Write notes on your Android home screen without opening apps. Use home screen widgets for quick note-taking. Check out the top apps for this feature.
Jot
Jot is an app for writing notes anywhere while using other apps. You can start the floating notepad from Quick Settings or a launch bar widget.
It’s easy to move notes on your home screen with simple controls. Swiping to different screens won’t close the notepad, so you can write without interruption. In the notepad, you can save, delete, edit notes, or turn them into checklists. You can also pin notes to the notification bar.
Jot helps you organize notes with folders and sorting options, keeping your ideas tidy. It turns phone numbers, emails, and web addresses into clickable links for quick access. With various ways to open the notepad, Jot is a smart way to jot down notes instantly, wherever you are.
Download: Jot (Free, premium version available)
Write Now
Write Now lives up to its name by minimizing distractions, allowing faster idea jotting. Its NowPad, a floating window on your home screen, enables quick note-taking once you grant permission to Display over other apps.
Setup includes configuring a swiping action as a trigger for the floating notepad. This customizable trigger zone prevents accidental swipes.
With a minimal interface, Write Now is a straightforward note-taking app for Android. It offers extras like resizing and a Select All option for checklists. For added security, you can set passwords. Despite its simplicity, Write Now packs various features for note management.
Download: Write Now (Free, premium version available)
Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes Widget simplifies note-viewing on your screen. You can create, pin, and edit multiple notes conveniently.
Adding a widget is the initial step to creating and editing notes. Once added, tapping the widget allows note creation or resizing through a long press.
Customization options abound in Sticky Notes Widget. You can style notes to match your home screen, adjusting text and background colors, adding emphasis with bold or italic text, and modifying text size for readability.
The app includes a restore function to recover past edits, offering a flexible note-taking experience with ample customization.
Download: Sticky Notes Widget (Free, in-app purchases available)
Evernote
Evernote, known for its reliability in note-taking, extends its productivity tools to mobile devices. The action bar widget offers shortcuts for quick actions without opening the app. Simple Note lets you instantly add a titled note, while Simple Task creates tasks swiftly.
Evernote provides two additional widgets: Notes list and Tasks list. The Notes list shows filtered notes with an option to type new ones. Filters based on tags or notebooks refine results. The Tasks list gives a clear view of to-dos and allows instant task addition.
Despite its focus on larger tasks, Evernote impresses with its efficient quick note-taking from the Android home screen.
Download: Evernote (Free, subscription available)
MultiNotes
MultiNotes simplifies note-taking and reminders without overwhelming complexity. Personalize notes by adjusting background, text color, and size. Highlight important information with multiple color options.
Categorize notes across three boards: Main, Work, and Family. The reminders system allows you to create and track multiple reminders for various notes, perfect for forgetful moments. MultiNotes syncs data with Google Drive for secure information storage.
Download: MultiNotes (Free, in-app purchases available)
Sticky Notes + Widget
Sticky Notes + Widget offers customizable note-taking for quick ideas. It features various sticky note styles and icon stamps.
This app combines typing and sketching on the same note, allowing flexibility between text and drawings. Additional tools include text alignment, size options, and a range of fonts to choose from.
Editing notes is easy: tap the widget on the home screen to open the popup window. You can also add password protection and adjust transparency. For a personalized and accessible note-taking experience, Sticky Notes + Widget stands out.
Download: Sticky Notes + Widget (Free, premium version available)
ColorNote
ColorNote serves as an organized hub for short notes and to-do lists, accessible from the home screen or within the app. It ensures note safety through cloud syncing and is completely free.
A notable feature is the calendar view, allowing seamless schedule and task management. Colored labels help categorize notes, while the sticky note widget enables quick note creation, editing, and switching.
The search tool helps locate past ideas across all notes, and the app facilitates idea sharing via the Send button.
Download: ColorNote (Free)
Summary
Widgets streamline note-taking by allowing quick jotting of ideas from your home screen. They eliminate the hassle of repeatedly opening and closing note-taking apps, making it easier to stay organized and capture thoughts, especially for frequent travelers.