# Forever Notes
> A plain-language framework that helps people organize their lives inside Apple Notes - no new app required.

Forever Notes turns the stock Apple Notes app into a powerful personal knowledge system. It combines timeless principles like tagging, linking, and journaling with native Apple tools like Smart Folders and Shortcuts.

Created by Matthias Hilse, this system is free to use and designed for people who want structure without friction. From students and creatives to professionals and lifelong learners or anyone who takes notes can benefit.

## Start Here
- [Homepage](https://myforevernotes.com): Explains the Forever Notes concept and links to the full documentation and video tutorials.
- [Free Cheat Sheet](https://myforevernotes.com/cheatsheet): Quick PDF overview of the system's key components, shortcuts, and setup steps.

## Core Concepts
- [Home](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/home): Your digital command center. Start here and link out to your projects, areas, and resources.
- [Tags](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/tags): Use Apple Notes™ built-in tags to add meaning, context, and structure to your notes — without folders.
- [Collections](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/collections): Smart Folders that auto-group your notes based on tags. Ideal for notes you browse often, like #recipes or #ideas.
- [Hubs](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/hubs): Manually created hub notes that gather everything about a topic in one place. Like a personal Wikipedia for your interests and projects.
- [Journal](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/journal): 383 pre-built daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly notes — plus shortcuts to link and reflect as you go.
- [The Heavy Asterisk](https://myforevernotes.com/docs/the-heavy-asterisk): A symbol (heavy asterisk) used to visually mark important notes and improve searchability.

## How It Works
- The framework uses only built-in Apple Notes features: tags, smart folders, links, and Shortcuts.
- All notes live in one folder. Organization happens through tagging and linking — not folder nesting.
- A small set of visual conventions (heavy asterisk symbol, emojis, headers) helps users scan and structure notes quickly.
- Optional Apple Shortcuts automate repetitive setup and daily access.

## Audience
- Apple device users (macOS, iOS, iPadOS)
- People overwhelmed by scattered digital notes
- Fans of bullet journaling, personal knowledge management, or minimalist productivity
- Beginners can get started in one afternoon using the [video workshop](https://myforevernotes.com/workshop)

## Licensing + Community
- Free for personal use.
- Community forum at [forum.myforevernotes.com](https://forum.myforevernotes.com)
- Newsletter at [newsletter.myforevernotes.com](https://newsletter.myforevernotes.com)

## Author
- Matthias Hilse is a designer, educator, and digital minimalist based in Vienna. He created Forever Notes to organize his own life — and shared it to help others do the same.