Notebooks review
A broad, file-based note and task system for Apple-focused users.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Notebooks is a file-based note-taking and organization app for people who want notes, tasks, documents, and imported files in one structured workspace. Its nested books and document hierarchies suit Apple users who organize information by project, topic, or archive. Plain-text, Markdown, and formatted editing support different writing styles, while tasks can include due dates, alerts, and recurring schedules. The app also supports offline access, standard file formats, and note sharing without real-time collaboration.
Its main strength is breadth within a personal knowledge and document system. Notebooks can import PDFs, Office files, iWork files, images, audio, video, and web content, then provide full-text search across documents and attachments. Wiki-style links, backlinks, contexts, and smart books add ways to connect and filter information. PDF and eBook compilation further extends it beyond quick notes. Synchronization works through iCloud, Dropbox, and WebDAV, with integrations for TextExpander, WePrint, and several task apps including OmniFocus, Things, Firetask, Ideabook, and Appigo Todo.
Notebooks is a strong choice for users who prefer hierarchical organization, regular files, and a wide range of document types, especially within an Apple-centered workflow. Its passcode protection for selected iOS content adds a focused privacy control. However, buyers looking for a free entry tier, AI-assisted note features, or real-time team collaboration should choose another app. Windows support is included, but the overall platform lineup remains centered on iOS and macOS. The product fits personal organization and long-form writing better than collaborative workspaces built around shared editing.
Notebooks pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports plain-text, Markdown, formatted documents, and standard files
- Combines nested books, tasks, search, links, backlinks, and smart books
- Imports PDFs, Office files, iWork files, media, and web content
- Where it doesn't
- Paid product with no free plan
- No real-time collaboration or AI features
- Platform support is limited to iOS, macOS, and Windows
Notebooks fact sheet, pricing and score →
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