you grateful for). Gratitude journal.
4. Include photos. It's a nice way to remember a moment and make your journal more visual.
5. Include links to important articles you've read and want to remember.
6. I also have one note pinned to the top called 'Significant Dates'. Each journal entry corresponds to one day. This note is your macro journal that records all the most important events and dates in your life. It's something you can look back on that tells a story about the big changes you've gone through and significant moments.

Enjoy my productivity training videos and learn more about how to be more organised and get more done in less time.

[geebee]

The more I’m using Apple Notes, the better I’m finding it. It’s such a simple app to use withy so many hidden features. It’s probably one of the most under-rated apps around. For journaling or any sensitive information, I password protect individual notes. This, when using on an iPad or iPhone makes accessing them quick and easy with facial recognition enabled. Another great vid Paul.

[ridwanslife]

Mate this is awesome! I have never thought of using Apple Notes as a journaling tool. I'm using Day One app and the premium subscription is up for renewal soon. I was looking for an alternative and Apple Notes seems to be a perfect fit for me. And, the pinned note for significant notes is a brilliant idea. I'm implementing it straightaway. Thanks very much.

[MD-wkgj]

The Significant Date idea is brilliant.

I’ve often thought journaling is wonderful but I rarely go back and review the past but this is the perfect way to highlight important moments in time (good & not so good!) that show my growth and journey.

Thank you ☺️

[LondonGal]

Thank you for the idea and inspiration for significant notes. I really liked that, especially when you get older 😊

[aliciagillaspie]

Paul, thanks for sharing this idea about Journaling in Apple Notes. When we travel in our camper, I do journal daily about each of our trips including pictures and impressions of each park. I have been using the Word document Trip Journal template. Now that I have seen your video, on our trips next year, I may start using Apple Notes to do my trip journaling. This is a very clear presentation of an effective way to keep a journal! Thanks for sharing this info!

[SteveHolstein]

Just found this video and I love it. Implementing it now. I'd like to see a video on why you chose the folder names you did and what sub-folders you might use. I recently simplified mine and moved a lot of random folders under Personal. And please consider doing more short videos on Notes tips and tricks. It's more powerful than I think many people know — especially if you use the Apple Pencil.

[ganeshamouse]

Thank for this! MiJournal for Mac is end-of-life and I like this idea. Another great thing about it is that you can pick up where you left off on your iphone if you're out and about, and it will sync automatically. Worth experimenting with.

[SagnickCinematics]

Dude such a great video even after 3 yeaRS

[kmkkgmu]

This video helped very much. I wanted to use it as a daily diary but I was not able to organise in prper way and I was thinking of subscribing some diary app but all diary app missing apple pencil support or some other feature. But adding dates in title like you have done, this problem is solved. Thanks for bringing this idea. Much helpful.

[siddharthsehgal]

This was such a wonderful, comforting and informative video! Cheers!

[linhao]

Thanks, it's helpful! The date format really helps, I also learned that I can sort the notes by date or name, etc. The default sorting method was preventing me from writing journal with Apple Notes.

[AmandaReid]

Thank you this is so helpful. I realised that I wanted an app that was accessible from all of my devices. I don’t need any more barriers to organising my thoughts! Much appreciated. I’m setting it up as I’m watching. 😊

[muhammadfahadjavaid]

I just watched for one minute and applied it straight away❤

[GeeGee]

Glad that I stumbled upon your video. I downloaded Day One after using Apple Notes. I realized that I was using Apple Notes wrong and decided to use your method. Apple Notes does offer similar features like Day One. I also felt comfortable backing my journal with Apple Notes to my iCloud. You can use Day One, but if you want to use other features you would have to pay for it. With Apple Notes it comes free with my iPhone and Mac Air. With Day One you can't sync your information between both devices. Let's just say that I am going with Apple Notes. LOL!

[Mindtrash_]

You can create a Shortcut to insert a new note with the date as the title, automatically!! Great video Paul!

[rvenue]

Thanks for sharing your format Paul. This simple, non-bullsh*t approach is exactly what I'm searching for! Beats all the paid apps out there that add to my load of digital distractions. <3

[johns-mylifesmagic]

Thanks Paul 👏- this gives me an easy and accessible structure for continuing in Apple Notes in 2023 my existing ‘OneNote’ diary, in a similar but direct way. Your ‘Significant Dates’ tab is something new to me & a great idea which I’ll be using. Super video :)

[sandyd]

I've been doing paper since 1983 but a few years ago I started journaling on Notes. The date title is a good idea. I will start doing that (which on paper I did) but on Note I don't but will start because I'm one that likes to go back and read what I have written in the past and many times I find typos and of course when I fix them it brings the notes to the present day, so titling with the actual date is a very good idea. Also adding pictures in very good.

[cynthiaq]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you very much!

[robynflynnlarge]

I use DayOne. I also use an applet in IFTTT...when I add a Facebook post, it adds it to my journal. Since I only post on Facebook occasionally and usually big stuff (holidays, birthdays etc), it helps to fill out my journal with milestones.