6 Creative Ways to Use Evernote

There's a reason the Evernote logo is an elephant. Because when used correctly, this helpful, versatile, free app will make sure you never forget anything ever. Just like an elephant.

If you're unfamiliar with Evernote, the app utilizes "notebooks" — basically a system of folders and subfolders that become increasingly helpful as you create more. Greater organization makes it easier to recall exactly what you need at a later date, across any platform.

When harnessed fully, Evernote can build an entire second brain for you, synced automatically across all devices. Every picture, article, website or personal note you might want to recall can find a place there.

That's a good thing, because you're probably aware that your own brain can be fallible at times. You'll operate more efficiently by shifting responsibilities onto something else, freeing up your own mind for more important tasks.

The applications for Evernote are limitless, but we thought we'd list a few here to get you going. Best of luck to you and your second brain.

What creative ways have you found to organize your life with Evernote? Let us know in the comments.

1. Save Clippings From Anywhere

If you're using Chrome, download the Evernote Web Clipper from the Web Store. Now the app is never farther than a right-click away. Evernote's UI is simple and intuitive, but its huge potential may intimidate you. Where to begin?

First things first: All of your future note-taking should take place in Evernote. Small groups, company-wide meetings, 8 a.m. lecture classes ... all of it. And beyond that? Well, we'd normally advise you to use the sleek service known as Pocket to bookmark articles for later. But if you're already comfortable with Pocket, you can create a "Read Later" folder in Evernote to do the same thing.

2. Deepen Your Reading

Whether on mobile or desktop, the definition to an unfamiliar word or phrase is never far away. But don't equate instant access with retention. Evernote gives you a way to quickly catalogue new words, trivia and more for future reference. This is only one way the app can change your reading experience. Whether you're reading an article on Mashable or an e-book on your Kindle, you can save a passage or quote at any time.

Throw an inspirational quote into your "Inspiring" notebook. Bookmark a paragraph for discussion with friends or classmates. Save an illustration or photograph for later reference. Does your text cite myriad references you don't have time to examine right now? Don't be afraid to start too many notebooks; Evernote can handle it.

3. Win at Shopping

You might tell yourself to remember to pick up avocados after work, but when dinner time rolls around — no such guac. Or maybe it's not even your fault. You relied on your significant other to pick something up, but it didn't happen. Build all your future shopping lists in Evernote and share folders and notes with your roommates or spouse. Not only can they view the list — it will sync on his or her phone as you update it from your phone or home computer.

4. Make a Wish List

You only see things you want when you can't afford them, and you won't remember them when you have a surplus. That's how memory works. Let Evernote help. Not only can you create a "Wish List" notebook of fantastic items — they'll show up alongside your Google searches if you're looking for something similar.

Don't let your wishes end at products, though. Did you see a recipe online you simply must try out? Evernote can be your reliable recipe repository. Is there a DIY project you want to try out next weekend? Put it in your "DIY" folder.

5. Keep Track of Pages for House Hunting

The search for a new house or apartment can move pretty fast. You might look at dozens of options in a day, and you can only leave so many Craigslist tabs open at once. There are some services and apps that will catalogue your favorites, but Evernote can do it too. Use the web clipper to throw your selections into a notebook, while simultaneously adding tags like "Affordable" or "Good Location" to remind you why you liked the place.

6. Plan Your Future

There was a book you wanted to read this summer, but you can't remember it now. Luckily, Evernote can, because you dropped it in your "Summer Reads" notebook. There are other online resources for this kind of planning — Goodreads comes to mind — but you'll find Evernote's appeal is its universality. Instead of visiting several different sites, you can collect your otherwise scattered "second brain" into one place.

And don't stop at books. If you want to see a movie but know you'll forget its name, don't hesitate. Put it in Evernote. If your friend recommends an album that sounds decent, or if you hear about a cool restaurant in the area, do the same. Don't waste a single second — or brain cell — more than you have to.