Easier checklists, tables, more

Cloud-based snippet and document storage system Evernote has updated its free Mac client to version 3.0.6, which includes a complete redesign of the note panel for viewing previously-stored documents. According to a blog post announcing the new version, the update also makes creating checklists and tables easier, with automatic continuation of checkboxes with each new line after the first one and the ability to add or remove rows and columns in tables.

The program allows users to post images, documents, text clippings, web pages, PDFs and all other random items they would like to retain in a cloud-based "shoebox" with the ability to organize "notes" but also find information embedded within the documents, even from handwritten text. Client programs for Mac, PC, iOS, Android and other platforms make it possible to retrieve the data almost anywhere providing there's an internet connection. The basic service is free but ad-supported; premium users ($5 per month or $45 a year) get more upload space, offline "notebooks," collaborative features and other services.

The new note panel also features updated icons and a different, "cleaner" way of handling dropdowns, the company says. The new arrangement saves space, moving details about the note itself (such as original URL or format) into an "i" information button. Below the sparse command bar is a note "header area" that takes a page out of the iWork playbook and alternates between showing date created or modified in browsing mode but turns into a formatting toolbar when a user starts to edit the note.

The automatic checklist continuation also echoes similar features found in Pages and Microsoft Word among others, and like them can be turned off by hitting return twice when the checklist is complete. Table management can be accessed by right-clicking (or command-clicking) on a table in a note. In fullscreen mode (in OS X Lion), notes can be viewed in their own window (and space) by simply double-clicking on them. The rest of the program remains in full screen in the background.

by MacNN Staff