Analog vs. Digital Note-Taking: Why There’s No Debate

Let’s decide on this

Every time I go on a trip, I bring a paper notepad.

Or at least I want to.

There’s been a few times where I haven’t and then I find myself itching just to write something down.

So I end up at the CVS, staring down the aisles, paying for a cheap legal pad.

But honestly, as I’ve written before, I really like these legal pads.

You know what else I bring on these trips? A computer or an iPad.

The laptops now are almost paper thin, it’s like having another notepad.

So why do both?

Obviously the laptop has so much power and capabilities and functionalities, honestly in the grand scheme of the world, it’s one of the most powerful things ever invented.

And paper? It feels like settling, right?

Pros of Analog Note-Taking

There’s something undeniably therapeutic about the scratch of a pen against paper.

It’s tangible. You can feel it. Your hand may even get a cramp.

Not everything has to be efficient. The friction gives your mind a bit of freedom.

I’ve written drafts of two novels by hand, and there’s a lot of joy that comes in the processing of information in a slow and thoughtful way.

Cons of Analog Note-Taking

But there’s a frustrating dark side.

Notes can get misplaced.

You can leave them in the car or the plane without any backups.

Then, how do you go back? You have to be intentional with your indexing.

And let’s not forget about the damage — the coffee spills, the rain, the dog actually eating it.

Pros of Digital Note-Taking

The number one pro is easy.

With the tap of a finger, you can summon your notes.

From anywhere.

Not only can you access them, you can search very quickly.

Plus, these tools are getting better and more sophisticated every passing week with AI search and generative AI capabilities.

Cons of Digital Note-Taking

The site could go down. For only a few minutes or a few hours or a few days.

You could get distracted with the latest Instagram scroll.

And that can’t be overstated.

Sometimes it’s hard to really concentrate when you have all the world’s knowledge and optimized distractions right in front of you.

Those all threaten to derail you.

That’s where paper really shines.

You can take it to a quiet corner and your phone and computer can be miles away.

You can sit or stand in your favorite spot — pen in hand and brain engaged.

Why there’s no debate…

Okay, so there’s no need to argue.

There doesn’t have to be a debate.

This isn’t an either-or situation.

You can use both paper and a laptop.

You can do it.

If you need permission to use both paper and digital note-taking tools, here take it.

You have my permission.

Different circumstances call for different approaches.

For example, I like to take notes on my Kindle, but sometimes I take notes in a journal or in the margins of a paperback.

Then, I’ll often add and refine my notes in Notion.

But, you can also reflect on your personal preferences:

• What’s the easiest thing to do for your daily grind?
• Where do you feel most effective?
• Perhaps a hybrid path is the best one for you?

Now go forth, and unlock productivity with your notes. You can do it.

If you read this far, grab my free note-taking template in Notion or supercharge your writing with this full Notion Writer Starter Kit.