Notes: Capture, Process, and Organize
Notes are one of the five element types in Keepsake, and they have a unique lifecycle. Unlike entries (which record the past) or tasks (which track future actions), notes are flexible — they can be anything: an idea, a reminder, a piece of information, a draft. They start in your Inbox and from there, you decide what they become.
The flow: Capture → Inbox → Action
1. Capture
Write a QuickNote from anywhere in the app. The note bar is always visible at the top of the screen. Don't think about where it goes — just write it down. See QuickNotes for all capture methods (typing, voice dictation, offline, T+ shortcuts).
2. Inbox
Your note lands in the Inbox. The Inbox is a holding space — it's not the final destination. Notes wait here until you decide what to do with them.
3. Process
For each note, you choose one of five actions: transform into a task (something to do), transform into an entry (something that happened), archive (keep for reference), pin (keep visible), or delete (no longer needed).
Tip
This Capture → Inbox → Action flow is inspired by GTD (Getting Things Done). The idea is simple: your brain is for having ideas, not for holding them. Capture everything, then process at your own pace.
Processing your notes
Transform into a task
If the note is something you need to do, convert it into a task. Choose ASAP (urgent), a specific due date, or Someday. The note disappears from the Inbox and becomes a task in your task list.
Transform into an entry
If the note describes something that happened — a call, a meeting, an observation — convert it into a dated entry. Link it to the relevant contacts and it will appear on their profiles.
Archive
If the note is useful reference material but doesn't require action, archive it. It leaves the Inbox and goes to the Archive view, where you can search and filter it anytime.
Pin
If you need a note to stay visible for a while — a hotel room number, a reservation code, an idea you're working on — pin it. Pinned notes sit at the top of your Inbox and don't count toward your unread total.
Delete
If a note is no longer relevant, delete it. It goes to the trash and stays there for 30 days, so you can recover it if needed.
Tip
Try to process your Inbox regularly — once a day works great. When the Inbox is empty, Keepsake shows a little celebration. Inbox Zero feels good.
Where do notes appear?
On contact profiles
If a note mentions a contact with @, it appears on that contact's profile. This builds a history of everything related to that person — notes, entries, and tasks, all in one place. See Contact Profiles.
On tag pages
If a note uses #tag# or [[tag]] syntax, it appears on the corresponding tag page alongside related entries, tasks, and contacts. See Tags & Pages.
In the Archive
Archived notes are stored in the Archive view, accessible from the sidebar. You can search by content and filter by tag or contact to find what you need.
In the Inbox
Unprocessed and pinned notes stay in the Inbox until you decide what to do with them.
Notes vs. Entries — what's the difference?
A note is something to keep
Ideas, drafts, reference material, checklists, quotes, procedures. Notes are about information — things you want to remember or use later. They're not tied to a specific moment.
An entry is something that happened
A phone call, a meeting, a lunch, a milestone. Entries are about events — things that occurred on a specific date. They build a chronological timeline on contact profiles and in the Journal.
When in doubt
Ask yourself: "Is this about something that happened on a specific day?" If yes, it's an entry. If it's information to keep or an idea to develop, it's a note. And don't worry too much — you can always reorganize later.
Tip
The key difference is time. Entries are dated events. Notes are timeless information. A note saying "Ideas for the next product launch" is a note. "Met with Sophie to discuss the product launch" is an entry.
Best practices
Capture immediately
The moment an idea crosses your mind, write it down. Even a few words are enough. The QuickNote bar is designed for this — zero friction, instant save.
Link to people and projects
Use @mentions and #tags in your notes. A note that says "Book recommendation from @Sarah: Deep Work" is far more useful than one that just says "Deep Work". Six months from now, you'll find it on Sarah's profile.
Process regularly
Don't let notes pile up. A quick Inbox review once a day — even just 2 minutes — keeps everything flowing. Archive what you've processed, transform what needs action, delete what's done.
Use the Archive
The Archive is not a graveyard — it's a library. Put reference material there: procedures, meeting prep, ideas you've already explored. It's searchable and filterable, so you'll find things fast.
Questions?
Related guides
Capture Ideas Instantly with QuickNotes
Learn how to use QuickNotes to capture thoughts, ideas, and reminders in seconds. Works offline, syncs automatically, and connects to your contacts.
Entries: Build Your Interaction History
Learn how to use entries in Keepsake to log meetings, calls, and interactions. Link entries to contacts and projects to build a complete relationship history.
The 5 Element Types in Keepsake
Understand the difference between contacts, tags, entries, tasks, and notes in Keepsake. A practical guide to organizing everything naturally.
Contact Profiles: Your Relational Memory
Learn how Keepsake's Contact Profiles work as your relational memory. Track interactions, set reminders, and build a complete picture of every relationship.
Organize Everything with Tags & Pages
Learn how to use Tags & Pages in Keepsake to organize notes, tasks, and contacts into flexible projects. No upfront setup — projects emerge naturally from your content.
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