If you’re not using Evernote, you’re missing out. Evernote is so much more than a note taking application.  And, for those of us in the print packaging world, it is an absolutely essential tool for gathering, sharing  and keeping records of key information.  

What Is Evernote?

 All the notes you take in Evernote are stored in the cloud, easily accessible anywhere, anytime, anyplace. You can sort your notes by notebooks, do a quick search with tags, and find what you need, when you need it, fast.

Best of all, there’s a robust free plan available. If you start using it and decide you need more, the pro and premium versions are available to for less than $50 per year.

In the basic note taking app, I not only jot down notes at client meetings, but I also:

• Create To do lists
• Put images or attach PDFs of the art
• Set reminders
• Track the project

You can use Evernote in many of the same ways I use Evernote for print packaging. With my premium version I’m able to then share these notes with my team. They can add their own notes and share them back with me. Wallah! Everything we all need is in one spot accessible anywhere.

Capturing Ideas for Label Projects

 As a note taking app, it makes sense that Evernote would be used to capture ideas. Since I’m on the road a lot, I’m especially fond of the speech-to-text feature that allows me to capture my ideas by voice instead of typing.

In the creative field of print packaging, it’s important to jot down ideas as soon as you have them. With the speech-to-text feature I quickly jot them down while on the road or jogging.

Another great way to do this is with the web clipper. If you’re in the process of brainstorming new and interesting ideas, you’re probably browsing through a host of websites for inspiration. Once you find something you like, use the web clipper to load them into your browser. With just one click, you’ve added them to your notebook to use later as you tease out your idea.

You can bring your offline brainstorming online too. If you’re out shopping and see something that sparks an idea, snap a picture and store it in Evernote. You can pull it up when you’re back in your office.

Sharing Information

 You already know how I share my notebooks with my team. I also share notebooks with clients.

If I see an article that could help a client with a project, I collect that information and share it.

I also share notes with printers. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Sharing pictures and notes with the printer. Then, when they send me a proof via Evernote, it’s easier to leave annotations and keep everything organized.

Collect Important Information for Later

 If your inbox is anything like mine, it’s flooded with correspondence. Some of it is important. Some of it isn’t. With Evernote, I can clip the important emails and tag them with my client’s name, the subject, or a quote number. It helps me organize several projects much faster and easier.

While working on a project, there are many moving components. With Evernote I can collect important information, such as store label dimensions and container drawings. For your brand, store your logo color callouts, font styles, typography, or any other settings you must quickly recall but don’t want to memorize.

There’s also an option to scan documents directly into Evernote. I use my Fujitsu Scanner to wirelessly scan directly from my phone to Evernote (among other places).

I get tons of offers for free ebooks. I store those ebooks to read for later in a notebook. To show you how easy this is, download my free eBook “6 Graphic Design Tips That Will Save You Money,” and give it a try.

Keep a Record

 Have something you’re struggling to remember, such as your license plate number or the type of wine you loved and want to buy again in the future? To help me track these types of things, I snap a picture and keep a record of it in my phone.

I also keep records of receipts, business cards, and phone numbers by taking a picture or scanning them.

The app is filled with possibility.

Question:  How do you use Evernote in your daily work? Share in the comments below so everyone can benefit.

If you’re interested in trying out Evernote, click here. If you use this link, you’ll get a full 30-day trial with Evernote Premium. I’ll also get a few points that count towards my ongoing subscription to Premium, but that’s not why I’m recommending it. This is a great program. I’ve found it makes my life much easier and I know you will too. Whether I get the points or not, as long as Evernote keeps being the fantastic app it is, I will be happy to spend the $49 annual fee.