Learn how to use the Quick Note feature on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to quickly write down notes from anywhere.
As the name suggests, Quick Notes is a fast way to take notes without opening the Notes app. It allows you to jot down things without having to switch apps. The feature can also detect which app you’re using and provide customizable ways to create notes, like offering you an easy button to save a link.
Create Quick Note on Mac
Make sure your computer is running macOS Monterey or later, and follow one of the methods below.
Use Fn + Q
Press the Fn + Q keys from anywhere, and it will bring up the Quick Note window.
Use Hot Corner
Go to Hot Corner settings and assign one of the screen corners of your Mac to bring up Quick Note.
After that, when you move the cursor to the chosen corner, the Quick Note interface will appear. Click it to open up Quick Note and jot down whatever you need to.
You can also add images, text, and links to your Quick Notes. To add text and images from a web page, simply select the content, then right-click and choose Add to Quick Note. If you want to add a link, click the link button in the Quick Note toolbar and add a link.
In case clicking the Quick Note corner doesn’t bring up the Quick Note window, press together Command + Option + esc keys and force quit the frozen Notes app. Once that’s done, Quick Notes should work properly.
Create Quick Note on iPad
You can use Quick Notes on an iPad running iPadOS 15 and later by following one of these methods.
Use Apple Pencil or finger
1) Unlock your iPad.
2) Use your Apple Pencil or one finger to swipe inwards from the bottom right corner. Keep swiping until the Quick Note box is fully expanded. You’ll now be able to write down things or copy-paste images, links, and text to the Quick Note.
If this does not work for you, go to iPad Settings > Apple Pencil and assign Bottom Right/Left Corner to Quick Note.
This option for your finger is available under iPad Settings > Apps > Notes > Corner Gestures.
Use Globe key + Q
If you use a physical keyboard with your iPad, you can use the Globe key + Q keyboard shortcut to bring up Quick Notes.
Create Quick Note on iPhone and iPad
You can use these methods on both iOS and iPadOS.
Launch Quick Notes from Control Center
Edit your iPhone or iPad Control Center and add the Quick Note button to it. After that, you can launch Quick Note by going to Control Center from the Lock Screen or from inside apps.
To customize your Quick Note experience on the Lock Screen, go to iPhone/iPad Settings > Apps > Notes > Access Noted from Lock Screen. From here, you can choose whether you want to turn off access from the Lock Screen, always create a new note, or resume the last note.
iOS has the option to create Quick Notes from any app using the Share Sheet. From inside another app, tap the share button and pick Add to Quick Note.
Tip: Want to add a screenshot to Quick Notes? Take a screenshot and tap & hold its thumbnail from the bottom of the screen. After a few seconds, it will bring up the Share Sheet. From here, tap Add to Quick Note.
Access your saved Quick Notes
You can view and edit a Quick Note from the Notes app by selecting the note from the Quick Notes folder. This works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Plus, if you use iCloud, your Quick Notes sync between all your Apple devices.
Other Notes tips: