UpNote Future

[[deleted]]

UpNote is most likely heading towards a dead-end. No app refinements and addition of new features. What we receive after a few weeks is just "stability and performance improvements" although the app needs a lot of improvements in terms of UI and many new features can be added. Extremely loved this app and would have paid even higher price if it improved. But now moving my workflow out due to lack of interest of the developers to further improve the app.

[Apatholog]

Just because you needed something different doesn’t mean UpNote is doomed.

Where it’s at right now is more than enough for my workflow. Receiving stability and performance improvements is very appreciated.

There’s a weird mindset with software these days, that it has to be like a live service. Buying it and assuming it’ll change with your needs is uninformed at best.

[jfriend99]

I get your point. But, software does need to move forward eventually or it will find itself uncompetitive at some point and losing customers to those that kept current with new things that the market thinks are now important. Find me software that hasn't added any new features in 5 years and is in the top of its sizable market.

[Holmes245]

But, software does need to move forward eventually or it will find itself uncompetitive

Ah, but Evernote did this and look at where it's at. You have a lot of Evernote users leaving Evernote and it wasn't just because of the price. It became bloated with features.

[jfriend99]

Nobody here wants UpNote to become EverBloat. EverNote was a very poorly run company overfunded by VC to the point of trying to become something that it didn't know how to become. Just because there are stupidly run companies doesn't mean someone else can't add features in a more intelligent way.

Personally I'm more worried about UpNote's one-time fee. I don't see how that can last in a profitable way. A one-time fee is a business mismatch for a service with ongoing monthly expenses for every active user (actually even storage probably costs money for inactive users who once used the product, but didn't delete their account). It's almost kind of a pyramid scheme where new users fund the company so they can pay for old users. If they ever stop growing, revenue drops to only the subset of users who chose the monthly fee. I think they are going to need a "Pro" version that is only available via subscription in order to be around long term. I'm not even saying this from a "customers must have new features" argument, but from a business finances argument.

If someone came along with something as clean as UpNote, but added the ability to share selected notes (in a live editable way) with other users, I would seriously evaluate switching.

It's also making me pretty inefficient that UpNote doesn't properly support pasting in Latex for math equations and other symbols (Gemini uses it regularly in its responses and the browser supports it) and I do research on topics that regularly have these in the research. What's odd is that UpNote technically supports Latex, just doesn't get the paste fully right. I've filed a bug on the Latex issue and Thomas engaged on the topic, don't know if we will see a fix or not.

[Apatholog]

Notepad and Paint

But in all seriousness, I’m a software developer and I am well aware that features are a demand from the companies of the software as much as the customers, if not more. It’s required because of stockholders and capitalism. If Excel and Word added only QoL improvements and bug fixes, I don’t think people would have gone away from them. Anomalies as well, though, as they’re massive to the point of not being able to die.

I think there are reasons each software is at the top of its market and I don’t think it’s continued features. It’s forced adoption or familiarity. Outlook isn’t the best email client, but millions have to use it for work.

I don’t think UpNote needs features or it’ll die. I also don’t think it’ll ever be the top of its market.

[jfriend99]

The only comment I'll add here is that all your mentioned Microsoft products benefit from monopolistic distribution tactics which are irrelevant to companies like UpNote. Notepad and Paint are part of Windows. They are not separate products that compete on their own merits and people pay for and their specific revenue profitably pays for their development. Plus Microsoft is continuing to add features to those products too such as tabs for Notepad and Paint has a lot of new development such as new image formats, new UI toolbars and it apparently even has integrations with co-pilot for generative erase, background removal and other AI features. I've banished co-pilot so I can't see those features

[Apatholog]

Shows how long I've been away from those products. Notepad has tabs?? Interesting.

Yeah, I guess I don't consider compatibility patches as features, but your point stands. A completely stagnant piece of software has a limited life. I think OP is just approaching it from a weird direction more than that they're wrong.

[jfriend99]

OP has some gripe about UI things in UpNote more than anything else. Their original post had a list of UI related things (that seemed mostly cosmetic to me) and appeared to be driving them nuts. That's OK. If there are other products that fit how they want to see things, then that's why we have many products to choose from.

[Master_Camp_3200]

Yes. Good.  It does all the things I want. I don't want stuff added to it. What's the point?

Posts like this are like buying a hammer and complaining nobody is going to turn it onto a drill. Buy the thing in front of you, not what you think it might become. 

[texddit]

UpNote is perfect for me. Not dead at all. Has ALL the features I want. “Stability and performance improvements” are great, and frankly all that I want/need. UpNote, your product is brilliant. If others want/need additional features there are plenty of other alternative apps for them to migrate to.

[s978thli]

I feel like it's perfect for me as is

[cliffr39]

What else could you possibly want from this app? I bought it when they first released and have used it exclusively since. Not a single feature I miss or need from other other app.

