The Note-Taking Software That No One Is Talking About

By Kelsey Cheng

Are you a pre-med student struggling to memorize anatomy terms? Do you read your notes but find it difficult to remember them when it’s time for the test? 

One tool that I’ve used all through college is Remnote. Remote is a note-taking software that automatically creates flashcards as you type. Remnote makes it easier for you to retain and recall information when it matters most—on test day.

Why It Works

Remnote uses two learning techniques, active recall and spaced repetition. 

Active recall is a method where you actively retrieve information from memory, rather than passively reviewing your notes. Active recall reinforces the memory trace of study material, making it easier to access in the future. 

Second, humans’ ability to remember information decreases exponentially over time. By reviewing material soon after learning and then at intervals after, you can reinforce the memory before it fades. This method improves retention by reviewing harder material more frequently. When you use spaced repetition, you gradually extend the time between reviews as the material becomes more stable in memory.

How I Use Remnote

I organize my Remnote account by subject, creating folders for each course. When I take notes, I write the term followed by the keyword “::” and then the definition. This automatically turns the term and definition into a flashcard.

For steps or terms with multiple sub-bullets, I use the “:::” symbol to create a flashcard where one side contains the term and the other side lists all the sub-bullets.

I also make use of the fill-in-the-blank feature. By highlighting a word and clicking the fill option, I can turn it into a flashcard that’s perfect for mock tests.

Some Drawbacks of Remnote

• Learning Curve: Learning to type using the commands in Remnote can be a bit challenging at first, as it requires memorizing specific syntax for creating flashcards and organizing notes. However, once you become familiar with the basic commands, it becomes easier.

• Aesthetics: Unlike Notion, Remnote doesn’t offer a lot of room for personalization, and the user interface is fairly basic.

Overall, Remnote is a fantastic tool for those who want to study smarter, not harder.