Why I Ditched Complex Note-Taking Apps for Plain Text Files

by admin in Productivity & Tools 17 - Last Update November 16, 2025

Rate: 4/5 points in 17 reviews

Why I Ditched Complex Note-Taking Apps for Plain Text Files

I used to be obsessed with finding the perfect note-taking app. I spent countless hours, and more money than I'd like to admit, chasing the 'all-in-one' digital brain. I built complex dashboards, intricate databases, and elaborate tagging systems. The problem? I was spending more time organizing my notes than actually thinking or writing them. My productivity system had become a form of productive procrastination.

The turning point: when organization became the enemy of focus

The 'aha' moment came one afternoon when I needed to jot down a fleeting idea. I opened my heavyweight note-taking app, waited for it to sync, navigated through three different menus to find the right folder, and by the time I was ready to type, the initial spark of the idea was gone. It was frustrating. I realized the very tools meant to enhance my thinking were actually creating friction and draining my cognitive energy. The feature bloat was getting in the way of the fundamental task: capturing thoughts quickly and simply.

My ridiculously simple plain text file system

So, I ran an experiment. I created a single folder on my computer called 'Notes' and started creating simple plain text (.txt) and markdown (.md) files. That's it. No databases, no complex tags, no plugins. My entire system is now just a collection of files in folders. For example, I have a 'Projects' folder, and inside, a folder for each project with its own set of text files. The file names are descriptive, like '2024-07-26_Meeting-Notes.md'. Search is my new tagging system; it's instant and built into every operating system.

The tools I use (or rather, don't use)

I don't use a specific 'app' anymore. I use whatever default text editor is available on my device. On my laptop, it's a basic, free code editor. On my phone, it's a simple text-editing app that syncs with my cloud drive. By decoupling my notes from a specific application, I've future-proofed my entire second brain. These files will be readable in 50 years, long after today's trendy apps are gone.

The unexpected benefits of going low-tech

Switching to this bare-bones method had some truly surprising benefits that I never anticipated. Here’s what I've experienced firsthand:

Blazing Speed: Plain text files open instantly. There's no loading time, no syncing delays. The speed from thought to text is almost zero.
Unbreakable Focus: A plain text editor has no distracting buttons, sidebars, or formatting options. It's just me and a blank page. This has dramatically improved my ability to focus on the content itself.
Total Portability: My notes live in a simple cloud folder. I can access and edit them on any device, from any brand, with any basic text editor. I'm not locked into any company's ecosystem.
Reduced Anxiety: I no longer feel the pressure to maintain a 'perfect' system. There's no guilt about not using a fancy feature correctly. The simplicity is liberating.

Is this for you?

Honestly, this system isn't for everyone. If you're a student or researcher who relies heavily on web clippers, PDF annotation, and complex database relationships, a more powerful tool is probably a better fit. But if you're like me—a writer, a creative, or a professional who felt overwhelmed by digital clutter and just wants a frictionless way to capture and develop ideas—I truly believe that subtraction is a superpower. Ditching the complexity was the best productivity decision I've made in years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you handle features like linking and tagging in a plain text system?

I've found that universal full-text search is surprisingly powerful and often faster than a dedicated tagging system. For linking between notes, I sometimes use a simple wiki-style format like [[Note Title]] and use search to jump between them. I prioritize simplicity over a complex web of links.

How do you sync plain text files across different devices?

I store my main 'Notes' folder in a standard cloud drive service. This automatically syncs all my files across my laptop, phone, and tablet. Since every device has a basic text editor, I can access and edit my notes anywhere without being locked into a specific app's sync service.

Aren't plain text files too basic for images and attachments?

Yes, and I see that as a feature, not a bug. It forces a separation of concerns. I store images and other files in a dedicated 'Assets' folder with clear names. In my text note, I simply reference the file path, like 'See: /Assets/Project-Screenshot-01.png'. This keeps my notes clean and fast.

What was the single biggest benefit you experienced after switching?

The biggest benefit was psychological. I felt a massive reduction in cognitive load and anxiety. I was freed from the constant, low-level pressure of 'maintaining my system' and could pour all that mental energy back into my actual work and ideas. The freedom is incredible.

Is learning markdown a requirement for a plain text system?

Absolutely not. You can use pure .txt files and it works perfectly. I personally use markdown (.md) because it allows for simple, non-distracting formatting like headings, bold text, and lists using basic symbols. It's still plain text, but it helps me structure my thoughts without needing a complex editor.