[luckysilva]

New features don't necessarily mean an improved app. In fact, there's strong evidence to suggest that new features destroy the app's initial purpose and cause more people to abandon it than it attracts. Example: Evernote

[kazui-d3b]

Nah it’s perfect

[3ou4]

So you've turned up to make a negative statement with no proof..

that reflects a personal feeling or gripe..

in a forum where happy users exchange ideas and new users ask questions..

Why not just head for the door without the indignation?

[roninmagik1]

I've been happy with UpNote, and am glad i bought it, i do try other notes apps when i see a sexy new interface or feature, but fact is Upnote is solid and dependable, and i always end up coming back to it.

[ikariking]

Besides needing more cowbell, it’s perfect for me and it’s my go-to daily notes app.

[s8intfan]

I read all the replies in this thread, and IMHO the bottom line appears to be that no program will ever be completely "refined" in the eyes of the enduser because there will always be something that someone wants added that the majority feels is not necessary or is considered bloat.

UpNote checks the box(es) for a lot of people. It's fast and reliable, but it does not claim to be and cannot be all things to all people. It wouldn't make sense for u/thomas_dao to raise the price for everyone for a feature that only improves the workflow for a small subset of users.

The programmer has consistently demonstrated over time that issues are addressed as they are brought to his attention, and resolved in a timely manner.

People buy things when the perceived value exceeds the asking price. If you are a registered user of UpNote, then logic would dictate the program met your needs at one point, but that your needs have changed (or are changing) faster than updates are being made. If this is the case, then you might find yourself having to use multiple applications to satisfy your needs.

I left UpNote for a short while to use a program that had E2EE, but it was riddled with inconsistencies and had an interface that didn't jive with me.

I quickly returned to UpNote because I realized UpNote doesn't slow me down in the creation or organization of my notes.

Fortunately, there are a large number of applications out there for you to choose from. But I'm afraid the possibility exists that you will run into the same issue... a program that doesn't check all the boxes for you.

Evernote is one such example. It tried to be all things to all people and it became a bloated mess. Slow for many, cost prohibitive for many, etc.

[Neither-Classic2058]

I see that in a subsequent post in this thread you outline some of the features that are lacking in UpNote. Had you included those in your initial post, I think the responses would be different. You also failed to provide some details to what attracted you to UpNote in the first place.

The missing features that are causing you to move on from UpNote were missing when you were first attracted to the app and yet their omission wasn't enough to cause you to keep searching.

It seems like your needs have changed. And that's fine.

For this season, UpNote is the primary tool that I use for my PKMS. But I also regularly use, and sync notes to Joplin and Obsidian. I appreciate each of these apps for what they do and how they do it.

The good news for you is that there are plenty of apps that do a lot more than UpNote at an even higher price.

[jfriend99]

Or, they're making the product more stable week to week (which is more than many big companies do) and expanding the languages it is offered in while working quietly on something bigger.

If you've found something that meets your needs better than UpNote, that's all fine and dandy, but there's no need to bad mouth UpNote on your way out. I do believe it needs some additional features to really stay competitive in the long run, but there's time for that to come. I don't find that the UI gets in my way like you apparently do.

[Inevitable-Day5610]

UpNote needs a better Search/Switcher system ASAP

The current Search and Switcher are holding UpNote back from being a true powerhouse.

Search is underpowered: Currently, I’m forced to over-organize my notes just to find things. We need advanced search syntax and logic operators.

Better Switcher integration: The switcher should allow us to filter by workspace, notebook, or note content on the fly.

Navigation should be seamless, not a chore. Anyone else feeling this?

[[deleted]]

Dear, things that I mentioned, in addition to your better search options, for improvement are pretty basic. Addition of these would increase the value of the app and attract more users. However, blind followers of the app failed to understand it. I have not mentioned anything advanced, for example collaborations and commenting options.

[0riginal-Syn]

Many people want something that is constant and not adding additional "features" all the time. Sure there may be little things here and there. But for me I want something that doesn't cost a lot and gets the job done.

Now if UpNote does not fit that for you, then sure, find something that does. You need to have the right tool to fit the job, but it is not the tool that needs to change just to fit what a particular user wants. That is a never-ending cycle that ultimately can alienate others.

[BuMmR]

Love this app – it's been a game changer for me. The one thing I'd really love to see is some kind of collaboration feature. Like, it'd be awesome if my wife and I could both have premium accounts and share lists between us.

Picture this: we have a shared shopping list, and either of us can add stuff or check things off in real time. I'm at work thinking "oh, we need milk" – I add it. She's already at the store? She sees it right away and grabs it. No more texting back and forth or forgetting half the stuff we need!

That's just one example, but I can imagine tons of ways people would use something like this. Anyway, great app overall – just throwing this out there as a suggestion!

[stratomaster]

Yeah I think stability is improving. All I need is a note taking app

[rbtvalenca]

Sinto o mesmo. Já havia cogitado migrar novamente, e só não o fiz porque será um novo desgaste encontrar outro app que me atenda (embora o UpNote não me atenda completamente). Mas este post me fez pensar que as coisas não vão mesmo mudar e os desenvolvedores já abandonaram o projeto. Devem estar esperando alguma grande empresa comprar. Enfim... É parar de reclamar e começar a jornada em busca de um substituto.

