SideNotes

Product Introduction

1. SideNotes is a macOS and iOS productivity application designed as a persistent note-taking tool that resides on the edge of the user’s screen for instant access. It operates as a collapsible sidebar that activates via cursor hover or clicking a dedicated trigger bar, enabling frictionless note capture without switching apps or disrupting workflow.
2. The core value lies in its ability to reduce cognitive load by providing immediate access to notes, task lists, and code snippets while maintaining focus during full-screen activities like coding, writing, or video conferencing. It combines rapid input capabilities with organizational features like folder categorization and cross-device synchronization through iCloud.

Main Features

1. The app features Markdown-based text formatting with hidden markup syntax, allowing users to apply headings, lists, and emphasis without visual clutter during note review. This implementation preserves readability while maintaining formatting flexibility for exported or shared notes.
2. Automatic iCloud synchronization ensures real-time updates across macOS and iOS/iPadOS devices, with conflict resolution mechanisms for simultaneous edits. The sync architecture supports text, embedded files, and folder structures while maintaining end-to-end encryption through Apple’s iCloud security framework.
3. A customizable quick-access interface provides multiple activation methods including hotcorners, keyboard shortcuts, and Alfred workflow integration. The UI adapts to system dark/light mode preferences and offers 18 theme variations with adjustable opacity, width, and animation speed parameters via JSON configuration files.

Problems Solved

1. SideNotes addresses workflow fragmentation caused by constant app switching during intensive tasks by providing a persistent note layer that coexists with full-screen applications. This eliminates the need to minimize windows or search through multiple note documents during critical work sessions.
2. The primary user base includes developers needing quick code snippet access, students managing lecture notes during screen-sharing sessions, and professionals requiring instant task logging during meetings. Secondary users encompass creative writers and researchers collecting time-sensitive ideas.
3. Typical scenarios involve capturing meeting action items during Zoom calls without leaving full-screen mode, storing temporary API keys during development debugging, and maintaining study notes visible alongside video lectures. The app’s Share Extension further enables direct web content saving from Safari and other iOS apps.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike traditional sticky note apps requiring manual window management, SideNotes implements system-level overlay positioning that persists across virtual desktops and full-screen apps. This is achieved through macOS NSWindowController APIs with exclusive focus exclusion protocols.
2. The Apple Script API exposes 43 automatable actions including note creation from CSV imports, batch folder organization, and direct integration with productivity tools like OmniFocus. Combined with Shortcuts app support, this enables complex workflows like automated daily journal templates.
3. Competitive differentiation stems from native M1/Intel optimization with <2ms response times, cross-platform parity between macOS and iOS versions, and a one-time purchase model contrasting subscription-based alternatives. The dedicated Alfred workflow provides superior search speed at 0.3s latency versus Spotlight-based competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is SideNotes a subscription service or one-time purchase? SideNotes uses a perpetual license model with a single $19.99 payment (currently discounted to $11.99 until August 1, 2025) granting access to all 1.x updates, while future major versions like 2.0 require separate purchases. The iOS version requires a separate $9.99 purchase but shares iCloud sync functionality.
2. What are the minimum system requirements? The macOS version requires macOS 13 Ventura or later with 8GB RAM, while the iOS/iPadOS version needs iOS 15+ on A12 Bionic chips or newer. Both versions support Apple Silicon and Intel processors, with ARM optimization reducing energy usage by 37% versus emulated x86 apps.
3. How does iCloud synchronization handle conflicts? The app employs timestamp-based conflict resolution where the most recent edit overwrites previous versions, with manual recovery options through automatic hourly backups stored locally in ~/Library/Application Support/SideNotes/Backups. Users can disable sync entirely through the app’s System Integration preferences pane.