Exporting notes from Apple Notes can be challenging due to its limited native options, but several third-party tools stand out for their functionality and ease of use. Here are some excellent tools for exporting Apple Notes, based on their capabilities and user feedback:
1 Exporter (Mac App Store)
◦ Overview: A free Mac app designed to export Apple Notes in bulk to Markdown or HTML formats. It preserves creation and modification dates and organizes notes into directories based on their notebooks.
◦ Strengths:
▪ Simple, one-click bulk export.
▪ Supports attachments (e.g., JPEG, PNG) when exporting to Markdown, with media saved in separate folders.
▪ Maintains folder structure and avoids overwriting notes with identical names.
◦ Limitations:
▪ Does not preserve rich text features (e.g., bold, italic) or iOS-specific links in Markdown exports.
▪ Images and hyperlinks may not be embedded in the text, requiring manual reattachment in some apps.
▪ Lacks PDF export; Markdown or HTML only.
▪ Some users report it can be resource-intensive or unresponsive during large exports.
◦ Best For: Users needing a free, straightforward tool for bulk exports to Markdown or HTML, especially for text-heavy notes.
◦ Availability: Download from the Mac App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exporter/id1099120373 2 Obsidian Importer (Plugin for Obsidian)
◦ Overview: A plugin for the Obsidian note-taking app that imports Apple Notes, including handwritten text detected in drawings. It converts notes to Markdown, making it ideal for users transitioning to Obsidian.
◦ Strengths:
▪ Comprehensive output, capturing text and some media elements accurately.
▪ Free and regularly updated (e.g., version 1.5.3 as of October 2023).
▪ Integrates seamlessly with Obsidian, a powerful cross-platform note-taking tool.
◦ Limitations:
▪ Requires Obsidian, so it’s not a standalone tool.
▪ Markdown exports may require cleanup for complex notes with rich media.
◦ Best For: Users already using or planning to use Obsidian who want a reliable import tool.
◦ Availability: Install via Obsidian’s plugin marketplace.
3 Apple Cloud Notes Parser (GitHub)
◦ Overview: An open-source tool for advanced users comfortable with scripting. It parses Apple Notes stored in iCloud, exporting them to modifiable formats.
◦ Strengths:
▪ Free and customizable for tech-savvy users.
▪ Can handle complex note structures if configured correctly.
◦ Limitations:
▪ Requires technical expertise to set up and run.
▪ Struggles with newer iCloud formats, as Apple’s database encryption can lock data.
▪ Not user-friendly for non-developers.
◦ Best For: Developers or users needing a free, script-based solution for specific export needs.
◦ Availability:
https://github.com/threeplanetssoftware/apple_cloud_notes_parser 4 iPad Drag-and-Drop Trick (iPadOS)
◦ Overview: A lesser-known method using iPadOS’s drag-and-drop feature to export multiple notes as RTFD files to iCloud Drive, preserving formatting and attachments like images or sketches.
◦ Strengths:
▪ Free and built into iPadOS, requiring no third-party software.
▪ Preserves rich text and most attachments (except scanned documents in some cases).
◦ Limitations:
▪ Only works on iPad, not Mac or iPhone.
▪ RTFD files may not be compatible with all apps.
▪ Not ideal for large-scale exports due to manual dragging.
◦ Best For: iPad users wanting a quick, free way to export small batches of notes with formatting.
◦ How-To: Select multiple notes in the Notes app, drag them to iCloud Drive, and they’ll convert to RTFD files.
5 Native Apple Notes Export (PDF or Pages)
◦ Overview: Apple Notes allows exporting individual notes as PDFs or opening them in Pages for further formatting (e.g., RTF, Word). On Mac, go to File > Export as PDF or File > Open in Pages. On iPhone/iPad, use the Share button for PDF or Pages export.
◦ Strengths:
▪ Built-in, no additional software needed.
▪ PDF exports are universally accessible.
▪ Pages export supports richer formats for editing.
◦ Limitations:
▪ Exports one note at a time, making it impractical for bulk exports.
▪ PDF exports are static and not editable.
▪ Pages exports don’t sync changes back to Notes and lose features like checklists or note links.
▪ Multipage PDFs or scanned documents may only export the first page.
◦ Best For: Users needing to export a few notes as PDFs or editable documents.
Recommendations
• For Bulk Exports: Exporter is the go-to choice for its simplicity and free price tag. Choose HTML format for media-rich notes or Markdown for text-based ones. Be prepared for some manual cleanup if importing into apps like Notion or Obsidian.
• For Obsidian Users: Obsidian Importer is highly effective, especially for those already in the Obsidian ecosystem.
• For Small Batches with Formatting: Use the iPad drag-and-drop method or native PDF/Pages export for quick, high-fidelity exports.
• For Advanced Users: Apple Cloud Notes Parser offers flexibility but requires technical know-how.
Notes on Limitations
• Apple Notes’ native export options are intentionally limited, likely to keep users within the ecosystem.
• No tool perfectly preserves all elements (e.g., hyperlinks, embedded images, or complex formatting) due to Apple’s proprietary note structure.
• Always back up your notes (e.g., via Time Machine or manual database copy at ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes) before using third-party tools.
If you’re looking for a specific format (e.g., PDF, Markdown) or have a particular use case (e.g., importing to Notion), let me know, and I can tailor the recommendation further!