Keep to Notes

Product Introduction

1. Keep to Notes is an open-source browser-based tool designed to convert Google Keep exports into the Evernote-compatible ENEX format for seamless migration to Apple Notes or Evernote. It processes data locally in the user’s browser, ensuring no sensitive information is uploaded to external servers. The tool supports both ZIP archives (up to 200 MB) and extracted HTML files from Google Takeout exports.

2. The core value of Keep to Notes lies in simplifying the transition from Google Keep to alternative note-taking platforms while maintaining data integrity and user privacy. It eliminates manual note recreation by automating format conversion and preserves basic note structures during migration. The tool prioritizes security by operating entirely client-side, making it ideal for users cautious about sharing personal data.

Main Features

1. The tool accepts Google Takeout exports in ZIP format or pre-extracted HTML files, automatically parsing note titles, content, labels, and creation dates. It validates file structures to ensure compatibility with Google Keep’s export schema before conversion. Users can upload multiple files simultaneously, with a 200 MB size limit to prevent browser performance issues.

2. A selective conversion interface allows users to choose specific notes via a checklist, with “Select All” and “Deselect All” toggles for bulk operations. The selection panel displays note metadata, including creation dates and truncated content previews. This feature enables filtering of redundant or outdated notes before final conversion.

3. ENEX export generates standardized XML files compliant with Evernote’s schema, ensuring Apple Notes and Evernote recognize titles, text bodies, and creation timestamps. The tool includes error logging to flag unsupported elements like embedded images hosted externally in Google Keep. Output files retain UTF-8 encoding for multilingual support.

Problems Solved

1. Keep to Notes addresses the absence of native migration tools between Google Keep and Apple Notes/Evernote, which use incompatible formats (HTML vs. ENEX). It resolves formatting loss issues by structurally mapping Google Keep’s JSON-based data to ENEX’s XML schema. The tool bypasses manual copy-pasting, which becomes impractical for users with hundreds of notes.

2. The primary target users are individuals transitioning from Google Keep to Apple Notes or Evernote, particularly those concerned about data ownership after platform changes. Secondary users include open-source advocates seeking transparent, self-hostable migration tools without third-party dependencies.

3. Typical scenarios include migrating an entire Google Keep library after switching to an Apple ecosystem, partial transfers of curated notes to Evernote for advanced organization, and archival backups in standardized formats. Developers also use the tool’s open-source codebase to customize conversions for niche note-taking apps.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike cloud-based converters, Keep to Notes operates offline in the browser, removing privacy risks associated with uploading sensitive notes to external servers. Its open-source MIT license allows independent code audits, distinguishing it from proprietary alternatives with opaque data handling policies.

2. The tool innovates by implementing client-side ZIP file extraction via JavaScript’s FileReader API, avoiding server-side processing bottlenecks. Batch conversion with selective note inclusion and real-time progress logging are absent in most competing solutions.

3. Competitive advantages include zero installation requirements, cross-platform compatibility (Windows/macOS/Linux browsers), and adherence to Apple Notes’ strict ENEX import rules. The 200 MB file limit accommodates large exports without requiring split archives, a common limitation in free-tier cloud tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is my data secure during conversion? Keep to Notes processes files entirely in your browser—no data leaves your device, and the tool has no backend servers. The open-source codebase allows verification of this privacy-centric design.

2. What file formats does the tool support? It accepts Google Takeout exports as ZIP archives or extracted HTML folders. Output is standardized ENEX (XML), compatible with Apple Notes (macOS/iOS) and Evernote.

3. Why are some images or formatting missing after conversion? Google Keep stores images as external URLs, which Apple Notes/Evernote cannot import directly. The tool logs these unsupported elements but cannot embed images without server-side hosting.

4. How do I import the ENEX file into Apple Notes? On macOS, use File → Import to Notes; on iOS, open the ENEX file via the Files app and select “Share → Notes.” The tool’s documentation includes screenshots for both workflows.

5. Can I edit notes before conversion? Editing isn’t supported, but you can deselect notes using the checklist interface. Post-conversion, modify the ENEX XML manually or use Evernote’s editing tools before importing.