How to Organize and Categorize Your Notes to Boost Productivity



Notes that are disorganized and difficult to decipher completely undermine the purpose of documenting information. Whether you take notes by hand or with an application on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, it is important to ensure that the information you are noting is not only organized but also categorized by class, topic, and specific terms. Taking well-organized notes that are split into various categories significantly increases efficiency when studying for a test or memorizing information for a project at work.

Therefore, we at Lightmap have put together several suggestions for how to organize notes in the best way possible with the goal of boosting productivity.

Choose a Method That Best Fits You

Fortunately, there are several methods that one can use to help organize notes. When jotting down or typing out notes, do not become overwhelmed with the amount of information you must know. Instead, start by taking a deep breath and realizing that proper organization can work wonders for memorizing and retaining significant amounts of information. Generally, there are three standard formats for note-taking: the Outline Method, the Cornell Method, and Data Charting, all of which offer excellent organization and categorization opportunities.

The Outline Method

As the name suggests, the outline method of note-taking requires you to organize your notes in an outline format. Using this format, you will write main topics to the left side of the page and use bullet points and indentions to add relative subtopics. One of the most significant benefits of using the outline method is that you can dissect a lecture, project, or topic into many different aspects or subtopics, so you know that you have included all the necessary information in an easy-to-follow way when rereading your notes.

The Cornell Method

Students and professionals have long used the Cornell method for taking effective notes. Essentially, this method organizes notes by dividing the information into three different sections, each with a unique purpose. When in a lecture or conference, begin writing or typing all main points and subtopics in the main section of your notes. Don’t focus on organizing or categorizing your notes at this point. Next, after class is over, include any important information you must remember, such as instructions and upcoming assignments, below the first section. Finally, summarize and rewrite your unorganized notes using main topics and subtopics. Not only does this three-step process improve the organization of your notes, but it also aids in helping you to memorize the information more quickly.

Charting Data

Sometimes the notes you are taking include a lot of data and statistics that you must memorize. When you use the Charting Data method of note-taking, all of your information is organized and categorized into rows and columns in a spreadsheet format. Subjects such as mathematics and social sciences are examples of classes that require this format of taking notes.

Utilize Your Electronic Note-Taking Software’s Tools

While many students and professionals take notes by hand, note-taking computer applications, such as Lightmap, offer tools that allow you to incorporate the three methods listed above in a way that saves time and boosts productivity. With Lightmap, users can quickly add bullet points, insert data and statistics, and reorganize notes effortlessly. As organized and easy-to-follow notes are essential for success, computer applications like Lightmap make all the difference, whether at school or work.

Increase Productivity with Lightmap

We know that these suggestions for organizing notes will help boost your overall productivity. Our app features tools that allow users to create well-organized notes, collaborate with others, and share completed documents with the world using Lightmap Cloud. Do not settle for typical note applications that neglect to provide all the tools required for success. Instead, experience the power and convenience of Lightmap for all your note-taking needs.

Please visit our website for additional information about our services, plans, and pricing.