5 Uses for Evernote Desktop Clients

Expanding the Potential of Evernote Desktop Clients

Several years ago, we explored the diverse applications of Evernote, positioning it as a comprehensive, all-encompassing 'second brain' solution.

A key advantage of Evernote is its broad compatibility; it functions across a wide range of platforms and accommodates information input through various methods.

Furthermore, Evernote seamlessly integrates with a vast number of third-party applications, enhancing its versatility.

New Uses Driven by Desktop Enhancements

Recent advancements to the desktop applications of Evernote have unlocked even more possibilities for users.

Consequently, the following suggestions detail additional ways to maximize the functionality offered by the Evernote desktop clients.

These tips are designed to help you leverage the full power of the software for improved organization and productivity.

Optimizing Your Workflow with Evernote

Evernote’s strength lies in its ability to be adapted to individual needs. Consider these points when refining your personal system.

Cross-Platform Accessibility: Evernote’s availability on multiple devices ensures your information is always within reach.
Flexible Input Methods: The application supports text, images, audio recordings, and web clippings.
Third-Party Integration: Connecting Evernote with other tools streamlines workflows and enhances efficiency.

By utilizing these features, users can transform Evernote into a powerful tool for managing information and boosting productivity.

Leveraging Evernote as a Desktop Email Solution

While I generally favor webmail interfaces like those offered by Gmail and Windows Live Hotmail, the necessity for a dedicated desktop email client occasionally arises.

Programs such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Windows Live Mail 2011 haven’t been required in my typical workflow.

Convenience for Quick Emails

However, situations do occur where a desktop application offering email functionality proves beneficial, particularly when sharing content like screenshots.

The absence of any mail client at all can, at times, hinder efficiency.

For these instances, I’ve found the Evernote desktop client for Windows (and macOS) to be a surprisingly effective solution for sending text and images.

It often proves to be a quicker method than initiating a web browser and accessing Gmail.

A Minor Consideration

It’s worth noting a small detail: Evernote includes a link to its website within the email itself.

This is a negligible drawback, especially given that the service is provided without charge.

Using Evernote in this manner provides a swift and accessible way to handle occasional email needs directly from your desktop environment.

Quickly Transfer Photos from iPhone/iPod Touch to Your Computer

It's remarkably simple to upload multiple photos simultaneously from an iPhone or iPod Touch to a desktop computer. This process bypasses the need for a USB cable and the often lengthy wait for iTunes to launch.

This method has become my preferred way to swiftly move screenshots from my iPod Touch to my blog. It offers a significant time saving compared to traditional methods.

Utilizing Evernote for Photo Transfers

The Evernote iPhone application facilitates effortless bulk photo uploads. This eliminates the conventional steps of connecting via USB and waiting for iTunes.

Evernote serves as an excellent repository for various notes and images. It’s particularly useful for archiving temporary screenshots.

Comparing Evernote and Dropbox

While the Dropbox iPhone app also supports multiple screenshot uploads, its primary function differs. Dropbox is ideally suited for backing up current projects.

Evernote: Best for archiving notes and temporary images like screenshots.
Dropbox: More appropriate for backing up actively worked-on files.

A quick screenshot doesn't typically require the robust backup features of Dropbox. Therefore, Evernote provides a more streamlined solution for this specific task.

The efficiency of this method allows for near-instantaneous transfer of images, streamlining workflows and saving valuable time.

Seamlessly Move Files, Links, and Text from Desktop to Mobile

Any data residing on your computer – be it a PDF document, a digital image, an audio file, a web address, or simply text – can be rapidly sent to your mobile device using the Evernote desktop application.

While dedicated applications like Firefox Home, Site To Phone, Instapaper, Read It Later, Dropbox, PushBrowserApp, KeepItWith.Me, Pastefire, and AirLink are designed for this purpose, Evernote provides a comparable functionality.

These specialized apps typically deliver the information to their corresponding mobile applications, requiring you to open them to view the content. Evernote’s mobile apps offer similar capabilities, automatically formatting text and articles for optimal readability on smaller screens, much like Instapaper and Read It Later do.

Effortless URL Sharing

The ability to share URLs is particularly advantageous. You can easily access these links within your most recent note by opening the Evernote mobile app and clicking directly on them.

This streamlined process eliminates the need for manual entry or searching for the information elsewhere.

Evernote provides a convenient and integrated solution for transferring various types of content between your desktop and mobile devices.

Sharing Temporary Screenshots, Photos, & Text

The desktop application provides a convenient screenshot tool for both Windows and macOS, facilitating easy sharing of captures. Following a screenshot capture, simply select Share and then Copy Note URL To Clipboard, located at the top of the note.

This allows for rapid dissemination of a webpage alongside your screenshot. However, the content isn't limited to webpages; it can encompass code snippets, textual information, photographs, or any other desired material.

Utilizing the Share Function

This method serves as a streamlined approach to publishing webpages integrated with your images and text. It offers a quick solution for sharing visual content with accompanying details.

To revert a shared note to a private status, right-click on the note within the note list. Then, navigate to Share > Stop Sharing to restrict access.

Comparing Sharing Options

The Public folder within Dropbox presents another viable method for sharing screenshots. However, this often necessitates sufficient storage space for your existing files.

Conversely, Evernote allocates 60MB of monthly usage for sharing purposes. This provides a dedicated allowance for distributing content through the platform.

Evernote offers a dedicated 60MB monthly allowance.
Dropbox requires available storage space in the Public folder.

Sharing screenshots and other content is simplified through Evernote’s integrated tools. The process is designed for efficiency and ease of use.

The Copy Note URL To Clipboard feature streamlines the sharing process. It allows for quick distribution of content via a direct link.

Maintaining a Visual Diary

Individuals who routinely post images to platforms like Facebook, Flickr, and Instagram, or utilize daily photo-sharing services, may not find this information necessary. However, for those seeking a more personal method of record-keeping, Evernote presents an excellent starting point.

The Evernote mobile applications already offer functionality for capturing audio recordings – valuable as personal mementos – and taking photographs of various subjects. This allows users to maintain a visual record of meals, document travel experiences, and more.

New Webcam Note Feature

The desktop application now introduces an additional feature suitable for journaling: webcam notes (referred to as iSight notes on macOS). Initially, it was assumed this feature would enable webcam video recording.

However, the functionality primarily captures still images from the webcam.

This allows for frequent self-portraits while working on the computer, accompanied by brief notes on one's mood or thoughts, similar to the style of Twitter. Over time, these entries could provide amusement or serve as a helpful reminder of past experiences.

Evernote provides a unique way to document daily life.

Do you have any further suggestions for utilizing the Evernote Desktop Clients? Please share your ideas in the comments section below!

Image Source: Evernote