What I’ve Learned and What I’d Do Differently
It’s hard to believe that it’s going to be five years since I first picked up my Supernote. What started as a curious venture into digital note-taking has evolved into an indispensable part of my daily life. Over the years, I’ve refined my workflow, discovered what works (and what doesn’t), and learned how to make the most of this remarkable tool. If I had the chance to go back and do it all over again, there are three key areas I’d focus on from day one: organization, retention, and archiving.
One of the first entries I did on my A6x.
Organization: Building a Strong Foundation
When I first started using my Supernote, I treated it like a digital notebook — and that was both a blessing and a curse. The freedom to create endless pages and notebooks felt liberating, but without a clear organizational structure, things quickly became chaotic. I spent too much time flipping through files, trying to find that one note I knew I’d written but couldn’t locate.
First version of organizing folders and links. I think links had just been implemented.
If I could go back, I’d establish a clear folder and naming convention from the start. Something as simple as categorizing notebooks by project, year, or theme would have saved me countless hours. Over time, I developed a system that works for me, but those early months of digital clutter could have been avoided with just a bit more foresight.
For more on Organization:
Pro tip: Use consistent file names and nested folders — think of your Supernote as a digital filing cabinet. The more intentional your organization, the smoother your experience.
Retention: Making Information Stick
One of the unexpected lessons I learned with Supernote was the importance of active retention. Taking notes is one thing, but ensuring that important ideas and action items don’t slip through the cracks requires a thoughtful system.
In the beginning, I was guilty of jotting things down and moving on, trusting that I’d “remember” to revisit them. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Now, I use a combination of digital bookmarks, annotations, and monthly review sessions to ensure I retain what matters most.
If I could start over, I’d create a habit of revisiting my notes on a set schedule — weekly for quick recaps, monthly for deeper reflection. This practice not only helps reinforce ideas but also sparks new ones.
Pro tip: Leverage Supernote’s digital bookmarking and tagging tools to create an easy-to-navigate system for important insights.
Archiving: Creating a Legacy of Notes
Perhaps the most overlooked — yet essential — aspect of long-term Supernote use is archiving. Five years in, I have a treasure trove of notes, sketches, and ideas, but early on, I didn’t think about how I’d want to access those files years down the line.
I’ve since developed a quarterly archiving habit: exporting my most important notebooks as PDFs and organizing them on my cloud storage. This ensures that my work isn’t just stored — it’s preserved.
If I could advise my past self, I’d stress the importance of regular backups and a clear archiving protocol. Knowing that my notes are safe and accessible brings peace of mind and makes the Supernote experience feel complete.
Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder to back up your Supernote files and store them securely — future you will thank you.
Exporting notes into Goodnotes. I don’t do this anymore, everything goes to Obsidian and/or Drive.
Final Thoughts
Five years with Supernote has taught me more than I expected — about digital tools, of course, but also about how I work, learn, and create. If I had to do it all over again, I’d focus on organization, retention, and archiving right from the start.
For anyone new to Supernote or looking to refine their workflow, my advice is simple: treat your digital notes with the same care and intention as you would a physical notebook. Over time, that effort compounds into something truly valuable.
Here’s to another five years of growth, learning, and beautifully organized digital notes.