A powerful (and hidden) Evernote feature
July 22 2024 | Issue 1 | Link to this issue | Subscribe
Hi Reader –
If you've ever scrolled endlessly through your Evernote, trying to locate a specific note, this tip is for you. I recently polled my Academy members and was surprised to learn that 25% of them weren't aware of one of my absolute favorite Evernote features – the Quick Switcher. If 25% of these committed Evernote users – all who are paying me to deepen their mastery of Evernote – weren't aware of this feature, then it's certainly something that needs to be shared!
Especially since those of us who are aware of Quick Switcher functionality love it so much.
Discovering the Quick Switcher can be tricky. It's a bit of a hidden feature – if you don’t know to look for it, you wouldn't know it's there.
But, the Quick Switcher is a keyboard shortcut that will transform how you use Evernote. It's also one of my most used, and favorite features.
Here’s what you need to know.
What's the Quick Switcher?
The Quick Switcher is a search and navigation feature of the Evernote Desktop client (you need to be using the free desktop app– download it here). It allows you to locate and effortlessly jump to notes, notebooks, stacks, and tags using simple keyboard shortcuts.
For Mac users, it's Command J (think J for “jump”), and for Windows users, it's Control Q. Once activated, by typing a keyword, you can quickly locate and access the content you're looking for, making your workflow smoother and faster.
Key Advantages to Using Evernote's Quick Switcher:
Navigation Speed and Efficiency
The Quick Switcher is the fastest way to navigate through Evernote. Instantly jump around your account without taking your hands off the keyboard. Typing a keyword immediately brings up relevant notes, notebooks, tags and stacks, allowing you to quickly jump to where you want to go.
Integrated Search Functionality
Quick Switcher isn't just a navigation tool; it also functions as a robust search engine. Any content in your account that contains the keyword(s) you type will appear in real time via the filtered results that appear in the quick switcher box that appears when you trigger the key command.
Best Practice: Craft Meaningful Titles
The Quick Switcher works by matching keywords you search for to content in your account.A best practice for all forms of search that I often talk about is to get in the habit of purposefully naming your notes. You should give them a meaningful title – one that includes the keywords your future self might search for. This is essential for using the Quick Switcher to navigate to notes in your account as it is matching your keyword search to the note title. This is true for your notebook, stack and tag names too. Include your top keywords in them to ensure they appear when you use the quick switcher.
🧠 Academy Members: Review this Masterclass on the Quick Switcher for a deep dive into this powerful feature and a illustration of best practices.
Navigating your Evernote with the Quick Switcher paired with smart naming conventions transforms chaos into clarity. By leveraging these tools, you save time, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Your future self will thank you for the little bit of extra effort you put in today.
Ready to take your Evernote skills to the next level? Test out the Quick Switcher today and experience the difference.
Here’s to staying organized,
Stacey 💚
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