Using Sidenote for Ubiquitous Capture

In a previous post, I listed the applications that I like and use most often. One that is becoming another favorite of mine is called Sidenote. Though I am a big supporter of the built in applications like Notes and Stickies, Sidenote is simple to use, easy to access, and packs a powerful punch.

Those of you who are into the Getting Things Done (GTD) craze probably use hacks that involve paper and pen. Some of my favorite blog posts and/or sites that discuss a complete and fun ubiquitous capture system can be found on sites like Zen Habits, Getting Things Done, 43 Folders, Michael Shannon, and Planner Hack. Some web applications can be used for ubiquitous capture and can be found on sites like Remember the Milk and Nozbe.

So, why am I giving up Notes and Stickies for Sidenote? First of all, Sidenote is out of the way. It can be easily hidden to the right or left side of the screen (autohide). In order to invoke it, you can use the standard hotkey combination or change it and use your own. Second, you do not have to hit the save button. The notes you write are automatically saved. However, you do have the option to save and/or rename them. Third, you can totally use this as a GTD hack and not just for ubiquitous capture. You have the option to add color for each note, you can email notes to yourself, you can print your notes, edit and format notes, and you can even export notes. The possibilities for using Sidenote as a GTD system are endless. It can go as far as your imagination will take it.

So then, how would Sidenote be beneficial as a ubiquitous capture? Well, all your notes will be at your finger tips, hidden away until you need them. You can quickly paste links to websites you would like to visit later, or write down thoughts that come to you while you are working; maybe quickly start a to-do list, or jot down reminders to add to your grocery list. Also, it will be simple to implement next actions, wait list, or urgent to-do items using its color coding feature.

Like I mentioned before, Sidenote can be there when you need it, but you will need to set it up to open automatically when you log into your system. To do so, you will need to open “System Preferences.” Under the “System” Section, click on Accounts. Under Accounts, you will see two tabs; one will be “Password” and the other will be “Login Items.” Click on the “Login Items” tab. Under this tab you may see a list of applications that open automatically when you log into your system. In order to add Sidenote, click on the plus sign (+) and select the Sidenote application. Now you have setup Sidenote to open automatically when you log in.

If you use Sidenote as a ubiquitous capture or use it for some other reason, I would like to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments below and share how you use or will use Sidenote.

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Technorati Tags: getting things done, GTD, GTD hack, ubiquitous capture