Keep

Even though it's not exactly Google's most popular service out there, Google Keep is without a doubt one of the most usable note-taking platforms to date, mainly thanks to its minimalist approach.

That said, if Google's sticky note app is already part of your life and neatly included in your workflow, then why not benefit from everything it has to offer from a more focused environment like, say, directly from your computer's desktop?

This is possible with the help of an unofficial, Electron-based client appropriately named Keep. In short, this useful client allows you to tap into Google Keep's full potential without requiring the help of a web browser.

You can start incubating ideas by capturing snippets, creating to-do lists, transcribing text from images, setting reminders, basically, by capturing any type of drawn, written or audio information with ease within a simple main window with only a typical menu bar to remind you of any other typical app.

It's also worth noting that the application comes with support for desktop notifications and, better yet, with keyboard support. Head over to the Window menu, and you're bound to discover just how simple you can switch between some of the app's modules (Notes, Reminders, Archive, and Trash), either by using your computer's mouse or via simple keyboard combinations.

If up until now Keep seems to be as good as it gets, we should point out that this wrapper does, indeed, have one, small drawback. It's not a drawback of the service it "represents," though, but merely one that's usually associated with all Electron apps, namely its size.

However, if you're using Google Keep on a daily basis, then this drawback is well worth getting past since the wrapper does offer a bit more convenience by allowing you to benefit from everything Google's service has to offer, without having to resort to a web browser.