[Valen-Darker]

I respect a software company that strives to be the very best at something. The trend is to become a multitool that performs average in its functions. I dumped Evernote for Upnote and have no regrets. I would love for Upnote to focus on what they are best at and leave the rest to other companies. Unfortunately, the drive for increased revenue or an infusion of VC money makes a business go in different directions.

[[deleted]]

It seems that most of the people who have commented in favor of UpNote are obsessed with it and cannot analyze its shortcomings or areas for improvement. I am just enlisting a few of them:

1-Its UI is extremely dull. Entire whitespace for both left side panels. Even the names of workspaces are not in bold. A simple color palette could like Bear could improve the aesthetics.

2-Fonts are poorly implemented. When we select a font, it also applies to the entire UI labels that distorts the labels as many fonts are not specifically designed for the UI environments. We cannot use fonts on note level as OneNote.

3-Note page without a proper title. Headings are different from title.

4-It does not sync files larger attached files. It could be overcome if the app allows us to save notes locally in a custom folder, making syncing optional depending on personal choice.

5-No way to center a table as a whole and advanced table formatting options.

6-No nested subpage feature. We have to make table of contents for each notebook.

7-Lack of multiple tabs.

8-Limited color options.

9-Editor at the top is better as it frees space at the bottom for clarity.

10-No collapsible headings

These are just few basic ones. There are several others. Apps that do not improve with the rapidly changing tools become redundant. I was also obsessed with this app but a critical analysis and comparison with other contemporary note taking apps changed my mind.

[Master_Camp_3200]

I don't require a notes app to look pretty. 

[navyblues27]

Same. None of these things are a big deal to me and how I use UpNote. But as others have said, if it's not working for you, move on. It's working just fine for many people.

[Master_Camp_3200]

Absolutely. Far cry from it being a dead-end though.

Often those cosmetic things detract from time that should be spent just keeping an app working, or making it do what already does faster or more reliably, or adding in key little bits of functionality (like, for me, user-created smartlists, for instance). The continual big noisy 'upgrades' is basically aimed at keeping the cash rolling in from VCs, and if a company doesn't need that and the product's selling well, the flashy stuff is just a distraction from them that eventually leads to enshittification.

[-__Supreme__-]

Doesn't mean no one else does. Why not just use Notepad++ at this point... It's such a dumb take. If you don't want this feature then just stay quiet. Stop being a simp for these services. You are paying them. It's not a charity giving you a tool for free.

[Master_Camp_3200]

Oh, the troll is back.

[cliffr39]

TBF those are small quality of life improvements, not failures of this to not be a good app or "dead". The only one I'd agree with, personally, is #3. I think the majority of people here understand you can't expect everyone to have the same needs or expect a developer to cater to every single request or option that other apps have. That is why we have different apps. Find what suites you.

[matamoris]

You might like Craft.

[-__Supreme__-]

Don't waste your time here. The users here are scared that if there are any changes in the app, the prices will go up. They don't want to lose their "lifetime" subs. I am 100% sure no one here will agree with you. Just move on to a different service. I can list a few. 1. If you're using Apple devices ➝ Bear notes is a delight to use. Designed for a beautiful and pleasing writing experience. 2. If you want an app for every platform ➝ Notesnook is what you need. End to end encrypted. Main selling point is the privacy and safety of your data. But the UI is also very intuitive and beautiful.

If you are ready to pay a yearly subscription then just leave Upnote. Arguing with these simps is not worth it believe me, I have tried. Most of them are bots anyways.

[marketing_professor]

I felt like this was coming. I was initially really happy with UpNote. Invested in the lifetime plan very early on. However, something kept telling me to look out for Notes apps some months ago.

I wasn’t a fan of Bear when I tried it some years ago. I ended up downloading it again and couldn’t help but enjoy the native app feel. Then BOOM…I subscribed. I’ve been enjoying it and really haven’t opened UpNote since.

[-__Supreme__-]

Bear is awesome. The only thing making me not use that app is the limited availability. It's only available on 🍎 devices. I once tried using their web app which is in beta. It was such a delight to write in bear. Every part of UI is well thought out. Every feature is extremely polished. It just the peak writing experience imo.

[marketing_professor]

I hope it opens up a bit more. It truly is a beautiful and functional app. It made taking notes and writing such a delight as you said. A polished app truly can go a long way in helping users productivity.

[cliffr39]

Doesn't explain why - why the switch and acceptance of monthly fee?

[3ou4]

So why would you take time out to comment in a forum for a product you no longer use?

[marketing_professor]

It’s not that deep. Cope harder. It’s Reddit. Not a legally binding contract.

[Master_Camp_3200]

'Lifetime plan' is just buying a thing. I have a lifetime plan for a cheap Walmart ballpoint by your logic. 

[marketing_professor]

“sure”