Note-taking apps are essential tools for capturing ideas, organizing information, and improving productivity. Among the leading options, Capacities and Evernote offer distinct approaches and features to suit different user needs. While Evernote is well-known for its effortless information capture and robust search capabilities, Capacities stands out as a tool designed to curate and connect knowledge.
If you’re deciding between these two apps, this comprehensive comparison will guide you through their differences and help you choose the best fit for your workflow.
Capacities and Evernote
Evernote:
- Renowned for its simple information capture and organization.
- Features like the web clipper and powerful search make it a reliable tool for managing large volumes of notes.
Capacities:
- Focuses on connected, object-based note-taking.
- Encourages users to create a dynamic web of interlinked notes for deeper knowledge work.
Both apps are exceptional in their own way, but the decision depends on how you work with your notes.
Connecting the Dots: Linking and Backlinking
Evernote’s Linking Capabilities
- Evernote allows users to link notes, either inline or as cards with content previews.
- Backlinks appear at the top of notes but lack customization and detailed previews.
Capacities’ Networked Approach
- Capacities excels in linking and backlinking by creating a seamless web of interconnected notes.
- Offers multiple linking options: inline links, cards, and embedded views.
- Backlinks in Capacities are detailed, customizable, and presented at the bottom of notes, enriching the note-taking experience.
- Filtering and sorting options make managing backlinks intuitive.
Key Takeaway:
If interconnecting ideas and exploring relationships between notes is important to you, Capacities provides a more robust solution.
Object-Based Note-Taking
Evernote: Traditional Note Format
- Notes are treated as simple, uniform pages.
- Tags are used to categorize notes by type (e.g., meetings, books, recipes).
Capacities: A Paradigm Shift
- Notes are treated as objects, such as people, books, or meetings, reflecting real-world concepts.
- Default and customizable object types streamline the note-creation process.
- Templates allow users to predefine layouts, properties, and metadata for different note types.
Benefits of Object Types:
- Frictionless capture of specific types of information.
- Easy organization and retrieval via sidebar views.
- Customization enhances usability and aligns with how our brains process information.
Key Takeaway:
Capacities’ object-based approach is ideal for users who want a more structured and intuitive way to manage diverse types of information.
Tagging: A Modern Take
Evernote’s Tagging System
- Tags are primarily used to categorize and find notes.
- Tag management is straightforward but lacks advanced functionalities.
Capacities’ Enhanced Tagging
- Tags go beyond categorization, offering dynamic dashboards and embedded tags.
- Related tags and filter options make navigating the tag network intuitive.
- Tagged items can be displayed in list, wall, or gallery views.
Key Takeaway:
Capacities’ advanced tagging features provide greater flexibility for organizing and visualizing tagged content.
Time and Calendar Integration
Evernote’s Limitations
- Evernote lacks a dedicated calendar view, making it less effective for time-based note organization.
Capacities’ Chronological Perspective
- A built-in calendar displays daily notes, created content, and references.
- Sections for “Created on this day” and “Timeline” provide a chronological overview.
- Offers integration with task managers like Todoist and TickTick.
Upcoming Features:
- Capacities plans to introduce calendar integrations for seamless scheduling.
Key Takeaway:
If time management and chronological organization are priorities, Capacities offers superior tools with its calendar integration.
Data Portability and Ownership
Evernote: Proprietary Lock-In
- Evernote uses proprietary formats, limiting flexibility for exporting notes.
- Export options are available but less user-friendly.
Capacities: Markdown Backups
- Capacities allows notes to be exported in Markdown, ensuring compatibility across platforms.
- Manual backups are supported, with automated options in development.
Key Takeaway:
For users concerned about data portability, Capacities’ Markdown support provides greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Search, Web Clipper, and Home Features
Evernote’s Strengths
- Powerful search capabilities, including OCR for scanned documents and PDFs.
- The web clipper allows users to save entire web pages or snippets effortlessly.
- The customizable “Home” dashboard provides a personalized workspace.
Capacities’ Approach
- Search: While it doesn’t yet support OCR or PDF search, advanced query-based search is available.
- Web Clipper: A simplified version is in development, focusing on adding relevant content without clutter.
- Home: Users can create custom dashboards using queries for a personalized overview.
Key Takeaway:
Evernote’s search and web clipper features are currently more advanced, but Capacities offers a simpler, distraction-free alternative with promising future updates.
Conclusion: Which App is Right for You?
Choose Evernote if:
- You need a straightforward tool for capturing and organizing notes.
- Features like OCR search and a robust web clipper are non-negotiable.
Choose Capacities if:
- You value connecting and curating knowledge through interlinked notes.
- Object-based note-taking and advanced tagging align with your workflow.
- You want a tool that grows with your knowledge and supports deep thinking.
Both apps cater to different needs, so the choice ultimately depends on your note-taking goals. Whichever you choose, consistency is key to achieving a productive workflow.
