Personalizing Your Productivity with Evernote
Dec 16 2024 | Issue 22 | Link to this issue | Subscribe
Hi Reader –
Evernote isn’t just a tool; it’s a workspace that should work for you. Evernote is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their setups to suit their unique workflows.
Whether you’re organizing projects, juggling personal tasks, or building a creative dashboard, personalization is the key to turning Evernote into a tool that energizes and inspires.
Here are a few top ways to make it happen.
3 Tips for Personalizing Evernote
1. Navigation Preferences
The newest personalization options for Evernote – released in Q4 with customizable options on both mobile and desktop – enable users to choose what navigation areas display in the app.
Here’s how I’ve customized my navigation for each device I access Evernote on:
My navigation choices reflect how I most use Evernote in each location.
For example, I choose to hide the Task and Event creation buttons on Desktop, as I prefer to create Tasks and Events using a keyboard shortcut. This leaves more space for viewing my notebooks and notes.
And, on mobile, I prefer to feature access to my Shortcuts by having them displayed in the bottom navigation. I also have defined the Shortcuts screen to be the default screen my mobile app opens to when I launch Evernote on my phone.
To configure your navigation preferences on Desktop and Web, go to Settings > Preferences > Sidebar:
Evernote Desktop and Web Navigation Preferences Access
On Mobile, go to Settings > Navigation. From there you'll be able to define 1️⃣ what page you want to open upon launch of the app (I chose Shortcuts) and 2️⃣ customize your navigation by 3️⃣ selecting the visibility of each navigation area:
Evernote Mobile Navigation Preferences Access
I advise mapping your navigation options to the best function of Evernote on each device. For example, the mobile app is best used for capture and find, where project management and organizing is best done from your computer. Fine tuning your navigation preferences for these functions sets you up for optimal Evernote productivity everywhere you use it.
🧠 Academy Members: Learn how to use Evernote on each device for optimal productivity in the Masterclass: Be Evernote Efficient on Your Computer, Phone AND Tablet.
2. Customize Your Home Screen
Evernote Home is your command center (especially on desktop and web), and should be customized to fit your productivity needs.
With 10 widgets to choose from, the personalization options are plentiful. Rearrange widgets, add a custom cover image, and pin your most-used notes for quick access.
Your workspace should reflect your priorities, whether that’s a minimal look for focus or a vibrant dashboard that sparks creativity.
🧠 Academy Members: View the Masterclass: Evernote Home Widgets for an orientation to all the widgets and inspiration on how to best customize Home for your needs.
Here’s a playful, seasonal, example showing how one of Santa’s Elves would customize her Evernote Home to support holiday operations in the North Pole:
Evernote Home customized for Santa's Elf
3. Shortcuts: Your Productivity Fast Track
Shortcuts are the ultimate bookmarks. They provide 1-click access to key data in your account and are a top feature I advocate using to create focus on what matters to you in Evernote.
Use them to access your most important projects, notes, or tags instantly.
In my account, I've added shortcuts to two frequently accessed notes: my Errands list for quick mobile access, and my "Monthly Metrics" note to easily track business goals each week.
As mentioned in tip #1, I set my default launch page on mobile to be the Shortcuts page ensuring efficient access to these key notes on the go.
How to add an Evernote Shortcut
🧠 Academy Members: Optimizing shortcuts is a key power user skill. Up-level your skills for bringing focus to your key notes using Shortcuts and more in the Masterclass: How to Feature Key Notes in Evernote.
The Power of Personalization
When your tools align with your habits, productivity becomes effortless. Personalization is what converts Evernote from a simple storage space into a powerhouse of creativity, focus, and efficiency.
Whether it’s adjusting widgets, color-coding notes, or using emojis — every change builds a workspace that feels like yours.
Use these tips to create the Evernote workspace you’ve always wanted.
Cheers to your productivity!
Stacey
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