Enote

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Enote is a lightweight, cross-platform desktop note-taking application (macOS utility) designed for rapid capture and organization of text, images, and Markdown-formatted content directly on the user's desktop environment.
2. Core Value Proposition: Enote exists to eliminate friction in digital note-taking, enabling users to instantly capture ideas, memos, and inspiration with minimal disruption to their workflow, prioritizing speed, simplicity, and persistent desktop access.

Main Features

1. Global Keyboard Shortcuts: Enote utilizes system-level hotkeys to instantly spawn a new note window from any active application or desktop state. This bypasses the need to manually launch the app or switch contexts, leveraging macOS event tap APIs for low-latency input capture.
2. Image Note Integration: Users can embed images directly into notes via drag-and-drop from Finder, pasting from the clipboard (supporting web screenshots or local files), or file selection dialogs. The app processes images as embedded resources within the note file, optimizing for quick visual reference without external file management.
3. Persistent Floating Window: Critical notes can be pinned as "always-on-top" windows using macOS window level management (e.g., NSWindowLevel set above standard application windows). This ensures visibility over full-screen apps, browser windows, or IDEs, ideal for reference materials or task lists.
4. Unified Sidebar & Template Management: The collapsible sidebar provides hierarchical organization (folders/tags) for all notes and pre-defined text templates. Templates use plain text or Markdown placeholders, enabling rapid insertion of recurring content structures (e.g., meeting notes, code snippets).
5. Markdown Support (v25.12.2+): Implements a dual-pane editor (raw Markdown + live preview) using a lightweight parsing engine (e.g., CommonMark-compliant library). Supports syntax highlighting for code blocks, headers, lists, and basic formatting, converting to rich text upon export or printing.
6. Cross-Platform Sync (v25.10.4+): Employs iCloud syncing (CloudKit) to synchronize notes, templates, and settings in real-time across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices under the same Apple ID, ensuring seamless multi-device workflows.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Disruptive workflow interruption for quick note capture. Enote solves this with global shortcuts and a compact floating bar, enabling sub-second note creation without app switching.
2. Target Audience:
   • Developers: Quickly jot down code snippets, CLI commands, or debugging notes while coding.
   • Designers: Capture inspiration, color codes, or feedback during creative sessions via image drag-and-drop.
   • Students/Researchers: Pin reference materials (formulas, quotes) atop lecture videos or PDFs using floating windows.
   • Productivity-Focused Professionals: Manage daily tasks, meeting notes, and templates via the sidebar during multitasking.
3. Use Cases:
   • Instantly logging a bug report or feature idea during software testing.
   • Pinning a project brief or design mockup above design tools (Figma, Photoshop).
   • Syncing shopping lists or meeting agendas across iPhone and Mac during transitions.
   • Drafting technical documentation or READMEs using Markdown syntax with live preview.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation vs. Competitors: Unlike heavier note apps (Evernote, OneNote), Enote’s 13.4MB footprint ensures minimal resource usage. Versus native Stickies, it adds cross-device sync, Markdown, image embedding, and persistent floating windows. Competitors like NotePlan focus on calendaring, while Enote prioritizes instant desktop capture.
2. Key Innovation: The combination of system-level global shortcuts and persistent, customizable floating windows creates a near-zero-friction environment for temporary, context-specific note retention directly atop the active workspace – a niche underserved by traditional note-taking or task management apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Enote support syncing between Mac and iPhone?
   Yes, Enote uses iCloud syncing (CloudKit) to automatically synchronize notes, templates, and settings in real-time across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices linked to the same Apple ID (requires v25.10.4 or later).
2. How does Enote handle privacy and data collection?
   According to the developer (新强 李), Enote collects no user data. Notes and images are stored locally or synced via iCloud under the user’s control. Apple has not independently verified this claim; review the developer's privacy policy for specifics.
3. What Markdown features does Enote support?
   Enote supports CommonMark syntax including headers, lists, code blocks, bold/italic, links, and images. It provides a live preview pane alongside the raw editor, enabling real-time formatting validation (added in v25.12.2).
4. Can I use Enote without blocking my desktop workspace?
   Yes. While floating notes stay atop other windows, Enote’s adjustable window transparency and compact sidebar minimize workspace obstruction. Notes can also be minimized or stored in the sidebar when not actively needed.
5. Is Enote a subscription-based app?
   Enote offers a free version with core functionality. Premium features (e.g., advanced templates, sync priority, themes) require a Monthly ($2.99) or Yearly ($19.99) in-app purchase, managed via Apple’s subscription system.