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Pavel Bucka
Pavel Bucka

Posted on • Edited on

Chrome Extension that turns your "New Tab" into a note taking tool

Before

I am opening TextEdit, many times. Creating a new file, or maintaining one. All that just because of writing down some notes or text to copy. Need to save the file, sometimes forget to. I need to open the file. Need to switch between Chrome and TextEdit (or OneNote, you name it).

Sounds like enough of extra work for you? This is something I was trying to solve. So here it is.

Now

I have made a new Google Chrome Extension that makes copying multiple texts between pages so much easier, or writing down notes, todos, ideas. Every edit is autosaved and can be seen in other Chrome windows as well!

The name of the extension is My Notes. And what it does? It turns your "New Tab" into a note taking tool!

Some points

  • Great for Notes, Todos, sharing text (Copy/Paste)

  • It works immediately after you open a "New Tab"

  • Every edit and paste is saved (and waiting for you once you come back)

  • It is Synchronized across every Chrome window you have open

How it looks

My Notes

Where to get it

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/my-notes/lkeeogfaiembcblonahillacpaabmiop

Final words

I hope you will find this tool useful and it helps you be more productive.
If you have any suggestions, do not hesitate to send them.
Thank you!

Top comments (20)

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artyomgazizyanov profile image
Artemiy Gazizyanov

Congrats!

The main advantage which I can admit is It is Synchronized across every Chrome window you have open.

I tried it.

But wouldn`t it take the same time switching between tabs in your Chrom to find a tab with notes (you can have many tabs opened at the same time) as when you are just switching between applications?
Also, in a bunch of applications for notes, you can categorize them, add title and decor the text.
Do you think to add these functions to your extension?

What if I want to work with two different notes at the same time? Right now, I can have only one tab for my notes. Of course, I can open a new tab, but there will be the same text as in the opened one. It is not convenient.

P.S.
I think it can be a sweet extension in the future, if you improve it.

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka

Hi Artemiy,

I'll try my best to answer your questions!

But wouldn`t it take the same time switching between tabs in your Chrom to find a tab with notes (you can have many tabs opened at the same time) as when you are just switching between applications?

I look at it this way. Opening a new "My Notes" tab in Chrome is a very quick step. Finding the tab is, in my opinion, faster than opening another application. If you have many tabs open, you can open a new "My Notes" tab, and avoid the search.

Also, you don't need to leave Chrome to write some notes. You, as well, don't need to open a different app, open, save, or maintain a "notes" file.

Take please into consideration I use Chromebook. I, therefore, spend 90-95% of the time in Chrome so my work environment is different.

Also, in a bunch of applications for notes, you can categorize them, add title and decor the text. Do you think to add these functions to your extension?

"My Notes" is not meant to be a replacement for advanced text editing applications.
Its goal is to stay simple, be used for notes, ideas, todos, clipboard.

What if I want to work with two different notes at the same time? Right now, I can have only one tab for my notes. Of course, I can open a new tab, but there will be the same text as in the opened one. It is not convenient.

The idea is to have only 1 place for notes.
They can be opened multiple times, which is a scenario not to be used often.
Probably, you may have multiple Chrome windows open, and don't want to search for "My Notes" in a different window. In that case, you simply open a new tab.

Thank you for your feedback and questions!
Very appreciated!

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka

Hi Artemiy,

I'd like to let you know, there is My Notes 2.1 now.

It solves your question:

What if I want to work with two different notes at the same time? Right now, I can have only one tab for my notes. Of course, I can open a new tab, but there will be the same text as in the opened one. It is not convenient.

Now you can edit multiple notes at the same time in different tabs.
Changes are synced across each every tab.

Pavel

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka • Edited

1.2

Just to let you guys know, new version 1.2 is here! :)

Link

chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/...

What's new

Two little cute A and A buttons in the bottom right corner.

This will allow you to make the font size adjustable, more pleasing for those who prefer it or need it, for better readability, or simply to make the text stand out.

And, of course, your setting will be remembered! :))

Image

Alt Text

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hungnguyenkt profile image
Hung Nguyen Manh

That was awesome, thanks #PavelBucka.

I want create something like this, can you share me your code on github or any tutorial like this.

Thanks a lot

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka • Edited

Thank you Hung.

Here is the repository:

github.com/penge/my-notes

I could write a simple tutorial on this, sure.

That could include explanation of following:

  • how to rewrite New Tab page
  • how to store data on local computer and in cloud
  • how to add Options page

Or, I could write a tutorial on each point separately and make it some series.

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hungnguyenkt profile image
Hung Nguyen Manh

Thank you Pavel <3

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jeromedeleon profile image
Jerome De Leon

God! Many THANKS!!! You know, I've been opening notepad, sticky notes, etc. just to copy lines, to backup links, etc.

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Pavel Bucka

Hi Jerome,

That's basically what I was doing before. TextEdit, Chrome, TextEdit, Chrome, again again. Creating and maintaining some file. GOOSH!

NOW I don't have to :) That was my primary motivation why I created this, My Notes. It completely replaced my old workflow.

I am very glad you like it! Actually, we both glad!! Haha

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jeromedeleon profile image
Jerome De Leon

HERO~!! I'm still surprise by this extension! Are you going to extend the functionality of this?

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka

I am listening to every feedback I receive.

The purpose though, is to keep it simple.

Some ideas were really great, and, are now included.

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shishironline profile image
shishironline

Great app. Was searching for an extension like this. Thanks. Makes note taking very simple for

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka

Thanks a lot! :)

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bthodla profile image
Bhasker Thodla

I am probably alone asking this question but is there a Firefox extension in the offing?

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Pavel Bucka • Edited

Hi Bhasker,

There is, indeed, a certain demand for Firefox version. And. I have some good news for you! (and others as well)

Confirmed by one of the supporters, it can be working! Theoretically, it could be working on all major browsers: Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Edge.

Stay tuned! :)

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brumor profile image
Paul Bricout

Pretty cool, I like it! I'll use it a bit ☺️

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penge profile image
Pavel Bucka

You have made a good decision! :))

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tonjohn profile image
Burton

This is really cool! You should do a blog post on how you built it 😊

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Pavel Bucka

Thanks! 😀

Sounds like a good idea!

Example

1) It could begin with a simple Hello World plugin!

2) Then, it could go forward. Store some data, read them, display them.

3) Then, it could go even more forward. To create an Options page, where one can set his Name, Age, preferences, or anything else!

Sounds like a good possible series to me! :)

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Pavel Bucka • Edited