Learn how to set the Apple Notes app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to start new notes with a smaller font instead of large title text.
Many people use the Notes app on their devices differently. Some keep it highly organized with folders for projects and meaningful titles for each note. Others use it to jot down quick thoughts they delete soon after.
If you’re in the latter group, opening Notes to quickly capture a phone number, password, or grocery item, titles might feel unnecessary. What matters most is the body of the note itself.
With a simple setting, you can make all new notes in the Notes app start with the body text instead of a title. Here’s how to set it up.
Also see: 32 tips to use Apple Notes like a pro
On iPhone or iPad
- Open iOS Settings and tap Apps at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Notes from the list of applications.
- Scroll down to the Viewing section and tap New Notes Start With, which by default uses Title.
- Next, pick Body, or you can choose Heading or Subheading if you prefer that.
Now, instead of big, bold text at the top of your Notes, you’ll have smaller, non-bold body text.
On Mac
- Open the macOS Notes app and click Notes > Settings or Preferences from the top menu bar.
- Select the New notes start with drop-down box, which uses Title by default like on iOS, and pick Body. Or you can pick Heading/Subheading if you’d rather.
And that’s it. Your new notes on Mac will now start with body text instead of a title.
While this isn’t a groundbreaking change, small tweaks like this can make a difference in your workflow. Is this a setting you plan to use in the Notes app?
On a related note: How to lock your notes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac